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Summer Family Fun Equals Cub Scout Achievement: Hiking Up A Trail

Hike with your Cub Scout

What is the first thing that pops into your mind when you hear the word “hike” or “hiking?”  Many of us may think of trekking through the woods as hiking, but the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “hike” as a long walk especially for pleasure or exercise.

If we agree with Merriam-Webster, a hike can take place just about anywhere–around a lake, on short easy trails, at a local park or even in our own neighborhood.  Just remember that while it may be very easy to hike around our neighborhood, it probably won't be very interesting.

Whether your hike is just a couple of miles or an all day event, you'll probably need some ideas to keep your Cub Scout interested so that you don't hear the dreaded “I'm tired, and I want to leave!”.  I found this article about hiking with kids.  The author has a list of some great suggestions.  My favorite is learning to hike the way your kids do. 

You can also read this post and this post for some hiking game ideas.

While you're out on your hiking adventure, your Cub will be able to complete these adventure activities:

  • Tiger Adventure – Backyard Jungle 1: Take a 1-foot hike. Make a list of the living things you find on your 1-foot hike.
  • Tiger Adventure – Backyard Jungle 5: With your adult partner, go on a walk, and pick out two sounds you hear in your “jungle.”
  • Tiger Adventure – Tigers in the Wild 2: Go for a short hike with your den or family, and carry your own gear. Show you know how to get ready for this hike.
  • Wolf  Adventure Paws on the Path 6:  Go on a 1-mile hike with your den or family. Watch and record two interesting things that you’ve never seen before.
  • Wolf Elective AdventureFinding Your Way 5:  Using a map and compass, go on a hike with your den or family.
  • Bear Adventure – Fur, Feathers, and Ferns 1:  While hiking or walking for one mile, identify six signs that any mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, or plants are living nearby the place where you choose to hike.
  • Webelos Adventure – Webelos Walkabout 6:  With your Webelos den or with a family member, hike 3 miles (in the country, if possible).

They can also mark off this requirement for the Outdoor Activity Award.

Outdoor Activity Award 1: Participate in a nature hike in your local area. This can be on an organized, marked trail, or just a hike to observe nature in your area.

If you aren't sure where to hike, check with any of your local parks.  Many of them have hiking trails of varying distances and difficulty.  The employees there will be happy to help you plan your hike.

Summer Family Fun Equals Cub Scout Achievement Series
Part 1:  Let’s Have a Picnic
Part 2:  Family Bike Rides
Part 3:  Hiking up a Trail
Part 4:  Growing Our Garden

Yours in Scouting,
Sherry

P.S. If this series gave you some useful information, sign up below for more great Cub Scout tips!

Eva Daneker

Thursday 14th of December 2017

Fun! I love the progression.

Summer Family Fun Equals Cub Scout Achievement: Let's Have a Picnic | Cub Scout Ideas

Tuesday 17th of June 2014

[…] can be earned while participating in the fun.  The activities are Picnicking, Bicycling, Hiking, Gardening, Traveling and Water […]

Summer Family Fun Equals Cub Scout Achievement: Water Fun | Cub Scout Ideas

Sunday 13th of October 2013

[…] Cub Scout Achievement Series Part 1:  Let’s Have a Picnic Part 2:  Family Bike Rides Part 3:  Hiking up a Trail Part 4:  Growing Our Garden Part 5:  Traveling Together Part 6:  Water […]

Summer Family Fun Equals Cub Scout Achievement: Family Bike Rides « Cub Scout Ideas Cub Scout Ideas

Friday 14th of June 2013

[...] Cub Scout Achievement Series Part 1:  Let’s Have a Picnic Part 2:  Family Bike Rides Part 3:  Hiking up a Trail Part 4:  Growing Our Garden Part 5:  Traveling Together Part 6:  Water [...]

Summer Family Fun Equals Cub Scout Achievement: Growing Our Garden « Cub Scout Ideas Cub Scout Ideas

Friday 14th of June 2013

[...] Cub Scout Achievement Series Part 1:  Let’s Have a Picnic Part 2:  Family Bike Rides Part 3:  Hiking up a Trail Part 4:  Growing Our Garden Part 5:  Traveling Together Part 6:  Water [...]