HIGH KNOLL TRAIL WEEKEND

Join us for a weekend of skill building and Scouting spirit!

MARCH 28-30 2025

REGISTER NOW!  WWW.BSA-BRMC.ORG

Camp Ottari 2881 Simpkinstown Road Hiwassee, VA 24347

ARRIVAL & CHECK IN

• Check-in at the Camp Ottari Welcome Center on Friday evening, March 28, from 4:00 til 8:00 pm.
• Every participant must have a BSA Medical History Form (Parts A & B). A physician’s
• signature is not required.
• We recommend eating before arrival as no meal will be provided Friday evening.

CAMPING & TRAIL CONDITIONS

• You will camp at Camp Ottari on Friday night.
• The camp is still winterized, so bring enough water for Friday night and Saturday’s hike.
• Pit latrines are available.

BACKPACKING CREW REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum crew size: 2 adults & 4 youth.
• Maximum crew size: 12 participants.
• If you don’t have a full crew, let us know—we may be able to place individuals into an existing crew.

PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

• Hike to Blue Ridge Mountaineer via challenging mountain trails.
• .50-caliber black powder rifle shooting
• Tomahawk throwing (tentative)
• Blacksmithing using a coal-fired forge (Participants must wear natural-fiber outer clothing (such as cotton or wool) to prevent melting near the forge.)

MEALS & FOOD

• Water is available from a creek at the outpost—bring a water filter to purify drinking water.
• Saturday dinner is provided (a warm, cooked meal).
• You must bring two breakfasts and one trail lunch.
• A guide to summer High Knoll trail meals is included for reference.
• Most crews prefer non-cook meals for breakfast and lunch.
• We recommend removing packaging and portioning food into 4-person packs for the trail.

PACKING LIST

• Backpack with a padded hip strap & waterproof cover (a tough plastic bag works)
• Stuff sacks or plastic bags for organizing gear
• Backpacking tent with a waterproof ground cloth
• Sleeping bag in a stuff sack (consider placing it inside a plastic bag for extra protection)
• Sleeping pad
• Sleep clothes (only for sleeping—keep them dry!)
• Hiking boots (well broken-in)
• Camp shoes or wading shoes
• Two pairs of socks per day (smooth inner liner + thicker outer sock) Avoid cotton; merino wool preferred.
• Underwear
• Non-cotton T-shirts
• Long-sleeved shirt (one natural-fiber shirt for blacksmithing)
• Lightweight hiking pants
• Warmer pants for camp (avoid polyester near forge)
• Wool cap
• Fleece vest
• Fleece or wool jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Gloves
• Deep bowl
• Spoon
• Cup
• Canteens (at least two)
• Food for two breakfasts & one lunch
• Pocketknife
• Flashlight + extra batteries
• Compass
• Bandanas or handkerchiefs
• Lip balm
• Small towel
• Hand sanitizer
• Lighter or matches
• Some toilet paper
• Personal medications & hygiene products
• Water filter (or other purification method)
• Extra toilet paper
• Camp shovel or trowel

NOTE

• Sheath knives are not needed.
• Cell phone service is spotty, but phones can be used as cameras.