Commonly Asked Adirondack Trek
Questions
What is the cost of a Wakpominee Trek?
In
2003 the cost of an Adirondack Trek is $250 add $25 if paid after May 1st. The only
exceptions to this are noted in the Trek descriptions where a particular Trek may run
longer than normal, have unusual features built into it, or have extra cost options such
as a scenic flight over the route traveled (youth$15,adult$15). There is a substantial discount for units that can
provide transportation for their Crew and Voyageur to and from the traihead. This saves the Camp having to rent a van and
provide a driver. We will pass this savings
on to you! Let the Trek Director know as
early as possible.
What is the cost of the Canadian Trek to Algonquin? This Trek costs substantially more. This is understandable when you consider that the Trek is 10 days long and is about 1000 miles round trip, that there are campground and Park interior fees, meals in Ottawa and on the road have to be bought in restaurants, and while in Ottawa there are admission costs to museums and entertainments. In 2003 the cost will be $495 per Scout which must be paid in full by May 1st. This cost is predicated on the Crew providing their own van transportation for the trip and there being 6 paying Scouts.
Is there anything that will prevent our Crew from getting away from Camp Wakpominee on time? Yes, all of the following must be in place before your Crew can depart for the trailhead.
A Class 3 Personal Health history and Medical Record Form, completed and signed by both a Licensed Health-care Practitioner and Parent/Guardian within the past year, must have been reviewed and found satisfactory by the Camp Administration. (year & month of immunization), tetanus within 10 years.
Each canoe trekker must qualify at camp as a scout swimmer.
Each Crew must have one member who is certified in the administration of CPR.
Each Crew must have at least one adult member who is certified as having completed BSA Youth Protection Training.
Can I talk over the Treks with someone who has done
them? It is an excellent idea to call the
Treks Director, Chris Johnson at 518/597-3884 or contact him by e-mail, ADKchris@bluemoo.net In this way you will be able to get answers to specific
questions and/or make any special arrangements you may deem necessary.
What do Trek participants have to
supply?
Each Scout supplies his own personal camping equipment as indicated on the enclosed gear list.
Be very sure to bring a Class 3
Personal Health and Medical Record Form for each participant with dates of
immunization, including the month. Tetanus immunization must be within the past 10
years. In addition he or she will want to
bring spending money and personal treats such as chewing gum or candy, however it should
be noted that a complete menu is supplied, including desserts. All crew equipment is supplied, from tents and
flies to cook-kits and stoves, canoes, paddles and PFDs, (Scouts may choose to bring their
own personal paddle or PFD).
How strenuous are Treks?
They vary considerably. An important
aspect of the Treks Program is that the Treks are designed to be done by a crew. The crew makes critical decisions that insure that
all members can complete the Trek, (including the advisor who may have spent the past 50 weeks working in an office). Don't lose track of the fact that every member of
the crew must travel 35 to 55 miles under his own power carrying his personal gear as well
as his fair share of the Crew gear and food. It
should be noted here that the most successful crews are the ones that have done weekend
shakedowns together in preparation for their summer adventure. There is no substitute for
the experience of having worked together getting to know each other's strengths,
limitations, weaknesses, and the idiosyncrasies, good or bad, that make each crew and
member unique.
What does it cost adult leadership to
participate?
If a unit registers 6 or more youth for a Trek, it will be eligible to send one
adult along free. If less than 6 are
registered, an adult’s fee will be pro-rated. Each
Trek requires one adult in addition to the Voyageur to maintain two-deep leadership.
Is there an upper limit on the number
of participants?
Yes, ordinarily
Camp Wakpominee tries to limit the number of participants on a Trek. Size has much to do with the quality of the
experience. In addition, the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation limits many areas to a maximum group size of 8. In
other areas of the Adirondack Park the DEC will allow 12, but special permits are
required. These limits include the advisor
and the Voyageur.
What if we have more Scouts than
regulations allow?
That's
easy. Form two crews and provide your Scouts
with a choice of Treks or crews. You will
need two advisors and we will provide two Voyageurs.
Are Treks open only to units?
No, we can form what would essentially be a Provisional Unit. However, it is the prerogative of the Council to
cancel a Trek that lacks sufficient paying participants.
When a Provisional Unit is formed, there is a need for a second adult in addition
to the Voyageur (two-deep leadership) that must be met.
If you are a registered leader and don’t have a crew (or if you have only a
minimal one), but you are interested in doing a Trek, please let the Treks Program
Director know. Help, when needed, is very
welcome.
When should Trek Crews arrive at Camp?
It is adviseable for Crews to be at Camp as close to 1:00 PM as possible. There is a great deal to be gotten done before
you leave the next morning. Getting an early
start makes it much easier to complete orientation, medical rechecks, etc., that afternoon
and then get on the trail the next morning in a timely and relaxed way.
How should a Crew prepare for their Trek?
As mentioned above, the best preparation a Crew can do is to spend a couple of
weekends backpacking together. We strongly recommend that you refer to the Backpacking
Merit Badge pamphlet for further information.
Why is the Scout Uniform worn
travelling and touring?
There are a
number of reasons. We hope you are proud to
be a Scout; if you were not a Scout you would not be doing this Trek. It also helps those in charge keep track of people
and, should someone become separated from the group, it is very easy to ask, "Have
you seen a Scout dressed like this?" We
have also found that being dressed in the uniform helps people act like Scouts.
Why do we have a Voyageur going with
us?
BSA
policies require that when you head out on a Trek you have someone qualified in first aid
and (if swimming or boating is involved)lifeguarding.
It is also advisable to have someone who is familiar with the area you will
be travelling in and has a demonstrated mastery of the outdoor skills required. The Voyageur has all these skills and
certifications and has demonstrated an ability to teach and improve the skills of
Trekkers.
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