Stage 1
- I can pack my rucksack for a day hike.
- I know what to wear and what extras I need to bring on a hike.
- I know what food to bring on a hike.
- I know how to behave safely while hiking.
- I can read a simple map.
- I can point out and name the main features of a map.
- I can be responsible for myself while we are hiking.
- I can recognise the main distress signals.
- I know about the Buddy system.
- I understand why I should follow directions from an instructor.
- I have attended at least two hikes.
Stage 2
- I know what gear I need depending on the weather.
- I know why you bring certain foods and drinks on hikes.
- I can point out the main parts of the compass.
- I know how to get help if someone is hurt.
- I can point out the different symbols and colours on a map and I know what they mean.
- I can be responsible member of my team while we are hiking.
- I can get a weather forecast.
- I have attended at least three hikes.
Stage 3
- I know how to treat simple cuts and scratches.
- I know why you bring certain clothing on hikes.
- I know the main principles of “Leave No Trace”.
- I know how to cross boggy ground.
- I know how and when to use the main distress signals.
- I can use a compass to find direction.
- I can point out the features of a map.
- I can be responsible for myself and aware of my surroundings while hiking.
- I can follow a route on an orienteering map.
- I have attended at least three hiking activities and been on the top of a mountain.
Stage 4
- I know how to pack a rucksack for weekend hikes.
- I can care for all my personal hiking equipment.
- I know what team equipment to bring and why.
- I know how to treat simple sprains and blisters.
- I know the different emergency services that are available and how and when to call them.
- I can follow our route on a map and find the main points using a compass.
- I can be responsible for younger members of my team while we are hiking.
- I have led a leg of a hike.
- I have attended three hikes including an overnight.
Stage 5
- I know the potential dangers of weather on hikes.
- I know how to pack a rucksack for a hillwalking expedition.
- I know when to cross a river and some different methods for crossing.
- I know all about the “Leave No Trace” principles.
- I know the main principles of navigating using a map and compass.
- I can complete and use a route card.
- I can be an active member of my team while hiking.
- I have taken part in three hikes.
- I have taken part in a two night hike in the mountains, based out of one campsite.
- I have written a log for at least two of these activities.
Stage 6
- I know the causes of how to recognize and treat hypothermia, hyperthermia, sunstroke, dehydration and asthma, or anything medical relevant to my team.
- I know the limitations of my team.
- I know the limitations of the compass and other navigation tools.
- I can use a compass and map to find my position.
- I know what Group emergency equipment we should carry, and how to use it.
- I can be responsible for myself and my team while hiking.
- I can plan and lead a hike.
- I have taken part in at least six hiking activities, four of which should be over 800m.
- I have taken part in a two night hike in the mountains, including a low and high camp.
- I have written logs for all of these activities.
Stage 7
- I can organise the transport required for an activity
- I can budget for team hikes.
- I know how to assess risk and be aware of group safety.
- I know how to deal with mountain hazards.
- I can plan escape routes.
- I can navigate at night, in poor visibility, and do micro-navigation.
- I have planned and led one hike without a Scouter.
- I have participated in at least five hikes between 800m and 1,300m and one over 1,300m.
- I have taken part in an unaccompanied but supervised two night hike in the mountains including a low and high camp.
- I have written logs for all of these activities.
- I have a logbook detailing at least 30 hikes and expeditions that I have undertaken.
Stage 8
- I have an outdoor First Aid certificate.
- I know how to safeguard others on steep ground.
- I know how to use a rope on difficult terrain.
- I can set up a simple belay.
- I can lead a hiking adventure .
- I know the procedure to be followed in the event of an accident.
- I have taken part in at least six hillwalking adventures over 1000m and one over 2250m.
- I can take responsibility for our Group on a hiking adventure.
- I have taken part in an unaccompanied but supervised two night hike in the mountains outside the island of Ireland.
- I have written logs for all of these activities.
Stage 9
- I know what equipment is required for various types of hillwalking expeditions, and the correct use and care of this equipment.
- I can navigate accurately and safely over the Irish mountains in any type of weather, and at night.
- I can assess risk and take appropriate action to ensure safety.
- I can practice basic winter mountaineering skills.
- I can create an exciting expedition while catering for everyone’s needs.
- I can budget, prepare and manage every aspect of the expedition.
- I have a logbook detailing at least 20 hikes and expeditions that I have undertaken since stage 7.
- I have taken part in an expedition to 3250m.
- I can be responsible for others in various situations on the mountains.
