LakeLucerneYouth

 A Guide to Snow Camping Started on 2/13/2023 (This post is currently geared towards the Stevens Pass Snow Cave Trip planned for Feb 24-25, 2023. But the principles could apply on any similar snow campout) Camping in the snow is a fun and unique experience. The cold, white stuff provides very different opportunities from other times of year.  A few things about snow caves -Digging a cave is not easy. It is hard work and takes several hours. Experienced cavers can dig one in 1.5 - 2 hours. First time cavers can take 5-6 hours.  -When done correctly, caves can be much warmer than a tent.  -Digging a snow cave is a lot fun. We don't many chances to do this! Gear: Snow Shovel -  this is required to dig a cave (at least 1 per cave). Garden shovels can work. But the flat-nose, lighter, short-handled snow shovel is ideal. If you want to buy one, that is fine. But it is not required for each young man to have one. Adult leaders will have extra shovels. YM must understan...

A Guide to Day Hike Preparation Started on Jan 15, 2023 Revised on Jan 20, 2024 This guide will help you know what to expect and what to bring on a Lake Lucerne All Youth Day Hike. These trips are typically 4-5 hours long (including travel time), leaving town around 8am and returning by 12:30 or 1pm. For most hikes, plan on meeting at the Smith home to carpool from there. We will start with a prayer, have some quick training/safety reminders/thoughts/tips on being in the outdoors for just a few minutes. Then we will leave for the trailhead around 8:15am.  Each youth should have their own backpack and carry their own stuff. This is a smaller size, school day-pack style backpack. Footwear - hiking boots are fine, but not required. Trail running shoes (with good traction) are ideal. Road running shoes will work for most hikes.  Packing List   (these things should easily fit in your backpack): Backpack Jacket (shell layer) Water Snacks Hat (for warmth - fleece is recommended)...

(Thank you for reading - this is a work in progress. Please refer back often) Started on January 31, 2022 First - a definition - what do we mean by "Cold weather" camping? For this discussion, cold weather camping refers to when temps drop below about 45 degrees F at night. You might adjust this depending on expected wind or rain/snow. Temps near Easton, WA in February could be in the mid-20's and are strongly weather dependent. Check your own favorite weather service and prepare accordingly. (We should be doing this on every trip, right?) Quick Guidance Most critical items for sleeping outside in the cold: Sleeping bag (rated to maybe 30 deg F) Sleeping pad - must insulate you from the cold ground Tent/Shelter - block the wind and rain/snow, trap some warmth around you Proper clothing - see below Dressing for the Outdoors (Cold Weather) Use the 3-layer clothing system Base Layer - inner-most layer Thin, synthetic, wicking layer (long sleeve top and bottom). Should be sof...

 Easy Meals for Backpacking Trips Started on June 16, 2021 Backpacking is a wonderful experience but is isn't all easy. Packing and meal choices can make a large impact on the trip.  Here's a thought - there is no rule saying you must cook your meals. It is very possible (and often preferred!) to venture on a backpacking trip with meals you don't have to cook. This enables you to have your meal much, much sooner/easier and it simplifies your packing needs. Yes, a hot meal at the end of the day at a campsite (maybe in the cold outdoors) can boost spirits and make life feel better. But we don't have to cook dinner every time on every trip. There are more options out there - and trying them out can be fun!  Here are a few suggestions for a stoveless dinner that tastes yummy and satisfying: Tortilla Wraps/Sub Sandwich/Bagel Sandwich Filling Ideas: dry salami, pepperoni, shelf stable cheese spread or peanut butter and honey or... A thought on sauce (mayo, mustard, etc) - bri...

  General Backpacking Trip Packing List (updated on July 23, 2024) Here in the great Pacific Northwest, we are blessed with a mild climate - not too hot and not too cold. The packing list below will work for most typical overnight trips in the PNW in the non-winter months (May-September).  A great resource for a general trip packing list can be found here: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html This packing list is aimed at the Lake Lucerne Youth Backpacking Trip to Annette Lake on June 18-19, 2021.  Updated for the 2024 LL YM High Adventure Trip. Personal Gear Backpack A smaller day pack is encouraged for multi-day trips (such as the 2024 High Adventure trip) Sleeping System: -sleeping bag -sleeping pad (closed cell foam or inflatable) -pillow (keep it small - 1/3 size of regular pillow is good) Shelter System: -Tent (see Group Gear explanation below) or hammock with tarp tent and other stuff Clothing (also called the Insulation System): (uppe...

Dear Lake Lucerne Youth and Parents, We are very happy to have our first overnight backpacking trip on Jun 5th and 6th. This will be a backpacking overnight trip and all youth (YW and YM) are invited. Friday, June 5, 2026 - Meet at the church at 3:45pm Saturday, June 6, 2026 - Arrive in Maple Valley around 1pm Trip Specs: Destination: Annette Lake Hike Length: 3.7 miles, one way (1800 ft gain) Trailhead Location:  47.39279863150694, -121.47390694204 https://goo.gl/maps/ 1TVWNPzccnFCtmvC6 Ideal Campsite Location:  47.36045953297561, -121.47370593380991 What to Pack: Guidance can be found on this webpage (recently updated): https://lakelucerneyouth.blogspot.com/2021/06/general-backpacking-trip-packing-list.html Food  - The rule for all backpacking trips - each person carries their own food in their own backpack.  We recommend you bring a freeze-dried meal for dinner (just add hot water, eat from the pouch, bring a spoon) - similar to a Mountain House Meal. Th...