Hiking Merit Badge and 50 Miler

Scouts in Troop 890 traditionally work on the Hiking Merit Badge outside of Troop Meetings starting in December of their second year (after completing the First Year program). The merit badge kicks off with a Holiday Lights hike (map here) in Highland Park that starts at the Knox/Henderson Chili’s, goes to the Starbucks in Highland Park Village, and returns. This is a fun hike and families are encouraged to come along and possibly see this. In January and February there will be a 10-mile hike each weekend with at least one 15-miler (see schedule). Then, during Spring Break in March, we will go on the “50-Miler” hiking campout in the Ouachita Mountains in Oklahoma (map here). This campout is not required for the merit badge but Troop 890 does require attendance if going to Philmont, Northern Tier, or Jamboree that summer. Besides, the 50-Miler campout rocks and is totally awesome! Adult (parent) participation is essential for this campout. The merit badge will culminate in a 20-mile day hike at Lake Lavon in April.

The Troop 890 Hiking Merit Badge 2020 Packet (revised) contains all instructions and forms needed to participate in the Spring 2020 merit badge program. The adult leads for this program are Bruce Nelson and Jeff Clemmons.