Wilderness Outreach

Wilderness Outreach
1360 Frederick St.
Lancaster , OH 43130
United States
ph: John Bradford 614-679-6761
alt: Ryan Anthony / 269-806-8057 / anthr8@gmail.com

Do I Have What it Takes?

Frequently asked Questions

 

  1. What is Wilderness Outreach? Wilderness Outreach is a lay Apostolate that provides laymen, priests and seminarians a challenging masculine, spiritual, wilderness experience while performing service projects in the American mountain west for the United States Forest Service.
  2. What is the purpose of Wilderness Outreach? The purpose of Wilderness Outreach is to promote strong, positive, masculine leadership for laymen, priests, and seminarians.
  3. What will I come away with from this? A deeper appreciation for the connection of prayer, work and asceticism. A deeper sense of brotherhood within the fraternity of Catholic men. A better understanding of how to survive and enjoy God’s wilderness. A renewed or new sense of what it is to be a man as a unique creation of God. A better understanding of physical labor which will give me a deeper connection with other working men and as a result help me to be a better layman, seminarian or priest.
  4. When and where will the retreats occur? Between May and October in the American West.
  5. What kind of work will we be doing? Hiking trail construction, clearing and rebuilding. Removing brush and trees and rock wall work.
  6. 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. Some projects may require participants to carry tools, food and food preparation gear.
  7. Describe a typical retreat. A typical retreat begins with backpacking 35-50 pounds into a wilderness area 5-15 miles. After arriving in base camp each man will set up his tent and camping location which is followed by the selection of the Sanctuary site and construction of the Altar. Days begin early between 4:30 am to 5:30 am depending on the work detail you are on. Breakfast, water and firewood crews rise at 4:30 am. Clean up crews and the balance of the men rise at 5:30 am. Breakfast is served at 6:00am and the work day begins at 7:00am with a hike to the work location. The work day concludes at 3:30 to 4:00pm with a hike back to base camp. After arrival at base camp the men will clean up and then have Mass by 5:00pm. Following Mass, dinner is served followed by clean up. Between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm, the men gather for fellowship, followed by evening prayer. Most men will retire by 9:00 pm. On the last night in the wilderness, a night of reflection or “cigar night” is held.
  8. 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.
  9. Other considerations. Leave electronic devices, phones, and bad habits at home. Forget about the razor and the deodorant. The intent of a Wilderness Outreach retreat is to remove men from the influences of the culture (the world, flesh 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

  1. Backpacks
    1. Extended trip backpack. 4000 to 5500 cubic inches. Duffel bag. (Manufacturers: Osprey, Gregory, North Face, Deuter etc)
    2. 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
    1. Toothbrush
    2. Dental floss
    3. Bug repellent
    4. Sunscreen
    5. Chapstick
    6. Bandana
    7. Lightweight towel
    8. Lightweight washcloth
    9. Vitamins
    10. Aspirin
    11. Hand cleaner
    12. Drivers license, tickets, credit card, money
    13. Small amount of toilet paper, maybe a small plastic poop shovel
    14. Plastic garbage bag

    Purchase can be made online at Campmoor, REI, Altrec, Mountain Gear. Also check out your local outdoor store.

     

    Clothing

     

    1. Shoes
      1.  leather uppers, high top, hiking boots
      2. Light weight trail shoes (optional)
      3. Light weight camp shoes (optional) crocs or water moccasins
  • Socks
    1. Heavy duty Hiking (like Smartwool) 2 pairs. No COTTON!
    2. Liners. Wool or man made. NO COTTON! 2 pairs
  • Work Clothes
    1. 1 pair long legged jeans or carharts
    2. 2 long sleeve white cotton shirts
    3. 1 pair work gloves or other type of work gloves
  • Underwear 2 pair NO COTTON
  • Cold weather Clothes
    1. Sock hat NOT COTTON
    2. Long underwear top, NOT COTTON
    3. Long under bottoms, NOT COTTON (OPTIONAL)
    4. Fleece Sweater or Jacket, NOT COTTON
    5. Gloves light weight, NOT COTTON (optional)
  • Rain gear Light weight tops and bottoms
  • Hiking and camp clothes:
    1. Long pants NOT COTTON, LIGHT WEIGHT IF BRINGING LONG UNDERWEAR BOTTOMS
    2. Shorts NOT COTTON (OPTIONAL IF LIGHT WEIGHT LONG PANTS)
      1. Convertible Pants will take care of shorts and pants
    3. T-shirt (NOT COTTON)
  • Coming out clothes.
    1. Polo shirt
    2. Pants or shorts.
    3. Razor, deodorant

     

     

                              Leave No Trace

     

    America's recreation lands, 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.
     

    Get in Shape and Stay in Shape

     

    First and most importantly, you need to build and 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.

     

    1. Week 1  30 minute tread mill or fast hike 3x
    2. Week 2  30 minute fast hike 4X
    3. Week 3  30 minute fast hike 5x
    4. Week 4  30 minute fast hike 4x.  Frst JB challenge hike. 5 miles.
    5. Week 5  30 minute fast hike 3x. 45 minute fast hike 1x. 30 minute calisthenics followed by 30 minutes weights 1x.
    6. Week 6  30 minute fast hike 2x. 45 minute fast hike 1x. 30 minute calisthenics followed by 30 minutes weights 2x.
    7. Week 7  45 minute fast hikes 3x. 30 minute calisthenics, 30 minute weights 2x
    8. Week 8  45 minute fast hike 2x. 30 minute calisthenics and weights 2x. JB challenge hike 7miles.
    9. Week 9  Same as week 7
    10.  Week 10 =  week 7                                     
    11.  Week 11=   week 7
    12.  Week 12=   week 7 + JB challenge hike 8 miles
    13.  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

    1. Map: learn how to read one and use with a compass
    2. Compass: declination adjustable preferred
    3. Addtional Clothing (non cotton)
    4. Firestarter
    5. Windproof lighter or waterproof matches
    6. Extra Food
    7. Head Lamp: extra batteries and bulbs
    8. Knife or Multitool
    9. First Aid Kit
    10. Sunglasses
    11. Insect repellent
    12. Sunscreen
    13. Water Filter and water bottles or hydration bags

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    Andrew  and Clayton with full gear and a 6' crosscut saw and axes on thier way to Reed's Peak in the Gila

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Tent site in the Gila

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Backpacking into base camp in Idaho

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Camp Kitchen in the High Sierra

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     Dan with full gear, tools and warpaint heading to Reed's Peak

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Heading back into the Sierra on our first night we got into the USFS camp at about 2 am. So we just bailed out with our mats and sleeping bags and went to sleep.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Splitting rocks for the bridge retaining wall.

     

    When we got to Idaho some of the men started asking why "NO COTTON" was a mantra for Wilderness Outreach. By the time the workweek started, it rained everyday. It was impossible to dry out any cotton garments for the entire week. They were totally useless. On the other hand the non cotton gear dried quickly and provided warmth even when it was wet.

     

    No Trace Back Country Travel has different meanings depending on what wilderness you are in and who the governing authority is. In the Diamond Peak Wilderness in Oregon it means you pack out everything, meaning food scraps and toilet paper. The feces stays behind deep in a hole. In other areas the toilet paper is burned and thrown into the latrine hole and left over food scraps are buried in a deep compost pit. In other locations the leftovers are burned in the campfire prior to departure.

    In Idaho the rule was "no campfires" This changed however when the rains came and it was the only method available for getting warm and drying out.

    Mike Ketscher in the high Sierra of the John Muir Wilderness is a real pragmatist. To him a campfire is an everyday necessity for warmth, cooking, cleaning up and disposing of excess food and packaging. The real pleasure is found in the nightly fellowship around the campfire.

    You will want to be in good shape. Whether its scrambling up rock at 11,000 feet or..

    Swinging a double jacK sledge hammer to build a rock retaining wall.

    Every man should learn how to use a compass and a map in the wilderness. He should know what declination is and how to adjust for it. He should know the major constellations of the night sky and how they track through the sky through the seasons of the year.

     

     

    Copyright 2010 Wilderness Outreach. All rights reserved.

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    Wilderness Outreach
    1360 Frederick St.
    Lancaster , OH 43130
    United States
    ph: John Bradford 614-679-6761
    alt: Ryan Anthony / 269-806-8057 / anthr8@gmail.com