Trail Trips

Starting in 1962 a number of leaders observed that some other church camps were working fruitfully with trial camp programs. It was felt that some of our older youth needed something new, different and challenging after perhaps many consecutive summers in our regular Quaker Meadow program. It seemed probable that the casual atmosphere would provide unique opportunities for the development of close relationships between youth people and older counselor-leaders and that these relationships might be used of God in stimulating spiritual maturity.

In August of 1962 a seven-man party of explorers embarked on a survey-hike to see what part of the country around camp looked best for a pack trip program. The "expedition" hiked from camp into Maggie Lakes, then to the headwaters of the Little Kern River, then to Coyote Lakes and back to camp. The total trip covered over 50 miles. The resulting decision was that that a pack trip should be organized the next year into Maggie Lakes, taking two days to hike in, staying four days, then using two days to hike out.

In August of 1963, Lawrence Gunner Payne led the first trip with 15 high school and college youth. 1n 1964 two such trips were organized and this was the case for numerous years. Sometimes burros ere used to carry in heavier food stuffs, but always young people carried 24-45 pound packs on their backs. the round trip is approximately 30 miles, with opportunities at Maggie Lakes for swimming, hiking, fishing, relaxing, etc. Quaker Meadow bought and furnished packsacks and supplies, food and cooking gear. Campers were asked to bring sleeping bags and personal effects.

From the booklet Quaker Meadow, 1939-1975