Grey Wolf Adventurous Journey 🗺️

Your adventure starts here! Plan your journey, explore the outdoors, and earn your Grey Wolf Award. This guide will help you and your leader plan every step of the way.

🐺 Cub Scouts
⏱️ 4 Hour Journey
🎖️ Grey Wolf Award
🏔️ Milestone 3
🗓️ Plan 8 Weeks Ahead

🐺 What is the Adventurous Journey?

Your Adventure Mission

Your Adventurous Journey is a chance to get outside, explore nature, and use the skills you've been learning in Cubs. It's a 4-hour journey where you plan, lead, and review your own adventure!

You can choose what type of journey you want — it could be bushwalking, cycling, canoeing, sailing, or something else. It just needs to be human-powered (no engines!).

This journey happens while you're working on Milestone 3 and counts toward your Grey Wolf Award. You'll plan it with a mentor who knows the activity and a leader who'll support you along the way.

🗓️
When to start planning? Start planning at least 8 weeks before your journey — ideally 3 months ahead! First discuss the route, participants, and date with your leaders. They will confirm the emergency contact (usually a leader not going on the journey). Then present your pre-plan to your Unit Council for approval before submitting the full plan in Terrain.

🚀 The 5 Steps

1

Pre-Plan

Basic plan to take to your Unit Council for approval. Where, when, who — roughly 8 weeks out.

2

Discuss with Leaders

Talk with your leaders about the route, who is going, and the date. Leaders confirm the emergency contact before you submit in Terrain.

3

The Plan

Full plan in Scouts | Terrain including route, equipment, transport, risks, and weather.

4

The Journey

Go on your adventure! Brief your group before you set off. Stay safe and have fun!

5

The Review

Write up what happened, what you learned, and what you'd do differently. Submit in Terrain.

💻 Filling in Scouts | Terrain

ℹ️
Scouts | Terrain is the online system you use to plan and submit your Adventurous Journey. Your leader will help you log in and fill it in. There are 4 pages to complete: Journey Details, Risks, Preparing to Go, and Final Checklist.

📄 Page 1 — Journey Details

📍 Name your journey

Journey Name
Give your journey a fun name that describes where you're going or what you'll do.
e.g. "Bobbin Head River Walk" or "Grand Cliff Top Adventure"
Where are you going?
Describe the area — the park, trail, or location. Include the suburb and nearest town.
e.g. "Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Brooklyn NSW — following the Bobbin Head fire trail from carpark to Apple Tree Bay."

🗺️ Attach maps

Attach Maps / Route Card
Download a map from AllTrails or Wildwalks, print it, mark your route on it, then take a photo or scan it to upload here.
Tip: Use AllTrails.com or Wildwalks.com to find your trail and download the map PDF.

📅 Dates

Start date & End date
For a day hike, both dates will be the same. Your journey should be at least 4 hours long.
e.g. Saturday 15 March 2025 — depart 8:30am, arrive back by 1:00pm

🌤️ Will the weather be nice?

Weather description
Check the Bureau of Meteorology (bom.gov.au) for typical weather at that time of year. Describe what you expect — temperature, rain chance, wind.
e.g. "Autumn in Sydney — expect 18–24°C, mostly sunny with low chance of rain. May be breezy on exposed ridges."

🥗 What food will you have?

Food plan
Think about what snacks and lunch you'll bring. Make sure it's enough energy for a 4-hour walk!
e.g. "Packed lunch with sandwich, fruit, trail mix, muesli bar. Water 1.5L per person. Patrol Leader will carry extra snacks and emergency rations."

👥 Who will be in your patrol?

Patrol members
List all the Cubs coming on the journey. Include first names and any special needs (allergies, medical conditions the leader needs to know about).
e.g. "Tom, Emma, Jack, Sophie, Liam — 5 members. Emma has a nut allergy (EpiPen carried by leader)."

🧑‍🏫 Who will help you plan?

Mentor details
Your mentor should be someone with outdoor skills — ideally a youth member with OAS Stage 5 in your activity, or an adult leader with experience in the activity.
e.g. "Akela (Pack Leader, Bushwalking experience) and Scout mentor James (OAS Stage 5 Bushwalking)"

🎒 What will you have in your backpack?

Backpack contents
List everything each Cub will carry. See the Equipment section below for a full checklist to copy from.
e.g. "Water bottle (1.5L), packed lunch, sunscreen, hat, rain jacket, map, whistle, small first aid kit."

⚠️ Page 2 — Risks

⚠️
For Cubs, thinking about risks is simple. You don't need a complex chart — just think about what could go wrong and what you'll do about it. A few clear answers is all you need!

📞 Emergency contacts

Emergency contact name & phone number
This is the person who stays home and can be called if something goes wrong. This is usually a leader who is NOT going on the journey — your leader will confirm who this person is before you submit in Terrain.
e.g. "Baloo (Assistant Leader, not on journey) — 0412 345 678"

🚨 Risks — what could go wrong?

Risk 1
Think about what could happen and what you'll do to stay safe.
e.g. "Someone gets lost → Stay together as a group, don't leave the trail, leader has a headcount every 15 minutes."
Risk 2
e.g. "Someone gets hurt → Leader carries first aid kit, we know the emergency number is 000."
Risk 3
e.g. "Bad weather → Check BOM forecast the night before, have rain jackets packed, leader makes go/no-go decision."

🔄 Backup plan

What if the journey can't go ahead?
What's your Plan B? e.g. another location, or a different date.
e.g. "If weather is unsafe, we will postpone to the following Saturday. Backup location is Lane Cove National Park bush trail."

🚌 Page 3 — Preparing to Go

🗺️ Getting there & getting home

Transport to start point
How are you getting there? Cars, train, bus? What time do you meet and where? See the Transport Planning section below for detailed guidance.
e.g. "Train from West Ryde Station at 7:50am to Berowra, then 10-minute walk to trailhead. Meet at West Ryde Station platform 1 at 7:40am."
Transport home from end point
How are you getting back? What time does transport leave? Who is picking up?
e.g. "Parents collecting from Bobbin Head carpark at approximately 1:30pm. Bus 577 departs 1:15pm as backup."

📋 Page 4 — Final Checklist

🎤 Pre-journey briefing to your group

Briefing notes
Before you set off, give everyone a quick briefing. Attach your briefing notes or dot points to Terrain. Cover: route plan, who's coming, how you're getting there, staying safe, and the rules.
e.g. "Tell everyone where we're going, the total distance, our meeting time, what to bring, emergency plan, and the buddy system rules."

🎒 Equipment Lists

💡
Two lists to think about: Every Cub packs their own personal gear. The Patrol Leader also carries extra group gear to keep everyone safe and comfortable.

🧒 Each Cub Carries

Daypack (15–20L)
Big enough for food, water and jacket
Water bottle — 1.5L minimum ★
Fill up before you leave — essential!
Packed lunch + snacks ★
Sandwich, fruit, muesli bar, trail mix
Sunscreen (SPF 50+) ★
Apply before you leave and at lunch
Hat (broad brim) ★
Sun protection all day
Rain jacket / windbreaker ★
Even if it looks sunny — weather can change!
Comfortable hiking shoes/boots ★
Closed toe, no thongs or sandals
Long socks
Protects against scratches and ticks
Whistle ★
Clip to pack strap — 3 blasts = help needed
Small torch / headlamp + batteries
In case you're out later than planned
Map of the route (printed)
A copy each so everyone can follow along
Journal / notebook + pencil
For notes, sketches, and your review later
Insect repellent
Especially for bush tracks
Warm layer (fleece or jumper)
For cool mornings or shaded gullies
Opal card
For public transport — free for under 15s!
Emergency contact card
Parent's phone number + 000 written on a card in your pocket

🧑‍🦯 Patrol Leader Carries/Organises (Group Gear)

First Aid Kit (full) ★
Bandages, antiseptic, blister pads, tweezers, EpiPen if needed
Emergency contact list ★
All participants' parent/guardian phone numbers
Charged mobile phone (leader's) ★
In a waterproof case or zip-lock bag
Garmin inReach Messenger ★
Satellite communicator for out-of-range emergencies — carried by leader
Extra snacks for the group ★
Muesli bars, nuts, fruit — for energy boosts or if someone forgets food
Extra water (2L) ★
Backup water supply for the group
Spare sunscreen ★
For reapplication and for those who forgot
Printed route map + notes
Leader's copy with emergency exits marked
Emergency plan (printed)
What to do, who to call, where to go
Insect repellent (spare)
Group supply
Blister kit
Moleskin, blister plasters, Compeed
Emergency foil blanket (×2)
For warmth in an emergency
Garbage bags
Rubbish, wet gear, emergency poncho
Opal cards + emergency transport money
For public transport as planned — plus a small emergency fund
Medication list
Any prescribed medications carried as needed with consent
Tick removal tool
Fine-tipped tweezers for bush areas

⚠️ Thinking About Risks

💛
Risks don't need a complicated chart! Just think: What could go wrong? and What will we do about it? Here are the common ones for a day hike to get you started.

🤕 Someone gets hurt

What to do: Stop, assess the injury. Leader applies first aid. Call 000 for serious injuries. Don't move an injured person unless they are in danger.

🧭 Someone gets lost

What to do: Headcount every 15 mins. Stay together. If someone goes missing, stop and blow whistle 3 times. Leader calls 000 if needed.

🌩️ Sudden bad weather

What to do: Rain jackets on. If lightning is near, stay away from tall trees. Leader decides if it's safe to continue or head back early.

😰 Someone is too tired or unwell

What to do: Rest break, snack and water. If not improving, leader activates emergency plan. Never leave anyone behind alone.

🐍 Snake or wildlife encounter

What to do: Stay still and calm. Give the animal space to move away. Don't try to touch or scare it. Move back slowly. Tell the leader immediately.

😎 Too much sun / heat

What to do: Regular water breaks, reapply sunscreen at lunch, find shade during the hottest part of the day (11am–2pm). Wear hat at all times.

🦟 Bites and stings

What to do: Apply insect repellent before walking. Check for ticks at end of day. Leader carries antihistamine and tick removal tools.

🚌 Transport delay

What to do: Check train/bus times on the TripPlanner app. Build in 15 min buffer. Leader has parents' numbers to notify of delays.

🚌 Transport Planning

🗺️
Think about how you'll get there AND how you'll get home. Plan transport for both ends of your journey! Include meeting times, locations, and what happens if someone misses the train.

🚂 Getting There — By Public Transport

Meeting point:
Name the station, bus stop, or carpark. Be specific — "Platform 2, West Ryde Station" not just "West Ryde Station".
Meet time:
At least 10–15 minutes before departure. This gives time to do a headcount and sort Opal cards.
Transport:
List the train/bus line, departure time, and estimated arrival. Use transportnsw.info or the TripPlanner app.
Opal cards:
All Scouts aged 4–15 travel FREE on NSW trains, buses, and ferries with a valid Opal card. Leader should carry a spare Opal card with credit for emergencies.
From station to start:
How far is the walk from the station to the trailhead? Include walking time.
💡 Build in a 10-minute buffer — trains can run early! Tell parents to arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the stated meet time.

🚗 Getting There — By Car

Meeting point:
Name the carpark or drop-off address. Share a Google Maps link with parents.
Drop-off time:
State the exact time. "Between 8:00am and 8:30am" is not clear enough — pick one time.
Parking:
Note if there is free parking, paid parking, or limited spaces. National Park entry fees may apply.
Carpooling:
Organise carpools in advance. All drivers must have Working With Children Check. Each car needs an adult leader or approved driver.
💡 Send a clear email to parents with the exact drop-off address, time, and what to bring. Include a Google Maps link!

🏁 Getting Home — Pick-Up / Transport

Pick-up point:
Exact location where parents collect — this may be different from the start point if it's a one-way route.
Estimated time:
Give an estimated finish time AND a latest finish time. e.g. "Approx 1:00pm, no later than 2:00pm".
Public transport home:
Check train/bus times from the finish point. List the service number, departure time, and arrival station.
Opal cards:
Remind all Cubs to keep their Opal card handy for the trip home. Leader checks everyone has theirs before departure.
💡 If you're running late, notify parents via the group chat as soon as you know. Don't wait until the expected pick-up time!

🗺️ Route Planning

🧭
For Cubs, route planning is about following a map — not creating a complex grid reference system. Pick a clear trail, print the map, mark your checkpoints, and know how to get back if needed.

📍 Choosing Your Route

1

Find a suitable trail

Use AllTrails.com or Wildwalks.com to find a trail near Sydney. Look for trails rated "Easy" to "Moderate", around 8–14km long with good signage. Filter for "family-friendly" for safer options.

2

Download and print the map

Download the trail map from AllTrails or Wildwalks as a PDF. Print it on A4 (or larger if possible). Mark your start point, checkpoints, finish point, and any turnaround points clearly.

3

Note key landmarks

Write down 3–5 obvious landmarks along the way that tell you you're on the right track — e.g. a river crossing, a picnic area, a junction sign, a lookout. These help everyone know where they are.

4

Plan your checkpoints & rest stops

For a 4-hour journey, plan a morning snack stop at about 1 hour and a lunch stop at about 2 hours. Pick spots with shade, a flat area to sit, and ideally a toilet nearby.

5

Know your emergency exit

Identify the nearest point back to the road or carpark at each stage of the route. This is your emergency exit if someone gets hurt or the weather turns bad. Mark it on the map.

6

Check for National Parks alerts

The day before, check the National Parks website for any alerts, fire bans, or closures in your area. Also check BOM for the final weather forecast. Go/No-Go decision by 6pm the night before.

🥾 Suggested Day Hikes Near Sydney

🔎
Use AllTrails or Wildwalks to find more options! These suggested hikes are great for Cub Scouts — clear trails, good signage, and accessible from Sydney by public transport or car.

🌿 Bobbin Head Walk

~10km3–4 hrsEasy–ModerateKNP

Loop walk through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Mangroves, waterways, and great birdlife. Picnic facilities at Bobbin Head.

View on Wildwalks →

🌊 Spit to Manly Walk

~10km4 hrsEasy–ModerateHarbour NP

Classic Sydney Harbour coastal walk. Ferry from Circular Quay to Manly or Spit. Stunning harbour views, beaches, and rock platforms.

View on AllTrails →

🦎 Lane Cove National Park

8–12km3–4 hrsEasyLane Cove NP

River flat and ridgeline walks through bushland near Ryde. Multiple trail options, picnic facilities, and accessible from Ryde by bus.

View on AllTrails →

🏔️ Blue Mountains — Glenbrook

~11km4 hrsModerateBlue Mountains NP

Walks through Glenbrook area including Red Hand Cave and Jellybean Pool. Train from Central to Glenbrook. Great creek crossings and Aboriginal art sites.

View on Wildwalks →

🏔️ Grand Cliff Top Walk: Wentworth Falls to Leura

~12km4–5 hrsModerateBlue Mountains NP

Stunning clifftop walk along the Blue Mountains escarpment from Wentworth Falls to Leura. Spectacular valley views, waterfalls, and diverse bushland. Train from Central to Wentworth Falls; return from Leura station.

View on AllTrails →

🌊 Watsons Bay to Woolloomooloo

~10km3–4 hrsEasy–ModerateSydney Harbour NP

Iconic Sydney coastal walk along the harbour foreshores from Watsons Bay through Rose Bay, Double Bay, and down to Woolloomooloo. Ferry access to Watsons Bay from Circular Quay; return from Kings Cross or Museum station.

View on AllTrails →

🐺 Grey Wolf Award

🐺 The Grey Wolf Award

The Grey Wolf Award is the highest award you can earn as a Cub Scout. Your Adventurous Journey is one of the key parts of Milestone 3, which feeds into the Grey Wolf Award. Plan it well, lead your group, and make it an adventure to remember!

🏔️ Milestone 3
📋 Adventurous Journey
⏱️ 4-Hour Journey
🌿 Human-Powered Only
📓 Plan → Do → Review

📋 Templates

📄
Use these templates to help fill in your Terrain form and plan your journey. Print them out, fill them in with your patrol, then transfer the information into Scouts | Terrain.
📄 Journey Details
🎒 Equipment Checklist
🚌 Transport Plan
🗺️ Route Card
🎤 Briefing Notes

📄 Journey Details — Terrain Form Helper

Fill this in first, then copy it into Scouts | Terrain on the Journey Details page.

Journey Identity

Weather

Food Plan

People

Backpack Contents

🎒 Equipment Checklist

Print and check off before departure. Tick each item as it goes into the pack!

🧒 Each Cub's Pack — Tick When Packed

  • Daypack (15–20L)
  • Water bottle (1.5L minimum) ★
  • Packed lunch (sandwich, fruit) ★
  • Trail snacks (muesli bar, trail mix) ★
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+ ★
  • Broad-brim hat ★
  • Rain jacket / windbreaker ★
  • Hiking shoes/boots (closed toe) ★
  • Long socks
  • Whistle (clipped to pack) ★
  • Printed map of route
  • Journal / notebook + pencil
  • Torch / headlamp + batteries
  • Insect repellent
  • Warm layer (fleece/jumper)
  • Opal card
  • Emergency contact card (in pocket)

🧑‍🦯 Patrol Leader Group Gear — Tick When Packed

  • Full first aid kit ★Bandages, antiseptic, blister pads, tweezers, EpiPen if needed
  • Emergency contact list (all parents) ★
  • Charged mobile phone — leader's (waterproof case) ★
  • Garmin inReach Messenger ★Satellite communicator — charged and registered before departure
  • Extra snacks for group ★Muesli bars, fruit, nuts — enough for everyone
  • Extra water 2L ★
  • Spare sunscreen ★
  • Printed route map with emergency exits
  • Printed emergency plan
  • Opal cards + emergency transport money
  • Blister kit (Compeed, moleskin)
  • Emergency foil blankets (×2)
  • Garbage bags
  • Tick removal tool (fine tweezers)
  • Insect repellent (group supply)
  • Medication list + any medications needed

✏️ Notes / Special Considerations

🚌 Transport Plan

Fill in the getting-there and getting-home details. Share with all parents.

🚌 Getting There

🏁 Getting Home

📧 Parent Communication Template

🗺️ Route Card

Simple day hike route card for Cub Scouts. One card for the whole journey.

Journey Overview

Checkpoints Along the Way

Checkpoint Landmark / Description Est. Time Notes
Start
Checkpoint 1
Checkpoint 2
Checkpoint 3
Lunch stop
Finish

Emergency Information

🎤 Pre-Journey Briefing Notes

Give this briefing to your group before the journey starts. Attach notes to Scouts | Terrain.

📍 The Route

👥 Who's Coming

🚌 Getting There and Home

🦺 Staying Safe — Key Rules

  • Stay with the group — no one walks ahead of the leader
  • Buddy system — always know where your buddy is
  • If you need to stop — raise your hand and call out
  • If lost — STOP, STAY, BLOW your whistle 3 times
  • Emergency number is 000
  • Don't touch wildlife — observe from a safe distance
  • Stay on the marked trail at all times
  • Leader makes all go/no-go decisions on the day

📋 Any other notes