Day Hikes

The outdoor program is not complete if you don't have a short day hike every now and then. Many troops forget about day hikes and start to only do long backpacking trips. There are tons of short hikes that a troop can do, and often two or three can be done in one day.

Some troops will set up a camp near a trailhead that offers more than one short day hikes. This can be a good idea for larger troops. You can split up the troop into a couple groups and each group can do a different hike and meet back up again at the end of the day back in camp.

Other troops will just drive to a trail in the morning, hike the trail(s), then drive home afterwards. If you have a busy schedual and can only fit in one free day, this is a good choice.

Another option is to combine a backpack hike with day hikes by packing in to a campsite where the trail may split. You can spend the night, and the next day do short day hikes up the branching trails.

Day hikes can be done in many different ways, the three ideas above are some of the most common. Choose one to fit your style. Keep in mind that just because it isn't at least 20 miles doesn't mean it won't be fun.

Day hikes are also a good way to break in new scouts. Get them used to carrying a backpack anf their own supplies and food. Soon they will want to go on longer hikes and spend the night on the trail.

Day hikes can also bee good ways to help sign off Tenderfoot through First Class skills. One requirement is to use a compass and a map you drew and take a 5 mile hike. Identifying plants and animals, identify poisenous plants, plus others can be completed too.

Overall day hikes can be educational, exciting, and fun. Be sure to that day hikes are part of your outdoor program.