Hiking Troop Program Feature for Scouts BSA

BSA has created updated versions of the Troop Program features for Scouts BSA. The Hiking program feature is available in digital format on the BSA website or can be purchased as a publication from you local Scout Shop.

The Hiking feature teaches Scouts how to prepare for a successful and safe exploration of locations near and far. Scouts learn to appreciate everything they see and experience around them as they hike trails in parks, the back-country, and urban areas. The program feature includes some general information and some more specific ideas for meetings:

• How to plan a successful hiking outing
• Preparing for different types of hikes: urban, back-roads, snow, tundra, desert, cross-country, night, trail

Suggested troop meeting ideas are grouped by essential, challenging, or advanced. Here are a few you can see in the guide.

• Practice compass skills (essential)
• Learn about urban and night hiking (challenging)
• Learn about snow, tundra, and desert hiking (advanced)
• Learn how to estimate heights and widths (essential)
• Pack up for a group hike (challenging)
• Acquire equipment for a group hike (advanced)
• Read topographic maps (essential)
• Review what to do if lost (essential)
• Plan a game for a group hike (challenging)
• Teach map-reading skills (advanced)
• Learn how to treat blisters and sprained ankles (essential)
• Review additional first aid skills (challenging)
• Discuss the importance of travel plans (advanced)

There are also several games suggested to keep things interesting at your troop meetings. The plan even provides Scoutmaster’s minutes and ceremonies for meetings.

Then there is the “Main Event”. Once again, there are suggestions for essential, challenging, or advanced. Details and planning aids can be found in the online guide.

• Take a ten mile hike (essential)
• Take 2 ten mile hikes on back to back days (challenging)
• Take a 20 mile hike (advanced)

Find some related helps and achievements for the Hiking Troop Program Feature below.

Program Planning for Scouts BSA

The Scoutmaster, Senior Patrol Leader, and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader work together to develop long term plans for a Scouts BSA Troop. One thing which can help with this is the BSA troop program features.

Powdered Sports Drink Recipe

Sports drinks like Gatorade or Power Aid are designed to replenish the water and salt your body loses when you are active or exercising. You can mix up your own powdered mix to accomplish this for a fraction of the cost of purchasing these drinks by the bottle.

The Outdoor Code

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

Scouts BSA First Class Rank Helps and Documents

First Class is the rank a Scout can earn after Second Class The requirements for First Class continue to teach the youth to the skills needed to advance in Scouts BSA.

National Outdoor Badges – Hiking

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.

60 Hikes Within 60 Miles Book Series

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. Hopefully there is one available in your area.

Personal Fitness Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts learn to keep themselves healthy while working on the Personal Fitness merit badge. They explore nutrition and exercise. They develop an exercise plan and carry it out over 12 weeks. They also find out about careers related to personal fitness.

Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts learn how to be active members of their local community while working on the Citizenship in the Community merit badge. They learn about local government and do service work in their region. They also research the history, culture, and demographics in their area.

American Heritage Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts learn about American history while working on the American Heritage merit badge. Topics covered range from the Declaration of Interdependence, to the history of the US flag, to historic places, to their own family history. They also learn about careers related to the study of American heritage.

Backpacking Merit Badge Helps and Documents

While doing the requirements for the Backpacking merit badge, Scouts learn to plan and execute a safe trek in the back-country. Treating water, Leave No Trace, map and compass skills, GPS, stoves, and sanitary concerns are all covered by this badge. After preparation, Scouts demonstrate their skills by participating in several backpacking treks.

Hiking Merit Badge Helps and Documents

While working on the requirements for the Hiking merit badge, Scouts learn how to plan for a safe hike, considering their route, hazards, equipment needed, the weather conditions, and more. Then they put their knowledge to work by going out on several hikes. Afterwards they reflect on their experience.

Geocaching Merit Badge Helps and Documents

While working on the Geocaching merit badge, Scouts learn to safely find and record geocaches. A geocache is a place you can find using a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit. Usually there is a place to log your find and sometimes leave or take a small trinket. It is a fun way to learn to navigate using GPS.

Orienteering Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts learn to navigate with a map and compass while working on the Orienteering merit badge. They investigate what the various symbols and markings on a map represent. And they get to participate in orienteering events.

Historic Trails Program

This award recognizes young men and women in Scouts BSA and Venturing who have planned and executed a historic outdoor activity in cooperation with a local society.

Scouts BSA Second Class Camping and Outdoor Ethics Requirements Helps and Documents

Second Class requirement 1 is related to camping and being outdoors. Scouts learn to select a campsite and how to have good manners in the outdoors. They put these skills to use by going on outdoor activities.

Trail Food

When you are on the trail, you don't have a way to keep food cool and you want something which will provide energy, will travel well, and is lightweight. Trail mix is a popular trail food and there are many possible combinations. Or with a small trail stove, you can heat something up with water.

Land Navigation Ranger Core Requirement Helps and Documents

To earn the Land Navigation core requirement for the Venturing Ranger award, Venturers must learn and practice map and compass skills and then teach those skills to others.

Backpacking Ranger Elective Helps and Documents

To complete the Backpacking elective for the Venturing Ranger award, Venturers must learn the skills needed for backpacking and take part in several treks. Then they must share their knowledge with others.