Each summer, ten backpackers leave Pendola Center for an eight day, seven  night backpacking trip. Coed teens, ages 14 to 16, learn how to cook on a  backpacking stove, practice no-trace camping, and how to live with only what they can carry. The trip leads the hikers along the Pacific Crest Trail in the Lake Basin area of the Tahoe National Forest, starting at pristine Lake Smith and ending after descending the Sierra Buttes. Spectacular scenery and the  freedom of the backcountry are the highlights of this trip.

Goals:

• to enhance the individual's self-esteem, skills and confidence in outdoor  living skills
• to raise the individual's awareness of their responsibility to the community
• to develop the individual's awareness of God in themselves, their community and in nature
• to provide an experience of backpacking for 14 to 16 year old campers

Outline:

• Sunday - Arrival and check-in at Camp. Swim test, community building and introduction to the schedule and goals of the trip.
• Monday - Leave for overnight campout at Kelly Bar. Use time to learn safe  hiking procedures and how well equipment functions.
• Tuesday - Return to Camp. Repack supplies for trip and review map.
• Wednesday - Finish packing and take van to Smith Lake trail head, north of  the Sierra Buttes. Hike to Smith Lake.
• Tuesday to Wednesday - Make way along trail learning how to set-up and break camp in a low impact camping style. Learn how to live in Christian community and enjoy the gift of creation.
• Thursday - Return to Camp via van. Shower, unpack and debrief trip with Camp Director. Enjoy camp activities.
• Friday - Clean backpacking gear and cabin. Participate in camp activities. Evaluate program with Camp Director.
• Saturday - End of Backpacking Trip.