Operation PAWS (Virginia)

Operation PAWS (Virginia)

Distance: 6 +/- miles or 12 +/- miles

Brief Start Time: Saturday 23rd March 2024 at 0800 hrs

Event Start Time: Saturday 23rd March 2023 at 0830 hrs

Start Location: Mount Pleasant Trailhead, VA

Event Finish Time: Saturday 23rd March 2023 at 1430 hrs

Finish Location: Mount Pleasant Trailhead, VA

Situation

Operation PAWS is about helping local animal shelters and the animals who call it (temporary) home. At GBF we love our four-legged hiking partners, so we designed an event to help the animals who need it most.

This Operation PAWS takes place in the George Washington National Forest.

Mission

Operation PAWS mission is to complete the set route, using supplies to donate to local animal shelters as our ruck weight.

Execution

Candidates will meet at the Mt. Pleasant Trailhead Trailhead parking area.

At 0800 hrs, GBF Staff will give an event brief before answering any questions and releasing the candidates to begin the route at 0830 hrs.

There is a generous 6 hour time limit for Operation PAWS and candidates and their pups are free to go at their own pace. Please ensure you download the route.

Service Support

- Mapping. GBF events use the AllTrails app for navigation. To download the route from AllTrails, you will need to sign up for a membership. GBF suggests candidates have a paper map, compass, and GPS too.

- Route. Operation PAWS (VA) route is HERE. Please download the route for offline use. You can complete the 6 or 12 mile version.

- Weight. Candidates must carry a minimum of 20 lbs, made up of items to donate to the animal shelter. You can find a generic list of what animal shelters require HERE.

- Equipment.

This list is mandatory.

• Backpack (waterproof inner-bags)
• Phone, charger & cable
• AllTrails App and correct route
• Drinking Water
• Whistle
• Pocket knife
• Emergency rations / energy bars
• Personal First Aid Kit

- Checkpoints. There are no checkpoints on this route.

- Rations. Candidates should have a minimum of 2 x energy bars as emergency rations.

- Water. There will be bottled water at the start / finish point. Candidates should carry enough water to last the route distance +3 miles, in case they get lost.

- Medical. A personal medical kit is required by every candidate. GBF Staff must be made aware of any medical conditions prior to starting the event.

- Transport. Transport to and from the event will be at candidates own arrangement.

Command and Signal

GBF HQ - 9419939432

Numbers - Maximum number of candidates 40. Minimum number of candidates 10.

Cost - $50 to include Operation PAWS patch 

Refunds - Refunds will be in the form of a GBF voucher for future events. Refunds within 30 days of an event will not be possible.