Pack 277 Hiking Club

So why did your child want to join Scouting? Did they want to explore the outdoors? Learn how to use a map or read a compass? Explore new and exciting locations? If you answered yes, then the Pack 277 Cub Hiking Club is for them

The Pack 277 Hiking Club is a way for scouts and their parents to explore local nature and wildlife. Scouts will learn more about Leave No Trace ethics, outdoorsman skills, our local environment, geology and get some exercise along the way.

Hikes will mainly occur in Metro Parks, State and City Parks. Other hike locations also welcomed and encouraged. Most hikes will be 2 to 5 miles (depending on terrain and ages).

Program Goal: This program invites your scout and you to be active in the outdoors, while learning more about the environment. He will learn and use the practices of Leave No Trace. He may also have an opportunity to learn about and see local wildlife, read a map and use a compass. The program offers you and your scout fun in the outdoors, quality time spent together and exercises too.

Accumulating Miles: Hiking mileage will be awarded for Pack 277, Den, and Council events. Plus, individuals will be credited for family hikes that are not part of a scout activity, but are considered a hike on a marked trail. The idea is to experience and enjoy nature, not just to accumulate miles simply by taking causal neighborhood walks (or walking around the fair or at Disney!). Family hikes will accumulate ½ mile per one mile. (2 miles hiked = 1 mile accumulated). Two community hikes are allowed each year. These are community based Pack activities such as a parade or to perform a community service project.

Awards & Milestones: As a scout earns miles, they will track them and work toward several awards.

20 mile > they receive a hiking pin for their uniform

25 mile > current rank advancement each year after receiving hiking stick

50 mile > they receive a personalized hiking stick

60 mile > current Rank medallion for their stick

100 mile > each year if 100 miles is reached, a tool will be presented (example: flash light, water bottle, compass, etc)

Attending Pack scheduled hiking events during the summer make your scout eligible for the Summertime Pack Award.

What to Bring; Scouts and parents should always come prepared with the SIX Essentials including the following:

Sunscreen (minimum 30 SPF), even on cloudy days
Full Bottle/Canteen of Water
Flashlight
Trail Food
Whistle
Bring a small first aid kit
Gloves
Garbage bag for Leave No Trace
Cell phone/Electronics for adults only (Unless used for approved Geocaching – must be approved by registered adult leader prior to arriving) - NO ELECTRONICS USE during the hike!
Check the weather prior to departing and bring weather-appropriate attire, especially proper footwear. Possibly extra pair of socks in a zip lock bag in case of rain
Consider wearing long pants to avoid poison ivy

Expectations: Scouts and parents will be reminded of our standard safety rules and guidelines prior to all hikes.

Hike lengths will vary. Typical range is 1 - 5 miles. Lions/Tigers have no problem with 2 or 3 mile hikes. Just ensure that the parent-guardian has plenty of water along, and a few snacks (for both of them).
Hikes will typically continue rain or shine with the exception of extremely severe weather. We will not hike if there is lightning in the area.
On longer hikes we will typically eat lunch on the trail (practicing Leave No Trace and Outdoor Ethics at all times). Scouts will carry water bottles and may use day packs (or parent-guardian acts as the beast of burden).
On warmer weather hikes, a small water bottle is not enough for even the smallest Scout so please be sure that you and your scout have plenty of fluids.
During winter hikes, prior to departure, we will double check the dress of the Scouts to ensure they are properly prepared.
The Pack hikes as a unit. We start together, break together, etc., with everyone following the same trail.

Hiking Rules: Hiking shouldn't be about rules, but in order to keep it simple, safe and fun, please note the following:

1. All members of Pack 277 are members of the Cub Hiking Club.

2. Hiking mileage will be awarded for Pack, Den, or council sanctioned events and parent approved non-scout related hikes. All mileage that is earned must be reported via Google Form that can be found at this link https://forms.gle/iJGCyjnefvYBicoB6

3. Scout hikes must be led by two adults, including a trained leader.

4. An adult leader is assigned to the lead and tail positions. No one is allowed in front of or behind these individuals.

5. Lion and Tiger Scouts must have a parent or guardian on every hike.

6. Buddy System is to be used at all times while on the hike. No Youth is buddied with adult (only exception is adult family member). Must be 2 or 3 youth in buddy system

7. Dens, or the Pack, may have community service events where hiking miles are awarded. Examples would be street clean-up or participation in a parade, etc. All hikes should have a purpose - to explore a particular trail, perform a particular service, or theme hikes. Strolling around the neighborhood to accrue miles is not allowed