Trail Signs Honor

Recreational Activities

Requirements

Demonstrate the ability to locate azimuths.
Answer: It is the horizontal angle measured in degrees, from magnetic north to the desired direction, clockwise. — An azimuth is the horizontal angle measured from magnetic north (or true north) clockwise, expressed in degrees from 0° to 360°. Locating an azimuth means pointing the compass in that direction: 0°/360° = north, 90° = east, 180° = south, and 270° = west. To follow an azimuth, align the red needle with the N of the rotating bezel set to the desired degree and walk in the direction of the direction-of-travel arrow.
Describe the safety rules needed to follow a trail.
Answer: Walk in a group, inform a responsible person of the route, and carry water, a flashlight, a whistle, and a map. — Trail safety rules include: never walk alone; communicate the route and expected time to a responsible person; wear closed footwear and appropriate clothing; carry a basic kit (water, flashlight, whistle, map, compass, snack, first aid, insect repellent); do not get separated from the group; respect the signage; stay alert to wildlife, slopes, and weather; keep the group together with the last member watching out for the others; in case of the unexpected, stop and wait for help instead of getting more lost.
Describe eight actions that should be followed when you are lost.
Answer: Oito ações ao se perceber perdido: 1) Parar imediatamente e não continuar andando (evita afastar-se ainda mais). 2) Manter a calma e controlar o pânico, respirando fundo. 3) Pensar e tentar lembrar o caminho percorrido e os últimos pontos de referência. 4) Observar o ambiente ao redor (rios, montanhas, sol, trilhas, marcos). 5) Permanecer no mesmo lugar e não se separar do grupo. 6) Sinalizar a presença (apito em séries de três, fogo, espelho, roupas coloridas, gritos) para facilitar o resgate. 7) Buscar/improvisar abrigo e proteção contra o frio, chuva ou sol, e racionar água e comida. 8) Esperar o socorro com confiança, mantendo-se aquecido e visível até ser encontrado. — The 8 actions when lost are: 1) Stop (do not walk in a panic); 2) Think (remember where you got separated from the group); 3) Observe (analyze the terrain, the sun, the vegetation); 4) Plan (decide whether to stay or go back); 5) Whistle three times (the universal distress signal); 6) Look for safe shelter (not on slopes, near water); 7) Mark your position with visible objects; 8) Conserve energy, water, and warmth — never follow blind instinct. The golden rule is STOP (Stop, Think, Observe, Plan).
What care should we take with nature when following a trail?
Answer: Do not leave trash, do not cut living plants, and follow the principle of 'leave no trace'. — The principles of 'Leave No Trace' applied to trails: 1) Plan the trip; 2) Walk on durable surfaces (never step on rare vegetation); 3) Dispose of waste properly — pack out all trash; 4) Leave what you find (do not pick plants or take rocks); 5) Minimize the use of fire; 6) Respect wildlife — observe from a distance, never feed it; 7) Be considerate of other visitors — quiet, courtesy. The Christian understands that nature is God's work and deserves responsible care (Gen 2:15).
State the precautions that should be taken when following trail signs, considering that other people will follow the trail after you.
Answer: Do not modify or remove the signs; leave them exactly as they are for the next Pathfinders. — When following a trail of signs (footprints, arrows, stacked stones, ribbons), the Pathfinder should: not remove or alter the signs; not create their own shortcuts; mark confusing points discreetly; respect the rhythm and order of the signs; report damaged signs to the instructor; never leave permanent signs that harm nature; and, at the end, help collect the artificial signs (ribbons, paper) to preserve the environment.
Know how to identify at least 20 trail signs. Have a reference material with the illustration, photo, or drawing of the sign, its meaning, and which materials can be used to make it.
Answer: An arrow made with branches or stones pointing in the direction of the route. — Among the 20+ official trail signs: arrow (path to follow); cross (do not go this way); circle with a dot in the center (I am home/I have arrived); three stones (danger); a branch bent in a V (caution); multiple arrows (the path divides — choose); a number (distance in steps/meters); a large 'X' (end of the trail); circle with an arrow (follow up to this point); two aligned stones (the starting line). The signs can be made with stones, branches, ribbons, paper, chalk, or drawn on the ground, always visible to the next Pathfinder.
Participate as part of a group in a trail activity at a camp, using trail signs and a compass.
Answer: Each one observes the signs, they check azimuths together, and they keep the group together, without dispersing. — On the team trail: 1) Designate a leader and a 'closer' (the last one in line); 2) Confirm the compass and azimuth of each segment with everyone; 3) Each member stays alert to signs ahead, behind, and to the sides; 4) Keep everyone within visual distance; 5) At crossroads, stop and decide together; 6) Note the time and landmarks; 7) In case of doubt, return to the last correct sign; 8) Celebrate the arrival with a prayer of gratitude to God, remembering that He is our greatest guide (Ps 32:8).
Read Exodus 13:21-22 and explain how God guided His people in the desert.
Answer: He went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, never departing. — Exodus 13:21-22 narrates: 'The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light; neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night departed from before the people.' This text spiritually grounds the trail of signs: just as God gave visible signs to the people to guide them to the Promised Land, He continues to guide the Pathfinder through His Word (Ps 119:105) and through the Holy Spirit, unmistakable signs for the path of life.