Why Bother? ... and Badgework
We hike because we love to :-). If you haven't learned to love it yet, here are some more concrete reasons...
- It's the mainstay of the Expedition Challenge badge, part of the core Chief Scout Gold.
- Get a bit more adventurous, and you can get Hiker, Hillwalker, and Hikes Away and Nights Away. And maybe move on to Navigator and Survival Skills.
- You learn independence, planning, teamwork, determination, adaptability and you get a lot of exercise. And you get out on your own with your mates for a while.
One more thing. The expedition challenge actually says that you need a purpose for you hike. (What... "because it's there" was good enough for Edmund Hillary. And "Carry This Bag" was good enough for Sherpa Tensing.)
It's a good idea to have a purpose. If you're out Gog Magog way, near Little Abingdon, be sure to check out the wildlife reserve and the pagan religious circle. But whereever you go, make a record. We'd love you to write a quick report and take some pictures, so we can post your route here. For the mini-kids to follow next time. And you get your name in Trout Scoop that way too.