Fist off, I want to say thanks to everyone here for sharing. I have been lurking for awhile and have learned a lot from this forum.
So here is my fist post.

Background: I am the Cubmaster for the local Cub Scout Pack and am attending our Webelos (5 graders) over night. I am leading the hike this Saturday and working with them on their Naturalist and Forester requirements.

Before the hike, I want to give a brief talk on being prepared and what they should carry.
Here is what I am planning to discuss but I am posting here for your comments if there is anything else I should mention.

-Rule of 3 (you can survive is bad weather for 3 hrs, you can survive without water for 3 day, you can survive 3 weeks without food).
-Water, try to take more than you think you will need
-SAK (must have earned the Whittlin’ Chip (a Scout requirement for caring a knife)
-a PSK (Whistle, band-aids, duck tape, mason string, a LED flashlight, safety pins, etc)
-hat and bandanna
-garbage bag or poncho
-go hiking with a buddy, two buddies would be better
-map and compass; know how to use them
-if you get lost, think S.T.O.P. –use whistle (3 blasts) use garbage/poncho for shelter, protect 98.6

Is there anything else I should mention?
Thanks in advance for your comments,
Dave

Rule #1: Always listen to your Scoutmaster.
Rule #2: When in doubt, refer to rule #1.

The whole purpose of this is to teach them how to be on their own and be responsible for themselves. Actually tell them that, and perhaps it'll sink in and they'll go back home with more than just the skills you taught them.

Remind them that the only stupid question is one that isn't asked. In other words: if you don't know or ain't certain, ask! I would also suggest that you show, tell, demonstrate etc and get them to practice before you do the hike. An emergency is not the best place to learn.

Tell them upfront that if they get lost: "STAY PUT!!!!". Young people, (and some adults too), are mortally afraid of being ridiculed by their peers. So afraid in fact that they will blindly stumble about lost, hoping against hope that they will somehow find their way out. All the while of course they are only getting themselves deeper into trouble. Let them know that if they happen to get lost there will be no laughter once they are found, and make sure that everybody knows this rule will be enforced! <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />(stern face.)

Hope you have a great time hiking. I go with our Scout troop about once a month, and it gets easier after a while, really <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

A couple thoughts on the list you had:
- Although you don't necessarily "need" food for a short day hike, I would suggest you always bring some. The water is more important obviously, and you have it covered. The food is more for a psychological boost on a day hike, especially if you have a steep area, or a rough stretch of weather. Also, it's nice when you reach a goal, like a summit, or are just taking a break, to pull out an energy bar, some trail mix, or pemicin. Trust me, you'll have more fun hikes if they all have some simple snacks. On longer hikes in cool weather, we make sure they all bring a cup, and one of us adults brings a lightweight stove to heat up water for cocoa.

- You mentioned a poncho or garbage bag, I would also recommend that they bring or wear an insulating layer, like a fleece jacket or pullover.

- Along the same lines, make sure they all are wearing clothing appropriate for the conditions. If you're hiking, make sure they have reasonable hiking boots, with decent wool/synthetic hiking socks, not cotton athletic socks. Liners are great too, and will help avoid the blisters for the newbies.

- Insect repellant is pretty important in some areas. In the northeast, we have mosquitos and ticks to contend with. It can really put a damper on your trip if you don't have it. You can lather them up before the trip, and then have them carry a couple of the insect repellant towelettes to refresh after a lot of sweating.

- Sunscreen and sunglasses, if appropriate for your conditions.

- Make sure that they have some blister related items in their FAK, like moleskin.

- You might want to have one or two people, or a leader, carry some sort of bivy sack. If one of the boys falls into the water, or should get hurt and need to be still until you can get help, it's good to be able to keep them warm.

I'll think about it more, but, those are things that come to mind right away. Have a great trip!

It looks like you have covered the basics. A few Q's come to mind:
How long before the hike will you be giving this talk? Will the kids be able to change the stuff they're carrying? If you give the talk just before you start walking it may be too late to change what's in their pack. If you give it after you've left for the overnight it will be difficult to change out those cotton socks for wool or to grab a sweater they thought wouldn't be needed.

Have subjects like navigation already been taught at the Webelo level, or is the knowledge about how to use a compass and map a prerequisite for the hike? Knowing how to use a map and compass is easier said. . .

It's been a long time since I was in the scouts.

You've got a good list there. Maybe add direction-finding without a compass (using a watch dial or sticks and shadows). Something else to consider is what not to take. When we went to Philmont (Scout Ranch in New Mexico for the non-scouts among us), before we left on our week-long trek, we had to empty the contents of our packs out on our ground sheet. The leaders helped us get rid of the things that we wouldn't need. All of us ended up taking along some things that we were told we wouldn't need (too many socks and underwear, etc) and we suffered for that decision. Having a backpack that's too heavy equals lots of complaining and discomfort no matter how short the hike. Kinds gets in the way of learning anything. Emphasize minimalism and creativity in packing, kind of like the amazingly small, yet capable PSKs some of the members have shared on this forum. Oh yeah, one more thing that really works great...reward them for something they observe (finding an animal track, identifying an edible plant, pointing out poison ivy, etc) by tossing them a ziploc of homemade GORP. It's amazing how much attention to their surroundings they pay! Have a great time!

For gear, start with the Scout Outdoor Essentials listed on page 224 of the Boy Scout Handbook:
<>Pocketknife
<>First aid kit
<>Extra clothing
<>Rain gear
<>Water bottle, filled!!
<>Flashlight
<>Trail food
<>Matches & Fire starters
<>Sun protection
<>Map & Compass

In addition I'd include:
<>Whistle on a lanyard
<>Insect repellant
<>1/2 roll of Toilet Paper in bag
<>Something bright orange for signaling - this can be an orange trash bag, an large orange bandanna, etc... A lost Scout huddling under his dark green poncho can be VERY hard to find without some kind of bright flag displayed.

The pocketknife can be stowed in their bag and left there if they don't have their Whittling Chip card. I personally like boys to have two knives - one Swiss Army Knife with scissors and a locking blade knife. Personal first aid kit contents are described on page 289 of the Boy Scout Handbook. For Webelos you wait on the mouth barrier and eye protection. As mentioned by someone else, extra clothing should include a synthetic jacket and hat - enough to get someone through the night if needed. For a young Scout a nylon (not plastic) poncho such as those available from Campmor.com is fine. The water bottle(s) should provide at least one quart of water and be filled BEFORE leaving home. The flashlight (AA-sized) should have new batteries or extra new batteries should be carried too. Trail food is important on a hike - bring enough for a snack plus extra if needed. Matches and fire starters should be stored in a waterproof container (doubled ziploc bags). Sun protection should include a brimmed hat, sunscreen, and lip balm. A very simple baseplate compass is sufficient for Scouting, though in many parts of the country adjustable declination is very useful. Leaders should provide each Scout with a map of the area before heading out, unless other arrangements are made ahead of time. Even simple park maps are better than nothing. Make sure the whistle is on some kind of lanyard. Check with your local highway department for orange plastic bags - they are great!

As others have said, the most critical thing to teach them is to be ready to accept that they are lost and to stop, put out the signal flag, and stay put - help will be on the way soon.

The Scouts need to be told to have fun, keep their essential gear at hand at all times, to use the buddy system, and to let leaders know where they are at all times. Leaders need teach the Scouts, enforce expectations (the essential gear does no good sitting inside the tent), and take headcounts on a regular basis.

Ken K.
(4 years Cubmaster, 5 years Den Leader, and now an Asst. Scoutmaster)

Two words:

CELL PHONE!!!



What is that?