Wilderness Orientation

Wilderness Orientation Session is designed to introduce students to the school’s values and philosophy. This ten-day backpacking trip also serves the important role of creating a shared common experience through service, teamwork, challenge, and adventure. The skills taught on Wilderness not only benefit students on subsequent outdoor adventures, but also provide them with valuable lessons and strategies that will help them better approach everyday life at CRMS and beyond.
Groups camp and travel in local wilderness areas for ten days. The first three days are devoted to a service project with the U.S. Forest Service maintaining and improving backcountry trails. The remainder of the adventure entails a week-long backpacking expedition traveling on- and off-trail through mountainous terrain.

The leaders are CRMS faculty members who are qualified and experienced outdoor educators. Although the program is physically and mentally demanding, no previous backpacking or mountaineering experience is required. Students learn to take care of themselves and other group members while living and working together in a new environment. While exploring and living in these new environments are not without risks, risk management training and awareness are important components of this and all CRMS Active Curriculum activities.

In summary, CRMS Wilderness Orientation welcomes students to our school and delivers intentionally targeted competencies that lead to a more confident, competent adulthood. Following, you will find the welcome letter and comprehensive CRMS Wilderness Primer, which is mandatory reading for all new CRMS students and families.

Parents and students,

Greetings! Preparations for the 2011 Wilderness Orientation Session are underway. We are attending to many details to help ensure a successful program, and we want to emphasize a few things you can do to assist us in the process.

All Wilderness participants must read this entire Wilderness Primer found on this Web page and all PDF attachments carefully; they address the Wilderness Session and required equipment. It is extremely important that students arrive at CRMS with the right equipment and in physical condition sufficient for Wilderness. If after reading this material you have questions about equipment or anything concerning Wilderness, feel free to contact me by calling 970-963-2562 or emailing dfuller@crms.org.

I look forward to meeting all of you and having an opportunity to share with you one of the most exciting parts of CRMS’s program. I think you’ll find your time in the wilderness to be a unique and rewarding experience, one that will remain with you for years to come. One great way to prepare is to get out there and explore your own neck of the woods: hike, bike, swim, jog, or do whatever appeals to you. When you lift your pack for the first time and set off down the trail at CRMS, you'll be glad you did. See you on August 19th.

Sincerely,
Darryl Fuller
Director, CRMS Outdoor program


» Wilderness Slide Show

Wilderness Orientation Primer

NOTE: Throughout this primer, there will be several essential forms that all parents and students must review. Please click on all linked PDFs: CRMS expects all incoming students and parents to be thoroughly familiar with their contents.

What do I need to do in advance?
To ensure a smooth Wilderness session for all concerned, it is vitally important that you begin working on these five items:

1. Thoughtfully complete and submit the CRMS Wilderness questionnaire.
2. Buy and/or collect the equipment outlined on the Wilderness Equipment Checklist and described below, make sure to break in those boots!
3. Make sure you have had a physical examination and that the medical requirements have been met as outlined in the papers from the Health Office.
4. Get in shape—the experience will be much more enjoyable if you are in good shape! If you’re not already physically active, begin a program of walking, biking, running, or swimming that will prepare you for the physical challenge of the program.
5. Read each of the following three PDFs:

• Wilderness Fitness Expectations
• Altitude Sickness
• Coping With Asthma at High Elevations

What do I need to bring?
Most of the items you’ll need are available through the CRMS Bookstore (excluding packs and sleeping bags) or a good mountaineering shop. Roaring Fork Valley residents are encouraged to visit Summit Canyon Mountaineering in Glenwood Springs (970-945-6994); they have offered to give CRMS students a small discount and are knowledgeable about the gear and equipment necessary for CRMS trips. Out-of-town folks are encouraged to visit their local mountaineering shops; in the absence of such a shop we recommend REI. Please call early to ensure availability. For information on prices and ordering deadlines for items carried by the CRMS bookstore, download the Equipment Purchase Form.

NOTE: While carrying all of your gear and food on your back for an extended trip like Wilderness does involve hard work, it doesn’t have to be unduly uncomfortable. We have created the Wilderness Equipment Checklist to identify the gear and equipment you will need to remain comfortable in a wide range of possible scenarios. Obviously it is important to be able to remain warm and dry should the weather turn inclement. It is equally important to ensure that your pack is as light as it can be so that you can enjoy your time on the trail. To this end we will insist that extra items not listed on the equipment list be left behind. If you have additional personal items that you wish to bring that are not on the equipment list please discuss them with your leader. Also note that you will be helping carry a share of the group gear and food, usually somewhere between 15-20 pounds – keep this in mind as you gather and pack your belongings for Wilderness.

The Big Three items: The following three items (boots, pack, sleeping bag) are super important: please use extra care when selecting them.

• Boots: A good pair of hiking boots adds comfort and safety to mountain travel and with proper care will last for many years. A quality boot will have a supportive upper section and a sturdy sole and be designed for both on and off trail travel while carrying packs loaded with up to 40-50 pounds. Low-top or shoe-style hikers are not appropriate for Wilderness. There are many brands and styles to choose from, be sure to spend adequate time to find one that fits well. Expect to spend at least $75-150+ for a quality pair of boots. It is important to break in your boots by wearing them around for several days and then taking them out on short hikes in advance! When purchasing your boots ask your salesperson if your new boots will benefit from water proofing. Boots you have used before should be checked for good fit, waterproofed, and likewise worn as much as possible in the period before Wilderness

• Packs: Internal frame packs are built to mold closely to the human body. Your pack must have a capacity of 4,000 to 5,000 cubic inches (65-80 liters) and be designed for on and off trail backpacking (backpacks designed for traveling are not appropriate). In addition to capacity, it is important to get the right-size pack to match your body size. Purchase a pack from a mountain sports store that takes the time to help customize the fit. Borrowing a pack can work, but more often than not leads to unnecessary discomfort as it can be difficult to get a good fit with someone else’s pack. Since you will carry all of your belongings along with a share of the groups gear and food for the duration of your trip having a comfortable pack is very important. This year CRMS can provide a limited number of quality packs that can be rented for Wilderness. Should you be interested in trying out one of these packs please contact the CRMS Bookstore at (970) 963-3984. If purchasing a new pack expect to spend $150-250 for a quality backpack.

• Sleeping Bag: A good sleeping bag is a joy to sleep in and will last for many years. Fiberfill (or synthetic) bags are less expensive than down, are warm even when wet, and dry quickly. While they are bulkier and slightly heavier than down for the same loft, fiberfill bags are the best option for use at CRMS. If you already have a down bag, or prefer to purchase a down bag know that you will need to take extra care to keep it dry at all times to ensure it will keep you warm. A “three season sleeping bag” should have a suitable temperature rating down to approximately +15 degrees F (note that temperature ratings for sleeping bags are designed to communicate the lowest comfortable temperature that a bag would keep an average person warm. Some people know they are “hot” sleepers, meaning they use fewer covers and put off a fair bit of heat when they sleep. Conversely a “cold” sleeper likes extra covers and may therefore want a slightly warmer sleeping bag). Expect to spend $100-250 for a quality sleeping bag.

Information on some of the other items on the Wilderness Equipment Checklist:

• Sleeping Pad: There are many options when it comes to sleeping pads. The most simple and reliable pads are”closed cell” foam type pads that you can find at most any outdoor sports store. Inflatable sleeping pads can be quite comfortable, but add weight, and vulnerability. If you choose to bring an inflatable sleeping pad please do so knowing that you will need to take extra care to avoid a puncture and please also purchase an appropriate repair kit for your pad in the event it does develop a leak.

• Clothing and Fabrics: Do not bring cotton fabrics. In an outdoor environment wearing layers of synthetic fabrics works best and allows flexibility to remain comfortable in a wide range of weather conditions. It is important that all your clothing be comfortable, quick-drying and warm. Fabrics such as polyester, polypropylene, fleece, acrylic, rayon, wool or name brands like Polartec™, Thinsulate™, COOLMAX® and Capilene™ are just a few favorites of outdoor enthusiasts, since they retain much of their insulating qualities when wet. There are other brand names as well. Do not bring cotton fabrics because they do not provide warmth when wet, dry slowly, and are relatively heavy. Our Equipment Checklist reflects the layering principle. Several layers of light clothing keep you warm and can be adjusted to changes for both weather and activity. For example, wearing a synthetic long underwear top, a fleece sweatshirt or medium weight wool sweater and a fleece jacket allows you to adapt to changing conditions.

• Rain Gear: Good-quality coated-nylon rain gear is adequate for our use and can be found relatively cheaply. Cheap plastic is unacceptable. A poncho-style jacket is not appropriate for rain protection in the high country. Pullovers or hooded jackets are excellent. Gore-Tex™ or other breathable-waterproof fabrics work excellently but can be quite expensive.

• Ground Tarp: A small lightweight nylon tarp or sheet of durable 6mm plastic is used as a ground cloth under your sleeping pad at night and as a shelter during solo. Grommets on corners are helpful. Ground tarps should be ~5’x 8’ maximum-size.

• Toilet Kit: This kit should include a travel-size toothbrush, travel sized toothpaste, and floss. Moleskin™ and/or Molefoam™ for blisters, and foot powder, are optional, but a good idea if you have a history of getting blisters. Girls: menstrual cycles may be affected by changes in activity and or environment; bring a double supply of tampons or pads. Leaving lotions, deodorant, and other toiletries at home will help keep your load to a reasonable weight.

• Prescription Glasses: Blowing dust, rain, snow, and Colorado’s dry climate can cause problems for contact wearers in the backcountry. It is a good idea to bring backup contact lenses and/or glasses to ensure you can enjoy the beautiful sights you will see on your trip.

• Medications: Prescription medications brought on trips should arrive in the original container with the prescription label intact. The prescription label is documentation for your use of the medication while on course. The container should not include other medications, vitamins, etc. We also recommend bringing a spare set of medications, in case the first set gets lost or wet. Since many medications have contraindications involving sun exposure, high altitude or other environmental implications you will be asked to disclose all medications to the school nurse and the trip leader upon arrival to CRMS.

NOTE: Each year, students show up with some equipment that is inappropriate or ill-suited for our purposes. In our experience, there is often confusion surrounding the following items.

• Students are asked to leave knives behind (this includes Swiss Army or Leatherman-type knives). These items are prohibited in the dorms and on campus and should be left at home. CRMS provides knives for use on all outdoor trips.

• Do not bring heavy, insulated ski parkas for Wilderness; lightweight insulated shells work best to keep you warm and dry, and can compress into a small space when not in use.

• Water bottles need to have a secure, screw-top closure and be drip-free (try squeezing them upside down to test). Bottles with straws and fliptops, and water bladders used in hydration packs are generally not appropriate.

• CRMS prohibits students from bringing electronic devices on CRMS trip--the only exception to this rule is a digital camera. IPods, Kindles and other reading devices, cell phones (even ones with cameras), personal locator beacons, and video games must all be left behind on campus. If you have questions about what is permissible please contact the school. Furthermore, if you would like to learn more about our emergency communication protocol please feel free to get in touch with the Active Curriculum office.

In Summary
Thank you for taking the time to read the previous information and to download and read all the embedded forms. Taking the time to fully understand what you need to attend to before arriving at CRMS will help make the Wilderness Orientation experience more enjoyable and the busy beginning of the year less hectic. Please contact Darryl Fuller with any questions.