FEATURE STORY
Take a Hike— Please
Physical & Mental Health Benefits Abound
Helping Cub Scouts Enjoy A Good Walk
Studies have shown that all forms of walking have health benefits. So hiking, the act of taking a long vigorous walk in the outdoors, must be even better!
More than the physical is the mental. The improvement in mood and memory is also a proven fact. In a 2012 study the Huffington Post learned“ spending time outdoors increases attention spans and creative problem-solving skills by as much as 50 percent.”
Then there’ s the tangible things like the hiking segment of the National Outdoor Award or the Hiking Merit Badge. And don’ t forget it’ s a Second Class rank requirement.
So whether it’ s the slopes of Sangre de Cristo Mountains at Philmont Scout Reservation or the beautiful trails around Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park, hiking has huge benefits.
Oh yeah, it’ s also fun.
OLD SCOUTER HIKING TIPS
No Surprises. Visit the trail before the scheduled hike. Learn the surroundings.
Embrace Technology. Let the boys discover the benefits and pitfalls of depending on smartphones and GPS. Compare that with map & compass.
Surprise Them. When checking the trail in advance, hide an ammo can full of energy bars.
Dry Socks. Require the boys to bring a pair of clean socks. Stop at the mid-point and have them change so they feel the benefits of dry socks.
Encourage Sticks. Use a walking stick or trekking pole. While not necessary on simple hikes it will prepare them for the more challenging ones later.
Be Prepared. Have a back-up first aid kit, moleskin, cell phone battery and rain disposable ponchos.
Lightweight. Keeping it light will decrease the pain later.
Wear Sunscreen. Good advice anytime their will be sunshine.
Cub Scouts are unique!( You don’ t need to tell a Cub Scout leader that). For a successful walk, there needs to be a different level of discipline and a much higher degree of planning.
A great experience walking with their friends and exploring nature can lead to a life-long healthy habit. A bad experience with an under trained or unprepared leader could lead to negative outcomes, not the least of which is a reluctance to try hiking again.
Review these tips on making your hike more fun: http:// tinyurl. com / CubScoutHike
Spring 2017
Moraine Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America
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