2026 Outdoor Hiking Challenge
Calling All Outdoor Enthusiasts!
Join Heart of New England Council for a series of hiking challenges in 2026, designed to get you active outside all year long!
Each season you can participate in a 3-month long challenge and earn a patch! The combined patches can join together to create the complete design shown above.
Any miles spent outside in activities of your choosing will count – hiking, biking, canoeing, snowshoeing, etc. Please see the FAQ for more information.
Individual challenges cost $12 and participants who register for 3 challenges (Winter, Spring, and Summer) may use the $5 discount code* for the Autumn challenge. Patches will be mailed at the conclusion of each challenge period.
*This code OUTDOORCHALLENGE2026 is only to be applied to Autumn ticket, if the other three tickets have been purchased.
Outdoor Hiking Challenge FAQs
Do I have to be involved with scouting to participate?
No! This challenge is open to everyone- scouts, their families, as well as the larger community.
What miles count?
While we would encourage you to get out into nature and participate on a trail, river, bike path, etc. we recognize that this might not be possible for all participants. However, we hope that you will go above and beyond your regular routines. If you normally walk your dog around your neighborhood, perhaps you can instead walk them on a local trail? If you are normally biking to work each day, we suggest that you only count recreational bike miles. Canoeing, kayaking, or another self-propelled watercraft are fine as well! Essentially, this is your challenge, and you can do what works for you!
Do I need to participate in all 4 challenges?
No! Each season there will be a new challenge with a unique reward patch. If you complete all 4 challenges, you will earn the combined patches shown above.
How many miles do I need to complete?
Depending on which challenge you are completing, there are different mileage requirements:
Winter (January – March) – 25 miles
Spring (April – June) – 50 miles
Summer (July – September) – 50 miles
Autumn (October – December) – 25 miles
How do I track my miles?
You are free to use whatever method you wish- spreadsheet, tracking app, etc. A tracker is provided for your convenience if you wish to use it.
Do I need to submit my miles?
We would love to hear how and where you have been participating, but following the Scout Law, a scout is trustworthy, and we will hold you to your word that you have completed this challenge. You can reach out to chris.breecher@hnescouting.org to submit your miles.
When will I receive my patch(es)?
Each patch segment will be mailed at the conclusion of each challenge period.
What to wear?
While not required, scouts are encouraged to wear scout activity shirts (Class B) to help spread awareness of scouting.
Pictures?
We’d love to see where you are completing this challenge. Please send pictures to chris.breecher@hnescouting.org. Submitted pictures may be used on social media to help advertise this event. Also feel free to share to your own social media using #HNE2026OutdoorChallenge.
Any other questions, please reach out to chris.breecher@hnescouting.org.
