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“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.”
“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.”
On the Parts of Animals, 645a (Loeb ed.), Aristotle, 350 BC
On the Parts of Animals, 645a (Loeb ed.), Aristotle, 350 BC
Do you want to explore the world around you, use a map, or read a compass? Or perhaps you've never hiked before or don't have many opportunities to explore the outdoors? If you want to join in on some fun, then the Pack 38 Hiking Program is for you!
As scouts begin hiking and start learning the Outdoor Code, the guidelines for Leave No Trace, how to use a map and compass, the history of the local parks they’ll be in, and undertaking a study of the nature all around, they will be earning mile credits for every mile hiked. The goal is to have fun while hiking. And, to enhance this experience, scouts will be able to earn the symbol of the Hiking Program, the Hiking Staff, as well as other rewards pertaining to hiking participation and milestones.
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace
Know Before You Go
Choose The Right Path
Trash Your Trash
Leave What You Find
Be Careful With Fire
Respect Wildlife
Be Kind To Other Visitors
Who Can Participate?
Who Can Participate?
All scouts from any dens on any hike, with or without their den-leaders
Parental participation not required but encouraged, unless your scout is a Lion or Tiger
Siblings, friends and neighbors, but not without parent if under 21
When Will Hikes Take Place?
When Will Hikes Take Place?
Once a month
Weekends or holidays
No regularly set time or date, Saturday or Sunday, morning or afternoon
Flexible and meant to accommodate scouts with pre-existing weekend schedules
Weather-dependant so changes on short notice should be expected
Will never overlap with other Pack activities.
Where Will Hikes Take Place?
Where Will Hikes Take Place?
Local and regional area parks within about one hour’s drive from Springfield
Variety of hiking perspectives: early American & Civil War history, wildlife, bird-watching,
plant & aquatic-life, geology, geo-caching, orienteering, scenic and high vistas
No separate meetings other than the actual hike.
How Does the Hiking Program Work?
How Does the Hiking Program Work?
Pack and Den Hikes will always follow BSA guidelines and be at least “two-deep”. This means two adults, with at least one parent of a scout on the hike and a second who is current on all three BSA training courses: Youth Protection, Leadership, and Weather Hazards.
Most awards handed out after each hike, with progress announced at pack meetings.
Hiking Awards
Hiking Awards
Hiking Staff
Hiking Staff
The Pack Hiking Staff with handle and carabiner is awarded after the Third Pack Hike and a presumes a commitment to join in pack hikes regularly.
Hiking Beads
Hiking Beads
As Scouts and Leaders participate in hikes with their Pack, Den or family, their mileage is recorded and they receive recognition for those hiked miles in the form of beads attached to the Hiking Staff. Each bead represents 1 mile hiked.
Program Guidelines
Program Guidelines
Hike lengths typically range 2 – 4 miles and are at least 1 mile.
Miles should be hiked in 'natural' settings (parades in which the Pack participates is an exception to this rule).
All hikes will depart from the meeting location as scheduled.
An adult leader must be assigned to the “tail” position. No one is allowed behind this individual. We hike as a unit. We start together, break together, etc., with everyone following the same trail. (Scouts may return early with their parent if needed for scheduling or for younger scouts on longer hikes)
Siblings may participate. It is up to the parent-guardian to decide if younger children can maintain a consistent pace and are capable of hiking the designated distance. Only registered Pack 38 Scouts and Leaders will receive hiking awards.
We may allow an older Scout to “Lead”. We will usually work in map reading and use of a compass with them, where we have a route that can be read. It’s up to the scout to determine which fork to take to stay on the designated route, or if a new trail needs to be transitioned; they will however, have their decision confirmed by a leader.
Clothing
Clothing
Scouts can choose between their class A & B shirts or you may wear your neckerchief. It’s good to be identified as a scout.
Dressing in layers is always a good idea.
During the winter, hats, scarves, gloves/mittens, coats & boots should be worn.
Consider your needs for sun protection using hats, clothing, or lotions in the winter as well as the summer.
Consider keeping a rain poncho with you. If it rains you have it, if it doesn’t it makes a good sun shelter.
Hats provide protection from the weather. (Rank hats are optional.)
Wear comfortable shoes, preferably hiking shoes with appropriate socks.
Gear
Gear
Each Cub Scout should carry the Six Essentials in his personal gear when going on hikes or campouts. A small fanny pack or light back pack can be used to organize the items and make them easy to carry. These items are not intended for play and should be used only when needed.
Water bottle—filled and large enough to last until it can be filled again
Trail food—easy to carry, easy to eat, easy to clean up
Sun protection—hats and clothing and/or sunscreen
First-aid kit—adhesive bandages, moleskin, gauze, antibiotic ointment, etc.
Flashlight—for emergency use only
Whistle—for emergency use only
Scouts SHOULD be responsible for carrying their own gear – so keep it light!
On longer hikes we will typically eat lunch on the trail (practicing “Leave No Trace” at all times).
On warmer weather hikes, a small water bottle is not enough for even the smallest scout so please be sure that the scout and parent-guardian have plenty of fluids.
Don’t forget insect repellent!
Bear and Webelos Scouts may bring their pocket knife but should present their knife and Whittling Chip to the hike leader at arrival and gathering.
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