• Start and end point: Lake Parramatta Reserve main carpark
• Planned trail: Lake Circuit Walk, approx. 4.2km
• Estimated duration: 2.5-3 hours (with an additional swim at the end).
• Difficulty: moderate, some uneven terrain and steps.

Timing

• Arrival time: 8am
• Departure time: 1pm
• Expected return time: 11am
• Time allocated for the swim: 1.5 - 2 hours (pending if the cubs take longer on the hike)

What to Wear

• Cub shirt
• Scout scarf
• Long pants (lightweight, no jeans), long shorts can be worn at own risk - pants prevent scratches from shrubs/sticks along tail
• Wide-Brim Hat (mandatory and NO caps)
• Comfortable, enclosed walking shoes
• Swimmers worn under clothes or packed separately in day pack to change into at the end of the hike
• Towel (recommended that parents bring this at the end to avoid additional weight in cub packs)
• Sun-safe clothing for swimming (rash shirt and board shorts)
• Sunblock
• Personal First Aid Kit
• Rain coat (no umbrellas)

What to Bring

• Small daypack
• Personal water bottle (see quantities below)
• Snacks and lunch (please ensure Cub has had Breakfast before hiking)
• Swimmers + towel + water shoes (mandatory)
• Plastic bag for wet clothes
• Sunscreen (applied prior, bring extra)
• Any prescribed medications (with leaders notified and information for dosage provided)
• Jumper (in case it is cold weather that day)

Swimming Safety Information

• Swimming is at the designated Lake Parramatta Swim Area only
• Supervision requirements (e.g., all swimmers must stay within flagged areas)
• Water depth varies: non-swimmers or weak swimmers must stay in shallow zone
• Parents welcome to be additional adults to act as water watchers
• Water safe behaviour near the water is expected

Risk & Safety Notes - to be aware of but not alarmed:

• Leeches sometimes present on trails
• Uneven ground/steep sections, Cubs advised to be careful of their surroundings when hiking
• Insect repellent recommended
• Leaders trained in first aid will be present
• Hydration is important, please pack enough water

What Food to Pack

For Cubs

Simple, non-messy, energy‑boosting foods:

• Sandwich or wrap
• Piece of fruit (apple, banana, mandarin)
• Muesli bar
• Dried fruits
• Crackers or biscuits

Please Avoid:

• Chocolate (melts quickly)
• Foods requiring refrigeration
• Anything too sugary or sticky

For Lunch (if staying longer), the following are recommended to bring:

• Cold pasta salad
• Vegemite/ham/cheese sandwiches
• Rolls with salad and chicken
• Small yoghurt pouch (in a cooler sleeve)

How Much Water to Bring

For Cubs, the recommended amount for a moderate hike:

Minimum:

• 1 litre per child

Ideal:

• 1.5 litres per child (especially given heat + post‑hike swimming)

Adults should carry 2 litres minimum

After‑Swim Requirements

• Dry change of clothes (can change back into Cub uniform)
• Another snack: kids get hungry again after a swim!