| What it Takes |
When and where will the expeditions occur?
Between May and October in the American
West.
What kind of work will we be doing? Hiking
trail construction, clearing and rebuilding.
Removing brush and trees and rock wall
work. We will be using hand tools like pick
mattocks, pulaskis, rock bars, axes, and
crosscut saws.
Do we have to carry in the tools and food?
On most projects tools and food will be
provided by the USFS and packed into the
base camp with mules and horses. On some
expeditions men will be required to carry in
the tools and food.
Between May and October in the American
West.
What kind of work will we be doing? Hiking
trail construction, clearing and rebuilding.
Removing brush and trees and rock wall
work. We will be using hand tools like pick
mattocks, pulaskis, rock bars, axes, and
crosscut saws.
Do we have to carry in the tools and food?
On most projects tools and food will be
provided by the USFS and packed into the
base camp with mules and horses. On some
expeditions men will be required to carry in
the tools and food.
Describe a typical expedition. An expedition
begins with backpacking 35-50 pounds into a
wilderness area 5-15 miles. After arriving in base
camp each man will find his camp location and set
up his tent.
When all of the men have settled in the first act of
Worship occurs, the selection of the Sanctuary and
construction of the Altar of Sacrifice.
Days begin early between 4:30 am to 5:30 am
depending on the work detail. Breakfast, water and
firewood crews rise at 4:30 am. Clean up crews and
the balance of the men rise at 5:00 am. At 5:00 am
Morning Prayer is prayed. Breakfast is served at 6:
00 am and after cleaning up the work day begins
with a hike to the work site.
After arrival at base camp the men will clean up and
relax for a few minutes. Prior to the celebration of
the Mass a half hour of silence and solitude is
observed and then the men gather for Mass.
Following Mass, dinner is served followed by clean
up. Between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm, the men gather
for Evening Prayer, then fellowship, followed by
night prayer. Most men will retire by 9:00 pm. On
the last night in the wilderness, a night of reflection
or “cigar night” is celebrated.
begins with backpacking 35-50 pounds into a
wilderness area 5-15 miles. After arriving in base
camp each man will find his camp location and set
up his tent.
When all of the men have settled in the first act of
Worship occurs, the selection of the Sanctuary and
construction of the Altar of Sacrifice.
Days begin early between 4:30 am to 5:30 am
depending on the work detail. Breakfast, water and
firewood crews rise at 4:30 am. Clean up crews and
the balance of the men rise at 5:00 am. At 5:00 am
Morning Prayer is prayed. Breakfast is served at 6:
00 am and after cleaning up the work day begins
with a hike to the work site.
After arrival at base camp the men will clean up and
relax for a few minutes. Prior to the celebration of
the Mass a half hour of silence and solitude is
observed and then the men gather for Mass.
Following Mass, dinner is served followed by clean
up. Between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm, the men gather
for Evening Prayer, then fellowship, followed by
night prayer. Most men will retire by 9:00 pm. On
the last night in the wilderness, a night of reflection
or “cigar night” is celebrated.
What if there is an emergency? We will be
working with and for the United States
Forest Service. During the project we are
considered to be employees of the USFS and
are covered by their insurance. We will
have a 2 way radio that can contact other
USFS personnel who can assist with and
communicate any emergency responses
needed. If required, helicopters are used to
fly any injured to medical facilities.
working with and for the United States
Forest Service. During the project we are
considered to be employees of the USFS and
are covered by their insurance. We will
have a 2 way radio that can contact other
USFS personnel who can assist with and
communicate any emergency responses
needed. If required, helicopters are used to
fly any injured to medical facilities.
Other considerations. Leave electronic devices,
phones, and bad habits at home. Forget about
the razor and the deodorant. The intent of a
Wilderness Outreach expedition is to remove
men from the influences of the culture (the
world, flesh, self, and the devil) and place them
in a rugged environment where they will rely
on God, their Band of Brothers and their
personal masculine know how.
phones, and bad habits at home. Forget about
the razor and the deodorant. The intent of a
Wilderness Outreach expedition is to remove
men from the influences of the culture (the
world, flesh, self, and the devil) and place them
in a rugged environment where they will rely
on God, their Band of Brothers and their
personal masculine know how.
Gear
Extended trip backpack. 4000 to 5500 cubic inches.
(Manufacturers: Osprey, Gregory, North Face,
Deuter etc)
Day pack. Lightweight
Sleeping Bags and Pads: 20 degree bag. Closed cell
pad or self inflating pad.
Tent. 1 or 2 man 3 season with footprint and rainfly.
Head lamp.
Small Swiss army type knife or multi tool
Watch
1 ½ to 2 liter camel back or platypus water bags
with hoses and bite valves.
1- 32 oz Nalgen type wide mouth water bottle. Used
for measuring, cooking, coffee cold drinks etc.
Light weight spoon, fork and knife, strong and
tough plastic that won’t break
Small Tupperware sandwich size container used for
bowl and plate
Sunglasses
Camera (not necessary for everyone)
Personal hygiene
Toothbrush
Dental floss
Bug repellent
Sunscreen
Chapstick
Bandana
Lightweight towel
Lightweight washcloth
Vitamins
Aspirin
Hand cleaner
Drivers license, tickets, credit card, money
Small amount of toilet paper, maybe a small plastic
poop shovel
Plastic garbage bag
Purchase can be made online at Campmoor, REI,
Altrec, Mountain Gear. Also check out your local
outdoor store.
Clothing
Shoes: leather uppers, high top, hiking boots
Light weight trail shoes (optional)
Light weight camp shoes (optional) crocs or water
moccasins
Socks:Heavy duty Hiking (like Smartwool) 2 pairs.
No COTTON!
Liners. Wool or man made. NO COTTON! 2 pairs
Work Clothes
1 pair long legged jeans or carharts (for work)
2 long sleeve white cotton shirts (for work)
1 pair work gloves or other type of work gloves
Underwear 2 pair NO COTTON
Cold weather Clothes
Sock hat NOT COTTON
Long underwear top, NOT COTTON
Long under bottoms, NOT COTTON (OPTIONAL)
Fleece Sweater or Jacket, NOT COTTON
Gloves light weight, NOT COTTON (optional)
Rain gear Light weight tops and bottoms
Hiking and camp clothes:
Long pants NOT COTTON, LIGHT WEIGHT IF
BRINGING LONG UNDERWEAR BOTTOMS
Shorts NOT COTTON (OPTIONAL IF LIGHT
WEIGHT LONG PANTS)
Convertible Pants will take care of shorts and pants
T-shirt (NOT COTTON)
Coming out clothes.
Polo shirt
Pants or shorts.
Shoes: leather uppers, high top, hiking boots
Light weight trail shoes (optional)
Light weight camp shoes (optional) crocs or water
moccasins
Socks:Heavy duty Hiking (like Smartwool) 2 pairs.
No COTTON!
Liners. Wool or man made. NO COTTON! 2 pairs
Work Clothes
1 pair long legged jeans or carharts (for work)
2 long sleeve white cotton shirts (for work)
1 pair work gloves or other type of work gloves
Underwear 2 pair NO COTTON
Cold weather Clothes
Sock hat NOT COTTON
Long underwear top, NOT COTTON
Long under bottoms, NOT COTTON (OPTIONAL)
Fleece Sweater or Jacket, NOT COTTON
Gloves light weight, NOT COTTON (optional)
Rain gear Light weight tops and bottoms
Hiking and camp clothes:
Long pants NOT COTTON, LIGHT WEIGHT IF
BRINGING LONG UNDERWEAR BOTTOMS
Shorts NOT COTTON (OPTIONAL IF LIGHT
WEIGHT LONG PANTS)
Convertible Pants will take care of shorts and pants
T-shirt (NOT COTTON)
Coming out clothes.
Polo shirt
Pants or shorts.
Get in Shape and Stay in Shape
First and most importantly, you need
to build an aerobic base. That means
getting your heart, lungs and legs in
shape. As time goes on you will want
to add some weight work primarily
high reps (15-20). This will help build
muscular endurance. Once a month
you will want to hike at least 6-8 miles
in the beginning and ending with
hikes of 10-12 miles. Here is a possible
schedule.
Week 1 30 minute tread mill or fast
hike 3x
Week 2 30 minute fast hike 4X
Week 3 30 minute fast hike 5x
Week 4 30 minute fast hike 4x. Frst
JB challenge hike. 5 miles.
Week 5 30 minute fast hike 3x. 45
minute fast hike 1x. 30 minute
calisthenics followed by 30 minutes
weights 1x.
Week 6 30 minute fast hike 2x. 45
minute fast hike 1x. 30 minute
calisthenics followed by 30 minutes
weights 2x.
Week 7 45 minute fast hikes 3x. 30
minute calisthenics, 30 minute weights
2x
Week 8 45 minute fast hike 2x. 30
minute calisthenics and weights 2x.
JB challenge hike 7miles.
Week 9 Same as week 7
Week 10 = week 7
Week 11= week 7
Week 12= week 7 + JB challenge
hike 8 miles
Workouts will continue like week 7
until departing for the retreat with a
challenge hike every other week.
As you get into better and better
shape start using a small backpack
when you walk and add some weight
to it to make you work harder.
First and most importantly, you need
to build an aerobic base. That means
getting your heart, lungs and legs in
shape. As time goes on you will want
to add some weight work primarily
high reps (15-20). This will help build
muscular endurance. Once a month
you will want to hike at least 6-8 miles
in the beginning and ending with
hikes of 10-12 miles. Here is a possible
schedule.
Week 1 30 minute tread mill or fast
hike 3x
Week 2 30 minute fast hike 4X
Week 3 30 minute fast hike 5x
Week 4 30 minute fast hike 4x. Frst
JB challenge hike. 5 miles.
Week 5 30 minute fast hike 3x. 45
minute fast hike 1x. 30 minute
calisthenics followed by 30 minutes
weights 1x.
Week 6 30 minute fast hike 2x. 45
minute fast hike 1x. 30 minute
calisthenics followed by 30 minutes
weights 2x.
Week 7 45 minute fast hikes 3x. 30
minute calisthenics, 30 minute weights
2x
Week 8 45 minute fast hike 2x. 30
minute calisthenics and weights 2x.
JB challenge hike 7miles.
Week 9 Same as week 7
Week 10 = week 7
Week 11= week 7
Week 12= week 7 + JB challenge
hike 8 miles
Workouts will continue like week 7
until departing for the retreat with a
challenge hike every other week.
As you get into better and better
shape start using a small backpack
when you walk and add some weight
to it to make you work harder.
The Survival Essentials
Map: learn how to read one and use with
a compass
Compass: declination adjustable preferred
Addtional Clothing (non cotton)
Firestarter
Windproof lighter or waterproof matches
Extra Food
Head Lamp: extra batteries and bulbs
Knife or Multitool
First Aid Kit
Sunglasses
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Water Filter and water bottles or
hydration bags.
Map: learn how to read one and use with
a compass
Compass: declination adjustable preferred
Addtional Clothing (non cotton)
Firestarter
Windproof lighter or waterproof matches
Extra Food
Head Lamp: extra batteries and bulbs
Knife or Multitool
First Aid Kit
Sunglasses
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Water Filter and water bottles or
hydration bags.
Leave No Trace
God's Country, from state parks to vast
wilderness areas, are being used and enjoyed by
millions more people than just a few years ago.
Their non-motorized use, be it hiking, camping,
river-running, hunting, or other outdoor
activities, leaves an individual and cumulative
mark on the land.
As cities grow and populations encroach upon
wildlands and recreation areas, we must do
more than just pick up litter and extinguish
campfires; we must learn how to maintain the
integrity and character of the outdoors for all
living things. Leave No Trace is a national
outdoor skills and ethics education program
that promotes land stewardship,
minimum-impact skills, and wilderness ethics.
Here are some tips to help you "Leave No
Trace:"
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Know the regulations and special concerns for
the area you'll visit.
Visit the backcountry in small groups.
Avoid popular areas during times of high use.
Choose equipment and clothing in subdued
colors.
Repackage food into reusable containers.
Camp and Travel on Durable Surfaces
On the Trail:
Stay on designated trails. Walk single file in the
middle of the path.
Do not shortcut switchbacks.
When traveling cross-country, choose the most
durable surfaces available: rock, gravel, dry
grasses or snow.
Use a map and compass to eliminate the need
for rock cairns, tree scars and ribbons.
Step to the downhill side of the trail and talk
softly when encountering pack stock.
At Camp:
Choose an established, legal site that will not be
damaged by your stay.
Restrict activities to the area where vegetation
is compacted or absent.
Keep pollutants out of water sources by
camping at least200 feet (70 adult steps) from
lakes and streams.
Pack it In, Pack it Out
Pack everything that you bring into wild
country back out with you.
Protect wildlife and your food by storing
rations securely.
Pick up all spilled foods.
Properly Dispose of What you Can't Pack Out
Deposit human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8
inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp
or trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when
finished.
Use toilet paper or wipes sparingly. Pack them
out in plastic bags.
To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water
200 feet away from streams or lakes, and use
small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter
dish water after removing all food particles.
Inspect your campsite for trash and evidence of
your stay. Pack out all trash: yours and others'
Leave What You Find
Treat our natural heritage with respect. Leave
plants, rock, and historical artifacts as you find
them.
Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a
site should not be necessary.
Let nature's sounds prevail. Keep loud voices
and noises to a minimum.
Control pets at all times. Remove dog feces from
trails or camping areas.
Do not build structures or furniture or dig
trenches.
Minimize Use and Impact of Fires
Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the
backcountry. Always carry a lightweight stove
for cooking. Enjoy a candle lantern instead of a
fire.
Where fires are permitted , use established fire
rings, fire pans, or mound fires. Do not scar
large rocks or overhangs.
Gather sticks, no larger than an adult's wrist
from the ground.
Do not snap branches off live, dead or downed
trees.
Put out campfires completely.
Remove all unburned trash from fire ring, and
scatter the cool ashes over a large area well
away from camp.
For more information on the "Leave No Trace"
program and Leave No Trace teaching
activities, visit the Web site of the Leave No
Trace organization, sponsored in part by the
Bureau of Land Management.
God's Country, from state parks to vast
wilderness areas, are being used and enjoyed by
millions more people than just a few years ago.
Their non-motorized use, be it hiking, camping,
river-running, hunting, or other outdoor
activities, leaves an individual and cumulative
mark on the land.
As cities grow and populations encroach upon
wildlands and recreation areas, we must do
more than just pick up litter and extinguish
campfires; we must learn how to maintain the
integrity and character of the outdoors for all
living things. Leave No Trace is a national
outdoor skills and ethics education program
that promotes land stewardship,
minimum-impact skills, and wilderness ethics.
Here are some tips to help you "Leave No
Trace:"
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Know the regulations and special concerns for
the area you'll visit.
Visit the backcountry in small groups.
Avoid popular areas during times of high use.
Choose equipment and clothing in subdued
colors.
Repackage food into reusable containers.
Camp and Travel on Durable Surfaces
On the Trail:
Stay on designated trails. Walk single file in the
middle of the path.
Do not shortcut switchbacks.
When traveling cross-country, choose the most
durable surfaces available: rock, gravel, dry
grasses or snow.
Use a map and compass to eliminate the need
for rock cairns, tree scars and ribbons.
Step to the downhill side of the trail and talk
softly when encountering pack stock.
At Camp:
Choose an established, legal site that will not be
damaged by your stay.
Restrict activities to the area where vegetation
is compacted or absent.
Keep pollutants out of water sources by
camping at least200 feet (70 adult steps) from
lakes and streams.
Pack it In, Pack it Out
Pack everything that you bring into wild
country back out with you.
Protect wildlife and your food by storing
rations securely.
Pick up all spilled foods.
Properly Dispose of What you Can't Pack Out
Deposit human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8
inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp
or trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when
finished.
Use toilet paper or wipes sparingly. Pack them
out in plastic bags.
To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water
200 feet away from streams or lakes, and use
small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter
dish water after removing all food particles.
Inspect your campsite for trash and evidence of
your stay. Pack out all trash: yours and others'
Leave What You Find
Treat our natural heritage with respect. Leave
plants, rock, and historical artifacts as you find
them.
Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a
site should not be necessary.
Let nature's sounds prevail. Keep loud voices
and noises to a minimum.
Control pets at all times. Remove dog feces from
trails or camping areas.
Do not build structures or furniture or dig
trenches.
Minimize Use and Impact of Fires
Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the
backcountry. Always carry a lightweight stove
for cooking. Enjoy a candle lantern instead of a
fire.
Where fires are permitted , use established fire
rings, fire pans, or mound fires. Do not scar
large rocks or overhangs.
Gather sticks, no larger than an adult's wrist
from the ground.
Do not snap branches off live, dead or downed
trees.
Put out campfires completely.
Remove all unburned trash from fire ring, and
scatter the cool ashes over a large area well
away from camp.
For more information on the "Leave No Trace"
program and Leave No Trace teaching
activities, visit the Web site of the Leave No
Trace organization, sponsored in part by the
Bureau of Land Management.
The work day is filled with
vigorous work such as cutting
new hiking trails with pick
mattocks and removal of
downed trees with crosscut
saws. At 12:00 noon each day
the Angelus is prayed. At
2:00 pm each day the prayer
for Physical Integrity is
prayed. The work day
concludes at 3:30 to 4:00pm
with a hike back to base camp.
vigorous work such as cutting
new hiking trails with pick
mattocks and removal of
downed trees with crosscut
saws. At 12:00 noon each day
the Angelus is prayed. At
2:00 pm each day the prayer
for Physical Integrity is
prayed. The work day
concludes at 3:30 to 4:00pm
with a hike back to base camp.
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