Hiking Packing List & Safety Rules

Pack 1831 provides scouts with at least two opportunities each year to go on an organized, educational, & fun hike! Once in the Fall and again in the Spring. When hiking we follow the principles of the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace.

Cub Scouts should always bring the "Six Essentials" on a hike, and preferably a small lightweight backpack to carry them in.

1. Filled Water Bottle (16 ounces per hour)

2. Sun Protection (sunblock, hat, etc.)

3. First Aid Kit (age appropriate)

4. Emergency Whistle

5. Trail Food/Snack

6. Flashlight

Scouts should also wear sturdy shoes or boots (no flip flops or crocs), weather appropriate clothing (layered during cold weather), and also bring a poncho or rain jacket. A hiking stick is allowed, but must be treated as tool, not a toy; or it will be taken and returned at the end of the hike.

Our goal is to begin and end each hike as a team, we do this by having a Scout Leader at both the front and back of the group and establishing a pace slow enough that everyone can stay together. We accomplish this by taking short breaks along the way to observe our surroundings, answer some questions, or complete a task. This allows everyone to catch back up, regroup, and take a short break whenever needed. Keep in mind the slowest person in the back of the line is actually working the hardest and also deserves a couple minutes of rest whenever we stop.

Scouts should always follow the Cub Scout Hiking Rules:

• Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return.

• Never hike alone or at night; always use the buddy system.

• Dress properly for the weather and environment.

• Wear sun and insect protection.

• Take an extra pair of socks in case you need to change.

• Obey traffic signs and signals.

• Avoid hiking along roadways.

• Stay on the trail.

• Be alert to your surroundings.

• Don't litter as you hike.

• Be alert to dangerous animals, insects, and plants. Never touch a wild animal.

• Take 1 pint of water for each hour you will be hiking. Never drink untreated water.

Please be aware that each Cub Scout rank has its own requirements and electives related to hikes. Webelos are required to complete at least one 3 mile hike and Wolves are required to complete a 1 mile hike. While Pack hikes are typically planned to allow all our scouts to participate, sometimes there may be Den specific hikes that may not be appropriate for all scouts due to the length and difficulty of the hike. For example, a 3-5 mile hike up a mountain may be too challenging for some Tigers and a "short" Tiger hike may be too easy for Bears & Webelos.

Be Safe & Have Fun!