Pack 18 Hiking Club

"Over hill, Over dale, We will hit the Outdoor Trail, As the Cub Scouts go hiking around."

The best way to experience the outdoors is step by step. You can do that by becoming a member of the Pack 18 Hiking Group. The Hiking Group combines the best elements of an expedition, a classroom, and a treasure hunt.  Hikes can include opportunities for passing Cub Scout requirements and learning lessons. We are fortunate to have several State Parks and nature centers nearby, some with visitors centers that cater to youth groups. Any trip through a wooded area offers so many opportunities to teach Cub Scouts: watching for natural wildlife; tree identification by bark, leaf, shape; finding and identifying animal tracks, nests; plant identification - edible plants and poisonous plants; using a compass, etc.

Who can come along?

The Pack hiking group is open to all families of Pack 18. We will hike together on selected local trails. We will hike throughout the year in all types of weather and all types of terrain. The Hiking Committee schedules monthly hikes at a variety of locations and keeps track of each person’s miles.  You can bring the whole family if you wish, but remember we will be walking. Most places that we go will not accommodate strollers. We will be hiking a minimum of  2 miles on any given hike, so make sure everyone in your party can handle a good walk. We always use the buddy system.  Sorry, pets will not be allowed.

Do I have to go on every hike?

All hikes are just for fun and no one is required to go. At many locations you can obtain patches for a particular hike. Earn a colorful patch after hiking  50, 100, 150 and 200 miles. At 50 miles you will be awarded a handmade walking stick. 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 “50-mile Club” stamped into a leather grip. As additional milestones are reached, a new leather grip will be presented to celebrate the accomplishment

 Do I need any special equipment?

There is no need for any special equipment, but it is recommended that you have a good pair of hiking shoes or boots and dress appropriately for the weather. Some other suggested items are: Personal first-aid kit, compass, whistle, and water. Depending on the hike, other supplies might be suggested.  We often plan for a picnic stop and rest break during the hikes.

Where are the hikes?

The Hiking Committee will submit a schedule of possible hikes to the Cubmaster and the Pack Committee for their review and approval well in advance to try and avoid over scheduling and conflicts with other Pack and Scouting activities.    We try to mix variety with old favorites. The schedule varies year to year. The pack repeats can favorite hikes annually, revisits some others in alternate years, and adds newfound locations. The Pack always files a tour permit with Capital Area Council.

What miles can I “log”?

A system of rewards provides boys and adults with continuing recognition for miles completed.  Only miles that are authorized through the Pack and Den can be “logged” for patches and awards. The Hiking Committee will keep track of miles logged.

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