I work with a bunch of middle and high school girls at my church, mostly minorities from urban low-income backgrounds. I'm not sure any of them have ever slept in a tent, once less gone backpacking. I'm pondering taking four of them out for an overnighter in the Sam Houston National Forest (just north of Houston) sometime next spring, and I thought I'd see if anyone here could offer advice.
I will only do this trip in warm, pleasant weather (say, next April or May-- that's as nice as it gets in southeast Texas!). I have three small tents that would sleep five of us-- I could carry one, and split the other two among the girls. I would tell them to supply their own large school book bags for backpacks. I'm wondering what to do about sleeping bags. The Sportsmans' Guide website used to have $25 summerweight bags that roll up extremely small-- I bought one for myself-- but they seem to be discontinued now. They have Army surplus bags that look similar for $19, but they don't give any information about rolled-up size or weight. I could maybe spend $80 to buy four if they will work. Does anyone know how big these are? (I emailed the company but haven't heard back yet.)
I plan to give the girls a VERY strict packing list... otherwise, no kidding, they will show up with hair dryers and Gameboys and five changes of clothes. I've already got a place in mind to camp... just about a mile from the parking area, on the shore of Lake Conroe (following Sgt. Rock's advice about camping with kids by water!). I figure we can set up camp there, and then use that as a base for a longer day hike. I want to use the opportunity to talk to them about "pack-in-pack-out," Leave No Trace, caring for the environment, survival in the wilderness, etc. The goal is to give them a pretty safe and controlled experience while still acquainting them with the woods and making them feel like they've had a real adventure.
So, any advice for me, regarding the sleeping bags or any other gear, or just in general?