Sespe Creek, Ojai, CA

Scoutmaster's Report

Putting aside the usual moments of the momentary lack of use of mental capacity resulting in poor choices that teenagers have, the trip was great and we accomplished a great deal.

I was especially proud that the boys arriving at a quarter to midnight, they quickly set up camp and were bunked in less than an hour! No wasted time sorting through gear, the kitchen, etc only the essentials were got and all without complaining or frivalous comments. It was an awesome sight to behold.

We had and eventless safe travel from Buena Park to Middle

Lion Camp in the Rose Valley Canyon of the Las Padres National Forest. Not so fortunate on the trip home. Nothing too

disasterous, the trailer got a flat [bad rim]

and my Ford Expedition couldn't handle the interior lights being left on so long so a dead battery awaited us Sunday Morning as well. Thank you goes to Mr. Edgar for taking the trailer's wheel into town where he got it fixed and filled with air rather quickly I should add. Additional thanks to Mr. Giovenetti for having jumper cables available and jump starting us getting us under way.

There was water in the creek in fact that was the high point for the boys, swimming! We found a five foot deep, 8 foot wide part of the creek and spent a fair bit of time there. Swimming was a welcome break from studying! Of coarse our main goal of photography was accomplished. Many shots were taken and I can not wait to see all the results. Remember everyone is to put together a story board for the final part of the Photography Merit Badge. We will have make up work for those who could not attend this weekend.

In addition to all this we had a conservation project at camp.

We weeded our site and

removed harmful charcoal ash earlier dumped by previous visitors to the camp site. Thomas taught Tote N Chit and Devyn [Webelos I from Pack 440] earned Outdoorsman.

I was very happy overall with this weekend and the experience. There still remains a couple of equipment recomendations Iwould like to make for Troop use. I would do this site again. I am interested to hear your thoughts and opinions of this outing too.

PLANNING A DAY HIKE Hiking with friends and family is always a summer highlight. Prepare for every hike by writing down a trip plan that answers six easy questions--Where, When, Who, Why, What, and How. WHERE are you going? Think about your destination and the route to reach it. WHEN will you return? Make a reasonable prediction of when you will be back, and then be sure to return on time. Adults who know your plans can take steps to come to your aid if you are very long overdue. WHO is going with you? Adventures are always enjoyable when shared with others. Safer, too. WHY are you going? Planning to see new country, practice map and compass skills, or reach a distant hilltop? Even if the purpose of a hike is simply to walk for the sheer joy of walking, knowing why you are going will help you be fully prepared. WHAT are you taking? The Scout Basic Essentials should go on every Scout outing, including hikes. You can find a discussion of the essentials in the Boy Scout Handbook and the Fieldbook. The Scout Basic Essentials ___ Pocketknife ___ First aid kit ___ Extra clothing ___ Rain gear ___ Water bottle ___ Flashlight ___ Trail food ___ Matches and fire starters ___ Sun protection ___ Map and compass HOW will you respect the land? The BSA has adopted Leave No Trace as an effective way to care for the landscapes where Scouting activities take place. The Principles of Leave No Trace 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare 2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces 3. Dispose of Waste Properly 4. Leave What You Find 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts 6. Respect Wildlife 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Share your written plan with Scout leaders or other responsible adults. They might have suggestions for making your hike even more enjoyable. They will also be able to support you before, during, and after your hike. For more information on hiking, consult Chapter 4, "Planning a Trek," of the BSA Fieldbook, Fourth Edition.