Pack 24 Hiking Program

General Overview

There will be monthly hiking events throughout the scout year (September - May). Attendance at all hiking events is completely optional. The hikes will be around 2-5 miles and usually take place in a forest preserve location within 15-20 minutes' drive of Elmhurst. We also try to do one or two hikes at each campout.

Keeping Track

Participating scouts’ miles will be tracked and the scouts will receive recognition patches as they accumulate miles throughout the years.  A “Miles Hiked” patch is awarded for the first hike. 

As they accumulate miles, scouts receive subsequent patches at each of the following milestones: 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50. A scout who achieves 50 miles will also receive a special hiking stick with a leather grip embossed with the name of the hiker and the pack number. For very active scouts who reach 100 miles, another special recognition will be awarded.

Hiking mileage will be awarded only for Hiking Program scheduled events. Participating in other hikes outside our program is encouraged but will not count toward Pack 24 mileage credit.

Benefits

• Scouts from different dens can get to know each other better, even if they are in different grade levels.

• Scouts look forward to earning their patches and hiking stick.

• Learn what poison ivy looks like, learn about the buddy system, learn other tips for enjoying the outdoors safely.

• Hiking and camping are big parts of scouting at older levels, and regular hikes as Cub Scouts help build experience to prepare for those programs. 

How We Hike (a.k.a. the "Rules")

• Safety first! 

• All scouts of Pack 24 are welcome.

• Stay on the designated trails at all times.

• Parents who choose to bring siblings are responsible for their safety and for making sure that they keep up with the other hikers. Please only bring siblings who will be able to keep pace with the scouts. 

• Parents MUST attend (no drop-off/pick-up option) hike events. 

• At least two adult leaders (Hike Leaders) from the Pack must be in attendance on all hikes.

• The Pack will hike as a single unit. Everyone must stay together and follow the same trail. One of the Hike Leaders will be assigned the “head” and the other Hike Leader as the “tail” positions. No one is allowed in front of the “head” or behind the “tail” position during the hike.

• Hike Leaders will track attendance and mileage for scouts on the hike. Everyone must check-in with the Hiking Coordinator to receive credit.

• Leave No Trace principles will be followed at all times. 

• Be respectful of others using the nature trails and give way to bikers, horse riders and runners who may be using the trails.

Clothing Recommendations

Warm Weather Hikes:

• Caps

• Long Pants (recommended - light colored are best)

• Comfortable shoes (gym or hiking) and socks are required to avoid blisters and/or sprains (avoid sandals, crocs, flip flops, etc.)  If it has rained in the days before a hike, we may encounter mud on the trail - shoes and pants may get a little muddy.

Cold Weather Hikes:

• Warm hat

• Fleece pants (inner layer) + wind/water proof pants (outer layer)

• T-shirt/long johns (inner layer) + fleece jacket +wind jacket (outer layers)

• Weatherproof boots

• Warm socks

• Neck covering (scarf/hood)

• Gloves/mittens

• Winter coat

Equipment: A water bottle is the only required item - scouts may also want to consider bringing the following:

• Backpack (book bag type works well)

• Sunscreen

• Bug Repellent (recommended DEET 10%)

• Rain Gear /  Ponchos recommended (if rainfall is expected)

• Container of water for the hike (1-2 quarts)

• Snack

• Whistle

• Compass (optional)

• Binoculars (optional)

The Pack Hikes will be scheduled on a monthly basis. All Hikes will start at 1 PM SHARP (unless otherwise noted) and end no later than 3 PM. Please plan on being there at 12:45 PM to check in with Hiking Leaders and to do a final check of your gear.  As a courtesy to others, we will leave on time so that we can be back on time. 

Hikes will usually proceed even if weather is cold or wet.  We will cancel if there is lightning or other hazardous weather. 

Please find the hiking schedule on the Calendar.

If you have any questions, please let us know.