What Are the Cub Scout Six Essentials for Hiking?
The Cub Scout Six Essentials are the tools that our boys need for hiking and other outdoor activities. Do you know what’s included? Find out by reading up on the 6 essentials.
We all want our Cub Scouts to be safe especially when we’re doing outdoor activities such as hiking. That’s why the Boy Scouts of America has compiled a list of the Cub Scout Six Essentials for Hiking. The essentials can also be used for other outdoor activities as well.
CUB SCOUT SIX ESSENTIALS FOR HIKING QUICK LIST
- First Aid Kit
- Water Bottle
- Flashlight
- Trail Food
- Sun Protection
- Whistle
CUB SCOUT SIX ESSENTIALS FOR HIKING EXPLAINED
1. First Aid Kit – Typically, one of the adults on the hike will carry a larger first aid kit like this one.
So, Cub Scouts will only need a small kit of their own. These are the kinds of supplies their kits should have:
- Adhesive Bandages
- Moleskin (to prevent blisters)
- Antibiotic Ointment (these single use packets are great)
- Insect Bite Pain Reliever
This isn’t a comprehensive list, but it will get your Cub Scout started.
2. Filled water bottle – Keeping the boys hydrated is crucial, especially when it’s hot out. Everyone should have a water bottle that will hold enough water for the entire hike. This Camelbak Eddy water bottle holds 20 ounces, is lightweight, and can be attached to a carabiner.
If you’re going on a longer hike and need to carry more water, a Camelbak hydration pack is a great solution. This one holds 50 ounces and has awesome flames printed on it! My boys love their Camelbaks!
3. Flashlight – Rather than worrying about fresh batteries, why not take along a rechargeable crank flashlight? We have a couple of these, and cranking them up to use them definitely has a cool factor! I like that this one has a carabiner too.
4. Trail Food – I love trail mix! Maybe it’s because I can convince myself that the M&Ms are healthy. 🙂 You can purchase trail mix or you can make your own.
5. Sun Protection – We all know how important sunscreen is–even when it’s cloudy. These small bottles with a carabiner or these single use packets are perfect to carry on your hike. And don’t forget your hat!
6. Whistle – This kids’ camping whistle includes a thermometer, a magnifier and a compass which makes it a great value.
There are two things the kids need to know about the whistle:
- It’s only for emergencies
- Three blasts of the whistle means “Help!”
Because they’re going to blow it, tell them that you’re all going to practice the help signal. After a couple of minutes of this, maybe they’ll get it out of their system! 🙂
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WHO’S RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CUB SCOUT SIX ESSENTIALS?
Being responsible for their own gear is an important lesson for our Cub Scouts to learn. This includes packing and carrying it. As you’re preparing for your outdoor activity, have your Cub Scout use the list in his handbook to collect his or her essentials.
Because they’re still little folks, Cub Scouts should have a lightweight backpack for their gear. This Zomake backpack only weighs about 8 oz. and is roomy enough for the six essentials with room to spare.
What do you think? Do you have any additions to the Cub Scout Six Essentials for Hiking?
Yours in Scouting,
Sherry