Now, I was hoping to sell them on Isle Royale, since that is the easiest trip to pull off, logistically, and my favorite. But they have their hearts set on Yellowstone. They. Have. No. Idea. But, OK. My task is now to cost out the trip and present it to the Patrol Leaders Council and Troop Committee.
I've always preferred driving. It saves costs and gives you freedom on the trip. Plus, you get to see so many more cool things. Many adults in our frenetic world prefer to fly, because they have more money than time off. (Though you still have to rent vans when you get there, so big deal.) So the choice is between adult convenience and youth costs. I'll rough out the trip either way, though, and see what we come up with.
I think, in the end, it'll come down to what the older boys want to do. After all, this trip is just for them. And that means not all adults will have the desire to go, either. Anyway, we'll see how it shakes out.
I just hope that the trip makes. I hate to disappoint kids. And though this Troop has an amazing history of going places and doing things, they've not done a lot of hiking; they've done zero backpacking; no one but me knows what Leave No Trace or bear safety looks like. So, prayers for this trip which is now starting its planning phase.