Boy Scouts of America
Troop 409, Windsor CT.

We go camping when it rains!



Click here for Tips on Camping.


Camping Philosophy
Our troop does a lot of camping, and we often go "cold weather camping". We rely on our patrol leaders to be able to keep his patrol safe and comfortable without adult supervision. Although we adults are never more than a few hundred feet away, we want the kids to feel that they are in charge of themselves and we are only a safetynet, or backup.
Above all else, Safety is our number one issue. Everything we do is with an eye toward safety. Besides the obvious reasons to be safe, a mishap can end the trip and ruin everyone's weekend. First aid is well taught before a patrol leader is given autonomy in the camp.
We also teach low impact camping which means that when we leave a site, you cannot tell we were there. This is a lesson toward conservation, a part of our "outdoor code"

Things to pack
First you must decide whether you are Backpacking or Car Camping. The rules are different for each. You then must decide whether you are cold weather camping, or Warm weather Camping.
When backpacking, you want to have the lightest pack. Even an ounce either way is felt tenfold after a while. Be sure to question each object you put in. There is Patrol equipment that only one of a group must carry. Not everyone needs a tent, but someone must bring it. These things can be split up according to who has the most room or the lightest pack.

Patrol Equipment consists of: Personal equipment is vital to your comfort. Some things are seasonal but others are necessary. In cold weather, you will need Wool Blanket, Hat, Gloves, and lots of thick warm socks. Everything else should come on all trips regardless of weather.

Personal equipment consists of: The rest is clothing. Usually One for each day plus extras.

One FOR EACH DAY Extra PER DAY If you bring all these items, you will be comfortable regardless of the weather.
Camping is where it is most necessary to "Be Prepared!"

Places to go
CT DEP. State Campgrounds


The Department of Environmental Protection has established several trails which generally follow Blue Blazed Hiking Trails. A separate handout map is available for each trail. The Blue Trails, developed and maintained by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, are located on both public and private lands and their continuance is dependent in many cases upon the goodwill of landowners. Thus all hikers are requested to stay on the established trails and to respect the rights and property of landowners on and adjacent to the trail. The backpacking tours are provided for the true backpacker only and therefore the length of stay at any one location is limited to one night. The campsites are available year round, barring unusual or severe weather conditions.

Facilities
The backpack camping zones offer primitive campsites with few facilities. Although several have Adirondack-type camp shelters of limited capacity, campers are advised to bring their own tents. Also, drinking water is not provided except at approved state park and forest wells.

Camping Permits
Camping permits are available by reservation only. Submit a letter of request at least two weeks prior to your intended stay to:
Nipmuck, Natchaug, Pachaug State Forest Trails:
DEP Eastern District Office
209 Hebron Rd.
Marlborough, CT 06447
(860) 295-9523
Tunxis Trail:
DEP Western District Office
230 Plymouth Rd.
Harwinton, CT 06791
(860)485-0226
The letter of request must include:
Camping Area(s)
Camping Date(s)
Name and address of leader
Number and ages of people in the group

Use Guidelines
Backpackers are requested to use backpacking stoves for cooking. If open fires must be used, please build only in established fire rings and be sure fires are fully extinguished before leaving campsites. Camp only in designated zones indicated on the map and by signs.
Keep the trail and camping zones free of litter. Carry out what you carry in. Stay on the trail which is marked by blue blazes. Double blazes indicate a turn in the trail. Travel and camp in groups of less than 10 if possible.
Human waste should be buried. Move at least 50 feet from the trail and 200 feet from water to do this. Pets are not allowed at backpack camping sites.
Minors (under 18) must be accompanied by an adult in attendance who accepts responsibility for the camping party. Where the camping party consists of more than 10 people, there shall be adult supervision in a ratio of at least one adult to each ten campers under 18.

Notice To Campers
Camping zones are located on State lands that are also open to hunting. Hunting may occur year-round, however, the peak season in Connecticut begins the third Saturday in October and runs through December. Hunting is not permitted on Sunday.
If you are camping in an area where hunting is permitted, please note the following precautions: Wear bright clothing such as a fluorescent orange vest or hat. Avoid brown, tan, gray or white. If you see someone hunting, call out to them to identify your location.

Let someone know where you are going, and when you will return.



Here are some pictures of us and our activities.

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Learning the Ropes



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Gettysburg



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Mount Monadnock



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Summit of Mount lafayette, NH



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Spring Cabin atop Mount Lafayette



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Waterfall near campsite




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