Hike Preparation Tips

Introduction | Emergency Kit Pictionary | Emergency Kit Consensus | Hiking Equipment Game | First Aid Kit | Emergency Kit | Gorp

Introduction
Not many units will be hiking at this time of year but this a great time to begin to get the girls prepared to hike. That way everyone will be ready for when the hiking weather comes. Personal First Aid kits and Personal Emergency kits are, in my view, essential for all to carry on every outing into the bush. Boy Scouts has made these kits part of the boys outdoor equipment. I think Girl Guides should do likewise.

I have included in this camp program a number of games and activities that can help the girls become familiar with emergency and first aid kits. After playing some of the games have a meeting devoted to assembling their own kits.

Emergency Kit Pictionary

This can also be done as charades

Form girls into 2 teams. (If your unit is very large, have more that one game going on a at a time.) Write items needed in an emergency kit on a small piece of paper. Give 1 piece of paper listing 1 item to a member on team 1. She draws the emergency kit item for ll to see. (Remember no works or letters). Time how long it takes for her team to guess the item. Team 2 is then given an item to draw and her team is timed.

Emergency Kit Consensus

Divide the girls into groups of 4. Give them the following information.

It is a sunny, summer day in the mountains, and you are heading out on a trail for a day hike. The weather is great, so you are lightly dressed and you do not want to take more than seven items along with you. As a group choose the 7 items from the following list that you should take and number them in order of priority. All choices must be reached by a consensus. That means everyone must agree. Your choices must not be made through a vote.

Hiking Equipment Game

This may be adapted to Camping Equipment , canoeing equipment, emergency kit items, etc.

divide the girls into equal teams. Line teams up on 1 side of the room. Place sheets of paper on the opposite side of the room. On a go signal the first player of each team runs to the team's aper, writes down an item that will be needed on a hike (First aid kit, sunscreen, etc.). She then runs back to her team and touches the next player. This player then runs to the paper and adds her hiking item. The first team finished sits down.

Discuss and evaluate what the girls wrote.

With Pathfinders and Sr. Branches you can continue the discussion into possible outdoor occupations.

Gorp

High energy food that has a little more substance can be protein bars or Gorp. Gorp is a high energy, easy-to-eat food which gives you a quick lift on hikes. The original gorp was pemmican which the Plains Indians carried with them as they traveled the Prairies. Pemmican was made from dried buffalo meat pounded into a powder. This was then mixed with buffalo fat and bone marrow and often wild berries. It could be eaten raw or mixed with water or flour and water and baked or fried. A small amount would satisfy hunger and provide nutrition. In cool climate it kept for years. Gorp is the modern version of this high energy food. Although this is no one gorp recipe, it all serves the same purpose.

Tell your girls the story of gorp and let them make some. This can be a bit messy. All girls should wear rubber gloves (You can buy a box at he drug store. You need a supply for your First Aid kits anyway.)

Gorp (vary as desired)

This version is made with peanuts and peanut butter. Do not use these if there is any danger of allergies.

1 c (250 ml) corn syrup, molasses or honey
3/4 c (175 ml) milk powder
1 c (250 ml) oatmeal
½ c (125 ml) peanut butter
½ c (125 ml) chocolate chips
½ c (125 ml) wheat germ
½ c (125 ml) or more crushed peanuts (substitute sunflowers if desired)
½ c (125 ml ) raisins or other dried fruit

Mix all ingredients. Form into small balls, wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper and twist ends. Chill. Store in a safe place.