Packs to Rafts (14-18 y/o)
Photo by Kyle Loftus
Packs to Rafts is OWLS' original leadership adventure. This 21-day expedition includes 7 days of backpacking and 5 days of whitewater rafting between preparation, community service, river fishing, and clean-up. Throughout the backpacking and whitewater rafting portions of the trip students will prepare and teach lessons on various backcountry living techniques as well as technical skills related to rafting. This adventure is an excellent opportunity for students to gain confidence with public speaking, conflict-resolution, and decision making; all of which are vital to a student's growth as a leader. See below for an example packing list and itinerary, and don't be afraid to contact P2R's program director at P2R@OWLS.com
Clothing
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Head
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Buff/bandana/other headband
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Sunglasses
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Shoulders
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Synthetic T-shirts
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Synthetic bras
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Fleece top
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Light jacket
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Rain jacket
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Knees
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Hiking/synthetic pants
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Hiking shorts
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Synthetic underwear
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Toes
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Boots
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Wool socks
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Other
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Swim suit/trunks
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Pajamas
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Sleeping socks
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Separate change of clothes to wear in the car to/from
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Gear
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Sleeping
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Sleeping bag
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Camp pillow
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Ground pad
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Ear plugs*
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Hiking
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Trekking poles*
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Backpack
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Pack rain cover
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Water shoes
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Gaiters
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Small/quick-dry towel
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2 Nalgenes or other source(s) for 2 liters of water
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Compass*
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Cooking
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Bowl
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Spoon/fork/knife
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Personal hygiene
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Wet wipes
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Biodegradable toilet paper
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Toothbrush/paste
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Deodorant
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Hairbrush/ties
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Body powder
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Chapstick
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Sunscreen
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Dr. Bronner’s/ biodegradable soap
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Personal first aid kit*
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Camp
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Dry clothes
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Socks
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Shoes/sandals
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Headlamp/batteries
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Book*
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Notebook/pens
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Bear bag/Clean-up/LNT/other helpful items
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Plastic baggies
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Dry bags
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Lighter
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Cash
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Watch*
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Camera*
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Packing List
Goal and Objectives
Day 1: Arrive on Base Camp
Day 2: Prep for expedition
Day 3: Travel to Backpacking Section
Day 4: Backpacking 1
Day 5: Backpacking 2
Day 6: Backpacking 3
Day 7: Backpacking 4
Day 8: Backpacking 5
Day 9: Backpacking 6
Day 10: Backpacking 7
Day 11: Transition Day
Day 12: Service Day
Day 13: Whitewater 1
Day 14: Whitewater 2
Day 15: Whitewater 3
Day 16: Whitewater 4
Day 17: Whitewater 5
Day 18: Fly Fishing
Day 19: Fly Fishing
Day 20: Return to camp
Clean Gear
Day 21: Depart from Base Camp
Basic Schedule
The main goal of Packs to Rafts is to introduce students to backcountry living and whitewater skills while fostering a deeper connection for the natural world and executing leadership skills.
Objectives:
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By the end of the whitewater rafting section, students will be able to describe an introductory knowledge of whitewater safety in their skills packets.
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By the end of the backpacking section, students will be able to demonstrate 3 backcountry skills independently. (e.g. Tent set-up, camp-stove use, proper pack-fitting, etc.
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By the end of both sections, students will show a deeper connection with nature by being able to identify 5 trees and set 5 goals for their continued respect of nature.
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By the end of both sections students will have completed a “Leader of the Day” (LOD) experience in which they will be expected to lead the group, and will be analyzed based on the criteria listed in their learning packets.
Session Offerings for Summer 2016:
P2R1: June 20 - July 9
P2R4: August 1 - August 20
P2R2: July 4 - July 23
P2R3: July 18 - August 6
Yay! Packs to Rafts!