19. "Lost Child" Hike

Preliminary: Story: "A Child is lost. A search has been going on all night. The only place that has not been scoured is a stretch of woodland, indicated on map sketch. Our help has been requested." Combine this with a Troop mobilization (see Chat 20). Warn boys at previous Troop meeting that they may be called out a certain day between certain hours but do not disclose reason. The "child" is a life-sized doll, made up of pillows and child's clothing, placed in a spot not too conspicuous.

Execution: The mobilization is called. As soon as a Patrol is complete, instructions are given and it proceeds with orders to meet at a given spot at a given time, when search will be called off, whether or not the "child" has been found. Patrol locating "child", or otherwise showing most intelligent procedure, is the winner.

20. Wide Games

For numerous suggestions see Chat. 31.

21. North Pole Race

Preliminary: For snow country only. At previous meeting tell story of conquest of North Pole (or South Pole). Announce race, each Patrol to bring a sled loaded with "provisions" and "instruments." Decide in Troop Leaders' Council the weight of the load. Hike may be combined with Bee-line Hike (No. 22).

Execution: Start off Patrols, giving them a definite destination according to a map sketch, or a compass direction and a certain number of miles to travel, there to place the Patrol Flag and to report to an established "station" within a given time.

22. Bee-Line (Colnmbns) Hike

Preliminary: Study a map to decide upon a suitable destination and as many starting points as there are Patrols. Decide upon the compass direction each Patrol is to follow (look out for magnetic and true North) and the number of miles they are to travel.

Execution: Similar to North Pole Race. After each Patrol has reported, the distance between spot where Patrol Flag is planted and actual destination is measured (or judged). Patrol coming closest is winner. A Patrol may pass an insurmountable obstacle by going around it in 90-degree angles.

23. Map Hike

Follow a cross country route marked on a topographical map. Report to be made later including interesting items observed on the hike. Or make a map sketch of a winding road, at least three miles long.

24. Signal Hike

Preliminary: Select hilly territory where several signal stations may be established. Each Patrol equipped with signal flags and a map to be followed according to signal instructions received. Whenever Patrol has carried out orders it is to stop and make its presence known by sending its call letters, so as to receive further orders from a distant station.

Execution: The Patrols at the starting point are simply told: "Use your eyes!" On looking around they see a Scout, some distance away, signaling a message of directions. As soon as a Patrol has received the message, it proceeds according to instructions. As it reaches its first destination, it sends its call letters, until another signal station acknowledges it and sends further instruction. And so on for as many stops as desired. The messages may involve the doing of certain things besides giving the route to follow.

25. First Aid ("S.O.S.") Hike

Preliminary: The necessary preparations are evident from the execution. The hike may be started with a signaled message of "S.O.S. Come immediately!" similar to Hike No. 24.

Execution: As the Troop hikes along an "explosion" (fire cracker) is heard. All Patrols proceed on the run and find lying on the ground as many "victims" as there are Patrols. On each is a label giving the "injury" and the "addresses" of the "doctor" and "policeman" (Assistant Scoutmasters or other helpers at a prearranged, near-by spot). The Patrols carry on as they think fit. Any messengers to the "doctor" are told to convey the "body" on some suitable stretcher to the "hospital" (the destination of the Troop hike), while messengers to the "police" are asked to make a report of anything that may have a bearing on the case and to go to the "hospital" where there will be a consultation with the "doctor." The Scoutmaster meanwhile notes how each Patrol has acted, and after the consultation with the "doctor" and the "police", can make such comments as seem necessary.

Wall scaling today has become almost a lost art. It can be revived. Let the hike cross obstacles, which of necessity must be climbed. It is the sudden problems and forced surmounting of difficulties that put adventure into even commonplace country. What we overcome—our unusual experiences—are what we remember most vividly.

26. Scoutcraft Obstacle Hike

Preliminary: Several older Scouts or Troop Committee members are required for judges at the various obstacles. The obstacles will cover Scout Requirements and opportunities for application of the Oath and Law. The Patrols instructed in advance as to what equipment to bring.

Execution: The Patrols start off with ten or fifteen-minute intervals. Obstacles may include: (1) Signaled instructions. (2) Boy bitten by rattlesna!:i. (3) Boy's bicycle broken down. (4) Small river must be crossed (boat at other shore with one oar. Solution: have one boy swim over for boat and carry the rest over.) (5) "Girl was frightened by a bear and climbed up in that tree. She must be hoisted down with that rope." "Girl" is a life sized doll made of pillows and draped over a high branch. (6) An unfinished bridge must be completed to permit Patrol to cross an imaginary impassable marsh. Etc. Let your imagination run rampant.

27. Sealed Orders (Mystery) Hike

Preliminary: The necessary preparations are evident from the execution. Any number of Scout Requirements may be incorporated.

Execution: Each Patrol Leader receives a series of numbered envelopes each containing specific instructions covering a definite stage of the hike. The first may say to proceed to a certain cross road by a certain route. The second, which is to be opened only when the hikers reach the end of the first stage of the journey, gives the second part of the route, and so on. Instructions for each part should mention specific opportunities for observation, Scoutcraft, etc. This method of giving instructions keeps the interest and anticipation at a high pitch and allows the boys' imagination to run riot—as the final destination is not disclosed until the last sealed envelope is opened.

28. Visiting Troop Hike

Many of the above mentioned hikes are suitable for entertaining a visiting Troop from your own or some other town. Such occasional visits will prove of mutual benefit and spur the boys on to further accomplishments. These hikes are particularly beneficial and enjoyable when arranged between rural and urban Scouts.

29. Father-and-Son Hike

As mentioned in Chat 21, the fathers are invited to Troop's favorite overnight camp site where a pot full of beans has been baking overnight, and where special games and contests, from horse-shoe pitching to relay races, may be held.

30. Reunion (Old Timers') Hike

Preliminary: Many Troops have established the tradition of an Old Timers' Hike on the last Saturday or Sunday of the year, when previous members are home for the Christmas holidays. An adequate attendance promotion is required and a suitable program may be developed. Old Timers and Senior Scouts of the Troop (i.e. boys at least 15 years of age) take part.

Execution: The hike may be an automobile trip to a suitable starting point, a short hike to a country inn where refreshments have been arranged for and where a couple of hours may be spent discussing the old glory of the Troop, and singing the old songs. Then a return hike to the automobiles, and back to town again. Or the hike may be to the Troop's favorite camp site, where a roaring fire is going and where a meal of baked beans are "doing" underground.