Details:

The year is 2066, 5 years after the Zombie Apocalypse that decimated the populations of every living species on Earth. Being highly trained in Wilderness Survival, Troop 1865 is one of the last bastions of humans that remain. Recently, we received a communiqué from a previously unknown survivor camp. A small fortified outpost, they successfully defended against the zombie infection... until now. 

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Join us for a hike like no other. The Pennsylvania Turnpike opened in 1940 as "America's First Super Highway". With limited access, no stops, and plenty of tunnels through the mountains, it was the fastest and safest way to transit the mountains of Pennsylvania. However, traffic quickly overcame the capacity of the narrow tunnels. With no possibility to expand lanes in the tunnels, a stretch of the turnpike was abandoned in 1968 in favor of a wider meandering road around the mountains. Since the closure, the Abandoned PA Turnpike now provides this section of unmaintained road as a very unique human vs nature setting.

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This will be a Saturday to Sunday campout. Basic schedule includes:

- Saturday morning drive to Breezewood, PA - 2 hours

- Adult shuffle of vehicles to campsite

- Hike, lunch at first tunnel

- Camp at Oregon Ball Field in Buchanan State Forest (~5 miles)

- Sunday morning hike remaining 3.5 miles

- Lunch at trail end at vehicles, before driving home

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This is an easy hike of about 8.5 miles total. Being a highway, it is clear and flat, no substantive elevation change.  However, going through the mountains means 2 tunnels of about 1 mile long each (bring a flashlight)! This is an excellent introduction to hiking and backpacking.

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Something for everyone:

This hike offers challenges for everyone in the troop.

A) Older/experienced backpackers - Use this as an opportunity to get out your backpacking gear. Carry everything with you as you would Philmont. Make trail meals for lunch (and complete Camping MB 8d!).

B) Newer scouts - Great introduction to backpacking! Use what you have. Possibly a hiking backpack, or just a day pack. Everything else can meet you at the campsite transported by the vehicles. But remember to bring your lunch and 10 scout essentials.

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Special Instructions / Packing:

- Water is not available at the campsite. We will be bringing everything we need. Water conservation is key!

- Toilets not available at the campsite. We will learn to use a cathole.

- If able/equipped, pack as if a backpacking trip. 

- Bring back lunch for Saturday (no glass please). If interested in completing Camping MB 8d for lunch, indicate on the sign up.

Pack:

- Tent (pair up with a tent mate)

- Sleeping bag and pad

- Backpack or day pack

- Comfortable hiking shoes

- bug spray (campsite no joke)

- Flashlight or headlamp (carry with you, will need in the tunnels)

- 10 Scout Essentials (reference your handbook)

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Dates: Sat, Oct 24 -  Sun, Oct 25

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Meet: Scouts will meet at St. George’s Church at 6:30 AM on Saturday. Eat breakfast before you come or bring with you. Pick up at the University Mall Giant Parking Lot at 2:00pm on Sunday. 

 

Sign Up / PERMED: https://forms.gle/3Y6iDN6hLZbD5VUq9 (or form below).

Fee: $30

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Payment:

Zelle - Send to treasurer1865@gmail.com​ from your Zelle enabled checking account. Please include scout name and event in the memo section of the Zelle payment.

Scout Account - Submit https://forms.gle/mV9wDH9y7sXBtY5K7 (or form below). Questions? Ask Mr Scattergood - troop1865sa@gmail.com