Information for Scouts

Patrol Registration

Patrol Login

Lightweight Hiking Guide

Leaders

Information for Leaders

Leader Registration

Honour Roll

Results

PowerPoint 'About ScoutHike'

ScoutHike 2008 - Legends.zip 3,880Kb

Activity Notification Form
Patrol Leaders should download this and hand out to Patrol members. Every Scout attending must have a signed form.

Notification Form 88 KB

Letter to Parents
A letter to parents containing very important information about ScoutHike, including medical, safety and transport arrangements.

Letter to Parents 179 KB

PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader. If this software is not already installed on your computer, download a free copy.

Information for Scouts

Who can register?
How do I register?
How much does it cost?
Why should I register my patrol now?
Making payments
What about Refunds for Scouts can't make it now?
What should I take to ScoutHike?
Tips for ScoutHike Patrol Leaders

Who can register?

Any Scout patrol from NSW containing between 4 and 8 patrol members can register and attend ScoutHike 2008. All members of the patrol must be registered members of Scouts Australia, be a member of the Scout Section and within the official Scout Section age range.

The only other requirement is that 2 leaders, parents, or other adult helpers from your Troop must attend ScoutHike to help with the running and organisation (on an activity base, for example).

How do I register?

Registering is a simple 3 step process. It should take you less than 15 minutes. The PL should register their patrol, not the Scout Leader.

Fill out a simple online form with details about yourself, the PL, and the rest of your patrol. If you include bogus Scout Membership Numbers your patrol's registration will not be accepted until all details are correct. This includes new Scouts!

Print out the registration form which is pre-filled with all your details. Collect payment from your patrol and post it along with the signed registration form. Your form and payment must be received last mail 13th April.

Download the Scout Activity Notification Form and give one to each member of your patrol. Ask them to return the form to you, signed by one of their parents.

If you are the PL of a patrol planning to attend ScoutHike, make a note to return back here when the Registration system opens in early February.

How much does it cost?

For Scouts Sydney North, Greater Westen Sydney, Hume and South Met, the cost is $65 per Scout, with a $10 discount if you register before the cut-off date. The cut-off date is midnight 24th of March. So if you want to pay just $55 per Scout, you must register on or before the 24th of March 2008. This fee includes organised bus travel and is not refundable or discountable.

For Scouts from other regions of NSW, the cost is $48 per Scout, with a $10 discount if you register before the cut-off date. So if you want to pay just $38 per Scout, you must register on or before the 24th of March. This does not include travel - these patrols will travel independently UNLESS special arrangements are for the patrol to travel on one of the organised buses. To join up with a 'metro bus' please email the registrar@scouthike.com to have your Registration and Fees updated.

Why should I register my patrol now?

Not only will you secure a $10 discount by registering before the early bird cut-off date, but you will also earn 100 points for your patrol.

Plus, there is a limit to the maximum number of patrols that can be accommodated. It is very possible that registrations may have to close early if the maximum has been reached. Don't miss out - organise and then register your patrol as soon as possible!

Even if you're not exactly sure who will be the final members of your patrol, you can still register now. As long as you are confident you will have at least 4 in your patrol, there's nothing stopping you from registering now. You can always return to this web site later, log in, and make changes to your registration.

Making Patrol Payments

Payment details are shown on the 'Patrol Registration' document printed by the Patrol Leader at registration time. It is very important to note that FULL PAYMENT FOR THE PATROL must be received by the 23rd of April 2008. Payments after this date will have 100 points deducted from their final score plus forfeit any early bird points the patrol may have previously been awarded.

What about Refunds for Patrol Members who can't make it now?

In the event of a person withdrawing from your Patrol after the closing date, refunds will not be made except in exceptional circumstances, and then only at the discression of the ScoutHike Organiser. Arrangements should be made by the Patrol to substitute a new patrol member, advising the ScoutHike Registrar of any updates to Patrol members.

What should I take to ScoutHike?

Patrols have to be totally self-sufficient. Each scout carries everything they need for the whole weekend, starting on Friday evening and finishing on Sunday afternoon. This means good walking shoes or boots, a comfortable pack, a tent, clothes, toiletries, mess kit and food. Tents are normally shared between 2 or 3 scouts and PLs normally work out the menu and buy the food for the patrol.

Patrols are not required to bring a separate pack of 'emergency gear' to ScoutHike - everything you bring, you will need to carry yourself.

Your PL and leaders will talk to you more about menus and what to take over the next few weeks. They will also provide you with an equipment list and advise you on where to get equipment you don't have.

Or you can view the lightweight hiking guide on this web site which has equipment lists, a menu planner, troubleshooting guide, map reading guide, and lots of hints and tips.

Tips for ScoutHike Patrol Leaders

Lightweight is the key. Those patrols carrying less weight around all weekend will have an advantage over those whose packs are overloaded, so make sure your patrol member's packs aren't too heavy. Check out the ScoutHike Patrol Leader's Handbook for some guidelines or speak to your Scout Leader.
Make sure everyone in your patrol carries sufficient water and that your patrol menu is appropriate. You'd be surprised at how much of a difference this can make, if you and your patrol drink sufficient fluids and eat proper, balanced and nourishing hike meals.

Your energy levels, alertness and enjoyment will be much greater, and your ScoutHike competition scores will most likely benefit as a result.
The ScoutHike Patrol Leader's Handbook is a great source of information and tips on doing well at ScoutHike and having a great time. Make sure you and your Patrol read it, understand it, and use it.

Click here to download the ScoutHike PL's Manual 70 KB
Practice makes perfect. Ask your Scout Leader to set aside one or two Troop nights before ScoutHike for you and your patrol to practice map reading, lightweight camping, and teamwork and initiative.
When it comes to the actual challenges and activities, the first thing to do is listen very carefully to all instructions given by the Leaders running the challenge. Always think before you act. When faced with a problem you need to solve, encourage your patrol members to participate in the problem-solving process; it takes more than one mind to come up with a great solution.

If you are given a time limit, make sure that someone in your patrol with a watch is keeping an eye on how much time is left.
Know your Patrol members and know their strengths and weaknesses. If you know that Sam is particularly good at map reading whilst Tom can tie just about every knot in the book, you'll know who to call on in those situations.

But remember to share the tasks around a bit so that every member of the Patrol has a chance to improve their skills.
Finally, make sure your Patrol stays together and works as a team.



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