Backpacking MB

[ScoutsMama]

The Troop is going backpacking this weekend. They will trek 1.2 miles to the first campsite, 6.3 miles to the second campsite, then a mile back to the car to drop off backpacks then hike to some points of interest to finish a total of almost 15 miles. Could this trip be counted for the Backpacking MB? They plan to have backpacks with all their gear on for ~8.5 miles and just hiking no packs for the last ~6.5. 

Edited Wednesday at 09:32 PM by ScoutsMama

[RememberSchiff]

@ScoutsMama welcome to scouter.com

[Double Eagle]

My initial take is you could count the 8.5 backpacking miles, but the 6.5 may be considered hiking, but not backpacking.  There is a definite difference between the two.  Also, consider the intent of the merit badges.  As much as some may overlap, there is a benefit to a separate mindset.  I applaud you and the scouts for the entire program and outing.

[ScoutsMama]

3 hours ago, Double Eagle said:

My initial take is you could count the 8.5 backpacking miles, but the 6.5 may be considered hiking, but not backpacking.  There is a definite difference between the two.  Also, consider the intent of the merit badges.  As much as some may overlap, there is a benefit to a separate mindset.  I applaud you and the scouts for the entire program and outing.

Someone in the troop said it doesn't say carry the pack for 15 miles. They said in the supplemental documentation that we shouldn't overread the requirements, and GTA says we aren't allowed to create requirements via parsing. 

I'm just not sure what is right and if that should be counted as a 15-mile backpacking trip if more than 1/3 of the time you don't have a backpack on.  

[DuctTape]

The merit badge counselor is of great importance here. 

It has been a while, but I do believe the requirements do state to carry everything throughout the trek.

[HashTagScouts]

4 hours ago, DuctTape said:

The merit badge counselor is of great importance here. 

It has been a while, but I do believe the requirements do state to carry everything throughout the trek.

It does, indeed:

10. Following the Leave No Trace Seven Principles and the Outdoor Code, participate in at least three backpacking treks of at least three days each and at least 15 miles each, and using at least two different campsites on each trek. Carry everything you will need throughout the trek.

 

@ScoutsMama I hope the Scout enjoys this weekend, but don't get bogged down of whether "it counts for anything". Many, many youth in the program don't even experience more than a single overnight backpacking these days, so take the experience as an "intro" to backpacking of sorts, and cherish it.