Equipment:

• Pocketknife
• Wood burning tool (optional)
• Drill (optional)
• Leather punch (optional)

Materials:

• Sturdy stick (about 4 feet long; oak works well)
• Sandpaper
• Piece of leather (optional)
• Leather lacing (optional)
• Shoelace (optional)

Instructions:

1. Choose a strong, straight stick about 4 feet long. It should be dry and not rotten.
2. Use a pocketknife to carefully strip all the bark off the stick.
3. Sand the stick until it feels smooth. Be sure to remove any rough spots or splinters.
4. (Optional) Use a wood burning tool to burn your name or designs into the stick.
5. (Optional) To add a leather grip:
   • Cut a piece of leather so it wraps around the stick.
   • Punch holes in both ends of the leather.
   • Wrap it around the stick and lace it up with leather cord.
6. (Optional) Drill a hole near the top of the stick and thread a shoelace through it. Tie a knot. This lets you hang it up when not in use.

Safety Notes:

• Always review knife safety rules before starting.
• Only Scouts with their knife safety training should use pocketknives.
• Adult help is needed for tools like wood burners or drills.
• Keep a first aid kit nearby just in case.

Variations:

• Add paint, beads, or stickers for decoration.
• Glue on badges or patches from hikes.
• Use paracord instead of leather for the handgrip.

For more information, see https://scoutermom.com/24820/hiking-stick-project/