What is the refund procedure for the 2020 Harrison Hike?

“Refunds

As the current situation is still evolving, schools will be issuing refunds at the end of each month for cancelled items and events. If your payments were made online the refund will be processed back to your credit card or bank account within the first five days of the following month. If your payment was made by cash or cheque, your school will issue a cheque as soon as possible after the month end if the collective amount owed to your family is over $30. If the amount is less than $30, payment will be made after June 20th in order to minimize the number of cheques a school has to issue. Any scheduled payments have been put on hold until May 1, 2020. This will be revisited in mid-April.”

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I can't make the first and/or second hike, can I still participate in the Harrison Hike?
Yes. We understand that you might have a commitment on either the day or the overnight hike, but you wouldn't want to sign-up knowing that you couldn't make the full Harrison Hike. Please know that team bonding does happen during the first two hikes, so to do lessons on wilderness survival, shelter building, etc. Please make sure you record your reason for not being able to participate in one or both of the first hikes on the consent form.

I'm not feeling well the night before the hike, what do I do?
Once you're in a group you'll be given emergency contact info, please call or text a staff member or your leader to let them know that you will not be able to make the hike.

My teacher won't sign off on my permission form, what can I do?
Stop and think about the reason they won't sign your form, there's probably a good chance you already know the reason. Politely ask your teacher what they would like to see from you in exchange for participating in the hike. Hand-in as much missing work, attend class on time, and improve your attitude and work habits-remember the Harrison Hike is a privilege not a right.

What type of footwear should I bring?
A pair of waterproof hiking shoes are more than sufficient for these hikes. You can also go with a mid height hiking boot, for more ankle support (especially if this has been a concern in the past). A tall or full height boot isn't really required for our hikes, but can be used if preferred. Make sure they fit, and are well broken in before wearing them on even the first hike. Also, bring a lightweight shoe for around camp-many leaders will dawn some stylish crocks! It's cold at night so avoid flip flops or other toe-exposing footwear-crocks are extra stylish with socks!

What type of socks should I wear?
Avoid cotton because once it's wet it will remain this way. Instead use merino wool which keeps your feet dry, and helps to reduce the chances of getting blisters. Most hikers have 3-5 pairs. One to wear. One to clean then dry on the outside of their pack. One to change into when you get into camp. No stylish no-show ankle socks, you'll be sure to get blisters!

I get blisters. What can I do?
There are special ways you can tie your shoes to avoid your foot from slipping around in your shoe-Google it and try them at home. Also avoid loose-fitting, and cotton socks as they don't breath well. Also having extra dry socks that you can change into during breaks gives your feet the opportunity to dry. Also, have moleskin, duct tape or some other anti-friction tape/rub in an easy to reach location so at any break or feeling of friction you can address your feet before a blister even forms--prevention is the best!

What kind of backpack should I bring?
Most HH veterans will have a 65ltr to 80ltr pack that will fit all of their gear and food inside when packed correctly. Look for an internal frame, and one that has a hip belt and sternum strap! Mec has some great options, but ask friends and family before going out to purchase a new pack, as most packs will run $200 and up! Also packs shave different size frames, what fits one person could be very uncomfortable for another. Not sure if your pack will work bring it to school before the hike and your leader will check it out.

Do I really need a pack cover?
Yes! Chances are it will rain, and when it does you want to keep everything inside your pack dry-and a pack cover will do this. Purchase a pack cover based on the size of your backpack--tip: make sure it will fit around YOUR ENTIRE BAG NOT JUST THE TOP. Some people find that getting a slightly larger pack cover works better if you are forced to keep items outside your bag like a sleeping bag or mat.  If you can't fit your sleeping bag inside your pack pick up a dry-bag for your sleeping bag so that when it's attached to the outside of your pack it stays dry. Please do not use garbage bags, one lone branch typically does these in within the first day of hiking.

What kind of sleeping bag should I bring?
We recommend a 0 to -7 degree sleeping bag that is big enough to pull up and over your head. Your kids bag from beaver camp probably won't cut it, as some nights can drop down to around zero. Down bags are great as they are particularly warm and light-weight but once they get wet they will stay wet for the rest of the hike. Synthetic fill bags are best as they remain warm even when wet, but tend to be heavier than their down counterpart.

What type of clothing should I bring/wear?
Nothing cotton! Once cotton is wet it will remain wet and cold for the entire hike! Put away the cotton hoodies, the jeans and the cotton t-shirts. Think man-made fibers like polyester, nylon and other quick-drying fabrics. It's not a fashion show-don't bring your special lulu lemon-best. Instead, buy second-hand because your clothes are probably going to get very dirty, smelly, filled with fire burn holes and never look new again.

What's a bear hang? Do I really need to bring a bag for my "smellies?"
All students and staff will be using bear hangs for anything that smells (ex: food, garage, deodorant, toothpaste, etc). We will be using rope and a bag and tying our "smellies" up in trees to avoid attracting unwanted visitors. Every student should have a durable, and waterproof bag that can be hung in a tree without ripping or tearing that fits all food, cooking equipment (if not cleaned properly) and "smellies." MEC has a great selection of dry-bags in a variety of sizes--and no a garbage bag, reuse able shopping bag, laundry bag won't work for this purpose.

I've got my period while on the hike, now what?
Having your period while on the trail isn't ideal, but it isn't a deal breaker, nor should it stop you from experiencing wilderness camping. Be prepared to pack out any sanitary napkins (ex:pads) as they (and their wrappers) will not biodegrade. Just before bed, it is good practice to change to a clean pad. We recommend having a separate solid-coloured small discrete garbage bag (something like a ziplock) which you will discreetly bear hang at night with the rest of your "smellies." If you use tampons please only bring cardboard applicators as these can be buried. All fecal matter and toilet paper will be buried away from camp. As long as you abide by these important wilderness rules we should have no concern about bears coming into camp.

Why do I need 2 one-liter water bottles?
One for drinking. One for treating (which takes between 15-45mins for most drops or tablets). Dehydration is a very real risk while on these hikes, making sure your staying well hydrated is very important!

What water treatment is the best?
Most staff and experienced Jr. Leaders will use either a purification pump or drops. These eliminate water-borne organisms like beaver fever and don't have the poor taste of some pills. If you do use iodine-based water treatment pills we recommend bringing along some water flavouring like Mio or Crystal Light, as this type can have a strange taste.

Can I bring my phone?
Yes, but it can only be used for photos. Remember there will be no way to charge it (so please don't ask), it may get wet or damaged, and you are replicating the Cariboo Gold Rush-did gold miners have cell phones? FYI, you will get a bunch of pics at the end of the hikes.

What happens if there's an emergency?
Staff have access to a satellite phone and/or will drive the student out to the closest hospital. We will contact the parent or guardian if an emergency or any hospitalization occurs. 

What I don't get to bathe for 6 days? I don't think I can do this!
Over 1200+ Walnut Grove Gators have taken part in the Harrison Hike over the past 20+ years-if they can go without a shower/bath for six days then so can you! We all smell the same as we move throughout the week-it's part of the wilderness experience.

I've never done anything like this.  Can I do this?
Yes you can! Your leaders will teach you everything you need to know about surviving and thriving in the wilderness for 6 days. Many of us have done this for well over 6 years, and we love every minute-that's why we keep coming back for more! Come with a positive attitude, and a desire to learn new things and we guarantee you'll make memories that will last you a lifetime!

Where can I purchase hiking gear?
We recommend MEC (Mountain Equipment Coop), Atmosphere, Army & Navy, Canadian Tire, Wholesale Sports, Cabellas, Bass Pro