Wolf

Paws on the Path

Meeting #1

Go to Meeting #2

PREPARATION AND MATERIALS NEEDED

• U.S. and den flags

• Trash bags

• Trail food items—could include raisins, chocolate-coated candies, nuts (check for allergies among Scouts), dried fruit, granola, etc.

• Plastic resealable bags

• Any detailed local map (You may use an electronic map; confirm internet connectivity if doing so.)

• A map of the trail or area you will use for your hike

• Cub Scout Six Essentials: first-aid kit, filled water bottle, flashlight (check the batteries), trail food, sun protection, and whistle

• Word strips to identify features on your detailed map. (This does not have to be a map of the trail you are hiking.)

GATHERING:

• Have each Scout make trail food to take on the hike. Give everyone a plastic resealable bag labeled with their name. Show the Scouts the options, and allow them to choose and create a personal trail mix.

• Encourage them to sample any unfamiliar items. Look for healthy options such as granola, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds. Trail food should give you long-term energy. (Check for food allergies BEFORE any sampling or assembling.)

• Once assembled, collect the bags for use on the hike

OPENING

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

• Recite the Outdoor Code together. Ask Scouts to share one way the Outdoor Code makes a difference to hikers.

TALK TIME

• Introduce the Paws on the Path adventure to the den. Build interest by describing the goals of the adventure and some of the activities that are planned.

• Carry out business items for the den.

• Allow time for sharing among Cub Scouts.

◆Activity 1: Map Symbols Game (Optional)

• Introduce the hike, the highlight of this adventure, by showing the Scouts a map of the area that you will be hiking.

• If your map shows the trail as a simple line drawing, acquire a map with details.

• Show the Scouts the key, and explain the symbols.

• Once they get the idea, play a game using word strips. Have a Scout pull a word strip, such as “river,” out of the bag, read it aloud, and show where it is on the map. Word strip options include:

Highway Trail Building Road River Park

◆Activity 2: Explore the Cub Scout Six Essentials (Requirement 1)

• If your Scouts have already assembled the Six Essentials as Tigers or during the Call of the Wild adventure, simply review each item, and challenge the Scouts to remember the purpose of each. Emphasize the importance of bringing water with them for the following reasons:

— Water will hydrate them.

— They cannot rely on the water along the trail because it may not be safe to drink. — Natural streams and rivers may have harmful bacteria or germs in them.

• If they have not assembled the Cub Scout Six Essentials, introduce the idea by asking them what sorts of items they should take on EVERY hike. Help them focus on the six items we want them to have. Suggest that Scouts each have their own set of essentials in a small day pack or backpack that is easy for them to carry. Remind them that they should bring these essentials each time they hike.

• Play the Cub Scout Six Essentials game.

— Divide the den into two groups.

— Have each group line up 20 feet from a table containing at least two sets of the Six Essentials, as well as some other items that are not on the list of essentials.

— On “Go,” each team sends the first runner to the table. Runners select an item they think is one of the six and then return to their team, tagging the next Scout in line.

— Play continues until one team has assembled the correct Cub Scout Six Essentials.

◆Activity 3: Preparing for the Weather (Requirement 3)

• Discuss the types of weather you are expecting on the hike and how to prepare for any

unexpected weather.

• Have the Cub Scouts identify what type of clothing they should wear. Be sure they include hats that cover their heads and ears. Explain what is meant by dressing in layers and the importance of proper socks and shoes for the hike.

• Remind them that sunscreen is an important part of sun protection, which is one of the Six Essentials.

• If rain is a possibility, include a light rain jacket. A large trash bag can double as a rain jacket in an emergency.

◆Activity 4: Map Drawing (Optional)

• Have the Cub Scouts choose an area they would like to use for their map drawing. It should be an

area they see every day.

• Remind them that at the next meeting you will be drawing maps, and they should spend some time in between looking for details to use on their maps.

CLOSING

• Offer a den leader thought regarding “Be Prepared.” When Scouts are prepared, they are not only able to take care of themselves but also able to help other members of their den or community.

• Retrieve the flags.

Do-at-Home Project Reminder:

Remind the families in your den to assemble their Cub Scout Six Essentials so they will be ready for the hike. They should be brought to the next meeting for review. Note: If this is your den’s introduction to the Six Essentials, suggest that Scouts and their families may be

able to minimize the cost by gathering some items from home rather than purchasing everything new.

AFTER THE MEETING

• Serve refreshments, if desired.

• Record completion of requirement 3.

• Work together to clean up the meeting place.

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