Hiking Program

Boy Scouts of America Hiking and Packing Book

Rules of the Hike

Hike safety is always a priority

So your ready for your first hike, now what?

1. Find a common meeting place before going to the trail. This allows the hike coordinator to know which cub scout, or young women will be hiking that day, everyone knows how to get to the trail, and you can car pool. We meet at our church parking lot or the trailhead.

2. Each scout and parent is responsible for their own water and snacks on the hike. For longer hikes, pack a lunch and plan to eat it about half way through the hike. This allows for a rest and to get some energy back.

3. The hike coordinator or uniformed leader should bring a first aid kit.

4. At the trail head, count the number of cub scouts, or young women on the hike, and if needed, count the siblings, and count the parents. This will ensure a scout doesn't get lost or left behind.

5. During the hike someone is assigned the Leader, and no one goes in front of the leader. We let the cub scouts be the leader so they can learn to read maps and gives them experience of being in control and responsibility. For longer hikes and on certain trails, a parent may be a leader for a while. For example, when we take a cub scout den into the city, a parent is normally the leader.

6. During the hike a parent is assigned the Caboose position. This person does not allow anyone to fall behind them. This way if someone stops to tie their shoe, the caboose will always stop and wait.

7. During the hike, stop every so often to let the Caboose catch up and do a head count to make sure everyone is still within your group.

8. If someone leaves early during the hike, they must notify the uniformed leader or the coordinator.

9. Take a break about half way through the hike to eat a snack or catch your breath.

10. Watch for items along the trail that can teach your scouts. Learn about different animal tracks or scat. What does Poison Ivy look like or Poison Oak. Did you hear a bird or another animal? Read the signs along the trails, they are usually very informative about the natural wildlife and anything interesting in the area.

11. Wear good walking shoes or hiking shoes. Strollers are probably not a good idea unless your on a paved path.

12. Have fun and be positive. If your having fun on the hike, chances are so are your scouts.