Pack 545 Hiking Page
Cub Scout Six Essentials
1. First-aid kit: adhesive bandages, moleskin, gauze, antibiotic ointment
2. Water bottle: filled and large enough to last until it can be filled again
3. Flashlight: low light and emergency use
4. Trail food: can be made as den activity prior to hike
5. Sun protection: sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater and a hat
6. Whistle: for emergency use only
Purpose of the Hiking Club Program
The program is intended to invite the scouts to be more active in the outdoors, to learn more about the environment, practice good outdoor principles, and learn to love hiking!
A scout earns one mile credit for every mile hiked with the hiking club. The goal is for your scout to have fun while hiking. The Hiking Stick is the primary reward to be earned by scouts participating in the program, as well as other milestones. The Hiking Stick reward and additional milestones are subject to review and adjustment periodically by the Pack Committee. Currently, any scout who completes 10 miles with the Hiking Club will earn the Hiking Stick.
The hiking program will run concurrently with the scouting year and will consist of monthly hikes as the Pack calendar allows. Most hikes will be within an hour’s drive and intended to be about 2 to 4 miles each ( around 1 ½ to 2 ½ hrs). They will be appropriate for all scout ranks unless stated otherwise. All scouts, families and siblings are welcome to participate. While the purpose is to encourage hiking in our scouts and they may want to continue hiking on their own as a family or Den, only the organized Hiking Club hikes count toward the hiking program rewards and milestones.
Hiking Rules
- Scouts are required to have a parent-guardian on the hike with them at all times.
- All hikes will depart from the meeting location as scheduled and on time.
- Scouts need to be in uniform, however they can choose between their class A or B shirts.
- Wear comfortable shoes, preferably sturdy hiking shoes with appropriate socks.
- Scouts must carry their own pack with the six essentials.
- 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.
- If siblings participate, the parent should hike as well.
- An adult leader will be tasked to the “lead” and “tail” positions. The Pack hikes as a unit.
- We start together, break together, etc., with everyone following the same trail. No “sprinters” going out ahead and no stragglers will be left behind.
- Scout’s mileage that is earned must be recorded by the hiking club leader (or their designate) to receive credit.
- It is the scout’s responsibility to sign-in at each event.
- Any awards or milestones will be awarded at Pack meetings or hiking club events.
- Please no dogs allowed on pack hikes.
Hiking Club Library
Here we have several documented hikes which you can reference for family hikes.
Family hikes do not count towards the hiking stick goals.
Waneka Reservoir
Big Dry Creek