Cub Scout
Trekker Hikes

SEARCH, DISCOVER, and SHARE

The simple motto for the Tiger Cubs is a good recipe for enjoying outdoor activities with children. In our fast-paced society, it is very difficult to schedule and complete family outings. Our busy urban lifestyle allows us to loose touch with the beautiful world around us. Occasionally we need an excure to get away, and try something different, in surroundings which change the normal structure of our lives. We can anticipate the adventure of a new place, not knowing exactly what lies ahead or how we will like it. The anticipation also brings with it some fear about things we don't know -- sort of like the first day of school, or the first performance before an audience. But we make the decision to try, and to do our best. And more often than not, we find that we had fun and learned a great deal about ourselves, each other, and our surroundings. The shared sense of adventure, achievement and fun can be a strong force for bringing people together. This is the reason behind the Trail Trekkers Program.

The Trail Trekkers Program offers a series of hikes which can be completed by Cub Scout age boys (from 6-11 years) and their families. These are opportunities for outdoor adventures that are high in "boy appeal", that allow a boy and his family to learn about the world around them, and that also include a wide range of activities. The hikes are located throughout the Bay Area. Each hike has its own appeal. Some are more physcially demanding, and more appropriate for Webelos-age boys. Others can be completed by any age group. More often than not, the adults usually feel the pain of the trail long before the boys, so you may want to start with a shorter or flatter hike at first. Whichever hikes you choose to make, take time to enjoy the natural environment around you. Do some research about the plants, the trees and the animals that live in the area, and find out about the geology to get a feeling for how our things got this way. By knowing more about the environment you will get a better appreciation for how everything works together and how important all things are to the total picture.

One of the exciting aspects of the Trail Trekkers Program are the embroidered patches that can be awarded to all successful hikes after completing the requirements for each hike. But remember that the earning of a patch should not be the reason for completing a hike; rather, a Trekkers patch should be a memento to show that one has enjoyed a family scouting event. When worn on a patch vest or jacket, the basic Trekkers patch is surrounded by smaller hike patches, showing an ever-growing pattern of fun. All patches must be earned by following the directions in this program guide. Any family member who completes all of the requirements is eligible to get a patch which can be purchased at the Service Center using the Trail Trekkers Patch Order Form. Only one patch per weekend may be earned by an individual. Boy Scouts serving as Den Chiefs are also eligible to earn the patches if they hike with their Den.

Cookbook for Successful Outdoor Activities

BSA Outdoor Code

Advancement Opportunities on the Hikes.



This booklet was assembled by a group of Scouting volunteers from the San Francisco Bay Area Council, June 1993.

Bill Gruber [Program Director], Bill Gardner, Helen Hancock, Bob Hrabe, Zev Kahn, Paul Sanforn, Cathy Strommen, Curt Strommen and Rory Wolf.

Suggestions for additional hikes are welcome.


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