Instructions

 

Topics for Presentation to Troop:

 

1.               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.
(#1 Requirement for HIKING Merit Badge)
Suggestion: have scouts 'act out' a situation, others ask questions, using material presented diagnose problem and recommend/apply treatment. 
Ref: First Aid in Boy Scout Handbook, pages 401‑443 in Tenth Edition. 
Presentation: March 7 (15‑20 minutes):

 

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.
(#2 Requirement for HIKING Merit Badge)
Ref:  Land Stewardship in Boy Scout Handbook, pages 363‑370 in Tenth Edition. 
Presentation: March 14

 

3.               Backpacking Basics ‑ Equipment, and Meals Suggestion: Actually prepare meals, even if don’t cook. Include figuring out quantity needed, healthy choices, tin foil meals, lightweight food.
Ref. Cooking in Camp in Boy Scout Handbook, pages 97‑128 in Tenth Edition.
Preparation for South Fork ‑ hike in with all supplies.
Presentation: March 21

 

4.               Tree Recognition. Spring Flower Recognition. Animal Recognition. Suggestion: Handout of practical ways to distinguish trees. Using handout, scout hike and group identification of trees.
Ref Our American Trees in Boy Scout Handbook, pages 318‑345 in Tenth Edition.
Will tie in to Environmental Science MB, Req 5 ‑ Study of Outdoor Area
Presentation: April 18

 

5.               Compass
Suggestion: Scouts (outside activity) mark direction of church, a tree, etc. Find direction and distance (pacing) to object. Include 'if lost', alternative ways to determine directions.
Ref:  Finding Your Way in Boy Scout Handbook, pages 179‑211 in Tenth Edition.
Presentation: May 9