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

<Randy said>
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."
[snip]
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.
[snip]
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.
</Randy>

Rany,
The map is intended to be a rough sketch of your planned route. If the
Scout's planned 5-mile hike will be from a trailhead to a campsite, the "map
you've drawn" would include the trailhead, access to the trailhead, the
campsite, and the trail. It would also include landmarks, points of
interest, and and side trips the Scout(s) planned to take.

I have always interpreted this requirement to mean that the Scout's map is
used to plan the hike. As far as I am concerned, the Scout can use a real
topographical map (in addition to HIS map) while on the hike. For this
reason, the Scout's map doesn't have to be cartographically perfect.

<Randy continued>
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?
</Randy>

That's not strictly true. The minimum would be two, the Scout and his buddy
(who coincidentally needs the requirement as well). The hike doesn't have to
take place on a campout, or involve camping although it can. Also, if there
are 10 Scouts who need the 2nd Class hike it doesn't require 10 seperate
5-mile hikes. If it were me, there'd be one hike with 10 hikers.

YIS
A. J. Mako, ajmako@nls.net , Scoutmaster Troop 381
Home of the Unofficial Win95 Boy Scout Desktop Theme,
http://members.aol.com/Scouts381/
Old Portage District, Great Trail Council, BSA
"I used to be an Eagle (C-7-97), but I'll always be an Eagle (1981)"

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