HIKING

MAKING A TRIP PLAN

ATRIP PLAN prepares you for the challenges of a hike, a campout, or any other outdoor activity. Write down the following five W's of a trip plan:

THE FIVE W'S Where are you going? Decide on your destination and the route you will use to reach it and to return. For backcountry trips, leave a copy of a map with your route marked in pencil.

When will you return? If you are not back reasonably close to the return time you wrote on your trip plan, Scout leaders and your family can take steps to locate you and, if necessary, provide assistance.

Who is going with you? List the names of your hiking partners. If you need a ride to or from a trailhead, write down who will be driving.

Why are you going? To fish in a lake? Climb a peak? Explore a new area? Write a sentence or two about the purpose of your journey.

What are you taking? You'll always want to carry the Outdoor Essentials (see page 207). If you are camping out, you might need additional food, gear, and shelter. (For a camping equipment checklist, see chapter 9, "Camping," pages 224-227.)

Add one more item to the list:

How you will respect the land by using no-trace hiking skills.