Microsoft word - pack_303_hc_web_participant_guidelines

PACK 303
MCKINNEY, TX
HIKING CLUB PARTICIPANT
GUIDELINES
ON THE TRAIL TO SUCCESS!
Pack 303 Hiking Club Participant Guidelines
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Overview
The Pack 303 Hiking Club is aimed at providing all registered Pack 303 Scouts and their families exciting opportunities to participate in organized outdoor events at regional parks. Participants wil broaden their outdoor knowledge and skil s while gaining experience and confidence in The Hiking Club goals align with many of the goals of Cub Scouting such as: So hit the trail at the next Pack 303 Hiking Club event! This document provides the guidelines to Scouts and their families for participating in Pack 303 Before the Event
 Check the Pack website for the latest Hiking Club information and Calendar of Events.
 Check the miles listed for the event. Tiger Cubs and first-time hikers should not participate in hikes longer than 3 – 4 miles.
 There must be at least one parent or legal guardian per scout at the event.
 Siblings are welcome to participate; however, they wil not be covered by BSA  Before attempting to participate in Hiking Club events, make sure that you and your scout(s) are in good physical condition and capable of participating in strenuous outdoor  The hiking pace wil be 2 -3 miles / hour on park trails. The trails wil not typically be strol er accessible and wil be on unpaved park trails. Please consider these issues for younger siblings or those with medical conditions.
 Make sure you have the required clothing, equipment, food and water before the event begins. Check event flyers, etc. on the Pack 303 website for the specific requirements of Pack 303 Hiking Club Participant Guidelines
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 Guarding Against Ticks and Mosquitos in Warm Weather : It is recommended to treat
clothing with a Permethrin spray. Clothing treated with Permethrin wil be protected for weeks from ticks and mosquitoes. Dr. Wil iam W. Forgey, an expert on wilderness medicine and a member of BSA’s National Health and Safety Committee, recommends that all Scouts treat all outer clothing. Ticks or mosquitoes coming in contact with Permethrin wil get sick and lose interest in feeding.
http://www.docforgey.com/permethrin.htm.
Exposed skin should be treated using an insect repel ent. Dr. Forgey recommends insect repel ents that contain 12 to 22 percent DEET.
Clothing and Gear Checklist
 Appropriate shoes and socks are essential. Hiking boots and socks are preferred.
Sneakers and thick socks wil suffice; however, they do not repel water.
 Appropriate seasonal clothing. Layering wil work best. Also reference Guarding Against  For warm weather hikes, scouts should wear their Pack 303 T-Shirts (activity uniform).
 Long pants will always be required unless otherwise specified by the Event
Coordinator(s).
 Water. Always bring at least (2) water bottles … one water bottle won’t be enough.
 Snacks Rain Gear Sunscreen Insect Repel ent Day Pack or Fanny Pack to carry water and snacks – Scouts should carry their supplies.
 Other event specific equipment listed for the event.
 Whistle – Pea-less Plastic Grocery Bag for Cleanup along the trail Optional Equipment
Event Day
 Apply insect repel ent. Reference Guarding Against Ticks and Mosquitoes above.
 Arrive at the start location on-time with the appropriate clothing, equipment, food and water. Those not meeting the minimum requirements for the event will not be
permitted to start.
Pack 303 Hiking Club Participant Guidelines
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 Al events wil fol ow Cub Scout LEAVE NO TRACE Frontcountry Guidelines.
 Only blow whistles if there is an emergency! After the Event
 Wash hands and other exposed areas with soap and water.
 Check for ticks. Most tick species in Texas are known to carry diseases dangerous to  Hydrate and eat a snack to refuel.
 Get your Hiking Club Participation Award from the event coordinator.
 The Hiking Club Coordinator keeps track of your Total Hiking Club Miles, and wil award Miler awards such as 10, 20, 25, 30 … Miler awards at the next pack meeting.
 Always stay with the group. Don’t go ahead of the hike leader(s) or fal behind the Sweeper. Don’t allow gaps to form on hikes. Don’t wander off at rest stops, etc. The  Know what to do if you get separated from the group or lost.
Pay close attention to your surroundings.
If you have a whistle, blow (3) bursts, wait a minute, and repeat until found. This is the mountain distress signal used in North America.  Know how to identify and stay clear of Poison Ivy and other dangerous plants.
Remember … “Leaves of Three – Let it Be.”  Wear light-colored clothing so that ticks can be easily seen.
 In warm weather, it’s a good idea to treat clothing prior to the event with a Permethrin spray and use an insect repel ent contain DEET on exposed skin on event day as noted above in Guarding Aqainst Ticks and Mosquitoes Pack 303 Hiking Club Participant Guidelines
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References
http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0605/a-snky.html http://pack303.org/assets/files/Hiking_Club/Pack_303_HC_WEB_FAQ.pdf

Source: http://pack303.org/assets/files/Hiking_Club/Pack_303_HC_WEB_Participant_Guidelines.pdf