Oct. 11, 2019
Contact: Nancy Lee Gomer, Marketing Coordinator, 636-949-7535, or 636-795-1137, ngomer@sccmo.org
St. Charles County, Missouri – If you’re interested in backpacking and don’t know where to start, enroll in St. Charles County Parks’ “Backpacking, Shakedown and Hike” class! This new ranger-led program is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2, at Matson Hill Park, 670 Matson Hill Road in Defiance.
Participants ages 12 and older will learn how to prepare for an enjoyable backpacking adventure. Rangers will cover:
needed gear;
packing for a long-distance hike;
outdoor ethics;
and hiking safety.
After the lessons, attendees will take a moderate 5-mile hike through the 475-acre rugged, heavily forested parkland to experience a backpacking journey.
Participants should wear hiking-appropriate clothing and bring a brown bag lunch and their own backpacking equipment, including the following gear necessary for a longer backpacking trip: backpack, sleeping bag, bug spray, first aid kit, rain gear and water.
The program is $2 per person and ideal for students, scouts, and other organizations. Pre- registration is required by calling the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department at 636-949-7535 or visiting http://bit.ly/2019BackpackShakedownAndHike.