2017 Backpacking the Osage Wilderness Trail

Troop 118 will be trekking down to Camp Bartle On Friday March 31 to backpack the Osage Wilderness trail (around Camp Bartle) and returning on Sunday. This will be a trip planned for scouts of all ages and abilities with accommodations for the first year scouts and challenges for the older scouts. We will be camping Friday night, hiking about 7 miles on Saturday, camping on the trail Saturday night and hiking back about 5.5 miles on Sunday.

For the scouts who will be on the Philmont trek this summer this event is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to almost MANDATORY. We will have a shake down before setting off on the trail where the Philmont hikers will lay all their gear out and some old fart will see it they have the right stuff for high adventure. The Philmont crews will be hiking the trail in full packs with all of their personal gear, tent, food and crew gear. Dr. Safely may even add a few rocks for those having a easy time of it ; )

First year scouts will be hiking the trail with a day pack, water and their lunch. All of the first years on the Rimrock trail last year hiked the full trail both days so we expect the same with our new crop of scouts.

Second year scouts, with back packs with padded hip belts, can pack and carry their personal gear including sleeping bag and pad. Also water and their lunch.

Third year scouts and older will be encouraged to carry a full pack and depending on their pack capacity this may include their half of a tent and share of crew gear.

Except for Philmont bound scouts no one needs to be buying gear just for this event.

If you don't have a pack suitable for back packing many old timers have spares they are willing to loan. If you are in the market for a new backpack anyway I have heard there are some sales going on at the scout store. If you are interested in a loaner let me know.

There will be more e-mails to follow with additional details and guides for back packing meals so stay tuned. I would like to get a count early for scouts and adults so if you are planning to attend please let me know. Adults that want to come down and are willing to shuttle gear and not necessarily hike the whole hike please let me know.

If you have questions, contact leaders Bob Hyland ([email protected], 816.591.3392) or Scott Shorter ([email protected], 816.674.6674).

Important Information

• Permission-Slip-Backpacking-Trip-2017.pdf
• Read Troop 118 Backpacking Guide for tips on what to bring and how to pack.
• Download Backpacking Menu Guide for Patrols
• Read the Shakedown guide for Philmont-bound Scouts