Backpacking Project

At the end of each year, Beginners spend an entire "Spring Phase" together. The Beginners form themselves into teams (usually of eight members each) and elect a leader for each team. Four such teams make a "company" that is led by specially trained older students, first-aiders, and adults. Three weeks of intense training precede the week on the trail so that Beginners are prepared for whatever might happen during their adventure. It turns out that hiking for a week is not the hardest part of the trek, but being with your friends night and day is not so easy to do!

As the Beginners arrive at the Delaware Water Gap and cross the bridge to meet the buses at Route 80, five tiring days and 50 long miles from High Point State Park, their adventure as a first-year member at St. Benedict's has ended and, for those who pass, they are officially accepted into the full community at the school.

Click on the following links for more information:

• Letter to the Backpacker
• Project Description
• Course Requirements
• General Health and Safety
• General Health and Safety Rules
• Picture Gallery