The Order of the Arrow has just teamed up with American Hiking Society (AHS) to offer our Scouts and Scouters more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. For years, it has been our purpose to enjoy the outdoors as well as to be its stewards.

Now, we have a chance to build upon the great work that our high adventure programs and ArrowCorps⁵have been able to accomplish. With this new partnership, we are asking for your support. The AHS not only promotes hiking and the outdoors but they also work to restore its beauty.

To be a part of something larger than us is something that greatness hinges upon. We ask that you take advantage of this opportunity by becoming an integral part of stewardship and outdoor enjoyment.

Check out the AHS at their website www.americanhiking.org. On the web site you can find out how to become a part of American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® (NTD) activities. Your lodge, chapter, troop, or Scout unit can be leaders in your local area by participating in NTD now!

Please work with the units in your Council to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. In addition to that resource, the OA will be working in the coming months to provide more detailed information on how you can get started with serving a greater purpose.

Have questions? Please contact us at NTD@oa-bsa.org.

Dear Order of the Arrow Member,

American Hiking Society is excited to be a partner with the Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America. We would like to introduce you to American Hiking Society and our National Trails Day® and share how you can be part of the nation’s largest trails celebration!

Since its founding in 1976, American Hiking Society has been the only national voice for hikers - dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas and the hiking experience.

American Hiking Society works every day by speaking for hikers in the halls of Congress and with federal land managers, building and maintaining hiking trails, educating and supporting hikers by providing information and resources, and supporting hiking and trail organizations nationwide

On June 5, 2010, American Hiking Society and outdoor enthusiasts across the country will participate in the 18th annual National Trails Day® (NTD), a long-standing celebration of America’s magnificent trail system. More than 1,500 events will take place around the country including trail maintenance projects, hikes, paddle trip, bike and horseback rides, wildlife viewing activities, running and trail celebrations, and so much more!

Happy National Trails Day and Happy Trails,
Heather Sable
Trail Programs Manager
American Hiking Society
www.AmericanHiking.org

American Hiking Society has provided Order of the Arrow Lodges with the following guides:

• Fact Sheet – National Trails Day®
• 2010 Organizer’s Manual
• Frequently Asked Questions – National Trails Day®
• National Trails Day® Style Guide

Host an Event

• Plan your very own event. It can be as small or as big as you want it to be. If you can’t plan a new event, register an event that you already have scheduled for spring, summer, or fall 2010. This could be a maintenance project, hike, paddle trip, bike ride, or anything celebrating trails. Get creative!
• Let your scouts know that they are taking part in a trails celebration that is occurring in all 50 states with over 1,500 events and 100,000 participants around the country.
• Let your event count towards the total numbers of Scout events across the country and be a part of the important national community of trail volunteers and stewards.
• Events do not have to take place only on June 5, 2010. They may occur any day throughout the year.
• You can register for more than one event.
• Register your event as public or private. Public events are viewable on the AHS website and open for others to participate. Private events are only open to your lodge and will not be advertised to the public on our website. Both public and private events will count towards the total number of Scout events.

Partner with a retailer or local organization

• Visit the NTD page http://www.americanhiking.org/ntd.aspx to find events in your area. Call the host and ask how your group can help in the planning or by volunteering. If their event is already registered on the AHS website, ask them to email hsable@americanhiking.org to add your troop to the partner list.
• Contact a local retailer or group and encourage them to host an event and offer your volunteer support.

Participate in an Event

• Attend an event near you! Visit www.americanhiking.org to view the map and events in your area. New events are added weekly so continue to check back.