Benefits of Big Trips and Planning Material

 Every five years, Troop 230 offers a major trek for the scouts. In addition to the major trek, a traditional summer camp experience is offered for those scouts who do not participate in the trek. The first trek in 1999 was to the Sierra-Nevada in California. The  second trek in 2004 was to three island of Hawaii. The destination of the 2009 trek has not been determined. Potential destinations include a return to Sierra-Nevada or Alaska.

The benefit of the trek is a development and solidification of troop and patrol spirit while giving a distant but attainable worthwhile goal to pursue. The preparation activities offer a program for the scouts to test themselves with physical and mental challenges. The year leading up to the trek is focused on an increased building of team, patrol, and troop spirit and skills. The year is filled with fundraising activities that all scouts can participate, including dinners, Walk-a-thons, and Car Washes.

The planning of the trip begins with the selection of possible alternatives and the development of proposals. The leaders then begin the planning and execution of the activities for the trek.

Key lessons from the 2004 trip:

• Limit alternative travel plans and payment options. Arrangements that do not adhere to the troop itinerary should be handled by the individual families.
• Develop a day by day plan early, revising as the trip approaches, and follow the final plan.
• Local school bus operators can provide reasonable transportation options
• Secure camp options early as possible (proceeding November)
• Avoid long term places where food must be supplied. Avoids daily trips to the store for supplies.
• Contact local councils and troops for assistance
• Purchase any new equipment required and have it shipped directly to the destination.

BSA Troop 230 Revised 11-2005