Lace up your boots, top off your water bottles, and strap on your daypack. Over the next year we will traverse more than 70 miles of gorgeous parkland, scenic countryside, and gritty urban landscapes. Not only will we see a mix of wildlife and natural beauty, but we will also learn about the region’s culture and history. From the “Emerald Necklace” and the state’s only national park to the mighty Cuyahoga River and downtown Cleveland, we will explore much of Northeast Ohio. Are you ready?
All scouts in Troop 701 are welcome to participate in any scheduled hike. Participants should keep a few items in mind. To earn the merit badge, the Scout must complete a 5-mile hike, three 10-mile hikes, a 15-mile hike, and a 20-mile hike; and several requirements on hiking first aid, principles, and safety. None of the trails will include especially difficult terrain or elevation change, but most hikes will last four to six hours. Hikes of this length demand endurance and physical fitness. Additionally, Scouts participating in the 2017 Philmont trek are required to hike at least 50 miles with the merit badge group. Please be advised, siblings of troop members are not permitted on the hike.
The Troop 701 Hiking merit badge crew will meet for the first time on Sunday 9/11/16 at 1:30 p.m. at the Chalet in Strongsville. Be prepared to take a 5-mile hike in the gently rolling Mill Stream Run area. We will get to know one another, learn about the merit badge, and talk about some basic hiking principles. Please direct any questions to Hiking merit badge counselor Bill Whitecar at williamwhitecar@yahoo.com or Venturing Crew President Joshua Serna at 440-334-6602.
Schedule for 2016
Sun. Sept 11: at 1:30 p.m.5-mile hike at Mill Stream Run to introduce participants to the merit badge and assign homework. Please meet at the Chalet in Strongsville.
Tues. Sept 27: at 7:00 p.m. MB group meets at advancement night to discuss the merit badge itinerary and work for requirement 3.
Sun. Oct 9: 10-mile hike #1 at Hinckley Reservation loop (will meet at Chapman Elementary at 9:00 a.m.)
Sat. Nov.19: 10-mile hike #2 at Cleveland downtown (urban hike) meet at Chapman Elementary at 9:00 a.m.
*2017 dates and locations will be announced at a later date.
To earn the Hiking merit badge, Scouts must complete a 5-mile hike, three 10-mile hikes, one 15 mile hike and one 20 mile hike. Scouts must also demonstrate awareness of relevant hiking principles, including safety, first aid, emergency preparedness, physical fitness, gear and route selection, and Leave No Trace. Scouts must print off and complete the BSA hiking merit badge workbook. This can be found at http://usscouts.org/mb/worksheets/Hiking. Scouts attending Philmont must hike at least 50 miles with the merit badge crew. For every hike (except the 5-mile hike), every participant must bring a trail lunch. After completing each hike, scouts must fill out a Hike Report, detailing particular aspects of the hike, like trail conditions, weather, the gear they brought on the hike and other observations. The Hike Reports are to be turned in to Mr. Whitecar.
Good Luck! I will see you on the Trail.
