Hikes Away Staged activity badge leader s notes In partnership with scouts.org.uk
The hikes away staged activity badge is a fantastic opportunity to equip beaver scouts with the knowledge and experience to allow them to become confident in the hills and find out all there is to offer in the UK and further afield. This pack aims to provide information for beaver leaders. It will help you to prepare beavers on what to wear and carry in order to get the best out of their hike. Cotswold has been helping people get outdoors for over 35 years and it s their passion to make sure you have the best time on your hike or camping trip. The teams in store will happily provide kit talks and demos if you wish as well as offering opportunities for you to fundraise for your hikes and adventures instore. Contact your local store manager here to find out more: /stores
When planning a hike you ll need to think about some simple points. Remembering these will help you to have a well planned and enjoyable hike. Preparation Hikes have different purposes. You may want to visit a local castle, or go for a long walk in the countryside. Before you go on your hike make sure you know where you want to visit and what you want to do. Activity 1 As a group, discuss where you would like to go on your hike. This could be a park, a forest or a lake for example. Ask the beavers to make a list of the top six places they would like to visit and why. Route planning & Navigation Seven tips to planning 1. It should achieve the aims of the group. 2. How long do you want the hike to take? 3. Where will you stop for a break? Do you need to plan a picnic site, be near a road to meet support or look for shelter if you are self supported? 4. What weather might you have? 5. Make sure adults within the group have the correct skills for the hike, for example map reading or how to use a compass. 6. As a leader make sure you always have a back up plan in case you can t use your planned route. 7. Just remember that the harder the terrain or incline, the longer it will take to do the walk. Kit list suggestions Navigation Maps Compass Map measurer GPS Memory Map software Spare batteries Torch should you need to nav at night
Activity 2 The activity sheet shows a maze that leads to the destination. Along the correct path there are images of items they will need to take. Get them to draw their route. What to wear The nature of your hike will dictate the type of kit you need. A hike around town or to a local landmark may require some kit, here are a few basic suggestions... The best way of dressing for a hike is by using the principle of layering. This method uses several thin layers to manage bodily warmth and protection from the elements. It s flexible and allows you to stay comfortable all day long. Kit list suggestions What to wear Wicking T shirt 100wt (micro fleece) fleece long sleeved top Walking trousers/shorts Waterproof trousers Waterproof jacket Boots or approach shoes Hiking socks Insulated hat and gloves Sun hat Activity 3 Show pictures of items of clothing ie boots, hats, scarves, gloves, walking socks. Ask them to circle what they would need to wear if they were going on: a winter walk a summer walk
What to carry Rucksack a small pack is key. Look at simple kids packs and small packs to make life easier. Kit list suggestions What to carry Short/day hike items may include: A snack/lunch Drink Waterproof Hat/gloves Route guide/map Compass Emergency kit Rucksack Rucksack liner Rucksack rain cover How you pack your rucksack is key but two simple rules will help: 1. Pack heavier items in the upper portion of the sack to create a higher centre of gravity making it more comfortable to carry. On rugged terrain pack heavier items close to the back in the middle portion to aid stability. 2. Pack items you need regularly near the top or in pockets ie maps, water bottles etc as they need to be easily available and you will want to be able to get to your waterproof in a sudden down pour without unpacking all your dry clothes first. Activity 4 Fill a rucksack with items that may or may not be needed on your visit. Ask your beavers to pull items from the bag. If it is needed ask them to draw it/write it in the box provided on their activity sheets.
Food and Hydration Water is important, but so is what you carry it in. Make sure you have a drink and a suitable bottle that won t leak with a wide mouth that can be easily cleaned. Food Healthy food is great, but it must be tasty. A short walk may only require a few snacks but if you are planning a longer day trip you will need to make sure the beavers have a packed lunch to give them lots of energy. Snacks and treats Healthy treats are great for boosting morale as well as a sudden burst of energy especially if the going gets tough. Kit list suggestions Food and hydration Water bottle Ready meals Stove Fuel (e.g. gas/meths) Cooking equipment Healthy snacks nuts, fruit Energy boosting snacks go bars, Chocolate or Kendal mint cake Activity 5 Ask your colony to think about what food and drinks they would like to take on their visit. Ask them what they should take on a forest walk, a hike and over-night camp. Ask them to look at the pictures in the resource pack and circle what they would take on a day s hike.
Safety The vast majority of hikes go without incident and are very safe. However accidents can happen. Make sure you re prepared by making an emergency plan and being aware of dangers. Safety tips 1. Does someone know where you are going? Leave a route card with someone or a contact sheet if you expect to be out of signal for some time and remember to inform them when you have safely completed the trip. 2. Take a whistle and learn the correct signals to use. 3. Carry a first aid kit and know how to use it. 4. Carry a survival bag in case an individual has an accident or you get stranded/lost. 5. Know how to contact the emergency services and carry change/phone card in case mobiles do not work. Kit list suggestions Safety First aid kit Survival bag Group emergency shelter Emergency whistle Torch Spare batteries Emergency rations Activity 6 Get your colony to think about what they would need to have in a first aid pack. Here s a prompt list: gloves, plasters, wipes, medium and large dressings, triangular bandages, burns gel dressing, adhesive tape, shears, foil emergency blanket, eye wash. Ask them to practise some simple first aid like putting on plasters, how to cope with heat exhaustion and extreme cold.
Be Prepared Every hike is different and you need to personalise it. Go through all the kit list suggestions and ask your colony to take theirs home to their parents to prepare for their first trip. Don t forget - Cotswold wants to hear about your hikes and adventures so send them a picture of your colony on your hike or write and tell them all about it in a piece for the local store s website. Contact your local store manager here to find out more: /stores Good luck!
Activity 7 Beavers List Navigation What to wear What to carry Food and hydration Safety
20% discount* for all scout volunteers 15% discount* for all scouts Hikes Away Staged activity badge resource pack 3WAYS TO SHOP 60+ stores nationwide Visit /stores Over 3000 outdoor products available 0844 557 7755 Lines open 24 hours 7 days a week * at Cotswold outdoor Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. For personal use only. Discount only valid on production of an appointment card or scouts scarf/necker. scouts.org.uk The Scout Association Registered Charity Numbers 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland).