2nd Class Req 1b (Compass Hike)

I'm having trouble understanding the purpose and intent of 2nd Class Req 1b
(Compass Hike). It reads:

"Using a compass and a map you have drawn, take a 5-mile hike (or 10 miles
by bike) approved by your adult leader and your parent or guardian."

It then refers the scout to pages 193 - 195, which detail map and compass
use but don't give any clue as to how a scout should set about creating his
own map.

If the hike is to be done on a trail, it seems that the trail would need to
be mapped *as it was hiked*, with compass bearings and landmarks noted along
the way, or else the "map" would simply consist of a long squiggly line with
"Trailhead" at one end and "Camp" at the other. I don't see how a scout
could prepare his map around the kitchen table prior to the hike without
resorting to copying it from an existing map; and what skill does that
teach? Tracing?

If the hike is to be done on roads the map could be a little better defined,
but would not really require the use of a compass beyond initial orientation
of the map. Again, unless you know the route by heart (why bother with a
map at all) or if you "pre-hike" the route to map it out; you'd need to
basically copy an existing map.

Also -- If we are to use 2-deep and the buddy system for this requirement,
it means a minimum of four bodies hiking 5 miles every time another scout
attempts this requirement, right?

I confess I don't remember how I did this as a second class scout way back
when -- perhaps the requirement has changed. I'm curious how other units
handle this requirement.

YiS,

Randy Storms
ASM T25 Blaine, WA

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