As a Mountain Xtreme Camper, you will be spending a lot of time outdoors during your week. Please read this page thoroughly prior to arriving at IdRaHaJe as the information included is essential for you to know.
We are a Family
On this trip, we will be doing most things together as a group. Our #1 concern is safety. The following points concern everyone’s safety:
On trails:
At the campsite:
Campfires:
Toiletries: When on camp, we will have modern restrooms with showers available, but when you are out on the trail, there will not always be a restroom or outhouse. In those situations, you will need to use the “cat method.” This involves using a little trowel to dig a hole to relieve yourself.
Water: No matter how clean or “pure” the water may look out on the trail, it may not be safe to drink. We will need to purify our water. There is a microscopic bug in the water called giardia. We will start the week with clean water from camp, but IdRaHaJe will provide us with a product called AquaMira to treat our water on the trail.
Lost in Space: If you get separated from the group and are not sure where you are, STAY WHERE YOU ARE!!
Hypothermia: Hypothermia is the lowering of the body’s inner-core temperature. Exposure to any combination of cold, wetness, wind, and fatigue may cause hypothermia. Without recognition and treatment of symptoms (uncontrollable shivering, loss of limb coordination, exhaustion, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, and vague, slow, slurred speech) by a companion, this condition could lead to drowsiness, collapse, and death. The best defense against hypothermia is staying dry.
Treatment for hypothermia: The victim may deny any problem. Believe the symptoms, not the victim.
Lightning: Think ahead and get to safe areas before the storm hits. During a lightning storm, find a safe place:
Avoid the following:
Climbing: Do not climb rocks or trees unless an adult is present. In the case of rock climbing, the adult present should be trained for that type of activity.
Dehydration: Drink lots of liquids (water). Always fill your water bottle when you have the chance. Do not bring a lot of soda with you to Camp. If you are dehydrated, you will not have the best week at camp.
Clothing: Clothing is very important in regulating your body temperature whether you are hot or cold. Cotton is comfortable to hike in, but it can cause problems if it becomes wet, whether through rain or perspiration. Wool and synthetic materials (polypropylene, fleece, gore-tex, etc.) work better than cotton because they absorb little to no water, thus helping to keep you dry and warm. Staying dry is very important! It is best to dress in layers. Rather than having a bulky jacket, several light weight layers that will fit over each other makes it possible to regulate how warm or cold you are.
Pre-Trip Conditioning: These trips are strenuous by nature because of the mountainous terrain and the hiking, not to mention you will be carrying your equipment on your back. We recommend some pre-trip conditioning before you come up to IdRaHaJe. Some pre-trip conditioning ideas might include running or biking 2-5 miles a week, sit-ups, pull-ups, push-ups, and stretching so your muscles have some flexibility. Exercising in preparation for your trip will make the trip safer and more enjoyable for you.