The First Class hike must be done last of all the First Class activities. The First Class hike is done without any adults present on the hike and as noted above, is examined by the District. It is thus important that your planning start early and that you discuss the route and who you want to accompany you with the scouters. The First Class hike is the pinnacle of First Class and requires considerable planning. It is important for the troop that we know when you are planning to undertake your hike.
For various reasons we do not, generally, allow our scouts to run their First Class hikes on Table Mountain. Many troops do allow this (in fact this is common) but in general we hike more extensively than most troops and a First Class hike on Table Mountain is just not a challenge for our scouts. There are a great variety of other hikes that can be done. Some possible suggestions are:
- The Boland Trail;
- The Highlands Trail (Kleinmond)
- The Fernkloof Trail (Hermanus);
- The Flower Trail (West Coast);
- Genadendal Trail;
- Greyton/ McGregor;
- Montagu (Cogmans Kloof/ Bloupunt).
These are just suggestions and searching for additional hikes is encouraged.
You must take at least one scout with you who is not a First Class scout (generally you need to take scouts who are working on Adventurer – Scouts working on Pathfinder are usually too inexperienced and young to do a First Class Hike. It is preferable to take two Adventurer Scouts with you.
You must discuss your choice of hike with the Troop Scouter before you commit to a booking or start planning.
