Hiking Program - Three Fires Council

Transcription

Welcome to TFC‟s Hiking Program
So why did your son want to join scouting…he wanted to do out-of-door stuff, hike, camp, explore the
out-of-doors.
One of the easiest and most fun ways to get your scouts out is to start a hiking program in your pack. And
Three Fires Council will support you in getting the program up and running.
Packs within the Council have been successfully running a hiking program at the Cub Scout level. Pack
110 in Naperville been running the District Hiking Program since 1991. Several other Packs have recently
started hiking programs (Packs 63 Wheaton and 643 Naperville). The packs hike monthly, year round.
The program is presented as a ―Hiking Club‖, where miles are tracked; and the scouts ―earn‖ segments
(there are handy ―X‖ segments for each 10 miles), a cool general hiking patch, we’d recommend for a
scout’s first hike, and then patches for every 50 miles they go.
The scout is also awarded a hiking stick along the way. Now, since this is your program, just when that
happens is your call. Typically this has been awarded at either the 25 mile mark or the 50 mile mark.
Council has the following patches available:
.
The hiking stick may be purchased from the scout shop or ―manufactured‖ by the Pack. Pack 110
uses a standard dowel from a hardware store and the ―Leather Grip‖ from the scout shop. The cost
for the dowel is around $5 (from Menard’s) and the cost for the grip is roughly $8. Hiking sticks
available from the scout shops range from $4 (5 foot dowel only) to $18 for a medium price hiking
stick, and up to $50 to $60 for more elaborate hiking sticks.
Miles earned as a Cub Scout transfer to their Boy Scout Troop.
Once the program is up and running regularly you can expect nearly all of our Cub Scouts become
hiking club members (earn their hiking stick). For packs that are out monthly, it is the exception
for a Scout not to have received their hiking stick, and by the time they finish Webelos most have
more than 100 miles). A determined scout will likely Cross-over to Boy Scouts with more than 200
miles.
We would recommend that not only scouts, earn a hiking stick, but also their parents, and
guardians (miles are tracked and receive recognition). Now, again this is your program, but we
would recommend that to manage the program, siblings do not accrue miles. Also, until a younger
boy becomes a scout, miles hiked don’t count.
GETTING STARTED
Hiking Coordinator. Your first hurdle will be having someone volunteer as the Pack ―Hiking
Coordinator‖, this individual schedules the hikes and tracks miles. Though they usually make
most, it would not be necessary for the ―Hiking Coordinator‖ to make all hikes. So long as there
are two uniformed leaders participating, the coordinator would not need to attend.
TOUR PERMITS. A tour permit is a scouting document that informs the council of what you’re
up to and ensures BSA insurance coverage. In also allows them to double-check that we have the
basics covered (the, who, what, where, when, type of questions) Depending upon where you are
going, you may or may not need a tour permit. Most of the hikes take advantage of the local forest
preserve districts, and depending upon the forest preserve district, you may or may not need one
(DuPage does and we’re researching the other forest preserve districts).
If in doubt, fill it out. At the end of the document, is attached both the ―tour Permit‖ as well as a
fairly handy how-to. Now for most people, the front of the ―Tour Permit‖ is fairly self-explanatory.
The part of it that typically scares folks is that back of the document, which at first glance, is
asking for the insurance information for everyone driving. Now, if we were a Boy Scout troop,
with a handful of scout leaders, driving the troop off camping, you do need that info. But (and this
is a big but) we Cub Scouts, and we require parent participation. Well, so long as the parent is
driving their own son, then you don’t need to gather the information. This is covered under #11 in
the handy guide for filling out the tour permit. The permit should be turned in 2 weeks prior to
you’re outing.
WHERE. The easiest place to go is our local forest preserves. Their web sites are:
DeKalb: http://www.dekalbcounty.org/Forest/forest_preserve.html
DuPage: http://www.dupageforest.com/
Kane: http://www.kaneforest.com/
Kendall: http://www.co.kendall.il.us/forestpreserves/index.htm
Also, just because it’s close by and Waterfall Glen has some great hiking, here’s Cook County’s
website: http://www.fpdcc.com/
Local State Parks that are not too far and offer good hiking (this is not necessarily inclusive,
simply nice State Parks that are not too far):
Starved Rock State Park
Lowden State Park
Buffalo Rock State Park
White Pines State Park
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IL DNR) has a nice web site with links to all of the
State Parks in our area. The IL DNR’s Northwest Region’s map is:
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R1/region1.htm
And the Northeast Region’s map is: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/R2/region2.htm
One last place that isn’t too far is Masonia – Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife area. This area
allows the collecting of fossils. Its website is:
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R2/MAZONIA.htm
This is a longer hike, and you will need to know where to go (to find fossils). If you’re interested,
please drop an email to either Greg Pronger or Steve Bernardi (emails of key individuals are at
towards the end).
How Far and How to. Now, though these may be ―just‖ Cub Scouts, it is our experience that with
just a little help (and we’ll tell you what that is) the average Cub Scout will easily hike 3 – 7 miles.
Tiger’s have no problem with 3 – 4 mile hikes. Some Tigers will have no problem keeping up with
the older scouts and go the full way. Just ensure that the Tiger’s parent-guardian has plenty of
water along, and a few snacks (for both of them).
On longer hikes we will typically eat lunch on the trail (practicing ―Leave No Trace‖ at all times).
Scouts will carry water bottles and may use day packs (or parent-guardian acting as beasts of
burden). On warmer weather hikes, a small water bottle is not enough for even the smallest scout.
During winter, prior to departure (we meet at the local school), we will typically double check the
dress of the Scouts (particularly newer Scouts) to ensure they are properly prepared. If not, we may
wait for them to go and pick up the forgotten, hat, gloves, mittens, coat, boots, etc. Water bottles
(or hot beverages) are a must, even in the winter.
An adult leader is assigned to the ―tail‖ position. No one is allowed behind this individual. The
Pack hikes as a unit. We start together, break together, etc., with everyone following the same trail.
We may allow an older Scout to ―Lead‖. We will usually work in map reading with them, where
we have a route we want to take on the map from the Forest Preserve. It’s up to the Scout to sort
out to sort out the forks, etc., in the trail. They will have their parent-guardian (or scout leader)
help out reading the map as necessary. If someone happens to have ―Walkie-Talkies‖, they can be
very handy to allow the tail end to keep in touch with the front.
If you need to split the group (on longer hikes it is not uncommon for some to want to circle back
earlier) be certain the leader knows who is leaving and who is in-charge of the group heading back
is. Both groups need to have a uniformed leader, and follow the rules and guidelines as outlined.
Finally, reinforce the ―Buddy System‖ as much as possible. This is a key part of the Boy Scout
program and instilling this in our scouts can’t start too early. Whether it’s simply down the trail,
walking over to the bathroom facility, or checking out something cool along the trail, take the
opportunity to ask the scout, who is there buddy.
We have included at the end of concise set of ―Trail Rules‖ at the end. As well as how several
Packs run their hiking program.
Benefits:
1) Very outdoor oriented (Council surveys have indicated that one of the key items our Scouts
want is more camping and outdoor activities).
2) Helps ready Scout for Boy Scouts. By their Webelos year, they are very comfortable in outdoor
situations.
3) Recruitment. The hiking stick is a very positive incentive for new Scouts.
4) Increases participation in the Pack. Scouts look forward to earning their hiking stick, feathers,
etc.
5) Miles transfer to Boy Scouts.
6) Easy to reinforce buddy system along trail, walks to outhouse, etc.
7) Numerous opportunities to draw in Scouting requirements and lessons.
Challenges to Running:
1) Need adult volunteer willing to track and schedule hikes.
2) Someone (usually hiking coordinator) needs to make hiking sticks.
3) Need to have at least one trained leader (preferably 2) on every hike (as well as each scout’s
parent or guardian).
4) Need to remain mindful of safety. Most common issue is hydration.
Closing thought; it putting together this outline, it came to me, that by the time my son finished
Cub Scouting we had hiked together and with friends, roughly 180 miles through local forests and
woods.
In giving credit where credit is due, much of the information contained here was developed by Pack 63
and Pack 110. Three Fires recognizes their contribution to this document.
Hike Rules






o
Buddy System
o
Leave No Trace
 Plan ahead
 Stick to the trails
 Leave what you find
 Respect other visitors
 Trash your trash
o
Remember Compass Points
 Never Eat Soggy Waffles
North East South West
 Sun Rises East, Sets West
If you get lost
 Stay calm and put
 Hug a tree
 Blow your trail whistle
o
Provisions
 Plenty of Snacks – they say an
army travels on its stomach, so do scouts
 Plenty of Water – a lot of scouts
(and adults) aren’t used to
drinking enough water. Keep an
eye that everyone is carrying
plenty of water and drinking it.
o
o
Trail Rules
Hike on right, pass on left
Respect Nature’s peacefulness
Stay with group-never wonder off
Watch for cyclists
Don’t startle horses
Stay off ski tracks
(Kind regards to Pack 63 for their “Hike Rules”)
Pre-Hike Checklist
o What to wear –
 Scout Uniform
 Dress for weather conditions
Fall/Winter-cold (ears/hands/feet)
Spring/Summer-sun
Winter-(insulated/waterproof)
Spring-(mid weight/waterproof)
Summer-(light weight/waterproof)
Fall-(mid weight/waterproof)
 Dress in layers (hooded
sweatshirt)
 Gloves
 Coat (down filled best for winter)
 Hat (stocking cap best for winter)
 Comfortable shoes or boots
 Extra pair of socks
(wool best for winter)
 Extra hat, pair of gloves
o What to bring
 Trail pack or small backpack
(tagged-name/home phone #)
 Trail whistle
 Compass
 Cell Phone (parents)
 Camera/Binoculars (optional)
 Sunglasses
 Sunscreen
 Kleenex
 Small notepad and pen
 Small first-aid kit
 Plenty of water (1-2 Qts.), snack
 Lunch on 5+ mile hikes
 Wet Ones/Purell
 Grocery plastic bag
 Insect Repellent
 Flashlight w/ extra batteries
Note on winter hikes; assuming there’s snow, your scouts will have a great time, but they will get into
the snow. You should plan for that to happen. Have spare gloves, hats and socks along (remember the
Scout Motto: Be Prepared).
(Kind regards to Pack 63 for their ―check list‖)
_______________________________Start of Article______________________________
Let's Hit the Trail
(Article reprinted from the October 2007 “Scouting” magazine)
By Suzanne Wilson
Photographs by Robb Hill
An Illinois packs monthly hiking program helps younger boys become more confident and
comfortable outdoors, making for an easier transition to Boy Scouting.
Inside Pack 110's Hiking Club
How to Choose a Hike
On a sunny October morning, members of Pack 110, Naperville, Ill.—Tiger Cubs, Wolf and Bear Cub
Scouts, Webelos Scouts, families, and leaders—head out on a wooded trail along the Illinois River.
It is a perfect day for a hike that will take them up to the tops of the sandstone bluffs and down into the
canyons of Starved Rock State Park.
„It‟s fun‟
Pack 110, chartered to Judd Kendall VFW Post
3873, Naperville, goes hiking almost every
month.
Mel Sears was Cubmaster in 1991 when he had
the idea for a hiking program. ―The inspiration
was, mainly, I like to hike,‖ he admits, ―plus I
wanted to get the boys outdoors more.‖
The pack began with four to six hikes per year,
but eventually they hit the trail each month. From
the start, the Cub Scouts had an extra incentive, a
hiking stick for any boy who reached 50 miles.
The program ―really zoomed‖ after the first Cub
Scout received his hiking stick, Sears says.
The incentive program expanded, and now hikers
receive awards for every 10 miles. During their
years with the pack, most boys hike 100 miles or
more, and many have logged more than 200.
―The Starved Rock hike is the hardest and the
most miles [seven] we ever do,‖ says veteran
hiker Andy See, 10, who has participated in the
pack’s ―hiking club‖ program since he was 6. ―It’s
fun,‖ he adds, ―and when you get a lot of miles,
you get cool stuff like patches and a hiking stick.‖
Spectacular waterfalls and sandstone rock
formations make LaSalle Canyon a favorite
stop for Pack 110 during hikes at Starved
Rock State Park.
Besides providing enjoyment and rewards, the
program helps boys become confident and
comfortable outdoors and encourages healthy habits and lifestyles.
8
And it makes the transition to Boy Scouting activities easier. For example, when Andy’s brother,
Jeremy, 13, became a Boy Scout, he had already hiked a total of 211 miles as a member of Pack 110.
―I think it’s essential to prepare Cub Scouts for Boy Scouts,‖ says current Pack 110 Cubmaster Steven
Bernardi.
―If you’re a sixth grader and you haven’t been out in the woods a lot, it’s a tougher transition,‖ adds
assistant Cubmaster Greg Pronger, coordinator of the hiking program and a former
Cubmaster. Thanks to the program, Pack 110 Cub Scouts are ―comfortable going hiking,
comfortable with being out in the forest in the snow or the rain,‖ he says.
When leaders in Indian Prairie District of the Three Fires Council had concerns about
Webelos Scouts being ready for Boy Scouting activities, Pronger presented his pack’s
hiking program at the April 2006 Cub Scouting roundtable.
Someone asked, ―What do you do with the little guys?‖
He answered, ―Just be certain they’ve got a decent pair of shoes on and something to drink, and they’ll
go as far as the older guys do.‖
Pronger says at least three other packs in the district planned to adopt the program, and several Pack
110 families who moved away have formed hiking clubs in their new packs.
A pack of hikers
For this October hike, families meet at a designated time and place in Naperville and travel 71 miles in
numerous leader and parent vehicles to Starved
Rock State Park near Utica, IL.
As they gather outside the visitor center, hiking
coordinator Craig See announces that
four Webelos Scouts, using a trail
map and accompanied by an adult,
will lead the hike. See will be the
―tail‖ or ―sweeper.‖
―Stay in the middle,‖ he tells the
group. ―Nobody goes behind me.‖
One of the four Webelos Scouts is Jason Piske,
10, who has led hikes before. He says that his job
includes ―knowing where everyone is and making
sure people don’t get in front of you, because they
could either get lost or hurt.‖
The Webelos Scout hike leaders review their
route during a rest stop along the trail.
Even some Tiger Cubs qualify as experienced hikers. Tiger Cub den leader Jason Lohman and his son
Rahadi, 6, have been on two shorter hikes. Rahadi knows what to pack: ―A flashlight, water, a lunch, a
few more snacks and stuff.‖
Wolf Cub Scout Jarod Thelen, 7, knows another essential: ―First-aid kit — my dad’s got it,‖ he says,
pointing to Wolf den leader Rob Thelen’s day pack. Jarod has hiked 39 miles since he became a Cub
Scout. ―I’m going to get a hiking stick this year,‖ he promises.
The trail takes them through the forest, along the riverside, over boardwalks, and up stairs that seem
headed for the sky.
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The group stops at a lookout point for a view of the actual Starved Rock, a 125-foot-high butte.
(According to American Indian legend, in the 1760’s a band of Illiniwek took refuge on the rock.
Trapped by their enemies, the Potawatomi and Ottawa, they died of starvation.)
In LaSalle Canyon, kids explore the sandstone landscape, and several sit in an egg-shaped niche in the
wall. A waterfall pours over the bluff.
Kevin and Claire North are on their first hike with their Bear Cub Scout son Ryan, 9. ―I’m so glad we
came,‖ says Claire. ―It’s beautiful, breathtaking.‖
Pam Page, mother of Webelos Scout Brandon, 9, goes on all the hikes. ―I enjoy it,‖ she
says. ―And it’s healthy to get out. We even hike in winter.‖
Starved Rock is a perennial favorite with these hikers. ―I like this place because of the
waterfalls and the views; they’re beautiful,‖ says Steven Laskey, 10, a second-year
Webelos Scout.
Webelos Scout Zachary Storey, 10, and his brother, Jacob, 7, a Wolf Cub Scout, agree
their preferred trek is the ―fossil hike‖ at Mazonia-Braidwood Fish and Wildlife Area, because ―we get
to dig for stuff,‖ Zachary says.
Webelos Scout Dean Pappas, 11, likes the River-walk hike in downtown Naperville, ―because
afterward we get ice cream.‖
On the long Starved Rock hike, adults watch for kids who might be tired. On the last uphill climb, the
leaders ask if everyone is doing O.K.
Ryan North answers for himself and all his buddies: ―Sure! We’re Cub Scouts!‖
Contributing editor Suzanne Wilson writes from Joplin, Mo.
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Inside Pack 110’s Hiking Club
The hiking program provides the pack an opportunity to enjoy an outdoor activity
that is healthful for boys, their families, and leaders. The basics:
- A hiking coordinator schedules monthly hikes at a variety of locations and keeps
track of each person’s miles. (Pack 110 usually skips one summer month when
many families are on vacation.)
- A system of rewards provides boys and adults with continuing recognition for miles completed.
- The presentation of a hiking stick at the 50-mile mark is great motivation for new hikers. Each stick,
made by the hiking coordinator or other leader, displays the name of the hiker, the pack number, and ―50mile Club‖ stamped into a leather grip.
- Hikers receive awards at pack meetings. A person who is to receive a hiking stick walks to the front of
the room under the crossed sticks of previous 50-milers.
- Den leaders take dens on additional hikes and turn in miles. These hikes have a service or educational
component, for example, pulling up invasive plants at a park’s workday or finding animal tracks in the
snow during a forest preserve event.
- Webelos Scouts can count miles hiked at an overnight or at a Boy Scout event.
- At a boy’s last pack meeting, he receives a certificate showing his miles, which he takes to a Boy Scout
troop.
The program’s benefits include:
- An outdoor experience and physical activity that prepares Cub Scouts for the transition to a Boy Scout
troop’s outdoor program.
- Hikes can include opportunities for passing Cub Scout requirements and learning lessons.
- Webelos Scouts can lead a pack hike, read maps, and choose trails, with the aid of an adult.
- The program may attract new Cub Scouts to the pack.
- Families have memorable outdoor experiences together.
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How to Choose a Hike
Craig See, Pack 110’s hiking coordinator (and Webelos I den leader) plans a schedule of hikes with these
criteria in mind:
- A hike should be at least two or three miles long; Pack 110 has several at four or five miles. Most of
their hike locations are at forest preserves and parks not far from Naperville.
- Plan for variety. ―Each hike is unique,‖ See says. For example, Mazonia-Braidwood Fish and Wildlife
Area is where the Cub Scouts hunt for fossils. At the Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve and Education
Center, the boys can see the reconstructed remains of a 13,000-year-old woolly mammoth.
- Mix variety with old favorites. The schedule varies year to year. The pack repeats favorite hikes
annually, revisits some others in alternate years, and adds newfound locations.
- The pack is ready to hike in rain (though not during thunderstorms) and in snow, but in winter they stay
relatively close to home in case roads become slippery.
- Check in advance with the administrators of the place you want to hike, to see if there is an event
scheduled that might overcrowd the trails.
- The pack always files a tour permit with Three Fires Council.
- Dress properly. In cold weather, before driving to the hike location, check if everyone has the necessary
winter clothing. Pack 110 waits for anyone who must go home for a hat, mittens, etc.
- Warm or hot weather, it is especially important to carry an adequate supply of water.
- Always use the buddy system.
—S.W.
_____________________________________End of Article____________________________________
12
Pack 63
Miler‟s Club
This hiking program is presented as a Pack-wide activity called, the ―Miler’s Club‖. The goal of the program is to
regularly expose Scouts to the out of doors, introduce the concepts of map reading, instill respect for nature and the
environment, demonstrate the fun and benefits of exercise, build a sense of Team and recognize their
accomplishments. Participating scouts’ miles are tracked and they receive recognition in the form of patches called,
―mile markers‖ at 5, 15, 35, 50, 100, 150, 300 miles etc. In addition, at 35 miles each Miler is awarded a 35 Mile
patch and a custom-made hiking stick with their name on a leather grip.
The Club hikes local Forest Preserve Trails as a group
Tour Permit completed for each hike is required
Monthly hike – 2nd Saturday of each month, year-round, rain or shine excluding extreme weather
Initial hikes 3 miles, gradually building to 10 mile hikes
Miles are transferable to Boy Scouts
A parent/guardian must accompany each Miler on all hikes
All Milers and parent/guardian receive an orientation 1 week prior to their 1st hike
Pre-hike orientation includes:
o What to wear
 Comfortable shoes or boots
 Hat
 Appropriately dressed for weather conditions (hat, gloves, coat, etc)
 Dress in layers
o What to bring
 Trail pack or small backpack
 Trail whistle
 Binoculars
 Camera (optional)
 Sunglasses
 Kleenex
 Small notepad and pen
 Small first-aid kit
 Plenty of water (2 qtrs) and snack
 Lunch on 5+ mile hikes
 Insect Repellent
 Sunscreen
o What to do if get lost – trail whistle, hug a tree
o Buddy System
o Leave No Trace
o Trail Etiquette
 Single file hiking on right, passing on left
 Respect Nature’s Solitude
 Don’t startle horses
 When snow covers the trail stay out of ski tracks
 Hike Lead and Tail
Pre-hike inspection of each Miler and parent/guardian prior to each hike
While on the Hike practice:
o Buddy System
o 2 deep leadership (head and tail)
o Leave No Trace
o Trail Etiquette
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Pack 110 Hiking Rules
1.
All members of Pack 110 are members of the Pack 110 Hiking Club. Parents or guardians of Pack
110 members are also Hiking Club members. Siblings are not members of the Hiking Club unless
they are members of Pack 110.
2.
Hiking mileage will be awarded only for Pack 110, Den, or Three Fires Council sanctioned events.
Activities must be led by two adults including a trained leader. Individuals will not be credited for
miles hiked on vacations, family outings, or other non-Pack related activities.
3.
One "neighborhood" hike for miles is allowed per year. This rule is to prevent individuals or
individual Dens from accruing mileage by "hiking the neighborhood" with no other purpose than to
accrue hiking mileage. However, a Den (or the Pack) may have multiple community service events
within the neighborhood where hiking miles are awarded. Examples would be street clean-up,
American Flag distribution, participation in a neighborhood parade, etc. All hikes should have a
purpose - to explore a particular trail, perform a particular service, or theme hikes, as examples.
4.
All mileage that is earned must be reported to the Hiking coordinator to receive credit.
5.
The Hiking Club award schedule is noted below. Awards will not be issued until the milestone has
been met or exceeded.
Mileage
Award
First Hike
boot patch
10
brag vest segment
20
brag vest segment
30
brag vest segment
40
brag vest segment
50
50 mile patch and Hiking Stick
60
red feather
70
blue feather
80
green feather
90
yellow feather
100
white feather, 100 mile patch, patrol leader sash
110
red bear claw
120
blue bear claw
130
green bear claw
140
yellow bear claw
150
white bear claw and 150 mile patch
160
red arrow head
170
blue arrow head
180
green arrow head
190
yellow arrow head
200
white arrow head and 200 mile patch
+200 red, blue, green, yellow, white schedule of eagle claws
14
Hiking Program
Cub Scout
Pack 643
2006-2007
15
Table of Contents:
REVISION HISTORY .............................................................................................................................................17
1.
GENERAL NARRATIVE ...............................................................................................................................19
1.1
OBJECTIVES ...............................................................................................................................................19
2.
RULES ..............................................................................................................................................................20
3.
EQUIPMENT - CLOTHING ..........................................................................................................................21
3.1
4.
EQUIPMENT – GEAR ....................................................................................................................................22
4.1
4.2
5.
SCOUTS & LEADERS ..................................................................................................................................21
SCOUTS .....................................................................................................................................................22
LEADERS ...................................................................................................................................................22
EVENT SCHEDULE .......................................................................................................................................23
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
WEATHER ..................................................................................................................................................23
SUMMER ....................................................................................................................................................23
FALL ..........................................................................................................................................................23
WINTER .....................................................................................................................................................23
SPRING ......................................................................................................................................................23
6.
DEN LEVEL HIKE .........................................................................................................................................25
7.
AWARD SCHEDULE .....................................................................................................................................26
8.
COSTS...............................................................................................................................................................27
9.
FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS ....................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX I – JUNE HIKE DETAILS ..................................................................................................................28
APPENDIX II – JULY HIKE DETAILS ................................................................................................................30
APPENDIX III – AUGUST HIKE DETAILS .........................................................................................................33
APPENDIX IV – SEPTEMBER HIKE DETAILS .................................................................................................35
APPENDIX V – NOVEMBER HIKE DETAILS ....................................................................................................37
APPENDIX VI – DECEMBER HIKE DETAILS...................................................................................................39
APPENDIX VII – JANUARY HIKE DETAILS .....................................................................................................40
APPENDIX VIII – FEBRUARY HIKE DETAILS ................................................................................................41
APPENDIX IX – MARCH HIKE DETAILS ..........................................................................................................43
EPILOGUE - THE WONDER OF THE WOODS WHAT ARE OUR CHILDREN MISSING? ......................48
16
Three Fires Council - Hiking Program
Revision History
Revision
Author
Purpose of Revision
Draft 0.1
Draft 0.2
Date
May 17, 2006
May 23, 2006
Steven Smith
Steven Smith
Draft 0.3
May 26, 2006
Steven Smith
Draft 0.4
June 21, 2006
Steven Smith
Draft 0.5
August 6, 2006
Steven Smith
Draft 0.6
Sept 13, 2006
Steven Smith
Draft 0.7
Oct 27, 2006
Steven Smith
Draft 0.8
Nov 6, 2006
Steven Smith
Draft 0.9
Jan 23, 2007
Steven Smith
Draft 1.0
Jan 29, 2007
Steven Smith
Draft 1.1
Mar 18, 2007
Steven Smith
Draft 1.2
May 1, 2007
Steven Smith
Initial version. Based upon mtg. with Joe Oliver & Cindy Hoglund.
With input from Joe Oliver & Cindy Hoglund, added the following:
 Older siblings are only allowed with parents
 July Hike 7/16 - location TBD
With input from Joe Oliver & Cindy Hoglund, added the following:
 New ―Future Considerations‖ section
 Clarification regarding:
o Age limits
o Adult supervision
o Check-in & Check-out procedures
Also added Appendix I containing initial details regarding June’s
Hike.
With input from Joe Oliver added the following:
 July Hike 7/16 details defined.
With input from Cindy Hoglund added the following:
 August Hike 8/20 details defined.
Also added the Extreme Hot Weather definition.
Added Appendix IV – September Hike details defined.
Added Epilogue – regarding the importance of children developing a
connection with nature.
Added a tip in Section 4 regarding the use of permethrin-based
clothing spray to help repel ticks.
With input from Joe Oliver and Cindy Hoglund, added the
following:
 New ―Den Level Hikes‖ section
 Appendix V – November Hike details defined.
Added Appendix VI – December Hike details.
Added rule changes for: siblings and tour permits.
With input from Joe Oliver, added the following:
 Appendix VII – January Hike details defined.
Note: Previous Revision distributed to Pack Committee for review.
Added images of awards.
 Appendix VIII – February Hike details defined.
Added Appendix IX – March Hike details.
Made modifications after the Hiking Committee Meeting with Cindy
Hoglund, Pam Bauman, & Joe Reeder:
 Prepared for the expected expansion of the Hiking Program
from just the Wolf rank to include Bears and Webelos I.
 Modified the schedule to include May 07’ and Jun ’07
hikes.
 Updated Den Level Hike information.
 Updated Future Enhancements to reflect the current
expansion expectations to progressively include more dens
over the next five months, ultimately resulting in the
introduction of this program to the entire pack.
 Added Appendix X – May Hike Details.
 Removed the statement in the Award Section that implys
the 50-mile hiking stick award can, and will, be awarded
during the May ’07 pack meeting.
17
Draft 1.3
Draft 1.4
May 31, 2007
September 2,
2007
Steven Smith
Steven Smith
Fixed the Starved Rock Course typos in Appendix X.
Update Awards section to read that awards may be presented at the
Pack Meetings.
18
1. General Narrative
This Hiking Program is a four season program.
Our monthly hiking events will be in addition to our regular den field trip events.
Attendance at all hiking events will be completely optional!
We will have one hiking event per month year round, mostly occurring within the DuPage
County Forest Preserve system. These hikes will typically be around 2.5 – 4 miles in length.
Once or twice per year, we will have an all-day hiking event somewhere farther away (e.g.
Starved Rock State Park). These hikes will typically be longer, around 7 – 8 miles in length.
Objectives
The primary goal of this program is to get the Scouts outdoors to promote awareness of the
beauty of the world around them. This increased awareness of nature will help the Scouts
become better stewards of our world throughout their lifetimes.
This program will expose the Scouts to the many diverse nature settings in our area while
having great outdoor adventures!
The hiking events will instill an innate enjoyment of "heading out"; that being out-of-doors in
the woods is a ―fun‖ time. For Cub Scouts that have not been out-of-doors a lot as Cub
Scouts, the move to Boy Scouts and that level of outdoor experience is a huge jump. By the
time a scout is in middle school much of what they define as fun is already decided. If ―fun‖
is Nintendo and X-Box, or if it hiking and camping, that definition of ―fun‖ is a done deal.
Participation in the Hiking Program should benefit the body, mind and spirit of our Scouts!
The monthly hiking events will be in addition to our regular den field trip events.
Attendance at all hiking events will be completely optional! We will have one hiking event
per month year round, mostly occurring within the DuPage County Forest Preserve system.
Once or twice per year, we will have an all-day hiking event somewhere farther away (e.g.
Starved Rock State Park).
Our hope is that this program will be the beginning of a long tradition of hiking, exploring
and learning for your scout!
19
2. Rules

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Safety first!!!
All Wolf, Bear, & Webelos I rank scouts of Pack 643 are welcome.
All siblings (all ages) are welcome to participate on hike events – not covered by
BSA insurance however.
Parents MUST attend (no drop-off/pick-up option) hike events.
Hike Leaders MUST fill out and submit a Council Local Tour Permit prior to hike
event.
Den Leaders will track attendance and mileage for scouts in their den.
At least one adult leader from each den will be in attendance, with participation of no
less than two leaders minimum on all hikes.
The attending leaders (two-deep) are responsible for the Wolf scouts.
Leave No Trace Principles will be followed at all times.
The Buddy System will be used at all times.
Hiking mileage will be awarded only for Hiking Program scheduled events.
The Hiking Program Awards will not be issued until the milestones have been met or
exceeded.
Den Leaders reserve the right to not allow participation based upon behavior.
Parent Consent Forms are required, and are to be turned in no later than one week
prior to the scheduled date of the hike.
No blowing whistles unless there is an emergency.
20
3. Equipment - Clothing
Scouts & Leaders


Sept. – May: Uniforms
June – Aug.: Pack Activity T-Shirts

Warm Weather Hikes:
o Scout caps
o Long pants (light colored are best)
o Rain ponchos recommended (when rainfall is expected)
o Hiking boots and hiking socks are recommended to avoid blisters and/or
sprains.

Cold Weather Hikes:
o Warm hat
o Fleece pants (inner layer) + wind/water proof pants (outer layer)
o T-shirt/long johns (inner layer) + fleece jacket + wind jacket (outer layers)
o Weatherproof boots
o Warm socks
o Neck covering (scarf/hood)
o Gloves/mittens
21
4. Equipment – Gear
Please apply the following prior to arriving at the Hiking Event:
 Sunscreen
 DEET 10% (a product containing this low amount of DEET is generally non-toxic and
provides effective protection against mosquitoes, ticks, etc.. for about two hours).
 Treat clothing with a chemical called Permethrin. (It's deactivated by an enzyme that is
present naturally in human skin, so it doesn't penetrate the skin or get into the
bloodstream.) http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0605/a-snky.html
o Sold in sporting-goods and camping-supply stores: Sawyer's Permethrin clothing
spray, effective for six weeks, repels ticks.
Scouts




Container of water to carry and drink during the hike.
Whistle
Compass (optional)
Binoculars (optional)
Leaders

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First Aid Kit
Cell Phone
Whistle
Compass
Binoculars (1 pair)
Trail Map
Two-way radios for other attending adult leaders.
Garbage Bag and Gloves
All-day Hiking Events may require additional gear. This will be communicated to
parents/scouts prior to the event.
22
5. Event Schedule
Our monthly hiking events will be generally be the third Sunday of the month.
Of course, there will be exceptions! For example, if a holiday, pack event, or other scouting
event is scheduled on that day, we will try to reschedule as appropriate (e.g. the third
Saturday of that month).
Some hiking events will include an additional special event (e.g. horse-drawn sleigh rides in
January at Danada). These special events will generally take place after the hike.
Weather
We will hike in all types of weather, except when there is, or a threat of: thunder/lightning, or
any other weather condition that is deemed dangerous.
Extreme Hot Weather Information:
What we really need to be watching for is the Heat Index (a combination of air
temperature and relative humidity).
The National Weather Service will issue an "Excessive Heat Watch/Warning" 24 to 48
in advance of when the heat an humidity increases to the point that they begin to pose a
greater or more dangerous threat to the area.
If there is an "Excessive Heat Watch/Warning" issued for the time of our hike- plenty
of water, rest, the right clothing, etc.. will keep the scouts safe.
Summer ‘06



June: 6/11 2PM – 3:30PM Cantigny Park
July: 7/16 2PM – 3:30PM Herrick Lake
August: 8/20 2PM – 3:30PM Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Fall ‘06



September: 9/17 Starved Rock ―All Day Excursion‖
October: 10/28 1:30PM – 4:00PM ―Haunted Kiddie Hike‖ Camp Big Timber Elgin
November: 11/19 2PM – 3:30PM Naperville Riverwalk
Winter ’06 – ‘07



December: 12/17 2PM – 3:30PM ―Christmas on the Farm‖ Kline Creek Farm
January: 1/21 2PM – 3:30PM ―Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides‖ Danada Forest Preserve
February: 2/18 2PM – 3:30PM ―Snow Tubing‖ Blackwell Forest Preserve
Spring ‘07

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
March: 3/18 2PM – 3:30PM ―Maple Sugaring‖ Red Oak Nature Center
April: 4/15 CANCELLED
May: 5/20 Starved Rock ―All Day Excursion‖
23
Summer ‘07

June: 6/10 2PM – 3:30PM Greene Valley Forest Preserve
24
6. Den Level Hike
Dens can organize and go on one den-level hike per year that counts towards their miles so long
as 2-deep leadership is maintained, and the other Hiking Program rules are followed. The
Hiking Program Committee (Joe, Cindy, Pam & Steve) will review Den-level hikes prior to the
den-level hiking event to ensure that the den-level hiking events are in the sprint of the Hiking
Program objectives (ideally associated with a community service project - excluding the Pack
community service projects).
25
7. Award Schedule
The Hiking Stick will be presented during a pack meeting. All other awards can be presented at
the den level if desired.
MILEAGE AWARD
First Hike
Hiking Patch
or
10
Brag Vest Segment
20
Boot Patch
30
Cub Scout Water Canteen
40
Brag Vest Segment
50
50 MILE PATCH
http://www.threefirescouncil.org/Forms/50miler.pdf
or
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
140
150
160
170
180
190
200
+200
and: Hiking Stick
Red Feather
Blue Feather
Green Feather
Yellow Feather
100 MILE PATCH
and: White Feather
Red Bear Claw
Blue Bear Claw
Green Bear Claw
Yellow Bear Claw
150 MILE PATCH
and: White Bear Claw
Red Arrow Head
Blue Arrow Head
Green Arrow Head
Yellow Arrow Head
200 MILE PATCH
and: White Arrow Head
Red, blue, green, yellow, white schedule of Eagle
26
Claws
In addition to the awards listed here, some of the hiking events will warrant the achievement
of their own patches. For example:
 Forest Preserver District of DuPage County Adventurer Patch
 Cantigny Park Seasonal Patch
 Naperville Riverwalk Patch
Lastly, miles earned in the Hiking Program will transfer over to Boy Scouts.
8. Costs
All costs associated with a scout will be covered by that scout’s den dues. This includes all
awards, patches, and venue entrance fees. However, due to the high cost of the following
items, parents will be asked to pay for the following:
 Hiking Stick
 All-Day Excursion Fees (lunch, transportation, etc..).
<Estimated costs for known awards can be listed here.>
27
Appendix I – June ’06 Hike Details
Parking Fee: None. Waived by Cantigny Park’s Lisa Bryant (630-260-8161)
Length: 2.5 Miles
Course: (see attached map below)
a) We will begin our hike at the Hiking Trail (brown) trailhead located at the northwest part
of the northern parking lot.
b) We will follow the Hiking Trail north past the Youth Group Camping and then east to #1
(see Hiking Trail Key).
c) We will continue east on the Hiking Trail to #3 and head south to #4.
d) We will head west on the Hiking Trail to #5 and head southwest to #7.
e) Just past #7, we will head north onto the inner Asphalt Trail to the ―T‖-intersection.
f) We will head east on the Asphalt Trail past the Idea Garden and head north to the ―Y‖intersection.
g) We will head west on the Asphalt Trail until we read the next crossroads of the Asphalt
Trail and take the ―loop‖ around Exedra and past Robert R. McCormick Museum
h) As we are completing our ―loop‖ we will be heading south and we will encounter the 4way crossroads on the Asphalt Trail.
i) We will continue to head south past the Formal Gardens on the west and the Rose Garden
on the east to the 4-way intersection of the Asphalt Trail and the Brick Trail.
j) We will head east to the next intersection and head south down the Asphalt Trail (same
one we took north in ―e)‖ above until we encounter the Hiking Trail.
k) We will head west on the Hiking Trail to #8, and then northeast to #9.
l) We will continue east and then southeast to #10.
m) Finally, we will continue east, then north on the Hiking Trail to the parking lot.
Using the scale on the map, the Hiking Trail is about 23 inches and the course I listed on the
inner Asphalt Trail is about 10 inches. In total, that is 33 inches multiplied by 400/ft per inch
results in 13,200 feet. Given that there is 5280 feet per mile, our course should be about 2.5
miles.
Patches: There exists a Cantigny Park patch and a corresponding ―rocker‖ for each of the four
seasons. A patch and ―Spring‖ rocker will be handed out at the end of the hiking event to all
Scouts that turned in a completed Consent Form by the end of the day Sunday, June 4th (Cub
Scout ―drop box‖ on the porch of 290 Millington Lane)
Note: We should seriously consider letting the Scouts climb and play on the tanks after the hike.
28
McCORMICK TP PL
TFI c. [Fr
y
r+UVS#'
fltTExlnE F~[u£h+A>'ENrur*fni a
CANT IDFIrs WILD Al lM*LE
5 ' c.pLf {,]k]R9dc
 - Fd%-HLIId1IM
T - vllTEP+N•rh I>Ifailldu
. IWcca..l.+1 I(9 £RnuIE#[x
 - Fk+rIFIG FlE~n
14-PQLOFI,p
Hiking Trail Key:
1. Roosevelt Road
2. The Greenhouse
3. Chicago Tribune Experimental Farm
4. Cantigny‟s Wild Animals
5. Golf Course
6. Fox-Hunting
7. Veteran‟s Reunions
8. McCormick‟s Artillery
9. Flying Field
10. Polo Field
29
Appendix II – July ’06 Hike Details
Parking Fee: None.
Length: 2.5 Miles
a) Our route will simply take the Lake Trail to the southern tip of the lake where we will get on the
Meadowlark Trail.
b) We will take the Meadowlark Trail south to the intersection of the Regional Trail where we will
head back northwest to the west side of the lake and back to our starting point.
30
Location
The main entrance is located on the south side of Butterfield Road (Route 56)
approximately two miles west of Naperville Road.The south parking lot is located
on the east side of Herrick Road one-quarter mile south of Butterfield Road.
Please Be Aware
Horse-trailer parking at south lot only
Horses not allowed in picnic areas or on Lake Trail
• Connects to Illinois Prairie Path
Relatively level terrain, some rolling
hills
Popular cross-country ski trails
Meadows — deer, red foxes,
dickcissels, savanna sparrows,
meadowlarks
Forests with elm, maple, oaks,
hickories — night herons, wood
peewees, woodcocks, chickadees,
scarlet tanagers
• Marsh — great blue herons, egrets,
waterfowl
• Civilian Conservation Corps-built
shelter
• Boat, canoe and kayak rentals and
vending machines
Wheelchairaccessible dock
Prime fishing spots along shores of
Herrick Lake
Call (630) 933-7200 for additional information.
31
32
Appendix III – August ’06 Hike Details
Parking Fee: None.
Length: 2.5 Miles
a) Our first route will be in the Orienteering Area (Trailhead at northeast corner of the Forest
Preserve– near Northgate Rd & Cass Ave):
o Our first orienteering area will be the ―Easy Long‖ route that consists of trails west of the
trailhead.
o Our second orienteering area will be the ―Easy Short‖ route that consists of trails east of the
trailhead and Cass Ave.
b) Then our second route will be near the Outdoor Education Camp (Trailhead at southeast corner of
Forest Preserve – near Bluff Rd. & Cass Ave.):
o We will take the Main Trail west to the Rocky Glen Trail to the Waterfall Area, and then
back.
33
34
Appendix IV – September ’06 Hike Details
Parking Fee: None.
Length: 7.5 Miles
Start Time: 10:30AM
Estimated Finish Time: 3:30PM
Directions:
(http://dnr.state.il.us/Lands/landmgt/parks/i&m/east/starve/park.htm#Directions)
Take I-80 west of Ottawa to the Utica/Route 178 exit.
Head south 3 miles through Utica and across the Illinois River.
The main entrance is to the left (east) .5 miles south of the river.
Follow the signs to the main parking area near the Visitor Center.
Recommended additional gear to bring:
A bag lunch!
Snacks for the trail:
o
Energy bars
o
GORP - "good old raisins and peanuts"
o
Raw veggies or fruit
A backpack to carry the above items in.
Visitor Center
Starved Rock Overlook
Toni Canyon
Squaller Canyon
Ninepin Canyon
Back to Visitor Center
35
36
Appendix V – November ’06 Hike Details
Parking Fee: None.
Length: 4 Miles
Start Time: 1:00PM
Our Wolf Rank hike for November will be taking place at The Naperville Riverwalk along the West
Branch of the DuPage River on Sunday, November 19th from 1-4pm.
We will be meeting at the Naperville Park District at 320 W. Jackson at 12:45 pm in the parking lot on the
corner of Mill Street and Jackson Avenue. The total mileage for this hike will be 4 miles beginning at the
Park District Administration, continuing past the Covered Bridge, to The Carillon, Centennial
Beach, Skate Park, Volleyball/Ice Rink, Playground, and the Grand Pavillion.
Once we reach the Grand Pavilion (distance 2 miles) we will turn around and hike back to our starting
point to make the total distance 4 miles in length. This hike will be fun and unique because we will be
participating in "Letterboxing" set up by Matthew Klaus' sister and her Girl Scout Troop. She will be
giving us a brief presentation before we begin that day. Letterboxing is a "treasure hunt" outdoor activity
where the "letter boxers‖ hide small, weatherproof boxes and post clues along the way at several points
along our trail. The object to the adventure is for the finders to make an imprint of the letterbox's stamp on
there personal log book and leave an imprint of their personal stamp on the letterbox's logbook. The Den
Leaders will be responsible for bringing a "personal stamp" for their den as well as a piece of plain white
paper (approx. 2"x2") for each scout. There will be a notepad and pencil in each box for the boys to put
their stamps and sign their name if they wish. For more intriguing information on Letterboxing visit
www.letterboxing.org. Each Den Leader will be responsible for selecting a "trail name" which will be
their identity. Compasses will be useful, so I encourage scouts whom have one to please bring it.
Please note that this activity is environmentally friendly and we will not be digging, disturbing natural
rock formations, removing native vegetation or interfering with animal habitats.
37
38
Appendix VI – December ’06 Hike Details
Parking Fee: None.
Length: 2 Miles
Start Time: 2:00PM
Kline Creek Farm/Timber Ridge Forest Preserve
December 17 2:00PM - 4:00PM (estimated end time)
Two-mile nature trail hike (see attached maps):
- Meet at the Timber Ridge Visitor Center located on the west side of County Farm Rd.
- Travel north on the Regional Trail (parallel to County Farm Rd) to the Great Western Trail
- Travel west on the Great Western Trail to Service Access road.
- Travel south on the Service Access road to Kline Creek Farm
Upon arrival at Kline Creek Farm we will do either/both of the following activities
depending upon time of arrival, existing crowds, etc.. Tours of the farm house are
given on the hour (e.g. 3PM, 4PM, etc..) and are limited to groups of 20. Reservations
are not allowed.
* Scavenger Hunt: Part of the Three Fire Council DuPage Outdoor Adventure program. All scout
participants will receive a patch.
* Season of Giving: Experience the joys of giving! We will enjoy the "Christmas on the Kline Creek
Farm" tour of the farm house decked in greens, savor the aroma of holiday treats, and see the table set for
company. Learn how handmade gifts made the holidays special.
- Travel east on the Regional Trail back to the Timber Ridge Visitor Center
39
Appendix VII – January ’07 Hike Details
Parking Fee: None.
Length: 2 Miles
Start Time: 1:30PM
Danada woods
January 28th
1:30PM - 3:30PM (estimated end time)
Two-mile nature trail hike (see attached maps):
- Meet at the Danada Equestrian Center
- Travel east on the Regional Trail
- continue to the nature trail and follow around the loop counter
clockwise
- Travel North to the regional trail (marker 17)
- Travel south on the regional trail to marker 16. Then west back to
the Danada Equestrian Center.
Upon arrival at Danada we will purchase tickets for either a hay ride
or sleigh ride (depending on snow cover)
Tickets cost $2 per child, $5 per adult. The ride will last
approximately 15 minutes. Their will be a bon fire wih access to hot
chocolate.
The rides are given approximately every 15 minutes and run up until
3pm.
We will take the ride immediately following the hike.
40
Appendix VIII – February ’07 Hike Details
Parking Fee: None.
Length: 2.5 Miles
Start Time: 1:00PM
Blackwell Forest Preserve- Nature Hike & Snow Tubing
February 18th 1:00pm-4:00pm
(visit www.dupageforest.com/preserves/blackwell.html )
--Blackwell is located on Butterfield Road (Route 56) one mile east of Route 59 in Warrenville
--Meet in the parking lot just off of Route 56 by the information area at 1:00pm.
--Travel south on the Regional Trail (just parallel to Route 56).
--Travel north around White Pine Pond and past the archery range.
--Continue north to the most southwestern tip of McKee Marsh.
--Turn around at McKee Marsh and travel south on the Regional Trail back to the parking lot.
--From the parking lot we will need to drive a short distance to Mt. Hoy for snow tubing. I will be calling
that morning to check current hill conditions. There needs to be at least a 3 inch base of snow on the hill.
The fee is $3 per tube and the last rental is at 3:30pm. District inner tubes are the only devices that may
be used on Mount Hoy (elevation is 836 feet).
41
42
Appendix IX – March ’07 Hike Details
Parking Fee: None.
Length: 4 Miles
Start Time: 9:00AM
Red Oak Nature Center – Nature Hike & Maple Sugaring
(visit http://www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/facilities/redoak/redoak-intro.html )
Time: March 17th 9am-12:00pm
Cost: Free
Directions: Route 25, 1/2 mile north of Rt. 56
Meet in the parking lot just off of Route 25 by the Red Oak Nature Center sign at 8:45am.
Maple Sugaring:(9am - 10:30am)
--Program will last approx. 1 to 1.5 hours.
--It will begin with a brief intro and history indoors and continue to the outdoors with the actual tapping of
a maple tree.
Four Mile Nature Hike:(10:30am - Noon)
--Travel north on the Fox Valley Trail System (just parallel to Route 25)
(visit http://www.co.kane.il.us/ForestPreserve/foxtrail.asp)
--Continue thru the Red Oak Nature Center, into and thru Glenwood Park Forest Preserve, and over the
Batavia Creek bridge.
--Continue to our final destination of the Clark Island Recreation Area in Batavia (2 miles from Red Oak
Nature Center).
--Turn around and go back the same way we came (another 2 miles).
Notes:
1. I hiked this last Saturday. The last half-mile to Clark Island is not as scenic as the first mile and a half.
If the weather is poor, and the hike is getting long --- we may choose to stop after the first 1.5 miles (at
the wing dam in the Fox River just behind Funway) making the total hike 3 miles round-trip, not 4.
2. I'm choosing to hike the Fox River Trail and not the 2 miles of trails within the Red Oak Center grounds
because the Fox River Trail is MUCH easier to navigate. Last Saturday I could not easily find the Red
Oak Trails due to the existing snow covering.
3. If anyone is still up to have some more fun after the hike....I stumbled across an indoor archery range
that is run by the Auroraland Archery organization (visit
http://www.auroralandarchers.com/index_002.htm). It just so happens that they will have Open Range on
Saturday March 17th starting at Noon. The indoor range will be open to the public. The whole family is
welcome to participate (min. age 6 yrs old). There will be instructors there from the organization and
JOAD (Junior Olympic Archery Development) to provide instructions and tips. The cost is $5 per person
which allows you to shoot for 2 two hours. IF YOU CHOOSE TO DO THIS AFTER THE HIKE, IT
WILL NOT BE PART OF OUR OFFICIAL SCOUT ACTIVITIES (i.e. you are on your own) DUE TO
INSURANCE COVERAGE RULES.
43
44
45
Appendix X – May ’07 Hike Details
Parking Fee: None.
Length: 7.0 Miles
Start Time: 10:30AM
Directions:
(http://dnr.state.il.us/Lands/landmgt/parks/i&m/east/starve/park.htm#Directions)
Take I-80 west of Ottawa to the Utica/Route 178 exit.
Head south 3 miles through Utica and across the Illinois River.
The main entrance is to the left (east) .5 miles south of the river.
Follow the signs to the main parking area near the Visitor Center.
Recommended additional gear to bring:
A bag lunch!
Snacks for the trail:
o
Energy bars
o
GORP - "good old raisins and peanuts"
o
Raw veggies or fruit
A backpack to carry the above items in.
Course: (see attached map under Appendix IV)
Visitor Center
French Canyon
Wildcat Canyon
Tonti Canyon (lunch spot)
LaSalle Canyon
Owl Canyon
Owl Canyon Overlook
Eagle Cliff Overlook
46
Lover’s Leap Overlook
Starved Rock Overlook
Back to Visitor Center
47
Epilogue - The Wonder of the Woods What Are Our Children
Missing?
(From the May/June 2006 Issue of ―Scouting Magazine‖:
http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0605/a-wndr.html)
By Mary Jacobs
Illustration by Dan Andreasen
Fewer young people are experiencing the joy of playing outdoors and exploring nature, says a noted
author, who shows how such neglect can be harmful and how programs like Scouting can help to
reverse the trend.
Heading Out
Can anyone remember those lazy childhood summer days spent roaming the woods and fields? When
Mom said, "Go outside and play," and everybody stayed outdoors until supper time?
For most youngsters today, those opportunities for exploring the outdoors are fewer or virtually
nonexistent. And that, author Richard Louv believes, is depriving children of much more than fun and
fresh air.
In his new book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder
(Algonquin Books), Louv takes an in-depth look at the importance of children developing a connection
with nature. He finds an alarming increase in what he calls "nature-deficit disorder," a trend that's keeping
kids indoors much of the time, contributing to obesity, depression, hyperactivity, and attention problems.
"There's something in us as human beings that needs to see natural horizons," Louv argues. "When we
don't get that, we don't do so well."
Children today, he says, rarely get to experience the simple pleasures of nature, such as fishing in a
stream, building a tree house, hiking in the woods, climbing a tree, watching a campfire, idling in a special
hiding spot in the woods, or just gazing at a nighttime sky or a bug in a vacant lot.
Even the passive enjoyment of watching natural landscapes from the window of a car has been pre-empted
by built-in video screens.
48
What children today are missing, Louv says, is more than just another form of fun. Nature engages all of
the senses in a way that few other experiences can. "We need natural experiences," he writes. "We require
fully activated senses in order to feel fully alive."
Louv supports his argument with recent studies suggesting that direct exposure to the outdoors can reduce
the incidence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), decrease stress, and boost children's
creativity and concentration. Research has shown that "Kids who play outdoors were calmer, more open to
conflict resolution, and did remarkably better in science and math," he says.
Louv thinks parents need to be aware of the importance of this natural bonding with nature and make a
greater effort to get their children outside. And he believes Scouting—from Tiger Cubs through Cub
Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing—offers a special opportunity to help address this "deficit."
Stuck inside
Today's younger generation is the first in history that isn't spending big chunks of time outdoors, Louv
observes, and we are only beginning to understand the negative ways this affects children.
"For tens of thousands of years, human beings' first developmental stages were spent in nature, playing
outdoors," he says. "That has reversed in just a matter of decades...and it has enormous implications."
Most parents are all too aware of why children aren't enjoying the outdoors in ways previous generations
did: Too many tightly scheduled, highly structured activities; lots more homework; too much pressure to
succeed in academic pursuits and organized sports; and increased parental fears of "stranger danger."
And there's the siren lure of the PlayStation 2's and Xbox 360's and other electronic gizmos.
A Kaiser Family Foundation study, for example, found youngsters 8 to 18 average 44 hours a week
plugged into some sort of electronic medium, whether it's an IPod, computer, or video game.
"I interviewed a boy who said he preferred playing indoors because that's where the electrical outlets
were," says Louv. "But that 'plugged in' environment promotes an atrophied perception. The world is
reduced to a flat-panel screen."
There are other reasons kids aren't getting out: Neighborhoods that once ended at a woods or a field are
now surrounded by expanding urban development.
And our litigious society makes any mildly risky outdoor activity off limits.
For example, concerns about potential lawsuits prompted a school in Broward County, Fla., to banish
swings from playgrounds. And to keep children safe, a community in California now prohibits tree
houses.
Louv believes parents can counter these trends if they better understand the downside of limiting outdoor
play. He cites research, such as a University of Illinois study, which suggested that children as young as 5
with ADHD show a reduction in symptoms when exposed to any kind of nature.
Another study showed that people who could see a natural vista—forest, landscape, or mountain—from
their hospital bed recovered faster than patients whose view was limited to urban vistas.
Why does nature have such a profound effect on the human psyche? Louv thinks that exposure to a nature
setting demands "immersion attention"—the use of all of one's senses. That kind of exposure in turn
49
boosts the brain's ability to sustain "directed attention"—the concentration and focus that allows a child to
stay attentive long enough to, for example, finish a homework assignment.
Louv would like to see more studies on the subject, but he says that's unlikely, because there's little
commercial incentive. It's ironic, he notes, that one of the few studies on the subject was conducted by a
laundry detergent manufacturer—to find out why kids weren't getting grass stains on their jeans anymore.
He also worries that children with no deep connections to nature are unlikely to become adults who want
to serve as good stewards of the natural world.
"The health of the earth is at stake as well," he says. "How the young respond to nature...will shape the
configurations and conditions of our cities, homes—our daily lives."
An outdoor Bible
David Bates, BSA national director of camping and conservation, believes Richard Louv is onto
something big.
At a recent conference, Bates held up a copy of Last Child in the Woods as he welcomed professional
Scouters who run outdoor programs across the nation. "This is your homework," he announced. "This is
what the Boy Scouts of America is about."
Later, Bates elaborated on why he is so impressed with Louv's findings. "Basically, the book reinforces
the idea that the out-of-doors is a positive way to influence young people, something Scouting's founder,
Robert Baden-Powell, understood 100 years ago," he said. "The book helped me focus on where our
priorities really ought to be."
It came as no surprise that the conference's theme was "More Outdoors."
Bates added that no other organization is better equipped to offer outdoor experiences than the BSA,
which operates almost 500 local council camps and high adventure programs nationwide. And he adds
that Louv's "nature-deficit disorder" concept may provide a key to making progress in the seemingly
endless struggle to keep boys involved and committed in Scouting.
"We recently surveyed boys who had dropped out of Scouting," said Bates. "Almost 50 percent had had
only five—or fewer—outdoor experiences. But among those who had had at least 12 outdoor experiences,
only 15 percent dropped out.
"That's why we encourage every troop to offer some kind of outing at least once a month. It can be a day
hike, a camping trip, or a conservation project—as long as it's something that gets them outdoors." (See
"Heading Out," sidebar.)
Louv believes Scout leaders can play a key role in educating parents about "nature-deficit disorder" and
the importance of giving children unstructured time to explore nature.
"Scouting offers a safe way for kids to have an experience of nature," he notes. "When parents realize that,
more boys will become involved. It will be a good thing for Scouting and for the country."
To increase parental awareness, Louv says, Scout leaders need to focus on the multiple benefits of outdoor
experiences. Otherwise, a parent might choose other outside activities rather than a camping experience—
in the mistaken belief that spending time in a natural setting is "nice but not necessary."
50
But if parents understand the real physical, mental, and emotional benefits of natural experiences, they
will be more inclined to strongly encourage their children to go camping.
"Parents need to understand, there's a risk in keeping kids away from nature," Louv says. "If parents
understand the impact of nature on a child's attention span and on his creativity, they'll give outdoor
experiences a priority."
But what about "the outdoors is too risky" kind of thinking? Scout leaders can respond to these parental
fears by putting them in perspective and boosting awareness of the benefits of outdoor activities, David
Bates said.
Isolating kids from the risks of strangers and the outdoors isn't the answer, he argued. Better to give them
the knowledge and experience to handle risks. For example, crossing the street can be hazardous, but
parents would not decree that a child never cross a street.
"We try to teach kids how to take care of themselves in the outdoors," Bates noted. Letting young Scouts
take responsibility for the challenges of a wilderness experience—preparing for bad weather or planning
food and equipment—builds character and promotes leadership.
"In outdoors adventures, there are all kinds of scenarios that require young people to make decisions about
how they should adapt," Bates said.
"When many parents think of a program that promotes outdoors experiences, they think Scouting,"
Richard Louv observes.
And quality Scouting programs provide plenty of opportunities—now more important than ever—for
children to experience the outdoors.
51
Contact Information:
About the Hiking Program:
Steve Bernardi, Pack 110 Cubmaster, bernardisteve@aol.com
Mark Gehl, Pack 63, Hiking Coordinator, mg-32@sbcglobal.net
Greg Pronger, Pack 110 & Troop 81, gepronger@aol.com
Steve Smith, Hiking Coordinator, scout643@comcast.net
Our Scout Shops (general info and “Tour Permits”):
Deicke Scout Shop: 630-231-3192
Norris Scout Shop: 630-584-9250
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Hiking Program - Three Fires Council

Transcription

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