Hiking Merit Badge

Scouts interested in earning the Hiking Merit Badge should read the requirements below and print a copy of the Hiking Merit Badge work sheets available at: http://www.meritbadge.com/files/mb-docs/Hiking.doc

The Troop 1 Library also has the Hiking Merit Badge pamphlet available. See JB, your Troop Librarian if you want to borrow a copy.

Hiking Merit Badge Requirements:

1. Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while hiking, including hypothermia, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, frostbite, dehydration, sunburn, sprained ankle, insect stings, tick bites, snakebite, blisters, hyperventilation, and altitude sickness.

2. Explain and, where possible, show the points of good hiking practices. including the principles of Leave No Trace, hiking safety in the daytime and at night, courtesy to others, choice of footwear, and proper care of feet and footwear.

3. Explain how hiking is an aerobic activity. Develop a plan for conditioning yourself for 10-mile hikes, and describe how you will increase your fitness for longer hikes.

4. Make a written plan for a 10-mile hike, including map routes, a clothing and equipment list, and a list of items for a trail lunch.

5. Take five hikes, each on a different day, and each of at least ten continuous miles. Prepare a hike plan for each hike.*

6. Take a hike of 20 continuous miles in one day following a hike plan you have prepared.*

7. After each of the hikes (or during each hike if on a continuous trek) in requirements 5 and 6, write a short report of your experience. Give dates and descriptions of routes covered, the weather, and interesting things you saw. Share this report with your merit badge counselor.

Any one of these, Hiking Merit Badge, Cycling Merit Badge or Swimming Merit Badge, are Eagle Scout Requirements. Scouts who have already earned the Cycling or Swimming Merit Badge may earn the Hiking Merit Badge and it will count as one of your optional merit badge requirements.