I am curious about how to enable a group of boys to finish the requirements for Backpacking Merit Badge. The final requirement (#11) calls for a hike of at least 30 miles spanning 5 days and 4 nights. The problem is finding adults who can take the time to do such a trek with the boys.
In this instance, there are 4 boys, all in the same patrol. Each is an extremely competent scout (one is Star, the others are Life), ages 15-17. I would venture to say that every one will make Eagle - they exemplify the best in Scouting: skills, leadership, attitude. They are well-versed in first aid, wilderness survival, etc.
Because of the time requirements, it's impossible to schedule this hike outside of school vacations. Even with long weekends, it's almost impossible to find 2 adults who can abandon their families and jobs to take the time to cover 5 days. We have even tried to coordinate the hike to have two adults start with them, then trade off with two other adults mid-trek. Logistically, it is nearly impossible due to trail access.
Summertime is not an option, because 2 of the boys are employed at Council camps and another is away with relatives all summer. There's still the problem of adult coverage.
One adult even suggested making it a 4-day hike with the last night being a backyard campout. I nixed that idea, since I believe it is counter to the intent of the merit badge.
I would be very comfortable letting these 4 boys to a trek of this nature by themselves. They have access to cell phones and 2-way radios for emergencies.
The Guide to Safe Scouting (GSS) seems to be contradictory.
From the GSS:
Two registered adult leaders, or one registered adult and a parent of a participating Scout, one of whom must be at least 21 years of age or older, are required for all trips or outings. THERE ARE A FEW INSTANCES, SUCH AS PATROL ACTIVITIES, WHEN NO ADULT LEADERSHIP IS REQUIRED. (Emphasis is mine.)
Also from the GSS (2 paragraphs later):
Safety rule of four: No fewer than four individuals (always with the minimum of two adults) go on any backcountry expedition or campout. If an accident occurs, one person stays with the injured, and two go for help. Additional adult leadership requirements must reflect an awareness of such factors as size and skill level of the group, anticipated environmental conditions, and overall degree of challenge.
This seems to indicate that the boys cannot do this merit badge requirement without aduls accompanying them. One person even suggested doing the trek just as a group of friends - not Scouts. I'm not real comfortable with this idea.
What have others done in order to meet this requirement of the Backpacking Merit Badge?
Thanks in advance for your ideas, suggestions, and input.
Backpacking Merit Badge
in Open Discussion - Program
Posted
I am curious about how to enable a group of boys to finish the requirements for Backpacking Merit Badge. The final requirement (#11) calls for a hike of at least 30 miles spanning 5 days and 4 nights. The problem is finding adults who can take the time to do such a trek with the boys.
In this instance, there are 4 boys, all in the same patrol. Each is an extremely competent scout (one is Star, the others are Life), ages 15-17. I would venture to say that every one will make Eagle - they exemplify the best in Scouting: skills, leadership, attitude. They are well-versed in first aid, wilderness survival, etc.
Because of the time requirements, it's impossible to schedule this hike outside of school vacations. Even with long weekends, it's almost impossible to find 2 adults who can abandon their families and jobs to take the time to cover 5 days. We have even tried to coordinate the hike to have two adults start with them, then trade off with two other adults mid-trek. Logistically, it is nearly impossible due to trail access.
Summertime is not an option, because 2 of the boys are employed at Council camps and another is away with relatives all summer. There's still the problem of adult coverage.
One adult even suggested making it a 4-day hike with the last night being a backyard campout. I nixed that idea, since I believe it is counter to the intent of the merit badge.
I would be very comfortable letting these 4 boys to a trek of this nature by themselves. They have access to cell phones and 2-way radios for emergencies.
The Guide to Safe Scouting (GSS) seems to be contradictory.
From the GSS:
Two registered adult leaders, or one registered adult and a parent of a participating Scout, one of whom must be at least 21 years of age or older, are required for all trips or outings. THERE ARE A FEW INSTANCES, SUCH AS PATROL ACTIVITIES, WHEN NO ADULT LEADERSHIP IS REQUIRED. (Emphasis is mine.)
Also from the GSS (2 paragraphs later):
Safety rule of four: No fewer than four individuals (always with the minimum of two adults) go on any backcountry expedition or campout. If an accident occurs, one person stays with the injured, and two go for help. Additional adult leadership requirements must reflect an awareness of such factors as size and skill level of the group, anticipated environmental conditions, and overall degree of challenge.
This seems to indicate that the boys cannot do this merit badge requirement without aduls accompanying them. One person even suggested doing the trek just as a group of friends - not Scouts. I'm not real comfortable with this idea.
What have others done in order to meet this requirement of the Backpacking Merit Badge?
Thanks in advance for your ideas, suggestions, and input.