Backpacking Merit Badge

[dstzn]

I have a question about the trek requirements 10 and 11 in Backpacking. Req 10 calls for three 15+ mile treks. Requierment 11 calls for a 30+ miler that you wrote a detailed trip plan for. Does the 30+ miler in req 11 count as one of the treks for req 10?

[Rick Tyler]

I have a question about the trek requirements 10 and 11 in Backpacking. Req 10 calls for three 15+ mile treks. Requierment 11 calls for a 30+ miler that you wrote a detailed trip plan for. Does the 30+ miler in req 11 count as one of the treks for req 10?

No.

[Guneukitschik]

The point of these requirements is to allow the scout to plan and experience backpacking at various levels. If you just took one backpacking trip and it counted for every requirement you wouldn't get to have several experiences and would most likely miss out on the opportunity to learn from your trips.

[dstzn]

Thanks for the answers Rick and Guneukitschik. We thought we had completed the badge after a great summer wih one 15 miler and two 30+ milers. But believe me, nobody is complaining about having to go backpacking again this fall!

[Guneukitschik]

I think if you also change the environment (if possible) you get an interesting addition to your trips.

[alex gregory]

Req. 11 says:
"Do the following:
Write a plan for a backpacking trek of at least five days using at least three different campsites and covering at least 30 miles. Your plan must include a description of and route to the trek area, a schedule (including a daily schedule), a list of food and equipment needs, a safety and emergency plan, and a budget.
Using Leave No Trace principles, take the trek you have planned and, while on the trek, complete at least one service project approved by your merit badge counselor.
Keep a daily journal during the trek that includes a day-by-day description of your activities, including notes about what worked well and thoughts about improvements that could be made for the next trek."

The language is basically the same as that contained in Hiking MB for the 20-miler. My question is how "original" does the plan need to be? For example, the Philmont treks are not planned by the participants; seems odd not to give a Scout credit for a 75-mile trek. My inclination is to approve a Scout's plan even though that plan is basically a regurgitation of what somebody else has done. The exercise is not in original trek planning, but rather thinking through the planning and organization for a safe trek.

[AquilaNegra2]

re: Requirement 10 - Using Leave No Trace principles, participate in at least three backpacking treks of at least three days each and at least 15 miles each, and using at least two different campsites on each trek. Carry everything you will need throughout the trek.

Q - Does it matter the length of each day? IOW, can it be 5 miles, 10 miles, 0.1 miles?
Q - Scout A twists his ankle after 14 miles. Not an emergency, but painful. Scout B voluntarily shoulders his pack for the last mile. Has Scout A fulfilled the requirement?

[Quailman]

It's up to the MBC.

The distance covered each day doesn't matter. The important part is preparation, set-up of the campsite, etc.

As for the injury. I am a Backpacking MBC and would certainly accept the trip.

[RMM]

As for the injury. I am a Backpacking MBC and would certainly accept the trip.

So would I, this would also be a wonderful opportunity to review why the buddy system, safe backpacking, and the importance of the team approach.

[RWSmith]

See also: Backpacking MB Question... Solo?