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Hiking Guidelines
Date: 12/18/07
Inside Pack 209 Hiking Program
The hiking program provides the pack an opportunity to enjoy an outdoor activity that is healthy for boys, their families, and leaders. The monthly hikes are a pack function helping to build pack cohesion, while getting these boys ready for Boy Scouts. This program is not a race but a goal, which runs all year, not just this year.
The basics:
- The hiking coordinator schedules monthly hikes at a variety of locations and keeps track of each boy’s miles.
- A system of rewards provides boys and adults with continuing recognition for miles completed.
- The presentation of a hiking stick at the 50-mile mark is great motivation for new hikers. Each stick, made by the hiking coordinator or other leader, displays the name of the hiker, the pack number, and “50-mile Club” stamped into a leather grip.
- Hikers receive awards at pack meetings. A person who is to receive a hiking stick walks to the front of the room under the crossed sticks of previous 50-milers.
- Den leaders take dens on additional hikes and turn in miles. This is left up to the Den Leader on how to run this. These hikes have a service or educational component, for example, pulling up invasive plants at a park’s workday or finding animal tracks in the snow during a forest preserve event, not just walking around the mall.
- Webelos Scouts can count miles hiked at an overnight or at a Boy Scout event.
- At a boy’s last pack meeting, he receives a certificate showing his miles, which he takes to a Boy Scout troop.
The program’s benefits include:
- Built pack/den cohesion
- An outdoor experience and physical activity that prepares Cub Scouts for the transition to a Boy Scout troop’s outdoor program.
- Hikes can include opportunities for passing Cub Scout requirements and learning lessons.
- Webelos Scouts can lead a pack hike, read maps, and choose trails, with the aid of an adult.
- The program may attract new Cub Scouts to the pack.
- Families have memorable outdoor experiences together.
How to Choose a Hike
With these criteria’s in mind:
- A hike should be at least two or three miles long.
- Plan for variety. “Each hike is unique.”
- Mix variety with old favorites. The schedule varies year to year. The pack repeats favorite hikes annually, revisits some others in alternate years, and adds newfound locations.
- The pack is ready to hike in rain (though not during thunderstorms) and in snow, but in winter they stay relatively close to home in case roads become slippery.
- Check in advance with the administrators of the place you want to hike, to see if there is an event scheduled that might overcrowd the trails.
- The pack always files a tour permit with Four Rivers Council.
- Dress properly. In cold weather, before driving to the hike location, check if everyone has the necessary winter clothing. Pack 209 we’ll wait for anyone who must go home for a hat, mittens, etc.
- Warm or hot weather, it is especially important to carry an adequate supply of water.
- Always use the buddy system.
Guidelines
Al Furlow
(410) 846-5569
E-Mail: albeham@comcast.net |
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