Hiking Merit Badge Activity Planner
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'Patrol Leader Merit Badge Planning Guide for the Hiking Merit Badge
*** Activities for the Youth Lead Patrol ***
Exploring Hiking can be a fascinating youth adventure when done right. Here are a few tips to help the patrol leader get started.
- Scouts may never add or subtract from the actual merit badge requirements
- This Planner is only a suggestion of different ideas to make working this Merit Badge both fun and easy.
- While doing the Worksheet is not a requirement for earning this badge, in many cases it can help you learn key concepts and track your progress.
A. Make Your Plan
- Merit Badge Activity Planning Tips - 14 tips for a successful patrol activity. Read carefully before you start your plan!
- Share Your Plan - Meet ahead of time with your patrol, scout leaders, parents and especially with the Merit Badge Counselor. Make changes to the plan as needed.
- Prepare Activity Flyer - Keep your fellow scouts informed - events, activities, pre-requisites and more.
| Patrol Activity | GREAT | Awesome MB to work as a patrol / Max Size 12 scouts |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Field Trip | POOR | Requires physical presence in forests |
| Family Activity | GREAT | Great Family Vacation |
| Service Activity | GREAT | Forest Conservation Project |
| S.T.E.M. Activity | GREAT | Outdoor STEM Activity |
| Field Trip | GREAT | Four cool field trip activities |
| Duty-to-God | POOR | N/A |
| MB Day | POOR | Four outdoor field trips req'd |
| Overnighter | GREAT | Outdoor STEM Activity |
| Summer Camp | GREAT | Four cool outdoor activities |
Online Resources
- Hiking Merit Badge Requirements: BoyScoutTrial.com lists all requirements, additional resources, activity worksheet, etc.
- Hiking Merit Badge File Store: Online resources
- Hiking Merit Badge Worksheets: Worksheets are optional - but highly preferred by many MBC. When you find that many requirements say "discuss" - the worksheet can help you gather your thoughts beforehand.
- Hiking Merit Badge Booklet: Everything thing you need to know about Hiking is right here. Get this study guide from either Amazon or your Troop Library, Merit Badge Counselor or Scoutmaster to Learn More About this Subject.
- Hiking @ Simple-Wikipedia: Get the basics quickly.
B. Introduction Meeting
Most merit badge activities do best to have a "introduction" meeting where the patrol can discuss how to get started and to plan out their field trips. Send out the activity flyer in advance to use as an meeting agenda. Your scouts will then know what to expect.
Hiking merit badge is a great merit badge to work as a patrol in the outdoors. It includes several major outdoor activities that be done as part of summer camp, hi-adventure, or a major weekend expeditions.
To Earn Eagle Scout Rank, a scout must earn either the Hiking, Swimming or Cycling merit badges.
News Flash
C. Homework / Prerequisites
Assign one or more requirements that the scout can do at home, perhaps as a family activity.
D. Study Hall Patrol Night
While some scouts may be adept at self-study, others may do better in a small group setting and taking notes on worksheets. Make an agenda. You can facilitate discussion by asking them why each of the principles introduced here would be relevant. Schedule one or more patrol meetings to work this merit badge.
Pre-Open Gathering Activity
A gathering activity before the official meeting start is a great way to set a fun theme for the meeting.
- Hiking Done Right - ScoutSmarts.com - "This guide will help you to master wilderness treks, answer the merit badge worksheet, and earn your Hiking merit badge!" "
MBC Discussion Group
Discussion Resources:
E. Field Trip
A related field trip with the MBC will be a great time to do the second half of this merit badge activity:
F. Extra Credit
While none of these are actual requirements for this merit badge - they are terrific opportunities to show Scout Spirit, Do a Good Turn Daily and to have FUN!
- Activity Reflection: Use this meeting for scouts to ask questions and to reflect on what they gained personally from this adventure. You can also have a discussion on what future opportunities are here.
- Court of Honor Exhibit: Pictures, handiwork and other memorabilia from this adventure will make for a great presentation at the next Scout Troop Court of Honor.
Related Merit Badges
Sometimes it is easier by doing two or more merit badges together as a joint activity: