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.

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Scouts BSA First Class Rank Helps and Documents

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Program Planning for Scouts BSA

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Personal Fitness Merit Badge Helps and Documents

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Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge Helps and Documents

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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.

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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.

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

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Historic Trails Program

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Trail Food

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

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Land Navigation Ranger Core Requirement Helps and Documents

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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.