Valley Presbyterian Church 2001 Youth Backpacking Trips

(1) JUNIORHIGH SIERRA BACKPACK
June 15-18: Click here to see the photos of the trip

(2) HIGH SCHOOL BACKPACK
June 29-July 2: Click here to see photos of the trip

Mineral King Valley, Sequoia, National Park, CA. Our backpack begins here!

Download Trip Flyer

Purposes:

• To develop an appreciation for God through seeing his handiwork in Creation (Romans 1:20)
• To build bonds of Christian Fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25)
• To study and apply God’s Word 2 Timothy 2:15

The following is a recommended plan for a base-camp trip with an overnight backpacking option. We can transform it into a backpacking trip with little effort if all who want to attend prefer to go backpacking, or if the JHS leadership prefers to do so.

Campground Information (for families or individuals wishing to camp while we backpack):

• We plan to camp at Cold Springs Campground near the trailhead. Parents and families who would like to join us for the beginning and ending of the trip are ecnouraged to camp here.
• Cold Springs Campground, Mineral King, Sequoia National Park.
• There will still be snow on mountain peaks and in some valleys.
• Mosquitos are generally not a problem, but could be. Bring repellant.
• Restroom facilities are primitive (i.e. outhouse). Pay showers are available at Silver City, a 4 or 5 mile drive.

Phone number of Mineral King Ranger Station: 559 565-3768

Equipment

Please try to borrow equipment if you do not have it. If you prefer to rent: Sports Chalet in Porter Ranch rents backpacks at a cost of $6.00 for the first day, plus $2.00 each for each addtional day. Please see the equipment list.

Junior High Schedule: Mineral King

Friday, June 15

• Drive to Mineral King; Leave church at TBA; arrive TBA
• Camp at Atwell Mill or Cold Springs Campground

Saturday, June 16

• Morning Bible Study & Devotions
• Backpack to White Chief Canyon
• White Chief Canyon is a beautiful Glacial valley with small ponds and a creek that mysteriously disappears into a limestone basin. The meadows are filled with marmots and other wildlife.
• Observing the stars with binoculars and telescopes
• Campfire talks

Sunday, June 17

• Morning Bible Study & Devotions
• Backpack to Eagle Lake or Mosquito Lake.
• Games and projects
• Campfire

Monday, June 18

• Worship Service in Meadow
• Return to Mineral King Trailhead
• Leave for home after lunch

Mineral King Topographical Map. Click on Map to see surrounding region.

HIGH SCHOOL BACKPACK
June 29-July 2

Friday June 29

• Leave church at TBA
• Arrive at Lake Sabrina Campground at TBA

Saturday, June 30

• Hike to Dingleberry (or Blue or Donkey Lakes)

Sunday, July 1

• Church Service by the Lake
• Afternoon Hike to Echo Lake

Monday, July 2

• Hike back to cars
• Leave Lake Sabrina at TBA
• Arrive at VPC at TBA