PURGATORY CHASM STATE PARK, SUTTON, MASSACHUSETTS
25-26 MARCH 2000
TRIP INFORMATION AND EQUIPMENT LIST
Although the Purgatory Chasm trip is traditionally a fall excursion, late March should provide a good opportunity for Scouts to explore this unusual natural phenomenon. A dry ravine torn open by erosion long ago and still littered with rocks of all shapes and sizes, Purgatory Chasm is a cave explorer’s delight. All Scouts - in groups of course - will have the opportunity to investigate the chasm on both Saturday and Sunday - weather permitting. The troop will establish camp in the woods off the main road just a few minute’s walk from the namesake chasm. At the site, Scouts will be able to work on outdoor advancement requirements if they so choose. The chasm will not be open after dark, so Saturday night should provide an excellent opportunity to work on outdoor skills.
Although the days may be mild, Saturday night will most likely be cold - count on this. All Scouts should be prepared for below freezing temperatures. If you managed to stay warm on the Grotonwood Trip in January or even the WEBELOS Weekend at Camp Sayre last November, you should do all right on this trip.
Cooking and camping will be by patrols. Plan on a light Saturday lunch. You will want to spend more time at the chasm than you will preparing a complicated lunch. Patrol Leaders may even consider preparing and individually packaging lunches prior to leaving Saturday morning. Each Patrol Leader and/or his designated representative(s) will need to help coordinate their patrol equipment’s loading and unloading.
SCOUTS SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE SCOUTHOUSE BY 7:45 AM SATURDAY MORNING, 25 MARCH 2000; THE TROOP PLANS TO LEAVE FOR THE STATE PARK AT 8:00 AM. IF YOU ARE NOT PRESENT AT THIS TIME, CHANCES ARE YOU WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. The troop will depart from Purgatory Chasm State Park at around 12:00 noon Sunday, 26 March 2000. parents SHOULD BE PREPARED to pick-up their sons and their gear AT THE SCOUTHOUSE BY 1:30 PM SUNDAY AFTERNOON.
Although adults will be encouraged to help accompany the Scouts in the chasm, the amount of personal exploration will be up to them. Directions and maps to the State Park will be distributed to each driver on Saturday morning.
Exploring the caves requires crawling in some small spaces, so bring rugged clothing which you will not mind getting dirty. Because there is no natural or artificial lighting in these caves, you will need a small flashlight. Bring extra batteries, as you will be using your flashlight both night and day. To be safe, Scouts should generally count on winter conditions, especially at night, but bring a T-shirt if it is warm. Like the hiking trips, hiking boots are essential; sneakers will not be permitted inside the chasm. Finally, if you are planning to work on advancement requirements, be sure to bring whatever tools (compass, jackknife, etc.) that you will need to complete them. You will need your Scout Handbook as well.
Space may be tight on this trip, so please try to pack as compact as possible. A personal equipment checklist for this trip is as follows:
___ hiking boots
___ sleeping bag (winter or summer with two (2) blankets)
___ pillow
___ ground cloth or pad
___ canteen or water bottle
___ small flashlight with good batteries
___ extra batteries for flashlight
___ duffel bag or backpack (for camp)
___ plastic trash bags
___ sneakers
___ socks (1-2 pairs)
___ wool socks (1 pair)
___ long pants (1)
___ long sleeve shirt (1)
___ T-shirt (1)
___ winter jacket
___ sweatshirt or light weight jacket
___ poncho or light raincoat
___ hat (wool)
___ gloves/mittens
___ underwear (1 or 2)
___ long underwear
___ pajama or other heavy sleepwear (sweat suit)
___ hand towel
___ brush/comb
___ tooth brush and tooth paste
___ personal basic first aid kit
___ Scout Handbook
___ Troop hat / Norwich hat (optional)
___ bandanna (optional)
___ compass (optional)
___ jackknife (optional and with Totin' Chip card only)
___ small camera/film (very optional)
Have a great time at Purgatory Chasm!
Troop 89, Medfield, Massachusetts |
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