Synopsis: The Backpacking Project is a
requirement of the Freshman Year at St.
Benedict's. Over the last 25 years more than 2800
urban youngsters, mostly Black and Hispanic, have
hiked and camped safely in New Jersey's parks and
forests.
First Aid - Two members of each team receive
training in outdoor first aid during
the three weeks before the trail begins. A
first-aid team of about six older students is
trained by Project USE in Wilderness First Aid
during a week-long encampment in April. There are
two or more EMT's along with us on trail.
First aid kits are carried by each
person, by each team, and in the school vans that
accompany the trip. Letters are exchanged with
local hospitals to facilitate treatment when that
is necessary. The school van monitors the hikers progress at road
crossings along the trail. Phone numbers of school
and state emergency services are carried with each
team.
Health - All students have a doctor's
medical form on file at the school and each team
carries a medical history form for each hiker with
a parent consent form (in case medical treatment
is needed) and a list of emergency contact
telephone numbers. All staff members are appraised
of individual medical problems (asthma, allergies,
etc.). Hikers use chemical repellents and wear
long pants to minimize the possibility of
contacting LYME
Disease. In case of dangerous
weather or sudden illness, students can be
transported to and cared for in our cabins in
Stokes State Forest.
Food - Meals are cooked on sterno
stoves. "Clean-up" uses the three-pot
method: wash in soapy water, rinse in clear water,
sanitize in chlorinated water. Drinking water from streams
or ponds is purified with iodine tablets using
manufacturer's recommendations. Cans are de-labeled
and crushed. All garbage is picked up by the
school van, sorted and deposited with
a licensed firm in Sussex County.
Training - The three weeks prior to the
trail are filled with classes and outdoor training
events emphasizing health & safety,
navigation, camping and leadership skills for all
participants. Preparation is a full-time program;
Freshmen students do not take any other classes in
May except for the Backpacking Project. Older
students who agree to serve in leadership
positions are trained by Project USE as
instructors, first-aiders and outdoor trip
leaders.
Hiking/Camping - About eight Freshman
with an older student and an adult are assigned to
each team. To minimize impact on the trail, these
teams hike, eat and cook as separate units in
accordance with the recommendations of the
Appalachian Trail Conference. Teams spend the night in different
private camps adjacent to the trail.
