Welcome to Makwa!! 

The President Ford Field Service Council’s newest training to help prepare adults, youth, and Scout Leaders to take their troops and crews on short and long term backpacking experiences.

INDOOR SESSION: *  April 14, 2018 

DeVos Family Center for Scouting

3213 Walker Ave Grand Rapids, MI 49544 

* Indoor session is required if you plan on participating in the Outdoor session.

OUTDOOR SESSION: May 4-6, 2018    

Various Trail Systems in Lower Michigan

Want to go to an adventure at Philmont, Isle Royale, Pictured Rocks, or any other back country location? If so, this training will help you gain valuable knowledge and experience from experts. We have partnered with local outdoor stores, trail associations, and outdoor groups to help bring the experts in to teach you about packing your backpack properly, feet/clothing systems, backcountry first aid, menu planning, Leave No trace, Trek Planning, Land Navigation, Water Purification, In Camp setup, and in camp experiences.

The first weekend is an indoor session designed to help you learn some of the in and outs of weekend or long term excursion. Three weeks after will be the trip that helps you put your new knowledge to the test under the guidance of experienced guides.  Participants can also attend the indoor session only if they would like however you will not receive a credit for completing the course. 

The second weekend is taking the skills learned and implementing them in the field. The outdoor experience has been divided into three sections to help you gain experience in areas you want to improve. Pick on that works best for you when registering. 

Trip 1: Backpacking 101
Aimed at beginners seeking knowledge and experience to build confidence in the back country
-Friday Night Basecamp
-Pack shakedown
-group discussion on aims for the saturday overnighter
-Saturday Hike out to campsite
-On trail and in camp teaching of skills (Cooking, map reading, Leave no trace)
-Returning Sunday and recapping adventure
- x miles of hiking
 
Trip 2: Backpacking Essentials
Aimed at those with some backcountry experience looking to hone their skills and push their personal limits
-Friday night hiking to 1st campsite
-Saturday Big mile day (10-12 miles)
-In camp and on trail teaching
-sharing of individual skills amongst the group
-Finishing up Sunday and recapping adventure
-20+ miles for the weekend

Trip 3: Expedition Prep
Aimed at Groups that will be taking a High Adventure trip as a group
-Friday Night Hiking
-Saturday Hiking and learning to function as a team
-Time spend to deal with group dynamics and group challenges
-Finishing up Sunday and recapping adventure
-15 to 20 mile weekend with focus on group dynamics

Indoor Session only
- Aimed at those that may be interested in learning what backpacking.
- Learn or refresh your skills in the classroom without hitting the trail. 
- Find out if backpacking is something you would like ot try. 

This training is open to people outside of the Boy Scouts of America for an additional $5 (for insurance) so feel free to share this with friends and neighbors. 

COST:  $25 Early Bird FEE BEFORE FEBRUARY 15,

$30 REGULAR FEE,  and $35 AFTER APRIL 1 OR AT THE DOOR.

Contact Nat Love at loven101257@gmail.com or ABCXYZ at ABCXYZ@scouting.org or 616.930.4586