Hiking Merit BadgeHiking Badge Req. 1

Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while hiking, including hypothermia, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, frostbite, dehydration, sunburn, sprained ankle, insect stings, tick bites, snakebite, blisters, hyperventilation, and altitude sickness.

01. The signs & symptoms of hypothermia are

a. shivering, irritability, disorientation, sleepiness, incoherence, unconsciousness, death
b. shivering, irritability, disorientation, sleepiness, incoherence, consciousness, death
c. shivering, irritability, orientation, sleepiness, incoherence, unconsciousness, death
d. shivering, irritability, disorientation, sleepiness, coherence, unconsciousness, death

02. The proper treatment procedures for hypothermia is

a. hyperthermia challenge, move away from cold, remove wet clothing, cover with warm blankets, give warm liquids orally, add extra body heat contact
b. hypothermia challenge, move away from cold, remove dry clothing, cover with warm blankets, give warm liquids orally, add extra body heat contact
c. hypothermia challenge, move away from cold, remove wet clothing, cover with warm blankets, give warm liquids orally, add extra body heat contact
d. hypothermia challenge, move away from cold, remove wet clothing, cover with warm blankets, give cold liquids orally, add extra body heat contact

03. Prevention for hypothermia includes

a. keeping dry, wearing head protection, eating enough good food, avoiding fatty acids
b. keeping dry, wearing head protection, eating enough good food, avoiding fatigue
c. keeping dry, wearing head phones, eating enough good food, avoiding fatigue
d. keeping wet, wearing underwear protection, eating enough good food, avoiding fatigue

04. Signs & symptoms of heatstroke are

a. red, hot, & dry skin, no sweating, rapid pulse, altered level of consciousness, unconsciousness, & convulsions
b. red, hot, & dry skin, no sweating, slow pulse, altered level of consciousness, unconsciousness, & convulsions
c. red, cool, & dry skin, sweating, rapid pulse, altered level of consciousness, unconsciousness, & convulsions
d. gray, cool, & wet skin, sweating, rapid pulse, altered level of consciousness, unconsciousness, & convulsions

05. Treat heatstroke with cooling, remove from , victim with elevated & , remove , apply cool & water soaked , fan, give , treat for , call 9-1-1.

clothing | cloths | fluids | head | heat | immediate | reclined | shock | shoulders | water

06. Heatstroke can be prevented by avoiding extreme , limiting , maintaining , wearing colored clothing & a hat, increasing intake.

activity | fluids | heat | light | salt

07. For treatment of a heat exhaustion patient, move victim out of the , position on , feet , loosen , fan & apply wet cloths. Sips of to drink are OK.

back | clothing | cool | elevated | heat | water

08. Heat exhaustion is

a. a deadly disease
b. a problem only in the summer months
c. experienced indoors and outdoors
d. an injury to the central nervous system

09. The signs & symptoms of frostbite are

a. pain then warmth, stiffening, pink or yellow color, blisters
b. pain then numbness, stiffening, gray or white color, blisters
c. pain then warmth, stiffening, gray or white color, blisters
d. pain then numbness, stiffening, pink or yellow color, blisters

10. The proper treatment procedures for frostbite is

a. cover with warm bare skin, move away from cold, place in lukewarm water, no rubbing or abrasive actions, sterile dressing over blisters, treat for shock, transport to doctor
b. cover with warm bare skin, move away from cold, place in lukewarm water, no rubbing or abrasive actions, sterile dressing under blisters, street for shock, transport to doctor
c. cover with warm bare skin, move toward cold, place in lukewarm water, no rubbing or abrasive actions, sterile dressing over blisters, treat for shock, transport to doctor
d. cover with warm bare skin, move away from cold, place in boiling water, no rubbing or abrasive actions, steamed dressing over blisters, treat for shade, transport to doctor

11. Prevention for frostbite includes wearing adequate clothing, exchanging wet clothes for dry ones.

a. false
b. true

12. Dehydration can be caused by

a. diarrhea
b. vomiting
c. heavy perspiration
d. all of the above

13. Treat dehydration by

a. replacing fluids
b. reducing activity
c. avoiding high heat environments
d. all of the above

14. Sunburn should be treated as a

a. 1st degree burn
b. 3rd degree burn
c. 2nd degree burn
d. special minor type burn

15. Minor burns or scalds (first degree)

Treat immediately with cool . Apply a dressing and bandage . If no water is available, apply a clean, bandage.

dry | loosely | moist | water

16. A 1st degree burn is recognized by it’s characteristic ________ color.

a. Purple
b. Blue
c. Green
d. Yellow
e. Red

17. Sprained ankle

Sprained ankle can be treated by shoe on the foot for and tying an bandage around the ankle, the shoe. For a bare foot, position victim on back, foot and reduce swelling by applying wet .

ankle | cold | leaving | over | raise | support | towels

18. An ankle bandage is

a. only applied over a shoe
b. a variation of the collar bandage
c. tied over the upper foot, heal and ankle
d. applied so tightly that the foot pulse disappears

19. Bites or stings of insects and ticks

Apply cold or towel to relieve . If a stinger remains in the skin , it away with a or edge of a knife blade. If a tick has fastened itself to the skin, grasp it with & pull it away. Wash the area with & .

fingernail | flick | gently | pain | soap | tweezers | water | water

20. Insect stingers left behind can be full of un-injected ________ , squeezing injects it into victim & causes harm.

a. honey
b. poison
c. anti-venom
d. insect blood

21. Poisonous snakebite

Have victim lie and rest, place bitten area than the rest of the body. Put a band 2 to 4 inches above the bite. If area swells, the band. Treat for . Seek help.

constricting | down | loosen | lower | medical | shock

22. Snake bite treatment includes removal of bracelets, watches, and rings in case the victims body begins to

a. swell
b. convulse or spasm
c. dehydrate
d. sweat

23. Blisters on the hand & foot

Wash area with & . Protect blisters from breaking by applying bandages. If it becomes necessary to break the blister, use a sterilized heated by a match . Prick the blister near its and press out the . Keep the wound clean with a sterile .

bandage | doughnut | edge | flame | liquid | pin | soap | water

24. Blisters should always be broken to relieve pressure and speed healing of the affected area.

a. False
b. True

25. Hyperventilation attacks are often triggered by

a. heavy lifting
b. fast running
c. fear & stress
d. allergic reactions

26. The hyperventilating victim’s breaths

a. too slow & too deep
b. too rapid & too deep
c. too slow & too shallow
d. too rapid & too shallow

27. Treat hyperventilation by

a. having the victim breathe into a paper bag
b. diverting the victim’s attention to other problems
c. calming and coaching the victim to help regain normal breathing
d. both a & c

28. Hyperventilating victims appear blue in color

a. false
b. true

29. Altitude sickness can be recognized by

a. snoring.
b. nausea.
c. headache.
d. load noises.
e. loss of motivation.
f. tender ankle muscles.
g. black and white stripes.
h. all of the above.

30. Altitude sickness happens at heights above

a. 80 feet.
b. 8,000 feet
c. 80,000 feet
d. at any elevation above sea level.

31. Hypothermia and altitude sickness have common or similar symptoms?

a. false
b. true

32. Prevention of altitude sickness includes

a. gradual elevation gains.
b. drinking plenty of fluids.
c. climbing higher and sleeping lower.
d. all the above, a., b., and c. are correct.

33. Treatment for altitude sickness includes

a. rest.
b. giving food and fluids.
c. decending or climbing down to a lower level.
d. each of the above are considered treatment for altitude sickness.

34. Prevention of altitude sickness includes

a. gradual elevation gains.
b. drinking plenty of fluids.
c. climbing higher and sleeping lower.
d. all the above, a., b., and c. are correct.

35. Altitude sickness experienced above ______ feet is sometimes very bad and also dangerous.

a. 800
b. 8,000
c. 1,200
d. 12,000

36. Confusion, strong coughing and staggering are among other symptoms of very bad or dangerous altitude sickness.

a. false
b. true

37. Suspect and treat for hypothermia first because it

a. occurs more often.
b. often includes altitude sickness.
c. cold hikers slow hike progress.
d. only a. and b. are the correct answers.

Hiking Merit BadgeHiking Badge Req. 2

Explain and show, where possible, the main points of good hiking practices including the principles of Leave No Trace, hiking safety in the daytime and at night, courtesy to others, choice of footwear, and proper care of feet and footwear.

38. The main points of good hiking practices are:

a. Planning & First Aid
b. Conditioning, Water & Food
c. Stretching, Footwear & Clothing
d. Courtesy, Trip Documentation & Safety
e. All of the above.

39. Good hiking plans answer at least 5 questions based upon which of the following topics? [Select 5]

a. How
b. Who
c. Why
d. When
e. What
f. Where
g. How many
h. All of the above.

40. Leave No Trace principles include

a. being careful and minimizing impact.
b. consideration for and respect of others.
c. insuring that you are as non-disruptive as possible.
d. observing agency and organizational rules and regulations.
e. all these answers are considered principles of Leave No Trace.

41. One exception to the Leave No Trace principles is Leave a Good Impression.

a. false
b. true

42. The most common hiking safety problem is:

a. Wild animals
b. Being left behind
c. Loosing your way
d. Running out of food
e. Changes in the weather

43. The trip plan should avoid or not include the use of:

a. Dead animals
b. Busy Roadways
c. Loosing your comb
d. Running through the snow
e. Changes in compass directions

44. The dogs you may encounter should be: [Select all that apply]

a. given plenty of room as you pass.
b. run away from in a hurried manner.
c. talked to in a calm and friendly voice.
d. respected for defending their territory.
e. beaten with your hiking sticks before the attack.

45. The horses you may encounter sometimes become nervous around people on foot.

a. True
b. False

46. Wild animals usually will not attack hikers unless they feel cornered or endangered.

a. True
b. False

47. Stream crossing danger signs include: [Select all that apply]

a. Cold Water
b. Strong Current
c. Loose or Slippery Bed Rock
d. Depth Higher than the Hiker's Knees
e. All of the Above and Rocks, Rapids, Log Jams Downstream where Current could Carry a Hiker

48. Wading streams is best done in groups of thirty or more.

a. True
b. False

49. Hiking Safety should be observed

a. when crossing streams.
b. when confronted by dogs.
c. in the presence of wild animals.
d. at all times including the those above.

50. Loosen pack straps and unfasten hip belts for safety when crossing streams.

a. false
b. true

51. Hiking Safety should be observed [Select all that apply]

a. talk to it in a calm voice.
b. turn around and run for home.
c. keep your hiking stick between you and the animal.
d. respect the dog's territory and give it plenty of room.

52. Agressive animals usually [Select all that apply]

a. feel trapped.
b. feel endangered.
c. after your money.
d. get out of your way.
e. are only seeking attention.

53. Light reflecting material and flashlights help others see you while night hiking.

a. false
b. true

54. If hiking after dark, it is safest to stop and camp overnight if [Select all that apply]

a. you cannot safely continue.
b. the trail is too difficult to follow.
c. group members start to get scared and begin crying.
d. group members become dinner for the local wild animals.
e. group members become too tired, hungry or cold to continue.

55. Hiking courtesy includes [Select all that apply]

a. greeting those you meet.
b. how fast or slow you pace your hike.
c. sharing what you witness with the group.
d. respecting right-of-way for vehicles and equestrians.
e. demanding leadership be the sole responsibility of the highest ranking scout.

56. Which footwear should most likely be avoided?

a. leather boots.
b. almost any shoes.
c. leather mountaineering boots.
d. lightweight boots with fabric uppers.

57. Hiking footwear should [Select all that apply]

a. fit well.
b. be "broken-in" if new.
c. cost a large amount of money.
d. be chosen for the type of hiking anticipated.
e. all the above, a., b., c., and d.

58. Leather shoes or boots should be ______ after a hike.

a. dried
b. treated
c. cleaned
d. cleaned, dried and treated

59. Care for your feet includes

a. regular inspection.
b. respecting their usefulness.
c. preventing and treating injuries.
d. using the proper size and type of footwear.
e. all of the above foot care, a., b., c., and d.

Hiking Merit BadgeHiking Badge Req. 3

Explain how hiking is an aerobic activity. Develop a plan for conditioning yourself for 10-mile hikes, and describe how you will increase your fitness for longer hikes.

60. Hiking can be considered an aerobic exercise because

a. it is a passive activity requiring little to no use of oxygen.
b. it increases heart and breathing rates and the body's need for oxygen.

61. One plan for conditioning myself for the 10-mile hikes includes [Select all that apply]

a. changing my routine for travel by walking instead of using the car or public transportation.
b. beginning with short trips on foot and increasing the distance, little by little, as I become more fit.
c. other, explain .

62. The 5 ten mile hikes requirement will help condition me for the 20-mile hike requirement.

a. false
b. true

Hiking Merit BadgeHiking Badge Req. 4

Make a written plan for a 10-mile hike. Include map routes, a clothing and equipment list, and a list of things for a trail lunch.

63. I have made a written plan for a 10 mile hike.

a. True
b. False

64. My written 10-mile hike plan includes: [Select all that apply]

a. Map Routes
b. Clothing Items List
c. Trail Lunch Items List
d. Equipment Items List

65. Clothing considerations include: [Select all that apply]

a. Seasonal Clothing
b. Several Pair of Socks
c. Hand Mittens or Gloves
d. Selected Footwear for the Area
e. Head Covering or Protection such as Hat or Cap

66. Necessary & Essential Hiking Equipment includes: [Select all that apply]

a. Rain Gear
b. Flashlight
c. Day Pack
d. Binoculars
e. Pocketknife
f. Hiking Stick
g. First Aid Kit
h. Player Piano
i. Sun Protection
j. Extra Clothing
k. Camera & Film
l. Map & Compass
m. Magnifying Glass
n. Notebook & Pencil
o. Canteen or Water Bottle
p. Matches and Fire Starters
q. Bird & Plant Identification Guides
r. All of the above are considered necessary & essential

67. The best choices for a Trail or Hike Take-Along Lunch would include: [Select all that apply]

a. Milk
b. Apple
c. Yogurt
d. Banana
e. Cheese
f. Carrots
g. Orange
h. Crackers
i. Ice Cream
j. Hot Cereal
k. Beef Jerky
l. Snow Cone
m. Sandwiches
n. Nuts or Seeds
o. Cotton Candy
p. Chicken Soup
q. Bacon & Eggs
r. Denver Omelet
s. Chicken Pot Pie
t. Can of Sardines
u. Dried Fruit or Raisins
v. Spaghetti & Meat Balls
w. Tang or Powdered Drink
x. Energy Bar or Candy Bar
y. Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
z. All of the above

68. My 10-mile hike plan:

Departure Date: , , .

Destination:

Route Going Description:

Route Going Distance:

Route Returning Description:

Route Returning Distance:

Hikers names:

Purpose, Reason for Completing, or Desired Results if any:

Permissions Needed:

Drinking Water Source(s):

Equipment Needed:

Clothing Needed:

Hike Menu:

Estimated Return Time:

Hiking Merit BadgeHiking Badge Req. 5

Take five hikes, each on a different day, and each of 10 continuous miles. Prepare a hike plan for each hike.

69. I have taken 5 hikes of 10 continuous miles each on 5 different days.

a. True
b. False

70. My 1st 10-mile hike plan follows:

Departure Date: , , .

Destination:

Route Going Description:

Route Going Distance:

Route Returning Description:

Route Returning Distance:

Hikers names:

Purpose, Reason for Completing, or Desired Results if any:

Permissions Needed:

Drinking Water Source(s):

Equipment Needed:

Clothing Needed:

Hike Menu:

Estimated Return Time:

71. My 2nd 10-mile hike plan follows:

Departure Date: , , .

Destination:

Route Going Description:

Route Going Distance:

Route Returning Description:

Route Returning Distance:

Hikers names:

Purpose, Reason for Completing, or Desired Results if any:

Permissions Needed:

Drinking Water Source(s):

Equipment Needed:

Clothing Needed:

Hike Menu:

Estimated Return Time:

72. My 3rd 10-mile hike plan follows:

Departure Date: , , .

Destination:

Route Going Description:

Route Going Distance:

Route Returning Description:

Route Returning Distance:

Hikers names:

Purpose, Reason for Completing, or Desired Results if any:

Permissions Needed:

Drinking Water Source(s):

Equipment Needed:

Clothing Needed:

Hike Menu:

Estimated Return Time:

73. My 4th 10-mile hike plan follows:

Departure Date: , , .

Destination:

Route Going Description:

Route Going Distance:

Route Returning Description:

Route Returning Distance:

Hikers names:

Purpose, Reason for Completing, or Desired Results if any:

Permissions Needed:

Drinking Water Source(s):

Equipment Needed:

Clothing Needed:

Hike Menu:

Estimated Return Time:

74. My 5th 10-mile hike plan follows:

Departure Date: , , .

Destination:

Route Going Description:

Route Going Distance:

Route Returning Description:

Route Returning Distance:

Hikers names:

Purpose, Reason for Completing, or Desired Results if any:

Permissions Needed:

Drinking Water Source(s):

Equipment Needed:

Clothing Needed:

Hike Menu:

Estimated Return Time:

Hiking Merit BadgeHiking Badge Req. 6

Take a hike of 20 continuous miles in one day following a hike plan you have prepared.

75. I have taken a 20 mile hike in 1 day.

a. True
b. False

76. My 20-mile hike plan follows:

Departure Date: , , .

Destination:

Route Going Description:

Route Going Distance:

Route Returning Description:

Route Returning Distance:

Hikers names:

Purpose, Reason for Completing, or Desired Results if any:

Permissions Needed:

Drinking Water Source(s):

Equipment Needed:

Clothing Needed:

Hike Menu:

Estimated Return Time:

Hiking Merit BadgeHiking Badge Req. 7

After each of the hikes (or during each hike if on a continuous "trek") in requirements 5 and 6, write a short report of your experience. Give dates and descriptions of routes covered, the weather, and interesting things you saw. Share this report with your merit badge counselor.

77. A "Hiker's Log" is: [Select all that apply]

a. carried on hikes where a campfire will be necessary.
b. a medical emergency that requires airlift evacuation of the patient.
c. a support carried to assist the hiker's balance and ability to climb.
d. a post where hikers can carve their name that usually is available at the Trail Head.
e. a notebook kept by hikers who want the ability to remember the most about their hiking experiences.

78. Which date entry offers the most information: [Select all that apply]

a. 12/28/99
b. 12/28/1999
c. December 28, 1999
d. Tuesday, 28 December 1999
e. All the above tell the same information

79. My hikes were taken in the following type conditions: [Select all that apply]

a. Trail
b. Winter
c. Desert
d. Urban City
e. Rural Countryside

80. A good description of the route covered could be described as: [Select all that apply]

a. Went out to Lou's pond past several Cottonwood trees followed Backbone until it ended then South to the ocean.
b. Started at Bob's Tomb circled the Valley Graveyard perimeter roadway past Kevin's Crypt returning to Bob's Tomb.
c. From St. Catherines North on River Trail to Ryan's Bluff, around Hiker's Cabin then South to return to St. Catherines.
d. Our leaders took us to the starting place, we then walked all day. We finished at a local campground full of campers.
e. Yesterday, the hike started at 8:07 and went through the mountains. Hike ended at 7:14 and we were tired & hungry.

81. Weather can be described as: [Select all that apply]

a. Dry or Wet
b. Hot or Cold
c. Windy or Still
d. Bright or Dull
e. Happy or Sad
f. Noisy or Quiet

82. Interesting things seen on a hike could be: [Select all that apply]

a. Animals & Plants
b. Littering or other Crimes
c. Bodies of Water, Lakes, Rivers
d. Buildings & Man-Made Structures
e. People Visited with Along the Way
f. Explosions or other Emergency Incidents
g. Unusual or Unidentified Aircraft or Abductions
h. Rock Formations & Mountain Ranges & Peaks

83. After taking all 6 hikes, I have made a short report of each before the 30 day or 1 month expiration time deadline.

a. True
b. False

84. My first 10-mile hike was taken on , ,

The location was

Our route covered:

The weather that day could be described as [Select all that apply]:

Wind: Strong Moderate Light None Gusty
Cloudiness: Clear Partly Cloudy Cloudy Overcast Fog
Noise Level: Very Noisy Noisy Moderately Noisy Quiet Very Quiet
Precipitation: Dew Rain Sleet Hail Snow
Temperature: Hot Warm Moderate Cool Cold

While hiking I witnessed the following interesting sights:

85. My second 10-mile hike was taken on , ,

The location was

Our route covered:

The weather that day could be described as [Select all that apply]:

Wind: Strong Moderate Light None Gusty
Cloudiness: Clear Partly Cloudy Cloudy Overcast Fog
Noise Level: Very Noisy Noisy Moderately Noisy Quiet Very Quiet
Precipitation: Dew Rain Sleet Hail Snow
Temperature: Hot Warm Moderate Cool Cold

While hiking I witnessed the following interesting sights:

86. My third 10-mile hike was taken on , ,

The location was

Our route covered:

The weather that day could be described as [Select all that apply]:

Wind: Strong Moderate Light None Gusty
Cloudiness: Clear Partly Cloudy Cloudy Overcast Fog
Noise Level: Very Noisy Noisy Moderately Noisy Quiet Very Quiet
Precipitation: Dew Rain Sleet Hail Snow
Temperature: Hot Warm Moderate Cool Cold

While hiking I witnessed the following interesting sights:

87. My forth 10-mile hike was taken on , ,

The location was

Our route covered:

The weather that day could be described as [Select all that apply]:

Wind: Strong Moderate Light None Gusty
Cloudiness: Clear Partly Cloudy Cloudy Overcast Fog
Noise Level: Very Noisy Noisy Moderately Noisy Quiet Very Quiet
Precipitation: Dew Rain Sleet Hail Snow
Temperature: Hot Warm Moderate Cool Cold

While hiking I witnessed the following interesting sights:

88. My fifth 10-mile hike was taken on , ,

The location was

Our route covered:

The weather that day could be described as [Select all that apply]:

Wind: Strong Moderate Light None Gusty
Cloudiness: Clear Partly Cloudy Cloudy Overcast Fog
Noise Level: Very Noisy Noisy Moderately Noisy Quiet Very Quiet
Precipitation: Dew Rain Sleet Hail Snow
Temperature: Hot Warm Moderate Cool Cold

While hiking I witnessed the following interesting sights:

89. My 20-mile hike was taken on , ,

The location was

Our route covered:

The weather that day could be described as [Select all that apply]:

Wind: Strong Moderate Light None Gusty
Cloudiness: Clear Partly Cloudy Cloudy Overcast Fog
Noise Level: Very Noisy Noisy Moderately Noisy Quiet Very Quiet
Precipitation: Dew Rain Sleet Hail Snow
Temperature: Hot Warm Moderate Cool Cold

While hiking I witnessed the following interesting sights:

 

Scout's Name: Troop Number: Today's Date:

If answered on-line, be sure to print your exam for submission to your local counselor then,


Courtesy of ARCO & Robert Havlicek
Created: 29 December 1999 - Last Edit: 29 December 2005