Hiking Merit Badge
Free Resources and Answers
Time: 1–3 months
Difficulty: Challenging
Setting: Outdoor trails
Best For: Scouts who enjoy hiking, endurance, outdoor adventure
Hands-On Level: High
Requires Camping/Travel: Yes
Eagle Required: Yes*
Either the Cycling merit badge OR the Hiking merit badge OR the Swimming merit badge is required for the rank of Eagle Scout. Scouts who earn more than one of these badges may count the additional badges as electives.
The Hiking Merit Badge helps Scouts get outside and explore the world in a simple and steady way. It teaches you how to prepare for long walks on trails and in different types of weather. You learn how to stay safe, plan ahead, and trust your own steps. These skills make every hike feel easier and more enjoyable.
Working on the Hiking Merit Badge also builds confidence. Each hike helps you see what your body can do. You learn how to handle a steady climb, how to manage your energy, and how to keep going even when the trail feels tough. This gives you strength that carries into other parts of your life.
The Hiking Merit Badge also teaches you how to pay attention to the world around you. You notice small details on the trail. You learn to read signs of weather, trail markers, and the condition of the land. These skills help you stay aware and make good choices outdoors.
Scouts who earn the Hiking Merit Badge grow in patience and endurance. The hikes take time, and you learn to enjoy the journey instead of rushing. You also learn teamwork when you hike with others. You look out for each other and share the experience. This makes the badge a good choice for personal growth and outdoor fun.
Hiking Merit Badge Requirements and Workbook
Hiking Merit Badge Answers and Resources
Help with Answers for Hiking Merit Badge Requirements
Find specific helps for some of the Hiking merit badge requirements listed below. Some of these resources will just give the answers. Others will provide engaging ways for older Scouts to introduce these concepts to new Scouts.
Requirement 1: Hazards and First Aid
Hiking Merit Badge Requirement 1: Hazards and First Aid
Do the following:
- 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.
- Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while hiking, including hypothermia, frostbite, dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, sunburn, hyperventilation, altitude sickness, sprained ankle, blisters, insect stings, tick bites, snakebite.
Requirement 1 Helps and Answers
Safe Steps on the Trail
When you work on the Hiking Merit Badge, you learn that hiking is fun, but it also carries some risks. Trails can change fast, and weather can shift without warning. It helps to know what to expect before you start walking. Good preparation keeps you safe and gives you confidence on every hike. This requirement asks you to think ahead and understand the hazards you might face.
One common hazard is rough or uneven ground. You can trip on rocks, roots, or loose dirt. To prevent this, watch where you step and do not rush. Wear good shoes with proper support. If you do fall, stay calm and check for injuries before you move again. Another hazard is getting lost. Trails can twist and turn, and some paths are hard to see. A map, a compass, and paying attention at each turn help you stay on track.
Weather can also be a hazard. Rain can make trails slippery. Heat can lead to dehydration. Cold temperatures can lower your body heat fast. You can prevent many problems by checking the weather before your hike and dressing in layers. Drink water often and rest when you need to. If weather becomes unsafe, turn back early. Good judgment is part of staying safe on the trail.
Animals and insects can also cause trouble. Most animals avoid people, but you should never approach wildlife. Keep food sealed and stay alert. Insect bites can be annoying or painful, so use repellent and check for ticks after your hike. If an insect stings you, treat the area and watch for any signs of a reaction. The Hiking Merit Badge teaches you that being prepared and aware helps you handle these moments with calm and care.
Another hazard is fatigue. Long hikes take energy, and it is easy to push yourself too hard. Take breaks, eat small snacks, and slow your pace when needed. Hiking is not a race. If someone in your group is struggling, stop and support them. Teamwork makes every hike safer.
Understanding these hazards helps you plan ahead. You learn to anticipate problems, prevent accidents, and respond the right way. These skills stay with you long after the Hiking Merit Badge is complete and help you enjoy the outdoors with confidence and respect.
Trail First Aid Skills Every Hiker Should Know
When you work on the Hiking Merit Badge, you learn that knowing first aid is just as important as strong legs and good boots. Hiking takes you into places where help may take time to reach you. This means you need to understand common problems and know what to do right away. These skills keep you and your group safe. The Hiking Merit Badge teaches you to stay calm, think clearly, and act with care.
Hypothermia happens when your body gets too cold. A hiker may start shaking, feel confused, or move slowly. To help, warm the person with dry clothes, blankets, and warm drinks. Get them out of the wind and rain. Never rub their skin, because that can cause more harm. See How to Recognize and Treat Hypothermia for more.
Frostbite affects fingers, toes, ears, and nose. The skin may turn pale and feel numb. Move to a warm place right away. Warm the area with gentle heat from your hands or warm water. Do not rub or squeeze the skin. Protect the area so it does not refreeze.
Dehydration happens when your body loses too much water. A hiker may feel thirsty, tired, or dizzy. The best fix is to drink water often. Take small sips and rest in the shade. To prevent dehydration, drink before you feel thirsty and carry enough water for the whole hike.
Heat exhaustion happens when your body gets too hot. A hiker may feel weak, sick to their stomach, or sweaty. Move them to a cool place, loosen clothing, and give them water. Rest until they feel steady again. If symptoms do not improve, seek help fast.
Heat stroke is very serious. A hiker may stop sweating, feel confused, or collapse. This is an emergency. Cool the person right away with shade, wet cloths, or cool water on the skin. Call for help as soon as possible. Quick action can save a life.
Sunburn is common on open trails. Skin turns red and feels sore. To help, cool the skin with water or a damp cloth. Use aloe if you have it. Wear sunscreen and reapply it during the hike to prevent sunburn.
Hyperventilation happens when someone breathes too fast. They may feel light-headed or scared. Help them slow their breathing. Speak calmly and encourage steady breaths through the nose and out through the mouth. Sit with them until they feel better.
Altitude sickness can happen on high mountains. A hiker may have a headache, feel dizzy, or feel sick. The best response is to stop and rest. Drink water. If the symptoms get worse, move to a lower altitude. Do not push forward.
A sprained ankle often happens on uneven ground. The ankle may swell and hurt to step on. Have the person sit and rest. Wrap the ankle for support and use cold packs if available. They may need help walking or may need to turn back.
Blisters form when skin rubs against socks or shoes. If the blister is small, cover it to protect it. If it is large and painful, you can drain it with a clean needle and cover it with a bandage. Keeping feet dry and wearing good socks helps prevent blisters.
Insect stings cause pain and swelling. Remove the stinger by scraping it, not pulling it. Wash the area and place something cool on it. Watch for any signs of a strong reaction, such as trouble breathing. If that happens, get help right away.
Tick bites can spread illness if the tick stays attached. Remove the tick with tweezers by pulling straight out. Clean the area and watch for any rash or flu-like symptoms in the days after. Cover legs and check your body when you finish your hike.
Snakebites are rare but serious. Keep the person calm and still. Call for help right away. Do not cut the skin or suck out the venom. Keep the bite area at or below heart level until help arrives.
These first aid skills help you stay safe on every outing. The Hiking Merit Badge teaches you to be ready for common trail problems and to act with confidence. With good preparation and calm actions, you can keep your hikes safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Causes and Treatment of Hyperventilation: This animation explains what hyperventilation exactly is. What is the cause of hyperventilation and what are the possible symptoms? And how do you stop it?
What is Altitude Sickness ?: Altitude sickness (also known as Acute mountain sickness AMS) is experienced by some people when they are at a high enough altitude. Acclimate yourself when ascending to avoid it.
First Aid for a Sprained Ankle: Wrap the ankle to stabilize it and provide support.
Hiking Merit Badge Requirement 2: Good Hiking Practices
Do the following:
- Explain and, where possible, show the points of good hiking practices including proper outdoor ethics, hiking safety in the daytime and at night, courtesy to others, choice of footwear, and proper care of feet and footwear.
- Read aloud or recite the Leave No Trace guidelines, and discuss why each is important while hiking.
- Read aloud or recite the Outdoor Code, and give examples of how to follow it on a hike.
Requirement 2 Helps and Answers
Smart Habits for Every Scout Hiker
Good hiking practices are an important part of the Hiking Merit Badge. These habits help you stay safe, enjoy the trail, and protect the outdoors. When you follow good practices, you make hiking better for yourself and for everyone around you. The Hiking Merit Badge encourages you to learn these skills so you can handle many different trail situations with confidence.
Outdoor ethics are a big part of smart hiking. Stay on marked trails, respect plants and animals, and leave the area as you found it. Carry out all trash, even small items. Keep noise low so others can enjoy the quiet. When you follow these rules, you help keep the trail clean and healthy for future hikers. This also shows respect for the land and the people who use it.
Hiking safety is important during the day and at night. In the daytime, carry water, know the weather, and watch the trail so you do not trip. Stay with your group and check in often. At night, use a flashlight or headlamp and walk at a slower pace. Make sure someone knows your route and expected return time. Night hiking can be peaceful, but it requires careful steps and good planning.
Courtesy to others helps make the trail a friendly place. Let faster hikers pass. Step aside for uphill hikers, since they are working harder. Keep your group close so you do not block the trail. Be friendly, offer a smile or a simple greeting, and avoid loud conversations. These small actions help everyone enjoy the trail experience.
Choosing the right footwear makes a big difference. Shoes should fit well and support your feet. Look for sturdy soles and comfortable padding. Try your shoes on with the socks you plan to wear. Break them in before a long hike. Good footwear helps prevent blisters, sprains, and sore feet.
Taking care of your feet and footwear keeps you moving. Keep your feet dry, change socks if they get wet, and check for hot spots that may become blisters. Clean your shoes after each hike. Let them dry completely before storing them. When your shoes stay in good shape, they last longer and protect your feet better.
These practices help you hike with confidence and respect. The Hiking Merit Badge teaches you that smart habits make every hike safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable. When you use these skills, you set a strong example for other hikers and help build a positive trail community.
Leave No Trace on Every Trail
The Hiking Merit Badge teaches you that the outdoors is a shared place. Trails, forests, and parks are for everyone. Leave No Trace helps you protect these places so they stay clean and healthy. When you follow each guideline, you show care for the land and for the hikers who come after you. The Hiking Merit Badge asks you to understand why each point matters during a hike.
Learn more about Leave No Trace here.
Plan ahead and prepare. This keeps you safe and helps you avoid damage to the land. When you know the rules, weather, and trail conditions, you make better choices. Good planning prevents accidents and keeps you from needing to make last-minute changes that may harm the area.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Stay on marked trails so you do not crush plants or widen the path. Walking off the trail can damage roots and soil. Using strong surfaces like rock, gravel, or packed dirt protects the land and keeps trails from wearing out.
Dispose of waste properly. Carry out all trash, leftover food, and anything you bring in. Even small scraps can harm wildlife. Leaving waste on the trail makes the area look bad and can attract animals. Keeping the trail clean is a simple way to protect nature.
Leave what you find. Do not take rocks, plants, or other natural items. These belong to the place where you found them. When you leave things as they are, other hikers can enjoy them too. This keeps the natural balance of the area strong.
Minimize campfire impact. While hiking, you may stop for a break, but fires should only be used in the right places. Fires can scar the ground and harm the area if not handled safely. Use a stove if you need heat or cooking, or skip the fire altogether.
Respect wildlife. Watch animals from a distance. Do not feed them. Feeding wildlife can make them sick or change their behavior. When you respect animals, you help keep them safe and wild.
Be considerate of other visitors. Keep noise low and share the trail. Let others enjoy the quiet and beauty of the outdoors. Polite hikers make the trail feel welcoming to everyone.
These guidelines help you protect the land with every step. The Hiking Merit Badge shows you that small choices add up. When you follow Leave No Trace, you help keep trails clean, safe, and enjoyable for all who explore them.
Living the Outdoor Code on the Trail
The Hiking Merit Badge helps you understand that hiking is not just walking on a trail. It is about caring for the outdoors and making smart choices. The Outdoor Code guides you in how to treat the land, animals, and other people. When you learn this code, you learn to respect nature in simple, practical ways. The Hiking Merit Badge encourages you to use these habits every time you go outside.
Learn more about The Outdoor Code here.
The Outdoor Code starts with being clean in your outdoor manners. On a hike, this means picking up your trash and keeping the trail free of litter. It also means leaving rest areas better than you found them. If you see trash that is not yours, you can pick it up and carry it out. Clean habits help keep the trail safe and pleasant for everyone.
The next part of the Outdoor Code is being careful with fire. While most day hikes do not require a fire, you may stop for a rest. If you ever use a campfire or stove on a longer hike, keep it small and controlled. Use only approved fire rings and fully put out the fire when you are done. Being careful with fire protects the forest and keeps the trail from being damaged.
You also promise to be considerate in the outdoors. This means sharing the trail with others. Move to the side for faster hikers. Keep your group close so you do not block the path. Speak in quiet voices and be polite when passing people. Simple courtesy makes the hike better for everyone.
Being conservation-minded is the last part of the Outdoor Code. On a hike, this means staying on marked trails to protect plants and soil. It also means watching wildlife from a distance and never feeding animals. You can help preserve nature by avoiding shortcuts, which can cause erosion. When you protect the land, you help keep it healthy for future hikers.
The Outdoor Code gives you clear steps to follow. When you use these ideas on your hikes, you show respect for nature and for others. The Hiking Merit Badge teaches you that responsible actions make every trail safer and cleaner. These habits stay with you long after the hike is done and help you grow as a leader in the outdoors.
Hiking Merit Badge Requirement 3: Conditioning
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.
Requirement 3 Helps and Answers
Building Strength One Step at a Time
The Hiking Merit Badge teaches you that hiking is an aerobic activity. This means your heart and lungs work steadily while you walk. Your body uses oxygen to keep your muscles moving at a steady pace. Aerobic activities help improve endurance. When you hike often, your heart grows stronger, and you can walk longer without feeling worn out. The Hiking Merit Badge helps you understand how this kind of exercise supports good health.
To get ready for a 10-mile hike, you need a simple conditioning plan. Start by walking short distances a few times a week. Choose easy trails or sidewalks at first. Aim for one to two miles and keep a comfortable pace. As you get used to walking, add hills or uneven ground. This helps your legs get stronger and prepares you for real trails. Good conditioning starts with slow, steady steps.
After a couple of weeks, increase your distance. Move up to three or four miles. Carry a light daypack so your body gets used to the weight. Drink water during your walks and take short breaks when you need them. Pay attention to your breathing and your stride. If you feel good at this distance, you are ready to go farther. Small increases help prevent injury and build confidence.
When you feel steady at four miles, move up to six or seven miles. Try different types of terrain, such as rocky paths or gentle climbs. This prepares your muscles and joints for longer hikes. A few weeks later, try an eight-mile hike. Keep your pace easy. Bring snacks for energy. By this point, your legs, lungs, and heart are working together smoothly.
To reach 10 miles, stay patient and consistent. Plan a day when you feel rested. Pack the gear you will bring on real hikes so you train in similar conditions. Start early and walk at a pace you can keep for a long time. When you finish your first 10-mile hike, rest well and drink plenty of water. This shows you that your conditioning plan is working.
To get ready for even longer hikes, continue building your endurance. Add one or two extra miles to your weekly long walk. Practice carrying a little more weight in your pack. Learn how your body reacts to longer distances. Take care of your feet by wearing good socks and footwear. Strong feet help you go farther without pain.
This conditioning plan helps you gain strength, balance, and stamina. The Hiking Merit Badge shows you that long hikes are not about speed. They are about pacing yourself, preparing well, and giving your body time to grow stronger. When you train with steady effort, you will be ready for many miles of adventure.
Hiking Merit Badge Requirement 4: Five Hikes
Take four 10-mile hikes and one 20-mile hike, each on a different day, and each of continuous miles. Prepare a written hike plan before each hike and share it with your merit badge counselor or a designee for approval before starting the hike. Include map routes, a clothing and equipment list, and a list of items for a trail lunch. You may stop for as many short rest periods as needed, as well as one meal, during each hike, but not for an extended period such as overnight.*
- 10-mile hike #1
- 10-mile hike #2
- 10-mile hike #3
- 10-mile hike #4
- 20-mile hike
*The required hikes for this badge may be used in fulfilling hiking requirements for rank advancement. However, these hikes cannot be used to fulfill requirements of other merit badges.
Requirement 4 Helps and Answers
Planning Big Miles with Confidence
The Hiking Merit Badge asks you to complete four 10-mile hikes and one 20-mile hike. These hikes help you build real trail skills and steady endurance. Each hike teaches you something new about pacing, planning, and staying safe outdoors. The Hiking Merit Badge also requires you to prepare a written plan for every hike. This helps you think ahead and understand the route, gear, and food you will need.
A good hike plan starts with a clear route. Study a map and choose a trail that fits the distance. Mark your starting point, turning points, and ending point. Note water sources, trail intersections, and places where you might rest. Share this plan with your counselor before the hike. This step builds good habits and keeps you safe if something changes on the trail.
Your plan should also include a clothing and equipment list. Think about the weather, terrain, and season. Bring sturdy shoes, layered clothing, a rain jacket, and a daypack. Pack water, snacks, a first aid kit, a flashlight, and a map. These items help you stay comfortable and prepared. Good gear choices keep your hike steady and safe.
Food is an important part of your hike plan. A 10-mile or 20-mile hike uses a lot of energy. Choose simple foods like sandwiches, trail mix, fruit, and energy bars. Bring enough water for the whole day. Plan one main meal and several small snacks. Eating steady amounts of food helps you keep moving and avoid feeling tired.
Your four 10-mile hikes help you learn how to manage distance. Each one gives you practice with pacing and problem-solving. You learn how your body reacts to long walks and how to adjust your speed. These hikes also teach you how to handle hills, rocks, and changing weather. The more you hike, the more confident you become.
The 20-mile hike is the final challenge. It takes planning, patience, and good judgment. Start early, follow your route, and take short breaks when needed. Keep your pack light and your pace easy. This hike shows you that you can stay strong over many hours. Completing it is a big achievement.
These hikes teach you responsibility, planning, and endurance. The Hiking Merit Badge helps you grow into a skilled and thoughtful hiker. When you finish these long walks, you gain strength and confidence that stay with you for life.
Hiking Merit Badge Requirement 5: Reflection
After each of the hikes (or during each hike if on one continuous “trek”) in requirement 4, write a short report on your hike. For each hike, give the date and description (or map) of the route covered, the weather, any interesting things you saw, and any challenges you had and how you overcame them. It may include something you learned about yourself, about the outdoors, or about others you were hiking with. Share this with your counselor.
Requirement 5 Helps and Answers
Reflecting on the Trail
The Hiking Merit Badge asks you to write a short report after each of your long hikes. This helps you look back at what happened on the trail and understand what you learned. A hike report is simple. It records the date, the route, and what the day was like. The Hiking Merit Badge uses these reports to help you grow as a hiker and notice things you might miss in the moment.
Start by writing down the basic facts. List the date of the hike and describe the route. You can include a small map or a simple outline of where you started, where you turned around, and where you finished. This helps your counselor understand the path you chose and how you managed the distance.
Include the weather in your report. Weather affects every hike. Write about the temperature, wind, sun, rain, or clouds. Explain how the weather changed during the day and how it influenced your pace and comfort. This helps you learn how to prepare for future hikes.
Next, describe interesting things you saw. This could be a view from a hill, a stream crossing, animal tracks, or plants along the trail. Writing about these moments helps you remember the hike and teaches you to pay attention to the world around you.
Talk about any challenges you had and how you solved them. Maybe your feet got tired, or you missed a trail marker. Maybe you walked too fast at the start and had to slow down later. Explain what you did to fix the problem. This shows your counselor that you are learning from experience.
You can also write about what you learned about yourself. Long hikes give you time to think. You might notice how you handle stress, how you stay positive, or how you work with others. Write honestly about these thoughts. They show how hiking helps you grow.
If you hiked with others, include something you noticed about your group. Maybe someone helped you, or you encouraged another hiker. Teamwork is part of hiking. Writing about it shows that you understand this.
These reports make your hikes more meaningful. They help you remember details and understand your progress. The Hiking Merit Badge teaches you that reflection is part of learning. When you take time to write about your hikes, you become a stronger and more aware hiker.
Resources
Trail Food
When you are on the trail for the Hiking merit badge, 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.
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.
Related Achievements
Troop Program Features
More Merit Badge Resources
The Hiking Merit Badge fits well into the large merit badge program because it teaches basic outdoor skills that support many other badges. Scouts learn planning, pacing, map reading, and safe trail habits. These skills connect to badges like Backpacking, Camping, and Orienteering. The Hiking Merit Badge also helps Scouts understand the value of steady effort, which is useful no matter what badges they choose next.
This badge also encourages confidence in the outdoors. By completing long hikes, Scouts learn patience and responsibility. The Hiking Merit Badge gives Scouts a clear goal and shows them they can meet it with practice. It fits naturally into the wide range of badges that help Scouts grow through active learning.
Learn More about Scouts BSA
The Hiking Merit Badge supports leadership because long hikes require good decisions, planning, and teamwork. Scouts learn to care for themselves and look out for others on the trail. These habits help them lead in simple, steady ways. The badge also builds fitness through regular walking and pacing. This supports healthy living in the Scouts BSA program.
The badge also strengthens personal development and citizenship. Scouts learn outdoor ethics, respect for the land, and safe behavior. They see how their choices affect the group and the environment. The Hiking Merit Badge helps Scouts grow into responsible, thoughtful young people who can handle challenges with calm and care.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Hiking Merit Badge
What is the Hiking Merit Badge about?
The Hiking Merit Badge teaches you how to plan and take long hikes safely. You learn good trail habits, first aid skills, and how to build endurance.
Do I need special gear for the Hiking Merit Badge?
You do not need fancy equipment. You need sturdy shoes, a daypack, water, snacks, and simple first aid items. Good socks and comfortable clothing also help.
How long are the hikes for the Hiking Merit Badge?
You must take four 10-mile hikes and one 20-mile hike. Each hike must be on a different day. These hikes help you build strength and confidence.
Do I have to hike alone for the Hiking Merit Badge?
No. You should hike with a buddy or a group. This keeps you safe. You still plan your own route and learn the skills yourself.
Why do I need to write hike plans for the Hiking Merit Badge?
A hike plan helps you think ahead. It shows your route, gear, food, and safety steps. Sharing your plan with your counselor keeps you safe on the trail.
Why do I write reports after each hike for the Hiking Merit Badge?
Reports help you remember what you did and what you learned. They show your counselor your progress and help you grow as a hiker.
What if I get tired during a long hike for the Hiking Merit Badge?
Take short rests, drink water, and slow your pace. Long hikes are about steady effort. It is fine to take breaks as needed.
Is the Hiking Merit Badge hard?
It takes effort, but you can do it with training and planning. Each hike becomes easier as you build endurance.
What skills will I learn from the Hiking Merit Badge?
You learn map reading, trail safety, outdoor ethics, pacing, and first aid. You also learn patience and confidence.
Can the Hiking Merit Badge help me in other parts of Scouts?
Yes. The skills you learn help with camping, backpacking, and leadership roles. It also prepares you for other outdoor merit badges.
Trail Miles and Good Smiles
The Hiking Merit Badge helps Scouts learn how to take long walks with confidence. It teaches simple skills that make the outdoors safer and more enjoyable. Scouts learn how to plan routes, read maps, and choose the right gear. These steps help every hike feel steady and well prepared. The Hiking Merit Badge encourages careful thinking before you take your first step.
This merit badge also builds strength and endurance. Each hike helps you understand your limits and how to improve them. You learn how to pace yourself, take short breaks, and stay positive on long trails. The Hiking Merit Badge teaches you to trust your steps and stay focused over many miles.
Outdoor ethics and trail safety are important parts of this badge. Scouts learn to respect the land, follow marked trails, and care for their feet and equipment. You also practice first aid skills that help you handle common trail problems. With the Hiking Merit Badge, you become more aware of yourself and the world around you.
In the end, the Hiking Merit Badge helps you grow in patience, responsibility, and confidence. Every hike teaches something new. You build skills that stay with you for life and help you enjoy many outdoor adventures.
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