Take advantage of our pretty fall weather and beautiful countryside--Get Outdoors!

Camp Fire USA Balcones Council offers Backpacking for youth and families. This is a very economical, volunteer-led backpacking program primarily for youth 6th grade age and older, with parents or other adults invited, although participation of a parent is not required for a youth.

An Orientation is required before your first trip.

The next Orientation will be:
Backpacking Orientation Sunday, February 7, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
REI Gateway, 9901 N. Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin
RSVP to Backpacking Coordinator Mina Loomis at backpacking@campfireusabalcones.org, or at 512-454-1237.
Bring a parent. Bring a friend! Bring two friends!
The Orientation workshop covers basic backpacking technique and gear, and explains what to expect and how to get ready.

Backpacking Games! We have set some dates for in-town get-togethers to learn new skills, socialize, and plan for our trips. These are set for Sunday afternoons, shown on the schedule below.

Planning skills are learned as youth select and prepare their own gear and food. Outdoor skills such as navigation/map and compass, outdoor cooking, safety, and Leave-No-Trace outdoor ethics will be taught and practiced during trips.

Experienced youth may choose to train to become Youth Assistant Leaders, with greater responsibility for trip planning and execution, and opportunities to assist less-experienced youth.

A Week-Long Summer Trip to the mountains (Pecos Wilderness in New Mexico, or Guadalupe Mts. National Park) will be offered if enough youth are ready for it and want to go. Plans for the summer trip are finalized in the spring.

Here is the Trip and Meeting Schedule:
(If this wraps too much and gets hard to read in this email, you can also find it on page 5 of the September October Smoke Signal at
http://www.campfireusabalcones.org/documents/newsletters/SmokeSignal-Sep... )

February 7 Orientation—Required before your first trip.
February 20-21 Pedernales Falls State Park (one night)
March 7 Backpacking Games—Hungry Hikers!
April 9-11 Lost Maples State Natural Area (two nights), includes Service Project
May 23 Backpacking Games—Let's Go to the Mountains!
Summer 2010 Summer Trip to the Mountains! Dates to be chosen by participants.

Camp Fire USA Balcones Council family membership is $30.00 per program year.
Trip fees, $22 for a one-night trip and $29 for a two-night trip, cover Camp Fire program activities, park fees, transportation, and insurance.
Equipment is available from Balcones Council for a nominal maintenance fee, or you may use your own or borrowed equipment. Equipment requirements will be covered at Orientation.

The Balcones Council Backpacking Program Offers Youth:
Time to explore in natural settings
Direct experience with problem solving
Outdoor skills development and practice
Self-reliance and cooperation
Healthful physical exercise
Wholesome friendships
Nature awareness and appreciation
Leadership opportunities

For more information about Camp Fire USA Balcones Council, please visit our web site at www.campfireusabalcones.org, or call the Camp Fire Office at 349-2111.