BACKPACKING

---

For many, connecting with God seems to be easier when we are gazing at a beautiful sunset, or taking in the sights and sounds of waves crashing on the shore.  God's beautiful creation has a way of opening our hearts and speaking to us.  On this backpacking trip, you will find yourself in such a place, helping you continue on your journey toward recovery.

Each day will consist of at least one recovery meeting and two short sessions of prayer/meditation.  In addition, you will learn and practice survival shelter, fire, water techniques.   If conditions are right, we may do some flyfishing! 

Here are answers to general questions about the backpacking trips.  Please refer to the details of each trip for more specific information.

Who can go on these trips?

Our desire is for every trip to be a safe and sober environment for all who participate. All participants must be 19 years and old and are active members of any of the 12 Step anonymous programs, such as AA, NA, SA, and Celebrate Recovery.  Please refer to the trip details to learn if there are any other limitations, such as gender, or program.  

How much wilderness experience is required to go on a trip?

This depends on the trip.  Trips rated as easy to moderate are usually shorter with less exposure.  These trips require no prior experience.  Trips rated as moderate to hard are usually longer and more physically challenging.  It is preferred that you have prior backpacking experience to go on these trips.  Please refer to the event details for the trips rating.

How physically fit do I need to be to go on a trip?

It is important to note that all backpacking trips are physically demanding and require some degree of physical strength and endurance.  With that said, the answer depends on the trip.  Trips rated as easy to moderate are usually shorter and less strenuous.  Trips rated as moderate to hard are usually longer and more physically challenging.  If you have any physical limitation or conditions, or any concerns, please contact the organizer for guidance.

Please explain the trip ratings.

Trips are rated as either Easy to Moderate, or Moderate to Hard.  

Easy to Moderate trips are typically out-and-back trips.  The first day usually consists of packing in between 4 to 6 miles and setting up base camp.  Day two consists of a day hike or other activities, remaining at the base camp for the night.  Day three consist of packing out the same 4 to 6 miles.  

Moderate to Hard trips are typically loop trips.  Each day consist of backpacking between 6 to 10 miles and setting up camp.  The terrain is usually more challenging. 

Please refer to the trip details for the trip rating, distances and other specifics.   

What kind of equipment/gear to I need?

The organizer has created a list of required and recommended items to bring that is based on the specific type of trip.  Please refer to the event details to download the list.  If you do not have some of the required gear, you can rent it from the organizer for nominal fees.  Please note that all rental fees are used to maintain or replace equipment.

Do I need hiking boots?  

This largely depends on your preference and physical condition.  If you have extremely weak ankles, or sensitive feet, you may consider using hiking boots.  With that said, hiking boots are not needed for backpacking.  In fact, many avid backpackers use trail shoes or running shoes.  

What kind of food should I bring?

The organizer will take care of purchasing all of the food.  This is done to make sure there is enough food to last the entire trip, the food is light weight and easy to prepare.  If you have dietary restrictions, please inform the organizer.  

How much water should I bring?

Most backpacking trips will be around many water sources, such as streams, rivers and lakes.  The organizer will provide several methods for purifying water, including a filter, tablets, and boiling.  

What clothes should I bring?

Cold weather trips and warm weather trips will require different clothes.  Please refer to the trip details for specific instructions and to download the Required/Recommended Items Checklist.  Every trip usually consists of large variations of temperatures between the day and night.  In addition, you can expect to get wet by either sweat or river crossings.  So the best clothes to bring on a backpacking trip are quick drying and can be layered to address the changing temperatures.

What kind of shelter will we be using?

We will typically use tents and tarp as shelter.  On occasion, we will learn how to make shelter out of natural resources.   

What does it cost to go on a trip?

Every trip will have a base fee, which covers food, transportation, consumable items (such as toilet paper, soap and sanitizer, cooking fuel) , and group related equipment (such as cook ware, stoves, cordage, cooking and eating utensils, cookware).  Please refer to the trip details for the base fee.  If you do not have gear, such as tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and backpack, you can rent this gear from the organizer for a nominal fee.  The fees helps to maintain and replace the gear.

Do I need to belong to the Christian faith to go on a trip?

No.  The step 11 work, such as prayer and meditation, will be led from the Christian perspective.  However, all faith beliefs are welcome.  

Are there any gender and age limitations for these trips?

Our desire is for every trip to be a safe and sober environment for all who participate.    Everyone must be at least 19 years of age.  Please refer to the trip details to learn if there is a gender limitation.  

Is it possible to encounter wildlife?

Yes, it is possible to encounter wildlife, such as snakes, bears, deer, elk, porcupine, rabbits, squirrels, and mountain lion.  Although precaution will be taken to prevent risky encounters, your participation is at your own risk.  Please refer to the liability waiver for more information.