Coho Night Hike

The Coho Night Hike is a free night-time ramble around Mundy Park. It is usually on a Saturday evening in late-January or mid-February. Typically there are 6-10 stations put on my Coho area Scout and Venturer groups (including ours) and it takes a couple of hours to walk around to all the stations. The hike is open to all Sections. They says that typically 3rd year Beavers and up works the best as it can be a long evening. Scouts who are not involved in running the stations are welcome to attend.

It is hosted by the Coho Area. After the hike, hot chocolate and cookies are provided, so bring a lug-a-mug. The starting location is on Hillcrest Avenue at the picnic shelters at around 5:30. The stations run from 6:00 to 9:00. Mug-up runs from 8:00-9:30.

The contact name is Rob Clayton robwclayton@hotmail.com with 1st Poco. Let him know the numbers in advance so they have adequate cookies.

Patches can be ordered at the event and are usually about $2.75 per patch plus a shipping charge. It is suggested that you order the patches at the event, so you know how many people were there and you don't end up order extras. The cheque should be made out to “Scouts Canada-Coho Area” and mailed to Rob Clayton, 2050 Columbia Avenue, Port Coquitlam , BC, V3C 4W4. Delivery is usually around 4 weeks later. Rob will supply special OOS (Offer Of Service) patches free for the people who volunteer at a station (both Scouters and youth).

Scouters need the following paperwork:

• Pre-register with the hike organizer.
• Camping and Outdoor Activity (COA) form prepared and signed by the Scouter in Charge, and approved by the Group Commissioner.
• Registration forms and emergency contact details for all attendees (printout from myscouts).
• Hold harmless forms for non-registered attendees.

Note the following:

• Eat before you come.
• Dress for the weather (cold and/or wet).
• Order and pay for the patches at the event.
• Bring a backpack with what you normally bring on an outing including:
  • Mug for mug-up (they won’t have any available for you),
  • Flashlight,
  • Spare gloves,
  • Water bottle,
  • Emergency kit,
  • Compass.

They always need help to run the stations. Annemarie often puts one on and needs Scout/Venturer volunteers to help. The stations need to be starting set up by 4:00. Some ideas for stations include:

• Orienteering
• Alternate communication methods (Semaphore, Morse (with flashlights (transmit preselected messages to their partner down the trail), etc. In the locker, we have laminated sheets with morse code and some example messages.
• Stars (learn the constellations).
• Flip a tarp (whole patrol stands on a tarp and works together to flip the tarp over without stepping off and onto the ground).

For those running a station, consider bringing the following:

• Teaching materials for the station.
• 10'x10' pop-up shelter.
• Table.
• Lantern, fuel and lighter/matches.
• Camp chairs.