GEAR-UP/DEEP Overnight Camping Trip
By Dave Eichler
At the February Administrative Board meeting it was approved to have the first overnight backpacking trip! The location is the Black Forest Mountains in Lycoming County, PA. Known as the PA Grand Canyon you’ll be blessed with God’s creation of this breath-taking environment. Days will entail learning LNT (Leave No Trace) practices to protect the Lord’s fragile ecosystem, land navigation, backpacking and camping do’s and don’ts. Nights will focus on debriefing the day and devotions. Gear donated from the Donegal School District and additional equipment will be purchased to make this trip happen and future trips to occur. Individual gear provided will be a backpack, sleeping bag, top & bottom Helly Hanson rain suit, plastic ground sheet, ensolite foam sleeping pad, Nalgene water bottles, cup, bowl, spoon and compass. Some of the group gear that all will use are tarps, camp stoves, fuel, pots and water purifying equipment. Also included is the two days of food while backpacking. All you have to do is provide your own clothing and personal items, examples are a headlamp, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc. A detailed clothing and personal items list will be provided to interested individuals. The trip involves two days and nights of backpacking in the field with about a 40 lb. backpack and negotiating uneven and steep terrain and witnessing stunning overlooks. The third night you will share a double room, shower, and have dinner at the Black Forest Inn. The dates are July 12, 13, 14 and returning the afternoon of July 15. Assisting in instructing this trip is Andrew Miller, son of Jim and Patti Miller. The trip is limited to eight interested individuals. The trip cost per individual is $130. Glossbrenner Church will pay 50% for church members, so $65 is the cost. The fee for non-members is $130. Church members have until March 31, 2023, to reserve a spot. Beginning April 1 non-members will have the opportunity to sign-up. Sign-up roster is on the wall in the Sunday School hallway near the F.R.O.G. room. Interested folks will be contacted and receive additional information.
