April 28th, Ellinor Climb Orientation and Menu Planning for High Adventure

This evening was a combination of getting ready for the annual Mt. Ellinor climb on May 8th and planning food for the trip this summer.

The orientation is basically a brief overview of the "climb" to make sure everyone has the proper gear, clothing, and understanding on what is going to be demanded of them physically to make it to the summit. It is important that everyone have the proper gear and be physically ready as this is an actual mountain climb and can be hazardous. We can reduce the level of hazard by using the correct clothing and equipment, being healthy and mentally ready for the challenge, and by conducting training while on the mountain.

The remainder of the evening was spent in the kitchen. The group learned how to make trail mix while discussing the finer points of having gas while sleeping in a tent with your buddies...yeah, I get to spend a week with these guys! We also developed a rough draft for the menu and will now start experimenting with recipes and food prep. The boys will be learning safe food handling skills and how to cook with various methods (i.e. cast iron, fire coals, open fire, back packing stove).

Capital Forest Mima Falls Day Hike

This year the Venture Crew is going on a 20+mile Canoe trip. To get ready for this, training must take place. On April 24th, we had an opportunity to go to Capitol Forest to practice some skills needed for our High Adventure. Map reading, leave-no-trace, wilderness first-aid, water filtering, and stretcher building were on the list. We are also learning that it isn't about how nice the weather is or about reaching the finish line, it is about the journey and the experiences along the way.

Jamee and the boys waiting at the church for more willing participants.

The pre-trip briefing and map review at the Mima Falls trailhead.

As part of their Wilderness Survival achievement, the boys are required to learn and demonstrate wilderness first-aid. This is our first time using these skills that we have been working on over the last few months. The scenario - two young boys with identical broken legs (go figure) found in the forest who needed medical care and transport out of the wilderness. The equipment - whatever we were carrying and anything that grows in the forest.

Brady building a stretcher out of parachute cord and saplings to carry our injured victims out.
Tim enjoying the outdoors realizing he has to give a talk in Sacrament meeting the next day.
The scenery was beautiful even through the intermittent pouring rain and bright sunshine.
Our crew was a little short, missing several of our team, but we still had a great time.
Will trying to impress the boys with his tremendous knot tying ability. NOT.
Jamee showing the boys how to place the backing on the stretcher.
Carrying the injured to safety. Notice the broken leg! The boys had to splint and build with whatever they could find in the forest and in our backpacks.
The boys who came did great. We hiked in total of 7 miles through some pretty muddy areas. We learned some cool skills and gained more appreciation for the outdoors while hanging out with friends.

Wilderness First Aid Training

The Crew has been working on wilderness first aid for the Bronze Medal and for the up coming High Adventure. We decided to introduce Will Hayes into his new position as the Assistant Adviser by making him feel like he was welcome and a part of the Crew!
This training focuses on emergencies encountered while in the wilderness and the skills needed to use whatever materials you have at hand to mediate such situations. This can range from branches and trek poles for splinting, to using parachute cord and trees to build a stretcher.