Float Trip!

Added: Check the weather here and here

What: We'll be going on a float trip from Friday, May 14 to Sunday, May 16. We'll camp at the outfitter's campground the first night, canoe on Saturday, camp Saturday night, and come back Sunday.

When: Meet at the church parking lot by 6:00 pm. Leave by 6:30. We'll load up cars and hit the road. We'll return to the church parking lot by Sunday at 1:30 pm.

Where: The Niangua River at the Niangua River Oasis outfitters camp. We'll float from their camp down river. There's a 14 mile float that he says should take about 6 hours. If we're getting tired, we can get out about 7 miles down at Rendezvous Point if we get there before 2 PM. We'll pair fathers and sons in canoes. I know of two older boys and one younger whose fathers won't be there. I'd like those three in one canoe. I know that at least one of them has the canoeing merit badge.

How: We'll drive. I don't know yet, who else is driving. Please respond in the comments if you can drive. I have six seats and plenty of cargo room. Right now, I know of 11 people coming, so I'd think we would need one more driver. We'll need to know before Monday so I can get the information to the guy doing the tour permit.

How much: Looks like it's $40/day/canoe. This includes 2 nights of free camping. Other places nearby charge $5/night for camping, so at least it's rolled in.

What to bring: Bring the same stuff you would on a backpacking trip. It can be a bit heavier than you'd backpack with because you don't have to carry it. Start with the 10 Essentials list on the bar to the left. I always try to think of what I'll be doing as I compose my list - I'll eat, sleep,

Remember to pack at least the following in plastic bags tied shut or in dry bags:

• Clothes
• Sleeping bag
• Food
• Tent

Smaller items (Scout Handbook, phones, wallets, etc.) can go in ziploc bags. I prefer freezer bags because they're a bit more sturdy.

Canoes tip over. Stuff goes in the water. You want the basic stuff kept dry.

Food: Everybody for himself. I'd like to encourage boys and fathers to cook together and I'd like the boys to lead the cooking.

Rank Advancement: Like all outings, this float trip will provide opportunities to work on rank advancement. Please read the following and come prepared to work on at least the items listed as required. Even if you've already had them signed off, I'd like you to do it again. The requirements of rank advancement represent life skills to build, not just items to check off and forget.

Required Items:

• Tenderfoot, 1: Present yourself to your leader, properly dressed, before going on an overnight camping trip. Show the camping gear you will use. Show the right way to pack and carry it.
• Tenderfoot, 2: Spend at least one night on a patrol or troop campout. Sleep in a tent you have helped pitch.
• Tenderfoot, 3: On the campout, assist in preparing and cooking one of your patrol's meals. Tell why it is important for each patrol member to share in meal preparation and cleanup, and explain the importance of eating together.
• 1st Cl, 9a: Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe trip afloat. See the link below in Resources
  

Optional Items:

• 2nd Cl, 1A: Demonstrate how a compass works and how to orient a map. Explain what map symbols mean.
• 2nd Cl, 6: Identify or show evidence of at least ten kinds of wild animals (birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, mollusks) found in your community.
• 1st Cl, 6: Identify or show evidence of at least ten kinds of native plants found in your community.

Some Resources:

• Safety Afloat - Review this! The boys will need to explain it and get it signed off. The adults need to know it, too. I'd like the adults to go here, create an account, and do the online training. Scroll down to Safety Afloat.
  
• REI Multi-day Canoe packing checklist - a suggested list of items to take along.
• Dry bags - Walmart claims to have these in store. Sportsman's Guide has these. Shipping is either 7 business days standard or 3 days if you pay extra. Also remember you can use garbage bags and ziploc bags.