Sometimes when we are out hiking with Scouts it seems like they are so focused on getting from here to there that they forget to look around and see the sights.  If you are out with a goal oriented group and you want them to take some time to explore, consider adding one or more additional hiking activities. You’ll find some suggestions below.

Hiking Activities

Themed Hike

Themed hikes usually involve looking for items which fit a theme or doing something similar.  Scout Helps has an extensive  list of themed hikes. Some of my favorite ideas from their list:

• Sound Hike: Hear and identify all sounds heard along the way.
• Homes Hike: Look for nature’s homes, like nests, holes, spider webs, etc. (Don’t disturb them! Don’t put your hand in a place you can‟t see, either.)
• Blindfold Hike: Divide boys in pairs. Have one blindfolded. The other leads him a short distance, quietly and slowly. Encourage the blindfolded boy to listen, smell and feel the surroundings. Trade places.
• Shadow Walk: Walk only in the shadows. This may require some jumping. (Don‟t plan this walk at noon since that is when shadows are shortest!)
• Detective Hike: Spot and list all evidence of man in nature (litter, footprints, fire scars, chopped trees, etc.). What litter you may find, pick up and dispose of properly.

Scavenger Hunts

On a scavenger hunt hike you search for items in a list. You can make your own list or use one of the ones below:

• Nature Scavenger Hunt from List PlanIt
• Woodland Scavenger Hunt from B Nute
• Nature’s Bingo from Camping With Gus combines a scavenger hunt with a bingo game

Geocaching

Geocaching involves using GPS coordinates to find caches – small containers which hold a log and sometimes trinkets. This adds a little adventure to your hike. Boy Scouts can work on their Geocaching Merit Badge  if they find caches while out hiking. You can learn more about geocaching at Geocaching.com.

Games for the Trail

There are many other types of games you can play while out hiking. There are good lists at Appalachian Mountain Club and Footprint Press. Here are some of my favorites:

• Chain Story: One person starts a story, but stops in the middle of a sentence oridea. The next person must continue the story then break to let the next person continue, and so forth.
• I Spy: One person thinks of something that everyone can see and gives a clue such as “I spy something round and hard.” The others try to guess what it is. The winner then gets to choose the next “I Spy.”
• Mystery Bag: You’ll need a stuff sack or lunch bag and items found along the trail. Collect items (acorns, pine cones, small stones, trash, etc. — no fair picking any living plants). When you stop for a rest, have your kids put their hands in the bag and try to identify the items they touch. Scatter the materials back in the woods when you’re finished.
• Hug a Tree: You’ll have to know your trees for this one! One hiker is the treemaster. While hiking along the trail, the treemaster calls out the name of a tree in the area —for example, birch. Everyone scrambles to find a birch tree and give it a big hug. Try not to step on live vegetation or wander too far from the trail.

See more ideas on my Hiking Activities Pinterest Board. 

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Don’t forget to put the “outing” in Cub Scouting. One easy way to get some outdoor adventure into your program is hiking. And while your pack or den is out hiking, your Cub Scouts can work on their Hiking pin from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program.

Hiking Pin Requirements

Earn the Hiking belt loop, and complete five of the following requirements:

1. Make a chart and record at least five hours of hiking.
2. Help plan a den, pack, or family hike.
3. Earn Cub Scouting’s Leave No Trace Awareness Award.
4. Earn the Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award.
5. Learn seven trail signs and tell your den leader or adult partner what they are.
6. Be able to identify five different trees and five different birds on your hike. (These can be of the same species if multiple species are hard to find.)
7. Using pictures or photographs, identify three poisonous plants. (Examples are poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak; oleander, poinsettia, etc.). Watch for these plants while on a hike.
8. Take two different hikes for different purposes, for example, a nature hike, neighborhood hike, historical hike, city hike, stop-look-and-listen hike, and so on.
9. Explain to your den leader or adult partner what a compass is and show how to use one on a hike.
10. Explain to your den leader or adult partner what a global positioning system is and demonstrate how to use one on a hike.
11. With visuals such as pictures or maps, report about one of your hikes to your den. Tell about how you prepared for your hike, who went with you, and what you saw.

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To earn the Venturing Ranger award, a young man or woman must complete eight core requirements and four electives. One of the electives to meet the Ranger award requirements is Backpacking

By completing the Venturing Ranger Award requirements for Backpacking, a Venturer must learn many aspects of backpacking – from equipment to cooking on the trail to first aid. Then the Venturer must use these skills and teach them to others.

Venturing Ranger Award Requirements – Backpacking Elective

1. Develop a personal exercise plan and follow it for at least three months, exercising at least three times a week. Set your goals with backpacking in mind and write them down. Keep a daily diary.
2. Backpacks
   1. Try on three types of backpacks. Learn how to choose the proper size frame for your body size. Learn and then be able to explain to others the difference between a soft pack, an internal frame pack, and an external frame. Tell the pros and cons of each type and what kind of trek you would take with each pack.
   2. Explain the different parts of a backpack and their use.
   3. Learn the proper way to lift and wear your backpack.
   4. Describe at least four ways to limit weight and bulk in your backpack without jeopardizing your health and safety.
   5. Learn how you would load an internal frame pack versus one with an external frame.
3. Packing gear
   1. Pack your backpack with your personal gear, including outdoor essentials, additional gear, and personal extras. Pack as though You were sharing equipment with one other person for a three-day, two-night backpacking trip.
   2. List at least 10 items essential for an overnight backpacking trek and explain why each item is necessary.
   3. Present yourself to an experienced backpacker, unload your pack, have him or her critique your packing, then repack your pack. Have him or her critique your efforts.
4. Cooking
   1. List at least 20 items of group backpacking gear. Include a group cleanup kit.
   2. Learn how and then demonstrate how to cook a meal using a backpacking stove.
   3. Demonstrate proper sanitation of backpacking cook gear.
   4. Learn how to properly pack and carry a backpacking stove and fuel.
5. Environmental impact
   1. List at least 10 environmental considerations that are important for backpacking and describe ways to lessen their impact on the environment.
   2. Considering Leave No Trace principles, tell how to dispose of the human waste, liquid waste, and garbage you generate on a backpacking trip.
6. Three treks
   1. Participate in three different treks of at least three days and two nights each, covering at least 15 miles in distance each.
   2. Plan and lead a backpacking trek (can be one of the treks in (a) above) with at least five people for at least two days. This group can be your crew, another crew, a Boy Scout group, or another youth group.
   3. Plan the menu for this trek using commercially prepared backpacking foods for at least one meal.
   4. Check for any permits needed and prepare a trip plan to be left with your family. Have an emergency contact number.
   5. Using the map you used to chart your course, brief the crew you are leading on your trip plan.
   6. Lead a shakedown for those you are leading.
7. Outerwear
   1. Learn about proper backpacking clothing for backpacking in all four seasons.
   2. Learn about proper footwear, socks, and foot care.
   3. Learn and then demonstrate at least three uses for a poncho in backpacking.
8. Health and first aid
   1. Learn about trail health considerations and typical backpacking injuries such as hypothermia, frostbite, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, altitude sickness, dehydration, blisters, stings and bites, and sprains and how to avoid and treat these injuries and illnesses.
   2. Because fluid intake is so important to a backpacker, tell how to take care of your water supply on a backpacking trip. Include ways of purifying water and why that is important.
9. Using all the knowledge you have acquired about backpacking, make a display or presentation for your crew, another crew, a Boy Scout group, or another youth group. Include equipment and clothing selection and use, trip planning, environmental considerations, trail health and safety considerations, food selection and preparation, and backpacking physical preparation.

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To earn the Venturing Ranger award, a young man or woman must complete eight core requirements and four electives. One of the core requirements is Wilderness Survival.

By completing the Venturing Ranger Award requirements for Wilderness Survival, a Venturer must learn how to survive in the wild, focusing on things like hydration, fire making, food, and shelter. The Venturer must also share these skills with others.

Venturing Ranger Award Core Requirement – Wilderness Survival

1. Write a risk management plan for an upcoming crew high adventure activity such as a whitewater canoeing or rock-climbing trip. The plan should include nutrition, health, first aid, supervision, insurance, safety rules and regulations, proper equipment, maps and compass, in-service training, environmental considerations, emergency and evacuation procedures, and emergency contacts.
2. From memory, list the survival priorities and explain your use of each in a survival situation.
3. Learn about and then make a tabletop display or presentation for your crew, another crew, a Cub or Boy Scout group, or another youth group on the following subjects:
   1. Emergency signals used in the outdoors
   2. Search and rescue patterns
   3. Evacuation procedures and value of when to move and when not to move in a wilderness emergency
4. Explain the following environmental exposure problems. Discuss what causes them, signs and symptoms, and treatment.
   1. Hypothermia
   2. Frostbite
   3. Sunburn
   4. Heat exhaustion
   5. Heat cramps
   6. Heat stroke
5. Hydration
   1. Explain dehydration and the necessity of conserving fluids in a survival situation.
   2. Explain at least four methods of obtaining water in the outdoors and demonstrate at least two ways to purify that water.
6. Fire making
   1. Demonstrate at least two different fire lays-one for cooking and one for warmth.
   2. Learn and discuss the use of fire starters, tinder, kindling, softwoods, and hardwoods in fire making.
7. Explain and demonstrate how you can gain knowledge of weather patterns using VHF band radio and other radios, winds, barometric pressure, air masses and their movements, clouds, and other indicators.
8. Knots and lashings
   1. Explain the different rope materials and thicknesses that are best for wilderness use and how to care for them.
   2. Know the use of and demonstrate how to tie the following knots and lashings:
      1. Sheet bend
      2. Fisherman’s knot
      3. Bowline
      4. Bowline on a bight
      5. Two half hitches
      6. Clove hitch
      7. Timber hitch
      8. Taut-line hitch
      9. Square lashing
      10. Shear lashing
9. Food
   1. Explain the usefulness and drawbacks of obtaining food in the wilderness, including things to avoid.
   2. Prepare and eat at least one meal with food you have found in the outdoors.
10. Survival kit
    1. Make a list of items you would include in a wilderness survival kit and then make copies to hand out to visitors to your wilderness survival outpost camp.
    2. Using your list, make a wilderness survival kit. Explain the use of each item you have included.
11. Outpost camp
    1. Set up a wilderness survival outpost camp and spend at least two nights and two days in your site.
    2. Use and demonstrate several knots and lashings from requirement (h) in your wilderness survival campsite demonstration.
    3. Know how to plan a wilderness shelter for three different environments and then build a shelter as part of your wilderness survival campsite demonstration.
    4. Have your crew, another crew, a Cub or Boy Scout group, or another youth group visit you in your outpost for a presentation you make on wilderness survival (at least one hour).

Remember to use the Leave No Trace principles you learned.

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The 50 Miler award recognizes Scouts who go the distance, literally. This recognition can be earned by Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Venturers, and Scout leaders. If your unit went on a trek this summer, your members might have earned this award.

Basically, the 50 Miler award requirements say that you must go 50 consecutive miles in five days or more without the use of motorized transportation. You can go on foot, on bicycle, in a boat, or even use pack animals. While on your trip, you do a service project.

See the complete requirements for the 50 Miler Award below:

50 Miler Award Requirements

The 50-Miler Award is presented to each qualifying individual for satisfactory participation in an approved trip. In order to qualify for the award the group of which the individual is a member must fulfill all of the following requirements.
Make complete and satisfactory plans for the trip, including the possibilities of advancement.

1. Cover the trail or canoe or boat route of not less than 50 consecutive miles; take a minimum of five consecutive days to complete the trip without the aid of motors. (In some areas pack animals may be used.)
2. During the time on the trail or waterway, complete a minimum of 10 hours each of group work on projects to improve the trail, springs, campsite, portage, or area. If, after checking with recognized authorities, it is not possible to complete 10 hours each of group work on the trail, a similar project may be done in the unit’s home area. (There should be no unauthorized cutting of brush or timber.)
3. Unit or tour leader must then file a 50-Miler Award application with the local council service center. This application gives additional details about planning the trip.

For more information, see this article in Scouting Magazine: How Scouts can earn the 50 Miler Award

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To earn the Venturing Ranger award, a young man or woman must complete eight core requirements and four electives. One of the core requirements is land navigation.

By completing the Venturing Ranger Award requirements for Land Navigation, a Venturer is not only prepared to  use a map and compass to navigate from one place to another in unfamiliar territory. They then teach these orienteering skills to others.

Venturing Ranger Award Requirements – Land Navigation

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Take Me Out to the Forest is a classic Scouting song. Sing it around the campfire, when you’re out on a hike, or when you are camping.

It goes to the tune of Take Me Out to the Ballgame.

Take Me Out to the Forest Song

Take me out to the forest
Let me hike in the wild.
Show me a skunk and a few bear tracks.
I won’t care if I never come back.
But it’s look, look, look at your compass.
If it rains, then it pours.
And it’s ouch, slap, sting and your bit
In the great outdoors!

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Purchasing information: Gerber 31-000701 Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Kit

From the manufacturer:

Bear Grylls and Gerber Team Up
The Ultimate Kit is part of the Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Series of gear. This collaboration brings together Gerber’s 70+ years of knife and gear expertise with Bear Grylls’ extensive outdoor survival and adventure experience to create a one-of-a-kind line of knives, tools, and gear.

From spending time in the British SAS, to scaling Mount Everest, Bear knows what it takes to be a survivor in extreme situations and multiple environments. Now he brings that knowledge to the creation of a range of items that help you make the most of your outdoor adventures.

Heavy-Duty Survival Kit for the Toughest Spots
Ideal for hard-core outdoor adventurers, the Ultimate Kit has everything you need to stay safe and alive until you can be rescued or rescue yourself.

The 15-piece kit includes the Gerber miniature multi-tool, which offers stainless steel, weather-resistant components including needle nose pliers, wire cutters, fine edge and serrated knives, a Phillips screwdriver, small and medium flat drivers, a lanyard ring, a bottle opener, and tweezers. This tool’s rugged construction and external components make it a reliable multi-tasker, even in the harshest environments.

Rugged, Ready-to-Go Tools and Accessories
In addition to the multi-tool, the Ultimate Kit comes with a lightweight ripstop nylon bag with a waterproof zipper for weather-resistant storage and an array of tools and accessories, including a miniature light, a hand saw, a signaling mirror, a survival blanket, a fire starter, waterproof matches, cotton ball fire tinder, a snare wire, an emergency cord, waxed thread, a fishing kit, and a sewing kit.

Includes Survival Guide and SOS Instructions
For added peace of mind and a higher level of preparedness, this kit comes with land to air rescue and SOS instructions. It also includes Bear Grylls’ informative Priorities of Survival pocket guide, loaded with survival basics.

What’s in the Box
Nylon pouch, multi-tool, miniature light, hand saw, signaling mirror, survival blanket, fire starter, waterproof matches, cotton ball fire tinder, snare wire, emergency cord, waxed thread, fishing kit, sewing kit, pocket survival guide, and rescue instructions.

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Purchasing information: Free form Hickory Walking Stick

From the manufacturer:

Brazos Free Form Walking Sticks are made of hard dense wood, make them suitable for both hiking through rugged terrain and casual strolls on walking trails. Each piece of wood is carefully selected, cut, gently sanded and sprayed with a protective clear coat lacquer. The result is a rustic, attractive staff that is viable for years to come. Comes in various woods and stick lengths and has a standard rubber ferrule for a firm, secure grip on virtually any surface. Made in the USA by skilled craftsmen suing the highest quality materials and time tested methods. Warranty Information Buy with confidence with a lifetime warranty against defects and 100/100 Satisfaction guarantee. If you are not 100% satisfied, return your stick within 100 days to the manufacturer for the price of the stick or exchange.

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Purchasing information: 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles Book Series

This is great for Scout units, because you can pick up the book and know you are going to be able to find something within a reasonable driving distance.

Each location is described in detail. The author describes the difficulty level of the various trails. Pay attention to this. If you are going on a Pack hike, you’ll want to pick a trail which is fairly easy and not too long. If you are training for a Philmont expedition, select something challenging.

The book also describes the highlights of each trail, what the environment is like, and what types of wildlife you might expect to see.  It also has comments on how heavily used the trail is, amenities like picnic shelters and restrooms, and other information such as if pets are allowed.

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Our troop recently camped at Johnson Shut-Ins State Park in southern Missouri. While we were there, we took a day trip to Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and hiked the Mina Sauk Falls Trail. View additional photos from the trail.

This was a fairly easy hike. The distance for the loop was about 3 miles. We have new Scouts in the troop, so this hike was to prepare them for an upcoming five mile hike.

The trailhead starts near the highest point in Missouri - 1,772 feet above sea level. The highlight of the hike was Mina Sauk Falls. This is the tallest waterfall in Missouri. There were lots of rocks formations around the falls for the Scouts to explore and they all agreed it was a beautiful spot.

For those seeking a backpacking experience, the Ozark Trail runs through the park. We spoke to a group who was hiking from Taum Sauk to Johnson Shut-Ins. They expected they would not make it by nightfall and were planning to camp on the trail. This would be a challenging experience for older Scouts. It is about a 15 mile hike from the trailhead at Taum Sauk to the campground at Johnson Shut Ins.

I’d recommend the trails at Taum Sauk State Park for Scouts. This was a good first hiking experience for our new Scouts. Several of them learned that they did not bring nearly enough water for a 3 mile hike and there were some other comments about what they would do differently next time. So this should prepare them for their longer hike coming up.

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The methods of Scouting are the ways that Scouting’s aims of developing character, citizenship, and fitness in youth are achieved. One of the methods for Boy Scouts is “the outdoors”.

Being outdoors presents Boy Scouts with challenges and adventures. Boys enjoy the independence of getting away from home and taking care of themselves.

How can this method be incorporated into a Boy Scout program:

• Lots of outdoor activities – aim for at least one opportunity for Scouts to participate in an outdoor activity each month
• Regular camping adventures – try some different locations
• Ask the youth leadership what they would like to do with your outdoor program and give them the support they need to make it happen
• Encourage adults to attend supplemental training so you can incorporate challenging activities in your outdoor experience – like canoeing, rock climbing, shooting sports

What does your unit do with this method? If you have a creative or unusual idea which you think others could benefit from, add it in the comments below.

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Either the Cycling merit badge OR the Hiking merit badge OR the Swimming merit badge is required for the rank of Eagle Scout. Boy Scouts who earn more than one of these badges may count the additional badges as electives.

Hiking is a terrific way to keep your body and mind in top shape, both now and for a lifetime. Walking packs power into your legs and makes your heart and lungs healthy and strong. Exploring the outdoors challenges you with discoveries and new ideas. Your senses will improve as you use your eyes and ears to gather information along the way.

Hiking Merit Badge Requirements

1. Do the following:
   1. Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while hiking, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
   2. Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while hiking, including hypothermia, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, frostbite, dehydration, sunburn, sprained ankle, insect stings, tick bites, snakebite, blisters, hyperventilation, and altitude sickness.
2. Explain and, where possible, show the points of good hiking practices including the principles of Leave No Trace, hiking safety in the daytime and at night, courtesy to others, choice of footwear, and proper care of feet and footwear.
3. Explain how hiking is an aerobic activity. Develop a plan for conditioning yourself for 10-mile hikes, and describe how you will increase your fitness for longer hikes.
4. Make a written plan for a 10-mile hike. Include map routes, a clothing and equipment list, and a list of items for a trail lunch.
5. Take five hikes, each on a different day, and each of 10 continuous miles. Prepare a hike plan for each hike.*
6. Take a hike of 20 continuous miles in one day following a hike plan you have prepared.*
7. After each of the hikes (or during each hike if on one continuous “trek”) in requirements 5 and 6, write a short report of your experience. Give dates and descriptions of routes covered, the weather, and interesting things you saw. Share this report with your merit badge counselor.

* The hikes in requirements 5 and 6 can be used in fulfilling Second Class (2a) and First Class (3) rank requirements, but only if Hiking merit badge requirements 1, 2, 3, and 4 have been completed to the satisfaction of your counselor. The hikes of requirements 5 and 6 cannot be used to fulfill requirements of other merit badges.

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The Map and Compass belt loop is part of the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program. This belt loop is a good way to introduce Cub Scouts to the basic principles of reading a map and using a compass. These are basic skills which all Scouts should be familiar with. When your Cub Scouts move on to Boy Scouts it will be helpful for them to have some basic map and compass skills already.

Webelos who earn the Map and Compass Belt Loop while a Webelos also complete requirement 13 for the Traveler activity badge. I usually do this belt loop in conjuction with the Geography belt loop since there is some overlap between them.

Map and Compass Belt Loop Requirements

Complete these three requirements:

1. Show how to orient a map. Find three landmarks on the map
2. Explain how a compass works.
3. Draw a map of your neighborhood. Label the streets and plot the route you take to get to a place that you often visit.

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BSA provides den meeting plans for den leader on the Scouting.org website. Today, I am going to go through the third Webelos plan. If you don’t already have the BSA den meeting plans, download BSA Webelos Den Meeting Plan 3 to follow along with this article.

This plan completes Naturalist and Forester. It also covers some Webelos badge requirements. These were started in the previous meeting plan. If you are looking for alternate ideas for these badges, you can see more ideas for the Forester activity badge, the Naturalist activity badge, and the Webelos badge.

This meeting takes place on a hike. When I did hikes in a den meeting setting, we usually did about a mile. Our pack does longer hikes as pack activities. A local park with a good trail is an option.

These plans are meant to be done in order, so do the previous plans first.

BSA Webelos Den Meeting 3: Naturalist, Forester, and Webelos

Preparation and Before the Meeting

This meeting will be a hike, so do some research beforehand and find an appropriate place to hike.

Gathering

Gathering activities can be difficult in public places. Sometimes when we were away, I did riddles with the Scouts. If you meet in an area with a place they can explore, have them look at some plants or watch an area in the grass for insects.

Opening

Doing a flag ceremony can be difficult if you are on a field trip. If you can’t make it happen, don’t worry about it. You should have plenty of meetings at your regular meeting place where your scouts can do a flag ceremony.

Business

Business can also be difficult to conduct if you are on a field trip. There are many distractions and sometimes you just can’t get far enough away from the general public to do it. So just do the best you can.

Activities

I like the suggestion to work on the Webelos requirements during the hike. It gets old if you just do these requirements in a drill and kill style. You can also try marching while saying the Scout Law. They will find that fun.

You are working on Naturalist 6, 7, and 9. Take the advice in the plan and actually look for things related to the requirements. Webelos get bored if you make it too much like just reading a book. But they can spend endless amounts of time watching bugs. Make sure you build plenty of time for observation into your hike plan.

You are also working on Forester 5 and 6. You might find this Tree Ring Worksheet helpful. If you run out of time at the meeting, you can have them complete the Forester requirements at home and bring them to the next meeting.

Closing and After the Meeting

Closing activities can also be difficult in a public place. It depends how crowded it is. If you can find somewhere to close away from the general public, then that is great.

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This is the fifth in the series of Tiger den meeting plans provide by BSA. If you are using this series, it works best if you do the plans in order. So do the previous meetings before this one.

This meeting plan covers Tiger Achievement 5 – Let’s Go Outdoors. It also completes Tiger Elective 6 – Song Time. Follow the links for more program ideas.

Here is a link to the BSA den meeting plan:
Printable copy of BSA Tiger Den Meeting Plan 5

BSA Tiger Den Meeting 5 – Let’s Go Outdoors and Song Time

Preparation and Before the Meeting

The first thing you need to do is figure out where you will be hiking. These are Tigers, so don’t plan on going on a long hike. A local park is a great place to go.  Get the materials together beforehand. It helps to have a “den leader box” you just keep all of it it. Then when it is time for the meeting you can just grab your box and go.

Gathering

Have something simple for the Tigers to do while everyone arrives. See my crafts page or puzzles page for some ideas. If you are at a park with a playground, you can meet at the playground and just let them run for a few minutes.

Opening

Sometimes when you are away from your regular meeting place, it is difficult to do the flag ceremony. That is OK. Just do the Cub Scout Promise, Tiger Motto, etc.

Business Items

Keep it brief. Tigers will find this part extremely boring. Since you are hiking you should go over the Leave No Trace frontcountry guidelines.

Activities

Do the Character Connection for Faith. It is OK to talk about faith, even if your group is diverse. Cub Scouts can learn to express their own beliefs while respecting others. If you think this will be a problem, parents could do this at home. This completes part of requirement 5F.

Talk about watching the weather while hiking. This will complete requirement 5F. The suggestion to have a theme for your hike is very good. This gives them something to focus on. You can also do an Outdoor Scavenger Hunt. The hike completes requirement 5G. Remember, it doesn’t have to be a long hike. Tigers tire out more quickly than older Scouts.

To complete Elective 6, you will sing some songs while hiking. If you want something silly to sing, check out my Songs page.

Finally, let them do a leaf rubbing at the end to complete requirement 5D. Alternately, you could do this as the gathering activity if there are plenty of leaves available where you are meeting.

Closing and After the Meeting

Once again, keep the closing brief. The Tigers might be worn out at this point. A simple snack will perk them up and you will have a chance to talk to parents about the next meeting while the Tigers are snacking.

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Last August, BSA released its new Outdoor awards. These awards recognize Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts who really get into outdoor activities. The five badges are for camping, hiking, aquatics, riding, and adventure. There is a center badge which is earned when the first badge is earned also. There are also gold and silver devices which can be attached to the badges for additional achievements.

Last month, I wrote a post about the camping award. Today I am promoting the hiking award. I don’t think anyone in our troop has come close to doing this much hiking, but we do have a group currently training for Philmont, so maybe they will make these goals.

You can learn more about this program at the BSA website.

National Outdoor Badges – Hiking

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We are coming up on some prime hiking season. In the spring the temperatures are mild and it isn’t buggy yet. So I am reviewing my favorite hiking book – 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles. I have the St. Louis edition. I have listed the other editions below alphabetically by state. Hopefully there is one available in your area.

I purchased this book several years ago as a gift for my husband. As implied by the title, each edition describes 60 hiking locations within 60 miles of an area. Most locations have multiple trails.  This is great for Scout units, because you can pick up the book and know you are going to be able to find something within a reasonable driving distance.

Each location is described in detail. The author describes the difficulty level of the various trails. Pay attention to this. If you are going on a Pack hike, you’ll want to pick a trail which is fairly easy and not too long. If you are training for a Philmont expedition, select something challenging.

The book also describes the highlights of each trail, what the environment is like, and what types of wildlife you might expect to see.  It also has comments on how heavily used the trail is, amenities like picnic shelters and restrooms, and other information such as if pets are allowed.

So if you are looking to try some different hikes in your area, I recommend this series. The book has general maps of the trails, but you will still want to pick up details maps for any location you plan on hiking.

Hopefully there is one available for your area. If you don’t see one for your state, you can try an adjacent state.

Alabama

• Birmingham: Including Tuscaloosa, Sipsey Wilderness, Talladega National Forest, and Shelby County

Arizona

• Phoenix: Including Tempe, Scottsdale, and Glendale

California

• Los Angeles: Including San Bernardino, Pasadena, and Oxnard
• Sacramento
• San Diego: Including North, South and East Counties
• San Francisco, Including North Bay, East Bay, Peninsula and South Bay

Colorado

• Denver and Boulder: Including Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Rocky Mountain National Park

Connecticut

• New York City: Including northern New Jersey, southwestern Connecticut, and western Long Island

Florida

• Tampa

Georgia

• Atlanta: Including Marietta, Lawrenceville, and Peachtree City

Illinois

• Chicago: Including Aurora, Northwest Indiana, and Waukegan

Indiana

• Cincinnati: Including Clifton Gorge, Southeast Indiana, and Northern Kentucky
• Chicago: Including Aurora, Northwest Indiana, and Waukegan

Kentucky

• Cincinnati: Including Clifton Gorge, Southeast Indiana, and Northern Kentucky

Maryland

• Baltimore: Including Anne Arundel, Carroll, Harford, and Howard Counties
• Washington, DC: Including Suburban and Outlying Areas of Maryland and Virginia

Massachusetts

• Boston

Minnesota

• Minneapolis and St. Paul, Including Cambridge, St. Michael, and Northfield

Missouri

• St. Louis: Including Sullivan, Potosi, and Farmington

New Jersey

• New York City: Including northern New Jersey, southwestern Connecticut, and western Long Island

New Mexico

• Albuquerque: Including Santa Fe, Mount Taylor, and San Lorenzo Canyon

New York

• New York City: Including northern New Jersey, southwestern Connecticut, and western Long Island

North Carolina

• Raleigh

Ohio

• Cincinnati: Including Clifton Gorge, Southeast Indiana, and Northern Kentucky
• Cleveland

Oregon

• Portland: Including the Coast, Mount Hood, St. Helens, and the Santiam River

Pennsylvania

• Harrisburg: Including Lancaster, York, and Surrounding Counties
• Philadelphia: Including Surrounding Counties and Hunterdon and Mercer, NJ
• Pittsburgh: and Surrounding Counties

Tennessee

• Nashville: Including Clarksville, Columbia, Gallatin, and Murfreesboro

Texas

• Dallas, Fort Worth: Includes Tarrant, Collin and Denton Counties
• Houston: Includes Huntsville, Galveston, and Beaumont
• San Antonio and Austin: Including the Hill Country

Utah

• Salt Lake City: Including Ogden, Provo, and the Uintas

Virginia

• Richmond: Including Petersburg, Williamsburg, and Fredericksburg
• Washington, DC: Including Suburban and Outlying Areas of Maryland and Virginia

Washington

• Seattle: Including Bellevue, Everett, and Tacoma

Wisconsin

• Madison: Including Dane and Surrounding Counties
• Minneapolis and St. Paul, Including Cambridge, St. Michael, and Northfield

Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting

Even as winter approaches and it gets too cold for the Cub Scouts to get out tent camping, we can still get them outdoors on a day hike.  Make sure your Cub Scouts know the 10 Outdoor Essentials.

This list is written for Cub Scouts. A list for older Scouts would be similar, but not written in the same manner.

This list  is the same as the lists in the Webelos handbook and the Bear handbook. The Wolf handbook omits the fire starters (which is understandable) and the map and compass. Don’t ask me why the pocketknife was left in the list for Wolves but the map and compass was omitted.

Outdoor Essentials for Cub Scouts

First Aid Kit

Take a small personal first aid kit. Here are some things you should put in it: Band-Aids of different sizes, soap, antibiotic ointment, tweezers, alcohol wipes, gauze bandage, scissors, safety pins.

Filled Water Bottle

Fill you water bottle before you start on your adventure. An empty bottle won’t help when you get thirsty. Take enough water. You might not be able to refill it. A two quart bottle (or two one quart bottles) works for most outings.

Flashlight

Be prepared for the unexpected. Bring a small flashlight even if you don’t plan to be out at night. If plans change and you have to find your way back in the dusk or night you will be glad you have it. And don’t forget the extra batteries.

Trail Food

You’ll probably get hungry while out on your adventure. Bring some trail food. The best food is not bulky but high in energy. Nuts, dried fruits, and granola are all good choices.

Sun Protection

Protect yourself from the sun. You can still get sunburned even if it is not hot and sunny. Put on sunscreen and wear a hat. Bring your sunscreen with you so you can reapply it when needed.

Whistle

If you get lost or in trouble, stay where you are and blow three blasts on your whistle. This is a universal help signal and when someone hears it, they will come to you to help.

Map and Compass

Know where you are and where you are going. If the trail becomes unclear, a map and compass will help you determine the right path. But if you are really lost, stay put.

Rain Gear

You never know when the weather might turn bad. You will be more comfortable if you stay dry. And in a pinch, a rain poncho can be used to make an emergency shelter.

Pocketknife

A pocketknife can help you make kindling for a fire or other small tasks. Remember, a knife is a tool, not a toy. Don’t forget to bring your Whittlin’ Chip card also.

Matches or Fire Starters

In an emergency situation, you might need to build a small fire to keep you warm or as a signal. Don’t get these out unless you really need them though.

Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting

Every Scout who is spending time outdoors should be familiar with the Outdoor Code. It is especially important for Webelos, Boy Scouts, and Venturers who are out camping regularly.

The Outdoor Code:
As an American, I will do my best to
Be clean in my outdoor manners
Be careful with fire
Be considerate in the outdoors
Be conservation-minded

The Scouts will read the Outdoor Code and probably understand most of it. But adding in some discussion points will help reinforce it. So below (and in the printable copy) I have not put some discussion points after the code itself. Use these as a starting point for having a conversation about what we can really do to minimize our impact when camping.

The Outdoor Code

(The breakdown of the Outdoor Code is the one from the Webelos Handbook)

As an American I will do my best to

Be clean in my outdoor manners

• I will treat the outdoors as a heritage.
• I will take care of it for myself and others.
• I will keep my trash and garbage out of lakes, streams, fields, woods, and roadways.

Be careful with fire

• I will prevent wildfire.
• I will build my fires only where they are appropriate.
• When I have finished using a fire, I will make sure it is cold out.
• I will leave a clean fire ring, or remove all evidence of my fire.

Be considerate in the outdoors

• I will treat public and private property with respect.
• I will use low-impact methods of hiking and camping.

Be conservation minded

• I will learn how to practice good conservation of soil, waters, forests, minerals, grasslands, wildlife, and energy.
• I will urge others to do the same.

Discussion Points

These are some discussion points I like to use. Add your own.

• What does treat the outdoors as a heritage mean?
• What are some things I can do to take care of the outdoors next time I go camping?
• What should I do with my trash when there is nowhere to dispose of it nearby?
• What are the differences between a cooking fire, a campfire, and a bonfire?
• How can I decide if an area is appropriate for a fire?
• When putting out a fire, how can I tell if it is cold out?
• What does a clean fire ring mean?
• What are some things I can do to reduce the impact of hiking and camping on the outdoors?
• What are some things I can do to be conservation minded in the next week?
• Is it ever difficult to remind my friends to be conservation minded?

Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting