• U.S. and den flags

• Samples of the hand tools referenced in the Bear Handbook.

• Scrap pieces of wood for practice in learning about tools and tool safety. Consider recycling centers, home building sites, and wood pallet companies as sources for wood.

• Sample pieces of wood showing the different characteristics of wood types. Pictures can be used if samples cannot be obtained.

• Sample wood project plans for review during the planning process. The local library or the internet are both good resources for locating project plans.

• Make sure that all Bears have appropriate safety equipment.

• Have a thank-you note for any special guest.

Play the game Akela Says, which is similar to Simon Says with “Akela” swapped for “Simon.” Your den chief or a Scout parent may be Akela. Akela will give instructions to the other players, such as “Jump on one foot,” or “Akela says, ‘Touch your knees.’” The instructions should be followed only if they begin with the phrase “Akela says.”

• Conduct a flag ceremony of your choosing that includes the Pledge of Allegiance and the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

• Do a Den roll call. Have Bears answer by naming which tool they would be if that were possible.

• Carry out business items for the den.

• Allow time for sharing among Cub Scouts.

Snapshot of adventure:

Learning to build things that are useful or fun is an important skill. You might grow up to build houses as a career or models as a hobby. Or you might just learn some skills that will help you in every day life.

Building materials may include wood, cement, plastic, steel, or a combination of all these things. For this adventure, we will focus on wood, you will learn about handtools and how to use them safely. You will learn how to choose the right type of wood for your projects and follow project instructions. And before you're finished, you will use your new skills to make two projects from wood.

Review the steps of planning a project and selecting wood. See pages 39 through 42 of the bear handbook.

Select your project. Will it be something useful or something fun to play with? Will it be a gift for another person?

Read the directions. Be sure to read them twice before starting the project. Instructions may tell you things like hell thick the wood should be and how much you'll need. They might also list the tools required and other items like glue, nails, screws and paint.

Determine the type of wood needed. If the instructions don't tell you this, try answering some questions like these to help you decide:

• do I want to paint or stain my project?

• does my project need a sturdy wood (like oak, walnut, hickory, maple, birch, or and warm) to hold it up?

• Should the wood have an attractive color (Like cedar) or and interesting pattern (like oak or walnut)?

• Once finished, will my project be kept inside or outside?

Before of the Scouts practice with the tools, show them how to properly use a hammer, a coping saw for handsaw, sandpaper, and screwdrivers for both standard and Phillips head screws.