Re: 2nd Class Req 1b (Compass Hike)

Randy Storms asked about drawing the map before you take the second class
hike:

By drawing the map ahead of time (use topos or whatever other resources are
available), the scout gets to test his ability to follow his own map! He
should identify enough landmarks that he can relocate himself if he gets
off track, i.e., what would be the compass heading to the radio tower from
the intersection of two trails. At the very least, he knows he passes
"north of the cemetary" and "turns south at the school house."

jim sleezer






owner-scouts-l@tcubvm.is.tcu.edu on 09/23/98 12:57:00 PM

Please respond to "Storms, Randy" <rstorms@bham.wednet.edu>



To: Multiple recipients of list SCOUTS-L
<SCOUTS-L@tcubvm.is.tcu.edu>

cc: (bcc: Jim Sleezer/ia/regents/Okstate)



Subject: 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

• Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
• Next message
• Previous message
• Maybe in reply to
• Next in thread