PURPOSE: Acquaint the adult Scouter with an understanding of the winter environment and to emphasize those backpacking skills which are necessary to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

DATE: Seminar: Saturday, November 2, 2024 Weekend trip: TBD probably in February 2025

TIME: 8:00 a.m. to about 6:00 p.m. (45 minute lunch break)

LOCATION: Seminar - Cushman Watt Service Center, 2333 Scout Way, Los Angeles 90026  Weekend Outing - Mt. San Jacinto

COST: $25.00 by October 26, 2024. If fewer than five sign ups are made prior to that date a cancellation notice will be sent. Otherwise a confirmation will be sent after that date.

EQUIPMENT: Paper and pencil, and lunch for seminar. Each Scouter is responsible for obtaining the clothing, equipment, and food for the weekend trip including snow shoes for the weekend outing.

MAXIMUM SIZE: 12 Students.

OVERVIEW: The seminar is conducted as a series of presentations and demonstrations. The emphasis is on preparing for, and dealing with, a mountainous winter environment, be it rain, cold, snow, or some combination. Sessions cover: the physical demands of winter conditions; snow travel hazards & equipment needs; health & safety; navigation and route finding; menus; food & water needs; and personal clothing & equipment. The desirability of having a “Plan B” and the necessity of providing for unexpected changes in the weather or trail conditions are explained. Participants are invited to attend the Snow and Ice Travel seminar that follows it (see the separate training bulletin). The weekend field trip provides the opportunity to demonstrate the specific skills taught in the seminar in a winter environment. It will be a backpack in Mt. San Jacinto State Park of about 5 miles, round trip, from 8,600 to 10,000 feet. Snowshoes will be worn while backpacking.

REQUIREMENTS: Completion of Adult Leader Backpack Training. Annual Health and Medical Record (parts A and B).

QUESTIONS: Dennis Cline, Course Director, at (310) 792-0544; e-mail: jdcline49@msn.com. 

Winter brings a special stillness to the local mountains. The year-round camper knows that the pests of summer – insects, most animals, other people – have gone to ground for the season. While the snowy peaks may appear close and inviting, that same camper knows that the weather and trail conditions require special preparation, skills, and equipment. A syllabus that covers the materials discussed will be given to each participant. Hike Aid 3, “Full Dimension High Adventure Training”, has a complete discussion of the training programs of the GLAAC-HAT. It may be downloaded from the Council High Adventure website at https://glaac-hat.org/HikeAids.html. Questions about any of them are to be directed to Michael Schlaifer; Vice ChairTraining: (213)247-8808 (C); e-mail, michael@schlaifer.com.