HIKING STICK PROGRAM

This program invites Scouts to be more active in the outdoors, to learn more about the environment, and learn what type of wild animals and birds live in their local area. 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, experience camping, and go hiking in fun and exciting locations? If you answered yes, then the Pack Hiking Program is for them.

As your child begins hiking, they start to learn the guidelines for Leave No Trace, The Outdoor Code, The Buddy System, and The Cub Scout 6 Essentials. They will also learn how to use a map and compass and learn the history of the local parks they will be in, all while earning mile credits. A scout earns one mile credit for every mile hiked. The goal is for your son or daughter to have fun while hiking. And, to enhance this experience, they will be able to earn the symbol of the Hiking Program, the Hiking Staff or Stick as well as other rewards pertaining to his or her participation and milestones.

When Will the Hikes Take Place?

1. Once a month.
2. Weekends or school vacations
3. Saturday or Sunday, morning or afternoon.
4. Flexible and meant to accommodate scouts with pre-existing weekend schedules.
5. Weather-dependent so changes on short notice could occur. Hikes will continue unless
6. predicted weather is expected to be extreme and unsafe.
7. Will never overlap with other Pack activities.

Where Will the Hikes Take Place?

1. Local and regional area parks.
2. Variety of hiking perspectives: historical, wildlife, bird-watching, plant & aquatic-life,
3. geological & scenic.
4. Trip agendas with trail descriptions, maps (when possible) and directions for each hike will be
5. provided.
6. No separate meeting other than the actual hike.

How Much Will This Hiking Stick Program Cost?

At this time there is no sign up fee for the hiking program. There may be park admission fees for adults or per vehicle. Many parks will admit scouts either at reduced rates or free of charge.

Entrance fees will be announced with each hike.

Program Rules & Guidelines:

1. Hike lengths typically range 2 – 5 miles.
2. Lions and Tigers are required to have a parent-guardian on the hike with them at all times. As for Wolves, Bears, Webelos, and Arrows of Light, while Adult Partners are always welcome, the scouts do not need to have a parent present. That being said, all hikes must be compliant with Two-Deep leadership rules meaning there must be at least 2 adults who are not related to each other present at all times. We must also maintain a 1 to 5 ratio of adults to scouts. At no time can there be more than 10 scouts and 2 adults. Some special hikes may require more chaperones depending on the hike location. Because of this, along with preparing for hike supplies it is essential that scouts RSVP so we can make sure the hike will be both safe and successful!
3. All hikes will depart from the meeting location as scheduled.
4. Scouts can choose between their class A & B shirts. It’s good to be identified as a scout.
5. Scouts should wear a hat. Hats provide protection from the weather. (Rank hats are optional.)
6. Wear comfortable shoes, preferably hiking shoes with appropriate socks. No open toed shoes or sandals.
7. Scouts will be responsible for carrying their own gear – so keep it light! But always carry your 6 essentials for a hike! Which are water, healthy trail snacks, sunscreen, first aid kit, whistle, and a flashlight. 
8. On longer hikes we will typically eat lunch on the trail (practicing “Leave No Trace” at all times). Scouts may carry day-packs and water bottles.
9. 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.
10. Don’t forget insect repellent!
11. During the winter, hats, scarves, gloves/mittens, coats & boots should be worn. Dressing in layers is always a good idea.
12. Consider keeping a rain poncho with you. If it rains you have it, if it doesn’t it makes a good sun shelter.
13. 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 scouts will receive hiking awards.
14. 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 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.
15. Hiking mileage will be awarded only for Pack, Den, or Scout Troop events. Individuals will not be credited for miles hiked on vacations or family outings. However, participation in charitable walks such as 5Ks may be considered for mileage. This is at the discretion of the Outdoor Coordinator and approval should be obtained prior to registering for such an event. Scouts may also apply for town clean up mileage where they contact the Outdoor Coordinator and request approval to walk areas of town with trash bags and clean up debris.
16. All mileage that is earned must be recorded by the hike leader and reported to the Outdoor Coordinator to receive credit. It is the scout’s responsibility to sign-in at each event.
17. “Number of Hikes” and “Top Miler” will be recorded per scout year.
18. All monthly hiking stick awards will be awarded at the end of each hike.
19. Hiking awards will only be awarded once.
20. No dogs allowed on pack hikes. Scouts must be respectful of wildlife. Scouts must respect other hiker’s experience. They must stay to the right of the trail and keep their distance from hikers with animals including leashed dogs and riders on horseback.