9. Treasure Hunt

Preliminary: The necessary preparations are evident from the execution. Remember, that the clues are most easily laid in the opposite order from that in which they are to be followed.

Execution: Numerous variations may be worked out. The following word-picture of a Treasure Hunt will suggest to your Scouts some of the possibilities: "You (i.e. each Patrol Leader) look at the sealed envelope in your hand. On the front of it is a small sketch map with a cross. Under it is: 'Proceed to spot marked X, then open envelope.' The spot is easily located. You break the seal. Inside is a message in Morse code. You decipher it: 'Go to the tallest oak you can see from this point. Then follow the direction of its biggest branch two hundred feet.' You do so and find—nothing. That is, until one of the boys yells: 'Here is a stone that has just been moved.' Under it you discover the next clue: 'sW to tree with unnatural fruit.' The tree proves to be a hickory with several pine cones tied to its limbs. At the foot of it starts a trail of Scout trail marks. You follow them to the foot of another tree.

The treasure hunt with its wild scramble at the finish, is a popular modern hike stunt. Treasure maps can be drawn—mystic symbols—hidden Scout knowledge can become a fascinating part of the hike. Spots marked X, trees with unnatural fruit, compass directions to be determined and followed—all add to the fun and excitement.

No clue around! What to do next? Then someone finally looks up and sees a tag hanging on a branch high above. A Scout is sent up to investigate it. It only says: 'Look West!' 'Well, look west then. What do you see?' 'Looks like a red neckerchief in a tree about four hundred feet away!' You get to the tree and find the next clue attached to the neckerchief: 'WSW 200 feet,' and two hundred feet west-south-west you locate a pile of stones. Diving into it, you find the last clue: 'Dig under the dead chestnut!' The tree is quickly found, you dig where the earth has recently been turned over and find .. well, maybe not a chest of gold doubloons, but certainly at least a box of salted peanuts to be divided among the lucky treasure hunters."

Note: In order to prevent the Patrols from clashing too early in the game, the hunt should start with as many individual and equally difficult trails as there are Patrols.

10. Industrial Hike

Preliminary: Arrange with some manufacturing company to allow your Scouts to tour its offices and shops and to have the processes explained to them. Be sure the company knows exactly when you will arrive and how many Scouts will be with you. At the last meeting preceding the Industrial Hike devote part of the program to giving the Scouts a word-picture of the products manufactured in the plant they are to visit and an understanding of the importance of those products to the Scouts themselves and to the country as a whole.

Execution: Have each Scout take pencil and notebook with him and encourage him to record his most interesting observations. When possible, relate the processes of the plant to what the boy is experiencing in his Scoutcraft activities.

11. Institutional Hike

Similar to Hike No. 10 except that institutions such as museums of natural history, colleges, Historical Society buildings, etc., are visited.

Industrial and Institutional Hikes are of particular interest, often, to rural Scouts because they give an opportunity to become familiar with things beyond their immediate environment.

12. Long Distance Hike

Following lines suggested in training for Hiking Merit Badge.

13. Swimming Hike

To lake or swimming pool where swimming may be practiced under conditions of safety laid down by the National Council.

14. Mountain Climb

May be undertaken, if adequate leadership can be secured, and, of course, subject to local geography. Obviously not a stunt for the whole Troop, but for physically fit older boys.

15. Jack Knife Cookery Hike

Preliminary: Make a study of the late James E. Wilder's book Jack Knife Cookery, with its multitude of suggestions for primitive cooking stunts without utensils. Train in certain of them occasionally until the ability of each Scout is sufficiently developed to prepare a complete menu of primitive dishes.

Execution: The Patrols split up in buddies; each pair of Scouts brings the raw materials and does its own cooking.

16. Starvation (Robinson Crusoe) Hike

Preliminary: For a Jack Knife Cookery hike you bring food-stuffs but no utensils. For a starvation hike it is the other way round. Here you bring utensils but must gather the food-stuff in its wild state. Much preliminary nature study is required with practical knowledge concerning edible plants, roots, berries and fruits, to be found growing wild along the probable course of the hike.

The swim, on the old Buddy System, puts freshness into the end of a long exciting hike. Clean—happy— they go at their supper preparations with good old healthy appetite crowding them along.

A swim—a hike—an outdoor meal and how good that bed will feel. And what satisfaction the Scout will feel in his accomplishments of the day.

Execution: Similar to Hike 15.

Caution: Have a botanical expert at hand to check the various food-stuffs brought in by the Scouts.

17. Hovering Knights

Preliminary: Lay out on a map a route for each Patrol to follow, and decide upon a mutual gathering point and a definite time for getting there.

Execution: Scouts are the Knights of today, and like Knights they set out on the quest of doing Good Turns for their fellow beings. What can there be to do?—A man stops at a street corner, hesitatingly. The Patrol notices that he is blind, and immediately goes to his aid. ... A broken milk bottle is lying in the gutter. Someone might want to park a car there. ... A horse is swinging its head, discouraged; its feed bag has slipped off. ... A boy is vainly attempting to fix the saddle of his bicycle. . . . The mooring of a boat is coming loose. ... A fence post needs fixing to prevent the cattle from breaking through—At the given hour the Patrols come together and the Patrol Leaders report. Be sure that your comments following these reports are along the lines of "You have now seen how many Good Turns you can find to do if you only keep your eyes open for them!"

18. Conservation Hike

Preliminary: Decide upon most appropriate places for feeding stations, with the cooperation of local bird and game experts. Assign definite jobs to the various Patrols. Tree planting, tree repair, clearing of brush, cutting of trails, erection of bird houses, may be considered in this class. Get together the tools required for the project to be carried out. Earn and purchase feed.

Execution: Depending on the project.