Wolf Adventure: Council Fire

This adventure gives Wolves the opportunity to be active members of their community.  They learn about recycling, conservation and about workers who help in their community.

They also find out about specific issues which affect their local area.  They think up ways they can help and present their ideas to the Pack Committee and work on the service project they designed and planned.

I really love this adventure, because it shows these second-graders that even they can make a big difference in the world.

The Council Fire adventure requirements are listed below:

Tiger Adventure: Games Tigers Play

Teamwork, sportsmanship, nutrition and fitness are the main points of this first grade adventure.

This loop requires the playing of team-building or "initiative" games to see how each member of the den has an important part to play.  Tigers will also make up games of their own to play with their den, family and/or pack.  They will learn how being active helps to keep them healthy.  They will bring nutritious snacks to keep their bodies energized for the games.

This is a fun way for these wiggly 6-7 year olds to use up that extra energy while learning about being healthy.

You can see the actual requirements for this adventure below:

Arrow of Light Adventure: Building a Better World

By the time our Cub Scouts have reached fifth grade, they are more independent and ready (whether they know it or not) to handle more responsibility.  They on their last leg of their Cub Scout journey and are one year (or less!!) away from joining a Boy Scout troop.

Wow.  Time really flies!

It seems that with these things in mind, BSA made the Arrow of Light Adventures are beefier, longer and more challenging.

The requirements for this pin are below:

Webelos Adventure: Cast Iron Chef

For some of us, it can be difficult to picture our 4th grade boys being ready to handle campfire cooking (beyond weenie roasts and s'mores).  The thought of them starting fires can be a bit daunting, as well... but there is a part of me that knows our boys will step up to the challenge and shine.

The Cast Iron Chef Adventure Pin lets them do just that.  This adventure for Webelos is centered around campfires, cooking, food safety, nutrition... and even on making and sticking with a budget.

I am excited to see what these guys come up with as they earn this pin.

The Requirements for Cast Iron Chef pin are listed below:

Bear Adventure: Bear Claws

Oh, it's that special time that all Cub Scouts love and parents tend to dread.  That's right, it's time for the boys to learn about knife safety and to earn the right to carry a small pocketknife to scouting events.

I am both excited and dreading this event in our younger son's life.  Kids this age can be unpredictable, but I believe they are up to the challenge (so does BSA).

Of course, earning the Whittling Chip and knowing knife safety does not supersede a parent's right to decide when a child is mature enough to have and carry a pocketknife of his own.  Permission always lies with the parents.*

Below you will find the requirements for earning the Bear Claws Adventure Loop and Whittling Chip...

Wolf Adventure: Call of the Wild

Ask any Den Leader (or parent, teacher, etc.) and he or she will tell you that little boys don't want to be told how to do something, the want to be doing  those things.  They don't want to look at pictures of knots in a book, they want the rope in their hands.  They aren't interest in making posters about Leave No Trace or The Outdoor Code, they would much rather experience them and show you.

Second graders LOVE to show what they can do.  Hands-on, active, butt-out-of-the-chair tasks are what really stick with them.  Don't tell them to pack a rain poncho in case of bad weather, show them how to make one out of a trash bag.*  (Go one better and give them water pistols or balloons to use while wearing said ponchos.)

Believe me, they will remember THAT meeting.

This adventure is a perfect opportunity to invite an older Cub Scout or Boy Scout to teach overhand and square knots.

That's enough of my ramblings.  Below you will find the requirements for earning the Call of the Wild Adventure Loop...

Tiger Adventure: Backyard Jungle

Backyard Jungle... that's how I'd like to imagine all small children see their yard and neighborhood.  It's totally a place to explore and have adventures.

This is one of the new adventures for Tiger Scouts (first grade, or seven years old) that I have seen get a lot of flack.  People were up in arms over a "1-foot-hike" before they even read that a longer hike will be required in a different adventure (Tigers in the Wild).  Also, a listening walk is required in this adventure.

I love the idea of not discounting what is right in front of you.  Teaching children that they don't have to leave home (which can be difficult for urban scouts) to experience the wonders of nature is a good thing.

Now that I've got that off of my chest, let's look at the requirements for this adventure...