CUB SCOUT  PACK 308

 HIKING PROGRAM
Welcome to Pack 308 Hiking Program

So why did your son want to join scouting…he wanted to do out-of-door stuff, hike, camp, explore the out-of-doors.  One of the easiest and most fun ways to get your cub scouts out is a hiking program. A hiking program helps younger boys become more confident and comfortable outdoors, making for an easier transition to Boy Scouting. Also encourages healthy habits and lifestyles.

This hiking program is presented as a Pack-wide activity. The goal of the program is to regularly expose Cub scouts to the out of doors, introduce the concepts of map reading, instill respect for nature and the environment, demonstrate the fun and benefits of exercise, build a sense of Team and recognize their accomplishments.

Den Level Hike

Dens can organize and go on one den-level hikes per year that counts towards their miles so long as 2-deep leadership is maintained, and the other Hiking Program rules are followed. The Hiking Program Committee leader will review Den-level hikes prior to the den-level hiking event to ensure that the den-level hiking events are in the sprint of the Hiking Program.

Individual Level Hike

While the purpose is to encourage hiking in our scouts and they may want to continue hiking on their own as a family, only the organized Pack and Den Level hikes count toward the hiking program.

A participating cub scouts’ miles will be tracked and they will receive recognition in the form of beads, and patches, which are called mile markers. These are tracked at 5 mile intervals. In addition, at 10 miles each scot is awarded a hiking stick. A system of rewards provides boys and adults with continuing recognition for miles completed.

The hiking stick is from the scout shop so each scout will get the same stick. The scout can earn other awards including a leather grip and metal Medallion staff awards.

Miles earned as a Cub Scout do not transfer to their Boy Scout Troop or count toward their hiking merit badge.

For scouts that are out monthly, it would be an exception for a Scout not to have received their hiking stick, and by the time they finish Webelos most have more than 100 miles.

Determined scouts will more than likely Cross-over to Boy Cub scouts with more than 200 miles.

We would recommend that not only cub scouts, earn a hiking stick, but also their parents, and guardians (their miles are tracked and they receive recognition). Siblings do not accrue miles, but all family members are welcome on our hikes. Also, until a younger boy becomes a scout, miles hiked don’t count.

GETTING STARTED

The minimum requirement to have a hike is two uniformed leaders participating. A parent leader will assume the Hiking Coordinator position, this individual schedules the hikes and tracks miles. It would not be necessary for the Hiking Coordinator to make all hikes, the coordinator would not need to attend as long there is 2 deep leadership for the hike, though his attendance and enthusiasm would bolster the number of scouts that attend. Tiger cubs will require the presence of a parent/Guardian per tiger cub on all hikes per BSA requirements.

TOUR PERMITS

A tour permit is a scouting document that informs the council of what you’re up to and ensures BSA insurance coverage. In also allows them to double-check that we have the basics covered (the, who, what, where, when, type of questions) Depending upon where you are going, you may or may not need a tour permit. Most of the hikes take advantage of the local forest preserve districts, and depending upon the forest preserve district, you may or may not need one. If in doubt, fill it out.

WHERE

The easiest place to go is our local state park and forest preserves. Their web sites are:

In Louisville we have

http://parks.ky.gov/

http://parks.ky.gov/parks/recreationparks/tom-sawyer/default.aspx

The Parklands of Floyds Fork Project

http://theparklands.org/

Also, just because it’s close by and great hiking, there’s Bernheim Forest.

We welcome all suggestions for hiking locations including ones that would require some travel.

How Far and How to:

The pack will hike monthly, year round.

Now, though these may be ‘just’ Cub scouts, it is our experience that with just a little help (and we’ll tell you what that is) the average Cub Scout will easily hike 3 – 7 miles.

Tiger’s have no problem with 3 – 4 mile hikes. Some Tigers will have no problem keeping up with the older cub scouts and go the full way. Just ensure that the Tiger’s parent-guardian has plenty of water along, and a few snacks (for both of them).

On longer hikes we will typically eat lunch on the trail (practicing ‘Leave No Trace’ at all times).

Cub scouts will carry water bottles and may use day packs (or parent-guardian acting as beasts of burden). On warmer weather hikes, a small water bottle is not enough for even the smallest scout.

During winter, prior to departure (we meet at the designated site), we will typically double check the dress of the Cub scouts (particularly newer Cub scouts) to ensure they are properly prepared. If not, we may wait for them to go and pick up the forgotten, hat, gloves, mittens, coat, boots, etc. Water bottles (or hot beverages) are a must, even in the winter.

An adult leader is assigned to the ‘tail’ position. No one is allowed behind this individual. The

Pack hikes as a unit. We start together, break together, etc., with everyone following the same trail.

We may allow an older Scout to ‘Lead’. We will usually work in map reading with them, where we have a route we want to take on the map from the Forest Preserve. It’s up to the Scout to sort out the forks, etc., in the trail. They will have their parent-guardian (or scout leader) help out reading the map as necessary. If someone happens to have ‘Walkie-Talkies’, they can be very handy to allow the tail end to keep in touch with the front.

If you need to split the group (on longer hikes it is not uncommon for some to want to circle back earlier) be certain the leader knows who is leaving and who is in-charge of the group heading back is. Both groups need to have a uniformed leader, and follow the rules and guidelines as outlined.

Finally, reinforce the ‘Buddy System’ as much as possible. This is a key part of the Boy Scout program and instilling this in our cub scouts can’t start too early. Whether it’s simply down the trail, walking over to the bathroom facility, or checking out something cool along the trail, take the opportunity to ask the scout, who is there buddy. We have included a concise set of ‘Trail Rules’ at the end. As well as how several Packs run their hiking programs.

Benefits:

1) Very outdoor oriented (Council surveys have indicated that one of the key items our Cub scouts want is more camping and outdoor activities).

2) Helps ready Scout for Boy Cub scouts. By their Webelos year, they are very comfortable in outdoor situations.

3) Recruitment. The hiking stick is a very positive incentive for new Cub scouts.

4) Increases participation in the Pack. Cub scouts look forward to earning their hiking stick, feathers, etc.

5) Easy to reinforce buddy system along trail, walks to outhouse, etc.

6) Numerous opportunities to draw in Scouting requirements, belt loops, and lessons.

Challenges to Running a hiking program:

1)      Need adult volunteer willing to track and schedule hikes.

2)      Completing sign in sheet and turning in sign in sheet to Advancement Chair.

3)      Someone (usually Advancement Chair) needs to purchase hiking sticks and awards.

4)      Need to have at least one trained leader (preferably 2) on every hike (as well as each tiger scout’s parent or guardian).

5)      Need to remain mindful of safety. Most common issue is hydration.

Hike Rules

* Buddy System

* Leave No Trace

. Plan ahead

. Stick to the trails

. Leave what you find

. Respect other visitors

. Trash your trash

* Remember Compass Points

Never Eat Soggy Waffles

North East South West

Sun Rises East, Sets West

* Trail Rules

Hike on right, pass on left

Respect Nature’s peacefulness

Stay with group-never wonder off

Watch for cyclists

Don’t startle animals

* If you get lost

Stay calm and put

Hug a tree

Blow your trail whistle

* Provisions

Plenty of Snacks – they say an army travels on its stomach, so do cub scouts

Plenty of Water – a lot of cub scouts (and adults) aren’t used to drinking enough water. Keep an eye that everyone is carrying plenty of water and drinking it. It takes an hour for water to pass from stomach to the blood stream, so drinking before a hike on a hot day is important.

Pre-Hike Checklist

* What to wear –

Dress for weather conditions

Fall/Winter-cold (ears/hands/feet)

Spring/Summer-sun

Winter-(insulated/waterproof)

Spring-(mid weight/waterproof)

Summer-(light weight/waterproof)

Fall-(mid weight/waterproof)

 Dress in layers (hooded sweatshirt)

Gloves

Coat (down filled best for winter)

Hat (stocking cap best for winter)

Comfortable shoes or boots

Extra pair of socks

(Wool best for winter)

Extra hat, pair of gloves

*What to bring

Trail pack or small backpack

(Tagged-name/home phone #)

Trail whistle

Compass

Cell Phone (parents)

Camera/Binoculars (optional)

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Kleenex

Small notepad and pen

Small first-aid kit

Plenty of water (1-2 Qts.), snack

Lunch on 5+ mile hikes

Wet Ones/Purell

Grocery plastic bag

Insect Repellent

Flashlight w/ extra batteries

Note on winter hikes; assuming there’s snow, your cub scouts will have a great time, but they will get into the snow. You should plan for that to happen. Have spare gloves, hats and socks along (remember the Scout Motto: Be Prepared).

The Hiking Program award schedule is noted below. Awards will not be issued until the milestone has been met or exceeded. All costs associated with awards will be covered by that scout’s pack dues. Hiking awards are not are not a recognized program or award by the council so Awards are subject to change and availability:

If we go on special hikes there are medallions for Mammoth Cave, natural bridge, etc.

The program also offers the opportunity to earn other awards such as the hiking belt loop and pin.

Also additional awards:

Camping – Green Bead

Day Camp, Resident Camp, Blue Bead

Scouting for Food-White Bead

Pinewood Derby – Black Bead

While we try to keep a program as organized and consistent as we can, we have to realize that everything is subject to change in the hopes that those changes improve the program. A quality Scouting program provides plenty of opportunities—now more important than ever—for children to experience the outdoors.

If you have any questions about the hiking program you can bring them to your pack or den leaders.