Hike-A-Thon
1,215 Miles or Bust Hiking Challenge • September 1 – October 31, 2026
New Hampshire prides itself on its natural beauty — and there’s no better way to enjoy it than on the trail. Between September 1 and October 31, 2026, Scouts, families, and units across the Granite State will hit the trails to raise money for their own unit programs. Your unit keeps 85% of every pledge. Together we’re aiming to walk or hike 1,215 miles as a Council. Hike a 4,000-footer, loop Long Pond at Camp Carpenter, or walk your own neighborhood — every mile counts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the "1,215 Miles or Bust" Hike-A-Thon Challenge work?
Between September 1 and October 31, 2026, Scouting will be hitting the trails in New Hampshire to raise money for unit programs. By participating in the challenge and raising funds, your unit will receive 85% of the money raised to support your programs.
Go on a hike or walk with your family on one of our trails at Griswold Scout Reservation or Camp Carpenter, or connect with a trail anywhere in New Hampshire. Our goal is to collectively walk or hike 1,215 miles as a Council over this time — four miles more than last year’s miles walked.
What do I tell people who pledge about where the money goes?
A portion of the money will be used by the unit to:
- Purchase new unit gear
- Provide financial aid to those less fortunate who want the benefits of Scouting
- Help cover advancement and recognition costs
- Help cover program-related expenses such as pinewood derby cars
- Help cover operating expenses such as Blue and Gold dinners or Courts of Honor
85% of the funds stay with the unit. The other 15% covers the administrative cost of the fundraiser (7.5% goes to Givebacks, who maintains the website).
How do I collect pledges for the Hike-A-Thon?
It’s simple! Just raise funds through your Unit or Scout page at app.givebacks.gives/2026-hike-a-thon.
Text-to-give: Promote your page by texting 2026hike to (919) 626-3277.
Pledges can be of any value regardless of miles walked or hiked. Units will receive their percentage of money raised less processing fees. All funds raised will be deposited into each unit’s respective Unit Account at the conclusion of the challenge and once reports are reconciled.
Can I choose a purpose for why I am hiking?
Yes! You can select a purpose for your fundraising page:
- I am hiking to raise money to support my Scouting adventures
- I am hiking to support my unit and its operating expenses
- I am hiking to support Scouts in underserved communities
- I am hiking to… (write your own)
How many miles do I need to walk?
You determine the distance and the degree of difficulty, but we ask that you walk a minimum of one (1) mile. If you need a five-mile hike for rank advancement, talk with your Scoutmaster and make it count toward advancement.
How do I report my miles?
It’s simple. A designated unit leader must report all miles completed on your walk or hike no later than November 3, 2026. Miles walked and hiked are reported as a unit.
How do I add Scouts to my unit's fundraiser?
Units have two ways to add Scouts:
- Online: On the main campaign page select Sign Up, then Register. Add one or more Scouts to the cart, click Add to Cart, and check out. Registration is free.
- By CSV: Email a completed participant CSV (Team Name, First Name, Last Name, Email, Fundraising Goal, Phone Number) to hikeathon@nhscouting.org. The template is available in the Resources section above.
When you type the unit name, the system auto-populates the unit number (for example, Pack 0043). If multiple units share a number you’ll see the town — Troop 18 Plaistow or Troop 18 Keene. Units with both a B and G troop appear as Troop 0053B or Troop 0053G.
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