FAQ

About GALS North Carolina

Acceptance Criteria

Application Process

Backpacking Basics

  • How heavy are our backpacks?
  • Where do we sleep?
  • How many people will be in each tent?
  • Are we going to be hiking nonstop, or will there be breaks to rest?
  • What if I get too tired carrying my backpack? Will we be able to stop?
  • What if people go at different paces? Will some of us be able to go ahead, or do we have to stay as a group at all times?
  • Are we going to be hiking if there are thunderstorms/rain/etc.?
  • Do we get to pick the routes, or are they set out for us?
  • How many miles per day will we be traveling?
  • What is the terrain like?

Hygiene & Personal Care

  • Where do I go to the bathroom?
  • How do I stay clean?
  • If I get low blood sugar quickly, how can I keep healthy?
  • What do I do if I’m on my period?
  • How will we wash our hands?

Safety & Health

  • How do we stay safe from wildlife?
  • Will we be going in the water? Do I need to know how to swim?
  • What if there are thunderstorms when we are in the tents? Will we be safe?
  • What if it’s raining a lot and we’re sopping wet?
  • Are there any insects/plants we need to look out for?
  • What if I get separated/lost on my own?
  • How would we get into contact with someone if needed?
  • How will we get in/out of the backcountry quickly if we need to?
  • Are we going to be carrying/wearing sunscreen every day?
  • What if someone gets hurt?
  • What preventative measures should I take so that I do not get blisters/aches/pain?

Food & Water

  • What are we going to be eating?
  • How will we cook while camping?
  • I have an allergy / I am a picky eater. What should I do?
  • How often will we be eating?
  • Will the water we drink be clean? Will we be carrying water?
  • How are we going to carry enough food and also leave no trace with the packaging?

Clothing & Shoes

  • How do we keep clothes clean & dry?
  • How do I pack my bag so that everything fits?
  • How do we make sure our wet/dirty clothing does not get everything else gross?

Other

  • What will it be like temperature-wise throughout the day?
  • Will you be taking our phones/electronics?
  • Who will be taking pictures?
  • Who will be carrying the group gear?
  • Will we see other people while hiking, or will it be just us out there?
  • I don’t know anything about backpacking!

I have other questions that aren’t answered here. How can I get an answer?

About GALS North Carolina

  • When will GALS 2023 be held?
    • The GALS North Carolina overnight camping and backpacking trip will be held on June 18th -July 1st.
  • Is GALS free?
    • Yes, GALS is free for all participants.
  • How many students are on each trip?
    • Each trip consists of 8 students and 3 instructors.
  • Do I need previous science experience?
    • No previous science experiences are necessary. You just need to come with a desire to learn about the science of the environment surrounding you.
  • What is backpacking?
    • Backpacking is hiking with all the gear that you need to camp on your back.
  • Do I need previous hiking or backpacking experience?
    • No previous hiking or backpacking experience is necessary. We will teach you all the skills that you need.  You just need to come with a willingness to learn the outdoor skills.
  • What if I don’t have any backpacking gear?
    • Don’t let this stop you from applying. We can lend you all the gear that you’ll need for GALS so that you don’t need to buy anything.
  • How can I train for the physical challenges of GALS?
    • You should try to engage in cardio exercise about 3 times a week for the few months leading up to GALS. We suggest running, biking, hiking, and long walks around your neighborhood.

Acceptance Criteria

  • How old do I have to be to apply?
    • GALS participants should be either (1) currently in 9-12th grade or (2) earning a GED and 17 or younger.
  • I’ve never done anything like GALS. Should I apply?
    • Yes! GALS wants to provide hands-on, outdoor science opportunities to people who haven’t had them. If you haven’t done anything like GALS but it sounds up your alley, apply!
  • Will my GPA affect my acceptance into GALS?
    • No, we do not take GPA into account when deciding who to accept for GALS. Selection is based upon motivation, interest for science, and a team spirit.
  • I don’t think I’m very good at science, and I don’t have good grades in my science classes, but I think science is fun. Is this a good program for me?
    • Yes! Everyone can do science! If you are excited about the idea of doing hands-on science out in the woods, then this is the program for you – it doesn’t matter to us what grades you receive in the classroom. We will help build your confidence in science: We will explore the scientific method, how to design experiments, and how to analyze data. We believe that the best way to learn is to do, and the best place to learn about science is outside – with your sleeves rolled up!
  • I don’t identify as female, but I don’t identify as male either. Can I apply?
    • Yes! The number one goal of GALS is to increase outdoor science opportunities for groups that are underrepresented in science – especially with respect to gender identity, race or ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. We encourage anyone who doesn’t identify as male to apply.
  • Do I need to be from the specific state where the program is offered to apply?
    • No, but keep in mind that you must be able to travel to and from the meeting location for the start and end of the program and that preference will be given to students from the state where the program is located.
  • My parents may not be able to drive me to and from the meeting location for the program. Are there any other options for me?
    • Yes, if there is need, GALS may be able to arrange pick-up for participants prior to the start of the program. Please contact us directly to discuss your particular situation.
  • Can my parents be reimbursed for driving me to the meeting location?
    • Yes, we can reimburse parents for the cost of gas for transportation to and from the meeting location. Please contact us directly to discuss the steps for getting a gas reimbursement. You will then be responsible for following-up with the necessary information for us to process the reimbursement.

Application Process

  • When are applications due?
    • Applications for Summer 2023 open November 14th!
  • What if I don’t have access to a computer to complete the online application?
    • If you do not have access to the online application, please let us know.  We are happy to provide you with a hard-copy of the application questions, and you can submit the application by mailing it in.
  • Who should write my letters of recommendation?
    • Adults that know you well and have seen you in an academic, leadership, or outdoor environment. This could mean a science teacher, an English teacher, a soccer coach, a camp director, a boss at your job, etc. We want to hear from someone who knows you well – and why you would learn and grow from a program like GALS.
    • When you decide who you want to write your letters, you should ask them in person or over email if they are willing to write letters for you. Provide them with information about the program, why you want to do it, and why you are a good fit for it. Also make sure to tell them when the letter is due (April 1st) and how to submit it.
  • Do you accept late applications?
    • No, we do not accept late applications. GALS applications open November 14th.– We suggest submitting the application a few days before they’re due in case of technological issues or unforeseen circumstances that might arise.
  • When do I find out if I was accepted?
    • We will email your application status by May. We are working hard to expand our program, but unfortunately we can’t accept everyone who applies. If you are not accepted this year, we encourage you to apply again next year, and to see if there are other science opportunities available in your area.
  • I was asked to write a letter of recommendation. What should I include?
    • Once your recommendee submits the application, you will receive an e-mail with a link to the recommendation form.  This contains specific questions for you to answer.
    • We want to hear about why you think your recommendee is a perfect fit for GALS. What will they bring to GALS?  And, equally important, how will they benefit from GALS?  We use these letters of recommendations to get a better sense of who the students are.  The more details you can tell us about your recommendee (especially personal stories), the more we can get to know them.

Backpacking Basics

  • How heavy are our backpacks?
    • Between 30 and 40 pounds. This might sound heavy, but we have chosen food items that are light and easy to pack, which helps reduce the weight. You can also help by choosing lightweight clothing, and trying not to pack anything you don’t absolutely need – which is why we provide you with the packing list of exactly what items you’ll need. It’ll probably feel tough the first 2 days, and then you’ll get used to (and start to enjoy) carrying your life on your back.
  • Where do we sleep?
    • We sleep in tents at campsites. These are usually large cleared areas in the forest where we can set up our tents on flat ground. Campsites are usually very close to the trail, but not directly adjacent to the trail, so there is a bit of privacy from other groups of hikers. Campsites are sometimes near a river or other scenic spot. You’ll each have a sleeping bag to keep warm and a sleeping pad (like a very condensed mattress) to offer you something soft to lie on.
  • How many people will be in each tent?
    • Two while we are backpacking and four while we are camping our first couple of nights. You’ll get to know your tent partner well during the first week, and then we’ll rotate tent partners for the second week.
  • Are we going to be hiking nonstop, or will there be breaks to rest?
    • We will take numerous breaks throughout the day. Some will just be short breaks for snacks and water. Other times, we will break for several hours in the middle of the day for science or leadership activities.
  • What if I get too tired carrying my backpack? Will we be able to stop?
    • Yes. The Leader of the Day (which will be you at some point!) is responsible for making sure everyone is feeling good while hiking, both physically and mentally. Everyone gets tired at some point. We will aim to take lots of breaks before anyone gets uncomfortably tired.
  • What if people go at different paces? Will some of us be able to go ahead, or do we have to stay as a group at all times?
    • We like to stay in a group, because it’s more fun to hike with friends. The Leader of the Day helps set the pace, keeping in mind that if the group becomes too spread out along the trail, they might need to adjust the speed at which they are walking or take more breaks.
  • Are we going to be hiking if there are thunderstorms/rain/etc.?
    • During a light drizzle, we may keep walking. (It’s actually really beautiful to hike in the rain!) However, if conditions are not good enough for hiking, we will wait out the storm. If there is thunder and lightning, we will take every precaution to be in the safest possible place and remain there until the lightning has passed.
  • Do we get to pick the routes, or are they set out for us?
    • We have chosen a set route that maximizes beautiful scenery and interesting places to conduct scientific investigations. However, we have a ton of flexibility planned so some days you may decide to go a different way. Your leaders will help the group make the decisions on what is best for everyone.
  • How many miles per day will we be traveling?
    • We travel between 2 and 5 miles each day (approximately 2 – 5 hours of hiking, including stops). Some days, we will stay at the same campsite and will just pack our lunches for a day adventure to do science activities.
  • What is the terrain like?
    • The terrain is mixed. Some days will be a lot of up and down, some days are very flat. Some days will feel very challenging, but we will all work together to go the distance. Some days will be easy days for everyone to regain our energy. Most of the trails go through forest, with occasional small meadows, streams, and mountain tops.

Hygiene & Personal Care

  • Where do I go to the bathroom?
    • Some days we’ll stay at a front-country site, where we’ll be camped right next to our van. There will be bathrooms for you to use there. When we’re hiking and camping in the woods, we practice environmentally-friendly bathroom techniques, which we will be giving detailed instructions on during the first day. In short, you’ll squat to go to the bathroom. If you’re pooping, you’ll dig a small hole and then bury it when you’re done. While this might sound a bit daunting at first, you’ll soon learn to appreciate the beautiful outdoors, and we’ll have competitions about who can find the prettiest locations to use the bathroom. We’ll have plenty of soap and hand sanitizer for you to use afterward too!
  • How do I stay clean?
    • We will have showers available at campsite facilities at the beginning of the trip. We will stay in a retreat center mid trip that will have showers available and we will be in dorms at Catawba College at the end of the trip. During the days in between showering, you may be able to cool off with a splash of water from a stream, but the best way to stay clean while camping is actually to just put on dry clothes at the end of the day when hiking is done. Everyone may get a little bit smelly, but it’s ok! We will wash clothes during our mid trip stop.
  • If I get low blood sugar quickly, how can I keep healthy?
    • Your leaders are trained in understanding the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar. The remedy is simply to rest, drink water, and eat! We keep lots of snacks on hand, like granola bars, fruit and trail mix. Each person carries their own snacks too. By eating regularly and often, we will be able to avoid having anyone get low blood sugar.
  • What do I do if I’m on my period?
    • Don’t worry! It’s really not as bad as it sounds. Lots of us will probably be on our periods during the trip. Every student will have their own ziplock bag for used feminine care products. If your period comes unexpectedly, the leaders will have extra pads and tampons available for you. You can dispose of used tampons and pads when we reach the end of the trail.
  • How will we wash our hands?
    • We will bring liquid hand sanitizer and use it liberally. Each person is encouraged to use hand sanitizer every time after they use the bathroom and before consuming any food. We’ll have some soap on hand in case of especially sticky situations.

Safety & Health

  • How do we stay safe from wildlife?
    • Everywhere that we travel, we will be in groups – and groups make a lot of noise as they move through the forest. Animals are scared of people, and most animals will run away when they hear us. At night, we will keep our food (and anything smelly including our toothpaste) in containers away from our tents – animals won’t be able to get to the food inside and won’t be attracted to it. If you do see a large animal such as a bear, make noise and make yourself look big by putting your arms in the air and back slowly away. Then, count yourself lucky for seeing such an amazing animal! We will talk about animal safety during the first day of the trip to make sure that everyone feels comfortable and prepared.
  • Will we be going in the water? Do I need to know how to swim?
    • On the trail, we will be crossing through a few small streams. These will generally be ankle-deep. We will teach you how to safely cross the water. We will also be doing some science in the stream – looking at insects that live in the water and testing the chemistry of the water. You do not need to know how to swim since the water will never be deeper than your waist. During our mid-trip break we will be able to canoe and kayak if we want to. You will be required to wear a lifejacket while you are using the boats so you will not need to know how to swim.
  • What if there are thunderstorms when we are in the tents? Will we be safe?
    • In a thunderstorm, you will be safe in your tents. On the first day of the trip, we will teach you the proper way to sit (called “lightning position”) in case a thunderstorm is overhead.
  • What if it’s raining a lot and we’re sopping wet?
    • You’ll bring more than one outfit with you on the trip, so you’ll always have a dry outfit to wear at night. When we pitch our tents, we’ll make sure not to put them in the lowest spot – this will prevent them from flooding.
  • Are there any insects/plants we need to look out for?
    • North Carolina does have poison ivy, ticks, and snakes. This is not something to be afraid of, just something to be aware of. We will teach you how to identify poison ivy so that you don’t touch it. We’ll explain to you how to do a tick check at night. With a few precautions, you’ll minimize the risk of anything bad happening. The best thing you can do to avoid any of these is never stick your hand where you can’t see it.
  • What if I get separated/lost on my own?
    • In most situations we ask that you stay within eyesight of us unless you’re going to the bathroom, and then you should be within earsight. If you’re out of eyesight, we’ll make sure you’re always with a buddy. But, if you do get separated from everyone, we as you to stay where you are. Everyone will be given a whistle that you’ll always wear around your neck, and you should blow on your whistle. We’ll hear you and will be able to come get you.
  • How would we get into contact with someone if needed?
    • We carry a backcountry communication system with us that will allow us to make daily contact with our Program Director that stays behind, even if there is no cell phone signal. If there is an emergency the Program Director will contact your family or will contact your leaders if your family needs to contact you.
  • How will we get in/out of the backcountry quickly if we need to?
    • We have an emergency evacuation plan with the quickest routes mapped out. We also have an on-call response team ready to help with any emergency.
  • Are we going to be carrying/wearing sunscreen every day?
    • Yes! We will remind everyone to put on sunscreen multiple times per day.
  • What if someone gets hurt?
    • We will do everything possible to prevent injuries. If someone were hurt, all leaders are trained in wilderness first aid to ensure that they can help the injured person. Small issues like blisters, scrapes, and headaches, we will treat right on the trail. Larger issues are unlikely, but we are prepared should something happen. Your safety is our number one priority. If anyone has a medical issue that cannot be resolved by the leaders, we will leave the forest and seek professional care.
  • What preventative measures should I take so that I do not get blisters/aches/pain?
    • The number one cause of blisters is new boots – so take the time to wear in your boots (if you are bringing your own) at home before coming on the trip. If you start to feel a rub on your feet while hiking (called a “hot spot”), let us know and we will help you tape it up so that it doesn’t turn into a blister. If you start to have any aches or discomfort in any body part, let us know immediately. It generally just requires an adjustment in your backpack. If you wait too long to tell us, the pain could get worse – prevention is much easier and effective than treatment!

Food & Water

  • What are we going to be eating?
    • Welcome to the world of camping food! We’ve got a great menu lined up with lots of variety every day. Because we have to carry all our meals in and carry trash out, some meals might be similar to what you eat at home, but the ingredients or how we prepare them might be a little different from what you’re used to. If you have any food restrictions it is important to tell us those in your forms so that we can plan on your dietary needs.
  • How will we cook while camping?
    • We’ll cook on small, portable camp stoves. Each group will have two stoves. In general, your instructors will prepare breakfast, lunch won’t require any cooking, and you’ll help prepare a few dinners for the group along with another group member and an instructor.
  • I have an allergy / I am a picky eater. What should I do?
    • We will make sure that the menu is safe for you to eat if you have food allergies. Although we will take food preferences into account when finalizing our menu, there might be nights when you’re stuck eating something you’re not too jazzed about. But then the next day, we might serve your favorite meal! Make sure to complete the Food Survey attached to this packet as honest as you can so we can do our best to have something everyone will like at least once.
  • How often will we be eating?
    • We’ll have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. Each of you will also be given a lot of snacks to carry with you (think granola bars, trail mix). In-between meals, you’ll have those snacks to refuel while hiking.
  • Will the water we drink be clean? Will we be carrying water?
    • While we’re backpacking, we’ll purify our own water while we hike. 1-2 times per day, you’ll fill up your water bottle from a mountain stream, put in a few drops of water purifier (to kill any microbes in the water), and your water will be ready to go shortly thereafter. You’ll carry two 1 Liter water bottles with you during the trip and refill those as needed.
  • How are we going to carry enough food and also leave no trace with the packaging?
    • For each of the 2 backpacking segments of GALS, we’ll take plenty of food to last us during that time. Your instructors will re-package the food to cut down on bulk and trash that needs to be carried out with us. As we make our way through the food, you’ll end up with empty food bags.

Clothing & Shoes

  • How do we keep clothes clean & dry?
    • For the backpacking portion of GALS, you will only wear clothes that are made of synthetic materials or wool. Synthetic materials and wool dry much faster than cotton, and keep you warm even when wet. To reduce the amount that you have to carry, you will be re-wearing t-shirts and pants/shorts during GALS. We will do one load of laundry half-way through the trip to give fresh clothes for the second backpacking trip.
  • How do I pack my bag so that everything fits?
    • We’ll teach you this on the first day of the program. In short, you use your muscles to stuff!
  • How do we make sure our wet/dirty clothing does not get everything else gross?
    • Careful packing can help with this – for example, putting muddy or wet clothes on the outside of your backpack, so they can dry and air out during the day.

Other

  • What will it be like temperature-wise throughout the day?
    • Though we can’t really say this far in advance, it’ll probably be warm but not stifling during the day and cool but not freezing at night.
  • Will you be taking our phones/electronics?
    • You are expected to leave all phones/electronics at home. It is important for all of us to be able to spend undistracted time together. That means this is a perfect time to disconnect from any electronics. Our staff will have satellite communication systems and cell phones that will only be used for emergencies.
  • Who will be taking pictures?
    • You will all take turns taking pictures during GALS with a GALS digital camera. We will distribute the photos to everyone after the trip.
  • Who will be carrying the group gear?
    • The group gear (tents, tarps, ropes) will be divided among the whole group – this way, the weight is spread equally among everyone.
  • Will we see other people while hiking, or will it be just us out there?
    • There will be others out hiking the trails, but it won’t be too crowded. We’ll probably see 1-3 groups of other hikers each day. We may even see other GALS participants in other groups!
  • I don’t know anything about backpacking!
    • Don’t worry – we’ll teach you everything you need to know!

I have other questions that aren’t answered here. How can I get an answer?

If you have questions about GALS North Carolina, send an e-mail to info.nc@sciencegals.org, and we will answer your questions.