Hiking

It is an activity that is espoused and advocate not in only scouting, but also by other organizations. It provides good health. It also provides opportunity to practice skills learned in scouting.

Two Types of Hike Patrol Hike - Hikes better undertaken on a patrol basis. Troop Hike - Hikes that involve the whole unit.

I. Troop Hikes A. Recovering Knight Hike Patrols are sent out like the knights of the olden days to perform good deeds To help others during a given length of time Patrol then give reports about the good deeds they had done to the troop after the hike B. Lost Child Hike Patrols are mobilized, given instruction 7 sent out to find the lost “child” The lost child may be a pillow or a doll that is place in a particular place by one of the troop leader.

C. Commando Hike Troop divided in half & pitted against one another Employ their knowledge in stalking and tracking while practicing in ‘Scoutcraft activities’ D. Historical Hike They goes out to visit historical places & recall historical events It helps develop their sense of nationality & knowledge of local history E. Nature Hike They act as ecologist and list down the names of the birds, trees, animals, insect and heavenly bodies observed during the hike

II. Patrol Hike A. Beeline Hike The Patrol tries to go in a straight line overcoming all obstacles in their way

The lighter the load carried by a scout in hiking, the better & more enjoyable the hike is.  Carrying a light load removes unnecessary burden on the hiker  Saves the energy of the hiker  Enabling the hiker to travel farther with least amount of energy The equipment suggested here should vary according to the type & duration of the hike. The route’s terrain & existing weather condition should also be considered in bringing the equipments. Equipments in Hiking

Complete Type A Uniform Blanket or sleeping bag Extra Clothes Toiletries (soap, comb, etc) Sewing Kit Scout knife Notebook Canteen Flashlight Water Purifying Tablets Extra Food Candles Rope (about 20 feet for emergency) Waterproof ground Sheet Raincoat or poncho Mess kit Extra shoes or slippers First aid kit Matches in a waterproof case Ball pen / pencil Compass Axe / Bolo Cooking equipment Map of hiking route / area Toilet paper

1. Buddy System must be used Each member must have a partner or a buddy Buddies must stay together at all times 2. Advance party must be sent to check the route & destination for possible dangers prior to the hike. These dangers must be relayed to the members before the hike 3. The leader of the troop must properly orient the troop about the destination, the route to take, instructions, tasks to do upon reaching the destination & most importantly what to do in case of emergency Rules in Hiking

4. There must be a leader in front & at the back of the patrol to lead and safeguard the members. They should put slowest hikers at the middle to assure that no one shall be left behind 5. The hikers must be in appropriate attire. Shoes must be well broken into & must have thick soles Wearing 2 pairs of socks would also make feet comfortable Short sleeved shirt & among pants A poncho or raincoat is suggested during rainy days

6. Always remember that the lighter the load, the better. Unnecessary things shouldn’t be brought Use a backpack 7. Hikers must take a pinch of salt to avoid excessive dehydration. To avoid dehydration, do not wipe perspiration. 8. There must be a first aider to take charge during emergencies. 9. Always follow signs and make sure to follow trail marks.

1. When walking down a street, always walk in single file & walk on the left side of the road. This enables you to see the cars because your walking opposite the flow of traffic. 2. On night hike, always tie a piece of bright cloth on your right forearm. This enables passing drivers to see you easily Precautions to Take During the Hike

3. Always slow down when near curves & crossroads. 4. Always look both left & right before crossing a road. 5. Hitchhiking is not allowed, except during emergency cases. 6. Be extra careful when jumping from rock to rock & going down slopes because a fall can be fatal 7. Keep calm and patient at all times.

1. The leader of the patrol / troop must prepare a hiking plan. The plan should include: Points of origin & destination Equipment needed Timetable of activities Duties of patrols & particular staff A lesson on outdoor manners 2. The members must be briefed in detail before departures. Pre-Hiking Preparations

3. the troop / patrol equipment must be checked before the hike. 4. The troop leader must secure the necessary permits from the institution, local council & other hike connected authorities. 5. Before a scout is allowed to join the hike, he should secure his parents’ approval and a certification of his fitness to join the hike. 6. Personal equipments of the hiker must be checked.

Three P’s in Hike Planning 1. PEOPLE Who are the prospective buyers? Do they have the necessary permits? Who will lead the hike? 2. PURSE How much should be collected from the hikers? What are the necessary expenses to be included? What food & equipments, if any, should be prepared? 3. PROGRAM What are you going to do before, during & after the hike?

1. After the hike, the troop leaders should evaluate its success in term of pre-set objectives and satisfaction attained by the participating scouts. 2. There must be an open forum between boy leaders & scouters to find out their views, observation, comments & suggestions 3. A hiking report must be made & filed for future references. 4. An accounting of equipments used during the hike must be done to check if any are missing or broken. Post Hiking Evaluation