Backpacking in a Nutshell
“May your adventures bring you closer together, even as they take you far away from home.” – Trenton Lee Stewart
Whether hiking on camp property or embarking on multi-day (2-5 day) trips, the preparation and skills boys learn at Falling Creek in our Outdoor Adventure Programs ensures that they are equipped to handle the challenges.
Backpacking Preparation
Our backpacking preps include the essentials needed in order to have a fun and safe experience in the wilderness.
We cover fundamental skills such as how to build a fire using different materials, how to filter water from streams for drinking or cooking as well as how to build shelters using tarps.
Building a Fire : one of the first skills we cover at Falling Creek is fire building. Fire is crucial for warmth, cooking, and even signaling in emergencies. Campers learn different techniques, such as the teepee, log cabin, and lean-to methods. They practice using a variety of materials, from natural tinder like the bark of certain trees and where to find small twigs and fire fuel sources to create shavings to use even in moist conditions, to modern aids like fire starters and waterproof matches. Safety is paramount, so we emphasize proper fire pit construction, supervision, and extinguishing procedures.
Filtering Water : Access to clean water is essential for any backpacking trip. We also cover the importance of selecting appropriate water sources, such as fast-moving streams over stagnant ponds, to minimize contamination risks.
Shelters : Knowing how to set up a shelter is key to staying protected from all the elements. From simple tarp lean-tos to various types of tents, they learn to adapt their shelters to different environments and weather conditions. This skill not only enhances their survival capabilities but also boosts their confidence and creativity.
Backpacking Etiquette
“The Earth does not belong to us: we belong to the Earth.” – Marlee Matlin
Respecting nature is a core principle at Falling Creek. Our backpacking etiquette lessons teach campers the principles of Leave No Trace, which include packing out all trash, minimizing campsite and campfire impact, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors.
By following these values, we ensure that our campers leave the wilderness as pristine as they found it, preserving it for future generations.
Respect the outdoors and it will respect you.
Multi-day Adventures
The goal of our backpacking prep is going on a multi-day trip where campers put their skills to the test. These adventures take them deeper into the wilderness, providing them a unique opportunity to apply what they’ve learned. From navigating trails and packing their gear to setting up camp, these trips provide a real-world experience.
This week we had a beginner 3 days of exploring Linville Gorge as well as a Grayson Highlands 5 Day Trip. These trips test the boys’ knowledge and skill ensuring that they are learning the essentials. As they explored new areas, pushed through challenges whether it be rain or the heat, they managed to show great determination and resilience.
Backpacking at Falling Creek is more than just a physical activity, it offers the boys an opportunity for personal growth and skill development. Using these essential skills and embracing the adventure, our campers are well-prepared to explore the great outdoors safely as well as responsibly.
