Calendar

2008 4-H Venturers Backpacking Trip:
Pecos Wilderness Area, New Mexico

Important Dates:

March 1, 2008 - On-line Registrations Due (There is currently a waiting list. Call the Kansas 4-H office to reserve your spot on the list.)

March 1 - $200 deposit due in local Extension Office

March 29 - Orientation -- Participant & Parent(s) – locations to be determined at a later date

May 1 - $300 fee payment and other required forms due

May 30-June 1 - Shakedown Training — Rock Springs 4-H Center (required)

June 15 - Medical Physical Form due

July 29 to August 6 - Backpacking Trip

Orientation --- March 29/April 26, 2008
We're adding a new dimension to the training program this year because we what participants and parents to be fully informed.
Why? Because we believe that there will be lots of questions and important information that you will need to prepare for the rafting adventure.
Who? Youth participants and their parent(s) as well as adult participants.
Where and When? The Orientation will be held via regional/area meetings, depending upon the geographical location of program participants. Locations and dates will be determined in later.

Shakedown, May 30-June 1, 2008: Rock Springs 4-H Center, south of Junction City
This training is mandatory for those attending the summer trip. Beginning at 5pm on Friday, June 1 and concluding by 1pm on Sunday, June 3, this is an intensive training. You'll do lots of teambuilding, learn the basics of low-impact camping, outdoor cookery, first-aid and knot tying. Plus, you'll learn about backpacking gear and how to travel lightly on the land.

IMPORTANT: Please complete First-Aid and CPR certification through your local American Red Cross, American Heart Association or local hospital. It is very important that each participant complete this certification. This program takes place in isolated wilderness areas where it could take days to reach a medical facility.

Summer Trip, July 29 - August 6, 2008 - Tentative Schedule:

• Tuesday, July 29 Depart Kansas, camp at Black Mesa State Park, Oklahoma
• Wednesday, July 30 Travel to Santa Fe, explore Capulin Volcano National Monument, NM; meet up with Arkansas 4-H’ers and prepare for the trail
• Thursday, July 31 Travel to Pecos Wilderness Area — hit the trail!
• Friday, August 1-4 Hike 30-40+ miles, carrying 35-45 lb. backpacks!
• Monday, August 4 Come off the trail, travel to Amarillo, TX
• Tuesday, August 5 Explore Palo Duro Canyon & see the Texas Musical Drama!
• Wednesday, Aug 6 Travel back to Kansas