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After 12 summers at Philmont Scout Ranch, Austin St. George can spot an experienced hiker seconds into the trek.
Footwear is a clue, and gear offers a glimpse into a Scout’s previous conquests. But most of all, St. George says great hikers pay attention to pace. Their navigation skills keep the entire group on track, and they’re constantly checking to make sure others are having a good time.
As Philmont’s associate director of camping, St. George has seen first-timers quickly blossom into skilled trailblazers. It just takes practice and preparation.
“Scouts realize pretty soon during that first hike that they can do more than they thought they could do,” St. George says. “That’s where a lot of the personal growth comes from. It’s normal for a first-timer to get back from a hike with a burning desire to get better.”
Whether your Scout is a Tiger heading out on a 2-mile nature trail or an 11-year-old preparing for a longer troop hike, a successful first experience begins long before anyone steps on the trail.
Here are some tips to help your Scout build confidence, skills and good habits:
Start with Leave No Trace
Before discussing boots and backpacks, introduce Scouts to the Leave No Trace principles. St. George points specifically to the first principle: Plan Ahead and Prepare. Every hiking location has its own rules and expectations. A city park, a state park, federal land or private property may each have different requirements.
Helping Scouts understand those expectations teaches respect for the outdoors and reinforces that hiking isn’t simply taking a walk; it’s being a responsible steward of the places we visit.
Know the conditions
One of the easiest ways to prevent problems on the trail is to prepare ahead of time. Check the weather forecast with Scouts before the hike. Discuss how temperature, wind, rain and sunshine affect clothing choices and hydration needs. Review the route so Scouts know what to expect.
St. George also recommends introducing Scouts to the Scout Basic Essentials or Cub Scout Six Essentials. These are basic items hikers carry for safety and comfort. Younger Scouts won’t carry everything themselves, but learning the concepts early helps build good habits.
Practice before the big day
If a hike is scheduled several weeks away, don’t wait until hike day to see how Scouts perform. St. George recommends simple activities such as neighborhood walks, bike rides or visits to a local park. In flatter areas, stadium bleachers can provide valuable conditioning. Even short outings help young hikers become more comfortable being active for extended periods.
Pay attention to footwear
Nothing can ruin a first hike faster than sore feet and blisters. St. George recommends footwear that fits properly and has been worn before the hike. New boots should never make their debut on the trail. For shorter Cub Scout hikes, comfortable athletic shoes or trail runners are often sufficient.
Give older Scouts more responsibility
As Scouts move into troop-age adventures, preparation becomes about more than mileage. St. George encourages leaders to gradually transfer responsibility to the Scouts themselves. Older youth can learn navigation skills, help set the pace, monitor group progress and assist with route planning. These opportunities transform a hike from a simple outdoor activity into a leadership experience while building confidence for future adventures.
Focus on growth, not distance
Leaders sometimes measure success by miles completed. St. George suggests focusing instead on growth. A first hike is often the beginning of a much larger journey. Today’s 2-mile Cub Scout hike may eventually lead to backpacking trips, summer camp treks or even Philmont. Along the way, Scouts learn navigation, planning, teamwork and outdoor ethics.
The best first hike is one that leaves a Scout eager to hit the trail again.
Photo: Mark Anders
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