In March, Troop 161 had our first backpacking trip since before the pandemic. We had an intro-level trip through the Sam Houston National Forest. The majority of the hikers were first time backpackers and we needed an easy trip to see what we need to work on for a longer hike.
We parked at mile marker 16 and then hiked into the hunters camp just past Stubblefield Campground at mile marker 20. The trails were easy and pretty much flat. The National Forest is free to hike and camping at the hunters camp was free. The only cost was the gas money it took to get us there and food.
We learned that we need to do a “shake-down” hike closer to home and maybe a shorter distance so we could really check out the gear everyone was going to bring. Some of us struggled with heavy packs that weren’t strapped on correctly. We had a lot of fun when we got to camp and one of the Scouts said their “Rose” was using the shovel to poop in the woods and the food.
We learned a lot and will be repeating something like this again next year.
From,
Raiden B.
SPL, Troop 161
