Hidden Bandana Hike

Items Needed:

Instructions (Total Time: 20–30 minutes):

Learn About Trail Markers (5–6 minutes)
- Briefly explain that trail markers are signs made from natural materials that help hikers follow a path
- Show examples from the Trail Markers handout or describe a few (arrow shape with sticks, stacked rocks for direction)
Split into Two Teams (12–15 minutes)
- Each team first acts as “Trail Markers”
  - Each team hides a bandana somewhere in the outdoor area. (For GSUSA Safety ratio, two adults will be needed for each team, to follow and watch for safety.)
  - Each team creates trail markers leading from the start to their hidden item. Use sticks, rocks, or leftover kindling on the ground, no breaking branches
Switch Roles (12–15 minutes)
- Each team now acts as “Trail Followers”
  - Start at the beginning of the trail the opposite team made and follow the markers to find the hidden bandana
Wrap Up as a Troop (3–4 minutes)
- Talk about how trail markers help people stay safe and find their way

Use rocks, sticks, pebbles, or grass to show direction during hikes.

Message	Rocks	Pebbles Sticks	Pebbles	Tall Grass
Go Straight Ahead	A small rock on top of a medium rock	V shape made with pebbles pointing Forward	Arrow shape made with sticks pointing Forward	Tall grass with a bundle tied together, pointing straight and tall
Turn Right	A small rock on top of a medium rock, with a small rock to the right of it	V shape made with pebbles sticks pointing Right	Arrow shape made with sticks pointing Right	Tall grass with a bundle tied together, bent and pointing to the right
Turn Left	A small rock on top of a medium rock, with a small rock to the left of it	V shape made with pebbles sticks pointing Left	Arrow shape made with sticks pointing Left	Tall grass with a bundle tied together, bent and pointing to the left
Do Not Go This Way	Four small rocks in a row, blocking the way	Four small pebbles in a row, blocking the way	X shape made with crossed sticks, blocking the way	None for Grass

Tia Kennard