BALOO'S BUGLE

BALOO'S BUGLE 

Volume 23, Number 2 

“Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men.” Confucius 

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September 2016 Cub Scout Roundtable 

October 2016 Program Ideas 

PACK MEETING - KIND / CREEPY CRAWLERS 

CS Roundtable Planning Guide – Thrifty, CS Cooking 

Tiger Cub, Wolf, Webelos, & Arrow of Light Meetings and Adventures 

COMMISSIONER'S CORNER 

THE 2016 – 2017 CS RT PLANNING 

GUIDE IS ISSUED 

FOCUS 

2006-2007 CS Roundtable Leaders’ Guide 

Bugs and Boys!! They go together like peanut 

butter and jelly. All boys love creepy, crawly, 

slimy bugs and things that crawl, jump, and 

slither. This month is the perfect opportunity to 

satisfy the natural curiosity of the boys and teach 

them about our multi-legged, crawling friends. 

Where do bugs go in the winter?? Where does 

honey come from?? The coming warm weather 

and new growth of spring offer many occasions to 

teach your Cub Scouts about our exciting bug 

friends. 

Download it at - 

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Commissioners/r 

oundtable.aspx 

Judy and Dave need 

could still use help. If 

you would do one item 

for Baloo each month, it 

would help us greatly – 

Biography – write a one 

page +/- biography of a 

person that exemplifies 

that month's emphasized point of the Scout Law. 

Advancement – Choose a rank. Write a few hints 

and ideas for the Adventure to be discussed that month 

at the Roundtable. And, also, any that have a 

Character Compass pointing to that months point of the 

Scout Law 

Have another idea? Let us know how you feel you 

could help us to make Baloo's Bugle more of what RT 

Commissioners, Cubmasters, and Den Leaders want. 

Write us through the "Send Your Ideas to Baloo" link 

or directly – davethecommish@gmail.com and 

judyjohnsonbsa@yahoo.com

BALOO'S BUGLE - (September 2016 RT / October 2016 Prog Ideas) Page 2 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

COMMISSIONER'S CORNER ................................... 1 

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................. 2 

CORE VALUES........................................................... 4 

KIND(NESS) QUOTES ............................................... 4 

INSECT QUOTES ....................................................... 7 

THOUGHTFUL ITEMS .............................................. 8 

Roundtable Prayer Ideas ........................................... 8 

Let the Bee, Be ......................................................... 8 

BIOGRAPHY ............................................................... 8 

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE ................................. 8 

CUB SCOUT LEARNING LIBRARY ...................... 11 

ADVENTURE PLAN TRACKERS .......................... 14 

RANK ADVANCEMENT CHARTS ........................ 14 

CUB SCOUT LEADER TRAINING ........................ 15 

IN-PERSON TRAINING ....................................... 15 

ON-LINE TRAINING ............................................ 15 

CUB SCOUT IDEAS ................................................. 16 

THE BENEFITS OF CUB SCOUTING ................ 16 

Hug-A-Tree and Survive! ....................................... 18 

Hug-A-Tree Activities ............................................ 20 

ROUNDTABLE HINTS...................................... 21 

ROUNDTABLE PIZZAZZ .................................... 21 

Positive Values Emphasis ........................... 24 

CS RT PLANNING GUIDE ...................................... 24 

CUB SCOUT ROUNDTABLE SCHEDULE ........ 25 

DEN MEETING TOPICS .......................................... 28 

CHARACTER COMPASS ........................................ 28 

THEME RELATED STUFF ...................................... 29 

TO THE RESCUE RELATED ADVENTURES .. 29 

PACK MEETING THEMES AND PLANS .............. 29 

PACK MEETING THEMES .................................. 30 

UPCOMING MONTHS ............................................. 31 

BE UP TO DATE ....................................................... 32 

CUBMASTER THOUGHTS .............................. 33 

The Uniform ........................................................... 33 

BSA Official Uniform Policy ................................. 33 

LIONS ........................................................................ 36 

Organizing for Lions ............................................... 36 

The Chief Scout Executive on Lions ...................... 36 

More Lion Information .......................................... 37 

WEBELOS ................................................................ 37 

WEBELOS TROOP VISIT CHECKLIST .... 38 

OCTOBER CRAZY HOLIDAYS ............................. 41 

OCTOBER – A MONTH FOR KINDNESS ............. 45 

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES ................................... 49 

BSA FAMILY AWARD ........................................... 49 

The BSA Family Activity Book............................. 50 

CUB SCOUT OUTDOOR ACTIVITY AWARD..... 51 

TRAINING TOPICS ................................................. 52 

Games as a Learning Tool ..................................... 52 

Take em outside and play TAG! ............................ 53 

FUN STUFF .............................................................. 54 

Fun Bug Facts ........................................................ 54 

PACK THEME IDEAS ............................................. 56 

INSECT WEB SITES ................................................ 62 

THEME & PACK MEETING IDEAS ...................... 63 

GATHERING ACTIVITIES ..................................... 63 

OPENING CEREMONIES ....................................... 65 

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATIONS ............................. 67 

ADVANCEMENT CEREMONIES .......................... 68 

LEADER RECOGNITION ....................................... 72 

Leader Appreciation Ceremony ............................. 72 

SONGS ...................................................................... 73 

STUNTS AND APPLAUSES ................................... 75 

APPLAUSES & CHEERS ..................................... 75 

RUN-ONS .............................................................. 75 

JOKES & RIDDLES .............................................. 75 

SKITS ........................................................................ 76 

CLOSING CEREMONIES ................................ 78 

CUBMASTER’S MINUTES ................................. 78 

CUB GRUB ............................................................... 80 

GAMES ..................................................................... 83 

My.Scouting .............................................................. 86 

BSA Social Media ..................................................... 87 

“Bryan on Scouting” .................................................. 89 

DEN ADVENTURES ............................................... 94 

TIGER ....................................................................... 94 

Tiger Adventure: Backyard Jungle ........................ 94 

............................................................................ 94


Ways to Conduct a 1-Foot Hike .......................... 94 

Cub Scouts: Bird Feeders for Kids to Make ..... 118 

American Robins ................................................. 95 

House Sparrows .................................................. 96 

10 Steps to Plant a New Tree and Shrubs ........... 96 

Flip the Bird Tag ................................................. 98 

Gourd Birdhouse ................................................. 99 

Cub Scouts Birdhouse Plans ............................... 99 

WOLF ....................................................................... 101 

Wolf Elective Adventure: Cubs Who Care ........... 101 

NOTES TO DEN LEADER .............................. 101 

The 10 Most Successful People With ADHD ... 102 

BEAR ....................................................................... 104 

Bear Adventure: Fur, Feathers, and Ferns ............ 104 

Flip the Bird Tag ............................................... 105 

Finding Out About Endangered Species ........... 105 

Ideas for Adventure Requirements .................... 105 

HOMEMADE RAIN GAUGE ......................... 109 

WEBELOS CORE ................................................... 111 

Webelos Walkabout .............................................. 111 

Mini First Aid Kit ............................................. 111 

First Aid Kit Neckerchief Slide ......................... 112 

Make personal First Aid Kits ................... 113 

Outdoor Code Responsive Reading Ceremony . 113 

The Outdoor Code Opening .............................. 113 

Outdoor Code Closing....................................... 114 

THE OUTDOOR CODE................................... 114 

Leave No Trace Awareness Award ................... 114 

Cub Scout Leave No Trace Pledge .................... 114 

Tiger Cub Scout Requirements ......................... 114 

Wolf Cub Scout Requirements .......................... 115 

Bear Cub Scout Requirements .......................... 115 

Webelos Scout Requirements ............................ 115 

Cub Scout Leader Requirements ...................... 115 

LEAVE NO TRACE ......................................... 115 

Focus on “Leave No Trace” .............................. 115 

Cub Scout Leave No Trace Pledge ................... 116 

Cub Scout Den Meeting: Bird Feeders ............. 118 

How to Make a Terrarium ................................ 119 

ALL ABOUT COLLECTING CRITTERS ......... 119 

COMMON PLACES TO FIND INSECTS ...... 119 

IDENTIFYING INSECTS... ............................ 120 

MAKING A PLASTIC CRITTER-KEEPER .. 121 

HOW TO GET AN INSECT ZOO! ................. 121 

MAKE A "BUG INN"...................................... 121 

PEANUT BUTTER CATERPILLARS ........... 122 

BUGS ON A LOG... ........................................ 122 

MUENSTER CHEESE BEETLES .................. 123 

CRACKER SPIDERS ...................................... 123 

BUTTERFLY BITES #1 .................................. 124 

EASY CATERPILLAR CAKE... ..................... 124 

CREEPY CRAWLERS .................................... 124 

INSECTS UNDER MAGNIFYING GLASS ... 124 

BUTTERFLY FEET ........................................ 125 

FINGER PRINT BUGS ................................... 125 

CREATE AN EGG CARTON BUG! .............. 125 

CATERPILLAR ............................................... 125 

PLAY...CATERPILLAR IN THE GARDEN .. 126 

HUNTING BUGS ............................................ 126 

BUGGY ANATOMY GAME... ....................... 126 

BUGS ............................................................... 126 

IT'S AN INSECT ............................................. 126 

WE'RE GOING ON A BUG HUNT... ............. 127 

FUZZY WUZZY CATERPILLAR .................. 127 

Caterpillar Chant .............................................. 127 

BOOKS ABOUT BUGS ( LISTED A-Z) ........ 127 

Food Chain Stacking Cups ............................... 128 

ONE LAST THING ................................................. 129 

The Butterfly.... .................................................... 129 

The Stranger in Our House .................................. 129 

THE GOLDEN RULE ......................................... 130 

ARROW OF LIGHT CORE .................................... 117 

Webelos/AOL Elective Adventure: Into the Wild 117 

Cub Scout Outdoor Activities at Local Parks ... 117 

Cub Scouts: Easy Bird Feeders for Kids ........... 118


CORE VALUES 

KIND is this month's point of the Scout Law. 

A Scout is KIND. The theme CREEPY 

CRAWLERS is used to help Cubs understand 

being KIND. 

A SCOUT IS KIND 

A Scout is kind. A Scout knows there is 

strength in being gentle. He treats others as he 

wants to be treated. Without good reason, he 

does not harm or kill any living thing. 

HOW DOES “TO THE RESCUE” RELATE 

TO THIS SCOUT LAW POINT? 

A Scout does not hurt or kill harmless things 

without reason. This month, explore creepy 

crawlers and discover the world of insects. The 

Scouts will learn that creepy crawlers are 

important to our world, and they will learn and 

how to be kind to our crawling friends. 

Per our Founder, Lord Baden-Powell 

the definition (or meaning) of the Scout Law 

point highlighted this month is: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scout_Law 

Note – The original Scout Law published in 1908 had 

nine points. In 1910, the BSA added Brave, Clean, and 

Reverent. In 1911 B-P added Clean to his original list. 

A SCOUT IS KIND 

Baden Powell said - 

A SCOUT IS A FRIEND TO ANIMALS. He should 

save them as far as possible from pain, and should not 

kill any animal unnecessarily, even if it is only a fly--- 

for it is one of God's creatures. 

(Scouting For Boys, 1908) 

The Spirit of Love is after all, 

the Spirit of God working within you. 

Lord Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell 

Commissioner Dave Rule of Thumb - 

Although not 100%, I use this Rule of Thumb when 

discussing Courteous and Kind with Scouts – One is 

Courteous to people, and Kind to animals. "Be Kind 

to Animals Week" still exists!! 

In this video, the 

"Believe It Live It" team profiles Jeri and Don Barr and 

explains how their Candlelight Ranch demonstrates 

kindness to kids with sickness or disabilities. Go to 

URL: http://boyslife.org/about-scouts/scoutlaw/4240/ascout-is-kind/ 

KIND(NESS) QUOTES 

Quotations contain the wisdom of the ages, and are a 

great source of inspiration for Cubmaster’s minutes, 

material for an advancement ceremony or an insightful 

addition to a Pack Meeting program cover. 

An animal has been made by God, just as you have 

been. He is therefore a fellow-creature. 

Sir Robert Baden-Powel 

“No act of kindness, 

no matter how small, is ever wasted." 

Aesop,. 

Greek Slave and Fable Author (620BC–560 BC). 

Never be so busy as not to think of others. 

– Mother Teresa 

Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or 

softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not 

have to be cruel to be tough. -Franklin D. Roosevelt 

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and 

the blind can see. -Mark Twain 

You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never 

know how soon it will be too late. 

-Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. 

Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose 

without regret, how to acquire without meanness. 

-George Sand 

A warm smile is the universal language of kindness. 

-William Arthur Ward 

Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun 

makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, 

mistrust, and hostility to evaporate. -Albert Schweitzer 

Carry out a random act of kindness, with no 

expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one 

day someone might do the same for you. 

-Princess Diana 

Love and kindness are never wasted. They always 

make a difference. They bless the one who receives 

them, and they bless you, the giver. 

-Barbara de Angelis


Remember there's no such thing as a small act of 

kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical 

end. -Scott Adams 

One who is kind is sympathetic and gentle with others. 

He is considerate of others' feelings and courteous in 

his behavior. He has a helpful nature. Kindness 

pardons others' weaknesses and faults. Kindness is 

extended to all -- to the aged and the young, to animals, 

to those low of station as well as the high. 

-Ezra Taft Benson 

There is overwhelming evidence that the higher the 

level of self-esteem, the more likely one will be to treat 

others with respect, kindness, and generosity. 

-Nathaniel Branden 

Wherever there is a human being, there is an 

opportunity for a kindness. -Lucius Annaeus Seneca 

Because that's what kindness is. It's not doing 

something for someone else because they can't, but 

because you can. -Andrew Iskander 

You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by 

force. -Publilius Syrus 

Always be a little kinder than necessary. 

-James M. Barrie 

Transparency, honesty, kindness, good stewardship, 

even humor, work in businesses at all times. 

-John Gerzema 

Kind people are the best kind of people. -Anonymous 

Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the 

recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom. 

-Theodore Isaac Rubin 

Three things in human life are important. The first is to 

be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be 

kind. -Henry James 

A single act of kindness throws out roots in all 

directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. 

-Amelia Earhart 

How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it! 

-George Elliston 

One who knows how to show and to accept kindness 

will be a friend better than any possession. -Sophocles 

He that has done you a kindness will be more ready to 

do you another, than he whom you yourself have 

obliged. -Benjamin Franklin 

Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the 

world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have. 

– Margaret Mead 

The simple act of caring is heroic. – Edward Albert 

When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that 

I am old, I admire kind people. 

– Abraham Joshua Heschel 

Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little 

bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. – 

Desmond Tutu 

When you are kind to others, it not only changes you, it 

changes the world. – Harold Kushner 

I feel the capacity to care is the thing which gives life 

its deepest significance. – Pablo Casals 

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder 

battle. – Plato 

You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never 

know how soon it will be too late. – Ralph Waldo 

Emerson 

If you want to lift yourself up, lift someone else up. 

– Booker T. Washington 

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, 

nothing is going to get better. It’s not. – Dr. Seuss 

Always stop to think whether your fun may be the 

cause of another’s unhappiness. – Aesop 

To belittle, you have to be little. – Kahlil Gibran 

I Corinthians 14: 4-8


Of all virtues and dignities of the mind, goodness is the 

greatest. – Francis Bacon 

Goodness is the only investment that never fails. 

– Henry David Thoreau 

There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching 

down and lifting people up. – John Holmes 

Life is mostly froth and bubble. Two things stand like 

stone. Kindness in another’s trouble, Courage in your 

own. – Adam Lindsay Gordon 

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a 

smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest 

compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which 

have the potential to turn a life around. 

– Leo Buscaglia 

That best portion of a man’s life, his little, nameless, 

unremembered acts of kindness and love. 

– William Wordsworth 

Quotes About Compassion 

Alice Retzinger, Golden Empire Council 

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If 

you want to be happy, practice compassion. Dali Lama 

Compassion will cure more sins than condemnation. 

Harriett Ward Beecher 

It is lack of love for ourselves that inhibits our 

compassion toward others. If we make friends with 

ourselves, then there is no obstacle to opening our 

hearts and minds to others. Anonymous 

Compassion is not religious business, it is human 

business … it is essential for human survival. 

Dali Lama 

Compassion is based on a keen awareness of the 

interdependence of all living beings, we are all part of 

one another, and all involved in one another. 

Thomas Merten 

Compassion is the basis of all morality. 

Arthur Schopenhauer 

Make no judgements where you have no compassion. 

Anonymous 

Compassion is the antitoxin of the soul: where there is 

compassion even the most poisonous impulses remain 

relatively harmless. Eric Hoffer 

Compassion is not weakness, and concern for the 

unfortunate is not socialism. Hubert Humphrey 

It is much easier to show compassion to animals. They 

are never wicked. Haile Selassie 

By compassion we make others' misery our own, and 

so, by relieving them, we relieve ourselves also. 

Thomas Browne Sr. 

No man is a true believer unless he desireth for his 

brother that which he desireth for himself. Muhammad 

Man may dismiss compassion from his heart, but God 

never will William Cowper 

Compassion, in which all ethics must take 

root, can only attain its full breadth and 

depth if it embraces all living creatures… 

Albert Einstein


INSECT QUOTES 

We hope that, when the insects take over the world, 

they will remember with gratitude how we took them 

along on all our picnics. ~Bill Vaughan 

Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes? 

~Author Unknown 

The spider's touch, how exquisitely fine! 

Feels at each thread, and lives along the line. 

~Alexander Pope 

Cockroaches really put my "all creatures great and 

small" creed to the test. ~Terri Guillemets 

Some primal termite knocked on wood; 

and tasted it, and found it good. 

That is why your Cousin May 

Fell through the parlor floor today. 

~Ogden Nash 

The mosquito is the state bird of New Jersey. 

~Andy Warhol 

Teaching a child not to step on a caterpillar is as 

valuable to the child as it is to the caterpillar. 

~Bradley Millar 

God in His wisdom made the fly 

And then forgot to tell us why. 

~Ogden Nash, "The Fly" 

If you think you are too small to be effective, you have 

never been in bed with a mosquito. ~Betty Reese 

Large flocks of butterflies, all kinds of happy insects, 

seem to be in a perfect fever of joy and sportive 

gladness. ~John Muir, 1867 October 9th, 

A Thousand-Mile Walk To the Gulf 

In the midst of the prayer a fly had lit on the back of 

the pew in front of him and tortured his spirit by 

calmly rubbing its hands together, embracing its head 

with its arms, and polishing it so vigorously that it 

seemed to almost part company with the body, and the 

slender thread of a neck was exposed to view; scraping 

its wings with its hind legs and smoothing them to its 

body as if they had been coat tails; going through its 

whole toilet as tranquilly as if it knew it was perfectly 

safe. As indeed it was; for as sorely as Tom's hands 

itched to grab for it they did not dare—he believed his 

soul would be instantly destroyed if he did such a thing 

while the prayer was going on. 

~Mark Twain, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer 

The difference between the almost right word & the 

right word is really a large matter—it's the difference 

between the lightning bug and the lightning. 

~Mark Twain, 1888 

To a child's eye a lightning-bug outshines the brightest 

fixed star. ~O.P. Fitzgerald 

Fireflies are light angels of the dark. 

~Terri Guillemets, "Ohio," 1995 

I hate mosquitoes. I mean, I know I'm delicious but 

dang! ~Author unknown 

The Amazon rainforest has 2.5 million species of 

insects. That's more bugs than iOS 7. 

~Internet meme 

Two-legged creatures we are supposed to love as we 

love ourselves. The four-legged, also, can come to 

seem pretty important. But six legs are too many from 

the human standpoint. ~Joseph W. Krutch 

For more INSECT QUOTES go to - 

http://www.quotegarden.com/insects.html


THOUGHTFUL ITEMS 

BIOGRAPHY 

Roundtable Prayer Ideas 

From old CS Roundtable Planning Guides 

Let us take a moment to reflect on all life, 

knowing that a Cub Scouts, we will do our best to 

take care of all of earth’s great resources. Amen 

Chief Seattle said, “What is man without the 

beasts? If all the beasts are gone, man would die 

from great loneliness of spirit. For whatever 

happens to the beasts soon happens to man. All 

things are connected. AMEN 

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE 

How could I choose anyone else besides a nurse as an 

example of being KIND?? Especially after being married 

to one for over 40 years?? CD 

"A nurse is compassion in scrubs." Lexie Saige 

Let the Bee, Be 

Scouter Jim, Bountiful UT 

If you want to live and thrive, let the spider run 

alive. American Quaker Saying 

Spiders are among a large number of “bugs” we 

could not live without. They are predators that seek 

out those insects that would make themselves a pest. 

Any farmer can tell you about the importance of 

pollinators. Without them there would be no apples, 

pears, cherries, citrus fruits, nuts, berries, melons, 

squash or many other common foods. Pollinating 

insects are estimated to be worth a least eight billion 

dollars a year to our economy. 

But other insects also play an important role in our 

environment. Natural predators like lady bugs or 

lady bird beetles, praying mantis, lacewings, 

parasitic wasps and tachinid flies and others, when 

properly maintained, reduce the need for expensive 

pesticides that poison our environment. Wolves 

were introduced to Yellowstone Park to restore the 

natural balance of predator and prey to the park. 

Beneficial insects in our communities will do the 

same in our yards. 

When we attack our communities with large 

amounts of pesticides, we not only kill those target 

insects, but we kill our allies who would help us. 

This is a good month to teach our Cub Scouts that 

not all bugs are bad, and that when we work as a 

team with our beneficial insect allies, we all have a 

better environment. So let the bee, be! 

Florence Nightingale's lasting contribution has 

been her role in founding the modern nursing 

profession. She set examples of kindness, 

compassion, commitment to patient care, and 

diligent and thoughtful hospital administration. 

Florence Nightingale was a nurse in the British 

Army and gave up her aristocratic life to take up a 

job, with what was considered to be a beggar's 

profession. She thought nursing was a form of 

'divine calling' during her young years. She was 

sent to the army hospital during the Crimean War 

and was appalled by the pathetic conditions of the 

hospitals. She soon began advocating clean-up of 

the hospitals, as it was the main cause of the 

soldier's death. Here, she tapped her mathematical 

and statistical talents to analyze medical data. She 

became a hero throughout the world with her 

kindness or the patients, dedication to duty, and 

contributions to nursing profession. 

Born to a comfortable family, Florence 

Nightingale was educated by governesses and then 

by her father, with her older sister, Parthenope. 

She was familiar with the Greek and Latin 

classical languages, and modern languages of 

French, German, and Italian. She also studied 

history, grammar, and philosophy. At twenty, she 

overcame parental objections to receive tutoring in 

mathematics.


Called to a Mission in Life: 

On February 7, 1837, Florence Nightingale heard, 

by her account, the voice of God telling her that 

she had a mission in life. It took her some years of 

searching to identify that mission. This was the 

first of four occasions where Florence Nightingale 

said she heard the voice of God. 

By 1844, over parental objections, Florence 

Nightingale chose a different path than the social 

life and marriage expected of her by her parents -- 

she chose to work in nursing, which was then not 

a respectable profession for women. 

Florence Nightingale went to Kaiserwerth in 

Prussia to experience a German training program 

for girls who would serve as nurses. She worked 

briefly for a Sisters of Mercy hospital near Paris. 

Her views began to be respected. 

Florence Nightingale in the Crimea: 

When the Crimean War began, reports came back 

to England about terrible conditions for wounded 

and sick soldiers. Florence Nightingale 

volunteered to go to Turkey, and at the urging of a 

family friend, then secretary of state at war, she 

took thirty-eight women, including 18 Anglican 

and Roman Catholic sisters to the warfront. 

From 1854-56, Florence Nightingale headed 

nursing efforts in English military hospitals in 

Scutari, Turkey. She established more sanitary 

conditions and ordered supplies, beginning with 

clothing and bedding. She gradually won over -- at 

least enough to get cooperation -- the military 

doctors. She used significant funds raised by the 

London Times. About her The Times wrote: "She 

is a ‘ministering angel’ without any exaggeration 

in these hospitals, and as her slender form glides 

quietly along each corridor, every poor fellow's 

face softens with gratitude at the sight of her. 

When all the medical officers have retired for the 

night and silence and darkness have settled down 

upon those miles of prostrate sick, she may be 

observed alone, with a little lamp in her hand, 

making her solitary rounds." 

Soon, Florence Nightingale focused more on 

administration than on actual nursing. But she 

continued to be kind by visiting the wards, and 

sending letters back home from injured and ill 

soldiers. Her rule that she be the only woman in 

the wards at night earned her the title "The Lady 

with the Lamp." The mortality rate at the military 

hospital fell from 60% at her arrival to 2% six 

months later. 

Florence Nightingale applied her education and 

interest in mathematics to develop statistical 

analyses of disease and mortality, inventing the 

use of the pie chart. 

Florence Nightingale fought both a not-too-willing 

military bureaucracy and her own illness with 

Crimean fever to eventually become general 

superintendent of the Female Nursing 

Establishment of the Military Hospitals of the 

Army (March 16, 1856). 

Return to England: 

Because of her kindness and actions, Florence 

Nightingale was already a heroine in England 

when she returned, though she actively worked 

against the adulation of the public. She helped to 

establish the Royal Commission on the Health of 

the Army in 1857, and gave evidence to the 

commission and compiled her own report, 

published privately in 1858. She also became 

involved -- from London -- in advising on 

sanitation in India. 

Florence Nightingale was quite ill from 1857 until 

the end of her life, living in London, mostly as an 

invalid. She used the privacy provided by the 

disease to continue her writing choosing when to 

receive visits from people.


In 1860 she founded the Nightingale School and 

Home for Nurses in London, England, teachingthe 

nurses how to be kind and compassionate while 

treating their patients. She used funds contributed 

by the public to honor her work in the Crimea. 

By 1901, Florence Nightingale was completely 

blind. The King awarded her the Order of Merit in 

1907, making Florence Nightingale the first 

woman to receive that honor. 

Florence Nightingale declined the offer of a 

national funeral and of burial at Westminster 

Abbey, requesting that her grave be marked 

simply. 

"Nurses dispense comfort, compassion, and caring 

without even a prescription." Val Saintsbury 

Other Famous Nurses 

As you read above, Nursing was a profession that 

was taken up by girls and women of the lower 

class during the 19th century. It was not 

considered to be a well-accepted profession for 

women and the public perception of nurses was 

not very high. But, women like Florence 

Nightingale with their kindness, selflessness and 

desire, to help people in need, changed the outlook 

of society towards nursing. Nurses became the 

backbone of the medical profession, without 

whom the sick and injured would have been lost. 

During war-time, the duties of nurses made them 

front-runners in hospitals, who gave emotional 

support and showed kindness to the injured 

soldiers away from home. They became the most 

respected women who not just lent a helping hand, 

but kindly and compassionately lent a patient ear 

to the sick who wanted to share their woes. 

Famous nurses throughout history helped change 

the future of medicine with their courage and 

intelligence. Here are some famous nurses in 

history who will always be admired by the 

medical community for their compassionate acts 

and altruistic dedication. 

Famous Nurses in the Civil War 

The Civil War saw many heroes emerge from 

different walks of life, and women were not left far 

behind with their acts of courage and kindness. 

Many women dedicated their life to help the sick 

and injured men to get them back on their feet 

Dorothea Dix 

She was a US nursing pioneer who was a strong 

advocate for the mentally ill patients and even 

prisoners. She was the driving force behind the 

first mental asylums to be started in the United 

States. She was not only an outspoken social 

activists, but was the Civil War Superintendent of 

Union Army of Nurses. Dorothea Dix asked the 

MA legislature for reforms in 1843 to end the 

inhumane conditions the mentally ill were kept in. 

Mary Todd Lincoln 

Mary Todd Lincoln was not only the first lady of 

America, but a tireless nurse. She was a welleducated 

woman from Lexington, Kentucky who 

married Abraham Lincoln. She is remembered for 

her dedication in tending wounded soldiers during 

the Civil War. 

Clara Barton 

One of the most famous women in American 

history Clarissa Harlowe Barton is known as the 

'Angel of the Battlefield'. During the Civil War, 

she carried supplies to the battlefield and is known 

as the founder of Red Cross. 

"The door that nobody else will go in at, seems 

always to swing open widely for me." Clara Barton


CUB SCOUT LEARNING 

LIBRARY 

The NEW https://cubscouts.org/ !!! 

This is the Cub Scout Learning Library – 

Everything you could want to know for Cub 

Scouts is or will be here. And all within a click or 

3 of the home page. National heard the message 

that although things were at www.scouting.org 

they were often buried too deep to be found. 

This site has admin stuff and practical stuff. The 

new Den Leader Resource Books are here. You 

can download some of the pages for FREE 

This website is a great resource. There are still 

parts under construction but what is there is 

GREAT!! 

Yes, https://cubscouts.org runs on a phone, too!!! 

1. Learning Library takes you where you 

can learn about your position and pick up 

hints. Besides specifics for dens of each rank, 

other clickable links include – 

KEY 

All or most of material was placed on site 

this past month 

All or most of material was in place and 

listed as such in last month's Baloo's 

Bugle. 

Site / pages under construction 

Den Leader 

Den Meeting Basics 

Your First Den Meeting 

Planning Den Outings 

The Parts of a Den Meeting 

Getting Started 

Three of the Core Adventures for the selected 

rank are listed here. Click on them and you 

will see / can download all the Leader's Guide 

pages for these three Adventures. 

Additional Required Adventures 

The remaining Core Adventures for the 

selected rank are listed here. When you click 

them you get an intro to the Adventure but do 

not get the Meeting Plans and Resources. You 

see this note: 

There are 3 tabs on top of the home 

page – 

Learning Library 

Cub Hub Blog 

Join Scouting 

Plus – a magnifying Glass to start a 

search and Icons for various Social 

Media – 

To get you started in delivering fun and engaging 

meetings, complete Den Meeting Plans are 

available here on the Learning Library for the 

Backyard Jungle and Games Tigers Play 

adventures. To obtain Den Meeting Plans for all 

other adventures, Den Leader Guides are available 

at your local Scout Shop, online at scoutstuff.org, 

or as an eBook through Amazon. 

Elective Adventures 

All the Elective Adventures for the selected 

rank are listed here. When you click them you 

get an intro to the Adventure but do not get the 

Meeting Plans and Resources. You see the 

same note (above). 

The tabs for Pinewood Derby and Cub Day 

camp have been removed.


Building Strong Dens 

2. Cub Hub Blog takes you to a Cub 

The Basics of Cub Scouts 

Scout specific Blog similar to Bryan's Blog. 

Advancement 

The most recent topics discussed are listed here. 

BSA Mission and Vision Statements 

There are more at www.cubscouts.org: 

Cub Scout Ages and Ranks 

There were 3 new posts this month. And I 

Cub Scout Uniforming 

Den Flags 

left the 1 from last month in Baloo!! CD 

Den Yells 

Leader Survival Kit 

Methods of Cub Scouting 

Purpose of Cub Scouting 

Roles and Responsibilities 

Scout Oath and Law 

Everything You Need to 

What Is Cub Scouting? 

Send Your Cub Scouts Back to School - Back to 

Training 

School with Your Cub Scouts It’s the season of a new 

The Role of Training 

pair of shoes, a… 

Youth Protection 

This article has info on buying backpacks, helping your 

Den Planning And Administration 

son get good grades, and 30 Boys' Life Back to School 

jokes and how to make twig pencils. ) 

Advancement Basics 

Advancement Requirements 

Annual Planning For Your Den 

Coordinating Your Den Plan with Pack 

Tracking and Recognizing 

Advancement 

Youth Protection Training 

Watch These Trailers to Get 

Positive Youth Development and 

Excited for Fall Family Movies - As summer slowly 

Working with Boys 

ebbs into fall, the changing of the season signals 

Developmental Differences Boys 7-11 heading back to school and Cub… 

Behavior and Discipline 

Positive Youth Development 

Working With Special Needs Cub 

Scouts (Advice is specific to each Special Need. 

Lots of research was done to prep these pages.) 

Parents’ Prejoining Conference 

Getting Excited for the 

Leadership Techniques 

Olympic Games - Olympic Games Excitement There 

Working With Specific Disabilities and is a lot of excitement around the Summer Olympic 

Needs 

Games in Rio de… 

The other positions are still under 

development: 

Cubmaster 

Committee Chair/Member 

Chartered Org Rep 

Parent / Adult Partner 

Summer Reading with 

Cub Scouts - Ah, summer. When the glass of iced 

lemonade sweats chilled droplets of water next to the 

dog-eared…


Cub Hub Blog Lion Posts Also, on the home page – 

A Look at the Lion Uniform and 

Gear Lion uniform, shirts and hats! In case you’ve 

missed the Lion uniform images floating around the 

Digital Pack… 

Will Lions Join Tigers and Bears? 

Oh My! — A Lions FAQ Lions: Answers to your 

top questions. We have seen a lot of great 

feedback, comments and questions from… 

Click for a YouTube Video on Cub Scouting. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_e 

mbedded&v=dqKFgk8SJlE 

AND 6 picture links - 

5 Questions (and Answers) for 

the New Lion Program More Information on the 

New Lion Program As we mentioned earlier on the 

Cub Hub, Select councils will… 

Lion Program will bring Scouting 

to Kindergarten Boys Something Roaring in the 

Jungle There is an exciting new Scouting program 

called “Lion” for Kindergarten-aged boys… 

3. Join Scouting takes you to 

www.beascout.org 

These Six Links take you to: 

www.scoutstuff.org – The Supply 

Division site where you can locate your nearest 

National Scout Shop or buy your Scout supplies 

http://scoutingwire.org/ - Where you 

can get the latest Scouting News from around the 

country. You can sign up to get notifications 

when things are posted here... 

https://cubscouts.org/pinewoodderby-2016-photo-contest 

Takes you 

to a page that says promotion has ended. Pictures 

of entries that were received have been removed. 

https://www.scoutbook.com/ Where 

you can get the Scoutbook APP to track your son's 

Scouting Experience from Tiger to Eagle Scout. 

www.boyslife.org – Go directly 

to the on-line edition of Boys 'Life 

http://scoutingwire.org/marketing 

-membership/ Get resources and materials 

to strengthen your unit at BSA's marketing and 

membership site. Learn the best practices and tips 

employed by the most successful units.


ADVENTURE PLAN 

TRACKERS 

The website links have been updated. 

I found out things had been moved!! CD 

RANK ADVANCEMENT 

CHARTS 

Track your Den's completed Adventures and progress 

to earning their next rank on a wall chart. This worked 

wonders for us when our son was a Cub Scout. 

Everyone wanted to have the most completions. And 

they could see where the goal was. 

Tracking Spreadsheets are posted on the USScouts 

Advancement webpage 

(http://usscouts.org/advance/cubscout/intro.asp). 

The spreadsheets were tested by a software 

developer who said they are so good he sees no 

reason to develop his own!! 

Utah National Parks Council, also, has Excel 

spreadsheets posted for all the new Adventure Plan 

requirements on their Akela's Council BlogSpot. 

http://akelascouncil.blogspot.com/search/label/Tra 

cking%20Sheet (The page starts with Arrow of 

Light scroll down for other ranks) 

Tiger Advancement Chart, Item: 620578 

A spreadsheet that correlates Meetings to 

Adventure requirements is available on the Utah 

National Parks' Akela's Council Blogspot at 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/yb8fweg7etnhqrt/WO 

LF%20BEAR%20WEBELOS%20REQUIREMEN 

TS%20-%20MTGS.xlsx?dl=0 . It has all the Wolf, 

Bear, Webelos and AOL Adventure requirements. 

These Advancement Spreadsheet workbooks are 

FREE for Scouters. But be COURTEOUS and 

observe the following - 

PLEASE do not download the files from either 

site to email or send them digitally to others. 

They are for your personal / pack use only. If you 

would like to share these files with others, please 

copy / send the link to them and send them to the 

site so they can print off their own. They would 

love everyone that wants a copy to get their own 

copy absolutely free. Both USScouts and Utah 

National Parks receive Ad money based on the 

number of people visiting the site. That ad money 

helps keep their websites open. Please help them 

(us) by encouraging others to visit to obtain files. 

Den Advancement Chart, Item: 620579 

(Scoutstuff.org listing says Den Advancement Chart not Wolf) 

Cub Scout Bear Advancement Chart, Item: 621006 

(Not sure why this one says Cub Scout. None of the others do) 

Webelos® Advancement Chart, Item: 620577


CUB SCOUT 

LEADER TRAINING 

IN-PERSON TRAINING 

Position-Specific In-Person Training Guides Available 

Now! The training guides for 

Den Leader 

(http://www.scouting.org/filestore/training/pdf/515 

-215.pdf ), 

Cubmaster/Assistant Cubmaster 


-503_WB.pdf ), and 

Pack Committee 


-504_WB.pdf ) 

Are available on Scouting University. You can access 

them at http://www.scouting.org/training/adult.aspx . 

A Typical Learning Plan has several parts – 

There is no need to complete more than one section at 

a time. Do what you have time to do. 

Here you can see the three parts of the CM Course - 

ON-LINE TRAINING 

On-Line Training for all Cub Scout positions has been 

available since October 25, 2015 

The online training for Den Leaders, Cubmasters, 

Committee Chairs and members, and Chartered 

Organization Representatives is totally updated with 

help from volunteers from around the country. The 

new training is divided into shorter, more targeted 

modules so leaders can get the training they need, in 

the order they want, any time they need it. It is 

organized around the learning needed prior to the first 

meeting, in the first 30 days, and to be position-specific 

trained. This training was developed to be 

implemented in conjunction with the BSA’s new 

learning management system. Keep an eye on 

my. Scouting Tools (log in at https://My.Scouting.org) 

for more information. 

Each of these three parts is broken down into "bite 

sized" chunks: 

Go to the BSA Volunteer Training Team Facebook 

page (Link above) and . 

Then you automatically receive the latest news!! 

If you are having difficulties with 

the training or system call 

Member Care at 972-580-2489, 

Go check it out and get your 

people trained!!!


CUB SCOUT IDEAS 

THE BENEFITS OF CUB 

SCOUTING 

In keeping with the CS RT Planning Guide 

Interest Topic of Families - There is a great 

section of National's Website with lots of 

information for Cub Scout Parents - 

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/Parents 

Be sure to check t out. The following article is 

just one of many clicks on the page. CD 

As a worldwide brotherhood, Scouting is unique. It is 

based on the principles of loving and serving God, of 

human dignity and the rights of individuals, and of 

recognizing the obligation of members to develop and 

use their potential. It is a movement dedicated to 

bringing out the best in people. Cub Scouting doesn't 

emphasize winning as an end result, but rather the far 

more demanding task of doing one's best. 

When Scouting can help nurture courage and kindness 

and allow boys to play, to laugh, to develop their 

imaginations, and to express their feelings, then we 

will have helped them grow. We want boys to become 

useful and stable individuals who are aware of their 

own potential. Helping a boy to learn the value of his 

own worth is the greatest gift we can give him. 

Cub Scouting Is Fun 

Boys join Cub Scouting because they want to have fun. 

For boys, however, fun means a lot more than just 

having a good time. "Fun" is a boy's code word for the 

satisfaction he gets from meeting challenges, having 

friends, feeling good about himself, and feeling he is 

important to other people. While the boys are having 

fun and doing things they like to do, they also learn 

new things, discover and master new skills, gain selfconfidence, 

and develop strong friendships. 

Cub Scouting Has Ideals 

Cub Scouting has ideals of spiritual and character 

growth, citizenship training, and personal fitness. The 

Scout Oath is a pledge of duty to God and family. The 

Scout Law is a simple formula for good Cub Scouting 

and good citizenship. The Cub Scout motto, "Do Your 

Best," is a code of excellence. Symbols, such as the 

Cub Scout sign, Cub Scout salute, and the Living 

Circle, help boys feel a part of a distinct group and add 

to the appeal of belonging to a widely respected 

organization. 

Cub Scouting Strengthens Families 

The family is an important influence on our nation's 

youth. There are many different types of family 

structures in today's world. Scouting is a support to all 

types of families as well as to organizations to which 

families belong. We believe in involving families in 

the training of youth, and we are sensitive to the needs 

of present-day families. Cub Scouting provides 

opportunities for family members to work and play 

together, to have fun together, and to get to know each 

other a little better. 

Cub Scouting Helps Develop Interests & Skills 

In Cub Scouting, boys participate in a broad array of 

activities. Cub Scouts develop ability and dexterity, 

and they learn to use tools and to follow directions. 

Recognition and awards encourage them to learn about 

a variety of subjects, such as conservation, safety, 

physical fitness, community awareness, academic 

subjects, sports, and religious activities. These interests 

might become a hobby or even a career later in life. 

Cub Scouting Provides Adventure 

Cub Scouting helps fulfill a boy's desire for adventure 

and allows him to use his vivid imagination while 

taking part in skits, games, field trips, service projects, 

outdoor activities, and more. A variety of adventure 

themes let a boy play the role of an astronaut, clown, 

explorer, scientist, or other exciting character. Boys 

find adventure in exploring the outdoors, learning 

about nature, and gaining a greater appreciation for our 

beautiful world. 

Cub Scouting Has an Advancement Plan 

The advancement plan recognizes a boy's efforts and 

achievements. It provides fun for the boys, teaches 

them to do their best, and helps strengthen 

understanding as family members work with boys on 

advancement requirements. Badges are awarded to 

recognize advancement, and boys like to receive and 

wear these badges. The real benefit comes from the 

worthwhile things the boy learns while he is earning 

the badges, as his self-confidence and self-esteem 

grow.


Cub Scouting Creates Fellowship 

Boys like to be accepted as part of a group. In Cub 

Scouting, boys belong to a small group called a den 

where they take part in interesting and meaningful 

activities with their friends. The Cub Scout den and 

pack are positive places where boys can feel secure 

emotionally and find support. Each boy has status, 

recognition, and a sense of belonging to this group. 

Cub Scouting Promotes Diversity 

In Cub Scouting, boys may learn to interact in a group 

that may include boys of various ethnicities, income 

levels, religions, and levels of physical ability. By 

having fun together and working as a group toward 

common goals, Cub Scouts learn the importance of not 

only getting along, but also of working together with 

boys of different races, classes, religions, cultures, etc. 

Cub Scouting Teaches Duty to God and Country 

The BSA believes that no member can grow into the 

best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation 

to God, and encourages both youth and adult leaders to 

be faithful in their religious duties. The Scouting 

movement has long been known for service to others. 

Scouting believes that patriotism plays a significant 

role in preparing our nation's youth to become useful 

and participating citizens. A Cub Scout learns his duty 

to God, country, others, and self. 

Cub Scouting Is a Positive Place 

With all the negative influences in today's society, 

Scouting provides your son with a positive peer group 

who can encourage him in all the right ways. Carefully 

selected leaders provide good role models and a group 

setting where values are taught and help to reinforce 

positive qualities of character.Scout Law Word Search 

Go to http://strongarmor.blogspot.com/2015/06/cubscouts-scout-oath-and-law-helps-and.html 

to get full 

size, full color (or black and white) printable versions 

Cub Scouting Provides a Year-Round Program 

Cub Scouting has no specific "season." It's a year-round 

program. While spring & summer pack activities are 

informal and there are many activities that Cub Scouts 

do outdoors, there's still plenty of fun to be had in the 

fall and winter: the Pinewood Derby, Blue and Gold 

banquet, skits, stunts, craft projects, and indoor games 

help to round out an entire year of fun and activities.


PACK ADMIN HELPS 

Here is something every Pack should get learn 

about and practice. It can be a fun activity on 

your Family Camping trips. CD 

Hug-A-Tree and Survive! 

Alice, CS RT Commissioner 

Pioneer District, Golden Empire Council 

Hug A Tree is sponsored by the National 

Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) 

and you can find info on the program at 

http://www.nasar.org/nasar/hug_a_tree_program.php 

HUG-A-TREE & SURVIVE is a Search and 

Rescue Program. It is aimed at children from 

kindergarten to grade six (although it has also 

saved a four-year old who overheard the 

presentation), and has as its purpose the goal of 

teaching them: 

How not to become lost in the Woods. 

What to do if they do become lost. 

How not to come to harm 

How they can help searchers find them. 

The HUG-A-TREE and SURVIVE! Program 

originated in San Diego, California, following the 

tragic death of a nine year old boy who had 

become lost. Founders Ab Taylor and Thomas R. 

Jacobs developed the program to teach children 

how to keep from getting lost, what to do if they 

did become lost, how to stay warm and dry, and 

how they can help searchers to find them. You are 

encouraged to discuss the program and ideas with 

your children. We hope your children will never 

become lost. But if they do, this knowledge can 

help your child remember the information that will 

make the search both short and successful! 

The main feature of this program is impressing 

upon the children that they can help by looking 

after themselves and by assisting the searchers. 

Training, DVDs, materials to learn about 

Hug-A-Tree and become certified as a trainer may 

be found on the NASAR Sponsored website, 

http://www.nasar.org/nasar/hug_a_tree_program.php 

The "Hug-a-Tree and Survive Presenter 

Information Manual" is 11 pages long and found 

at 

https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/nasar/page 

s/137/attachments/original/1421275251/Hug-A- 

Tree_Presenter_Info_Manual_9-29- 

2008_s.pdf?1421275251 

 

 

 

The Principles of the Program are: 

ALWAYS TELL SOMEONE WHERE 

YOU ARE GOING so that the searchers will 

know where to begin their search. 

ALWAYS CARRY A GARBAGE BAG 

AND WHISTLE on a picnic, hike or camping 

trip. If lost, make a hole in the bag for your 

face and put it over your head. It will keep 

you dry and warm. A bright colored bag 

(orange) is preferable. The noise from a 

whistle will carry further than your voice and 

require less energy. 

ADMIT TO YOURSELF WHEN YOU 

BECOME LOST. It can happen to anyone, 

even adults. When you become lost, admit it, 

and take actions to be comfortable and 

maintain a positive outlook until the searchers 

arrive. Use your head. It is your best survival 

tool.


 

 

 

 

 

HUG A TREE once you know that you are 

lost. Choose one near the edge of a clear 

space if you can. One of the greatest fears a 

person of any age can have it being alone. 

Hugging a tree, sitting by a tree (and even 

talking to it), will calm you down and prevent 

panic. By staying in one place, with your tree, 

you will be found far more quickly, and won’t 

be injured trying to find your own way out. 

BUILD A NEST of leaves and twigs to sit on 

next to your tree if the ground is damp. 

YOUR PARENTS WON’T BE ANGRY 

WITH YOU. Time and time again, children 

have avoided searchers because they were 

ashamed of getting lost, and afraid they would 

be punished. Sometimes they are afraid of the 

searchers because they have been told not to 

talk to strangers. Please assure your children 

that both you and the searchers will be happy 

to find them. If children know a happy 

reunion filled with love is waiting, they will be 

less frightened, prone to panic and will want to 

be found. 

HELP THE SEARCHERS FIND YOU. 

Listen for their yells and whistles, and blow 

your whistle. Children need to know that 

searchers are friends and volunteers who do it 

because they care and want to return them to 

their parents, safe and sound. Children need to 

know that searchers are not strangers who 

want to hurt them. They also need to 

understand that if they stay in one spot it’s 

easier for searchers to find them. 

MAKE YOURSELF BIG. From helicopters, 

people are hard to see when they are standing 

up, when they in a group of trees, or wearing 

dark clothing the same color as the ground or 

trees. If you have found a tree near a little 

clearing, and if you have feel rested, you could 

also make a cross, or spell out your initial, or 

make an arrow pointing to your tree – use 

rocks, pieces of plants, or your foot in the dirt. 

Remember to blow your whistle when you 

hear searchers. 

 

THERE ARE NO ANIMALS OUT THERE 

THAT WANT TO HURT YOU. If you hear 

a noise at night, blow your whistle. Don’t yell 

– it will make you tired and you might lose 

your voice – and a whistle can be heard a lot 

farther away. If an animal hears the whistle it 

will run away. If a searcher hears the whistle, 

they will know it is a person. Fears of the dark 

and of “lions and tigers and bears” are a big 

factor in panicking children into running. In 

fact, it is when they are running that they 

would be see as prey by an animal. They need 

strong reassurance to stay put and be safe. 

Additional parental useful information: 

1. TRY TO KEEP YOUR CHILD FROM 

GETTING LOST in the first place. Children 

are easily distracted off the trail, so teach them 

to stay on the trail. Never let your children 

walk trails alone. Teach them to pick out a 

high landmark such as a big hill, and not the 

direction of the sun. 

2. MAKE A CAST OF THEIR SHOE – it 

takes less than five minutes and could cut 

down the search time by hours when searchers 

need to distinguish your child’s prints from 

lots of others. Place a piece of aluminum foil 

on a soft surface such as carpeting or a folded 

towel. Have the child step on the foil wearing 

the shoes they will wear camping, hiking or 

walking. Make sure the pattern of the bottom 

of the shoe is there, then label the print with 

your child’s name and take it along on any 

outdoor activity. Show this print to searchers 

right away.


3. CALL THE POLICE QUICKLY if your 

child may be lost. The search area expands 

quickly when a child is moving, so a quick 

response is critical. A slow response can be 

dangerous, especially if bad weather wipes out 

the track. Exposure and hypothermia are also 

very dangerous, and can happen quickly, 

especially at night or in cold weather. 

4. BE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWING. 

Clues which lead to finding the child in good 

health usually come from family and friends 

who remain on the scene and talk openly and 

accurately with the search team. Any personal 

information will be kept confidential. 

This program is dedicated to the memory of 

Jimmy Beveridge, who didn’t make it home. 

Hug-A-Tree Activities 

Hug A Tree Round Robin: 

An excellent program to do on your Pack’s 

Family camping Adventure!! CD 

This is based on a program called “Hug A Tree 

and Survive!” developed by Search and Rescue 

members specifically to help children know what 

to do if they become lost. Set up 8 stations. Boys 

must go around to the stations and demonstrate 

that they know what to do at each one. Do it over 

several times. Reward the effort with treats. Alice 

Stations are: 

Make a cast of your shoe. 

Tell the “parent” where you are going. 

Go pick up a garbage bag, make a hole for 

your face and put the garbage bag on you. 

Hug a “tree.” (Real, if outside, or imaginary if 

inside.) 

Build a “nest” to sit on from leaves and twigs 

so you will be off the damp ground. (this 

could also be imaginary, but it’s more 

effective if they actually do it) 

Put a whistle around your neck – blow it. 

Show how to make yourself big by waving 

your jacket. 

Demonstrate how you would make an arrow 

pointing to your tree with your foot or a piece 

of shrubbery. (But don’t lose sight of your 

tree) 

Check out the Hug-A-Tree Training program 

offered by EOSAR. The pics look fantastic!! 

http://eosar.com/hug-a-tree-and-survive-program- 

outdoor-school-baker-2014/hug-a-tree-bcsosar- 

2014-chris-g-22/ 

Hug A Tree Relay: 

Materials: 

For each boy - a big garbage bag and a whistle 

For each team - a basket containing bags and 

whistles, a “tree” to hug, and a scattered 

pile of twigs and leaves 

Instructions: 

Divide boys into two or more teams. 

On signal, the first boy in each team 

Runs to the line, 

Digs out a garbage bag, 

Makes a hole for his head, 

Puts the bag over his head, 

Hugs the “tree” and 

Makes a nest out of the scattered twigs and 

leaves. 

Blows the whistle three times and 

Then runs back & tags the next boy in line, 

The next boy repeats the actions. 

Winning team finishes everyone first. (Leader 

makes sure that each boy does every action) 

Shoe Casting Hint: 

Using several layers of foil on a soft surface, 

like a rug or towel, press your hiking boot or 

shoe down. 

Make sure there is a “cast” of the size and 

pattern of the bottom of your shoe. 

Write your name on the casting with a 

permanent marker. 

Display at Pack Meeting and explain how this 

casting could be used to identify your tracks if 

you became lost and searchers needed to know 

which set of tracks to follow.


ROUNDTABLE HINTS 

ROUNDTABLE PIZZAZZ 

GAMES, SKITS, SONGS, 

CHEERS, and STUNTS 

Let's see what some recent Cub Scout Roundtable 

Planning Guides (CS RT PG) say about Games, 

Skits, Songs, and Cheers (Highlights are mine): 

In the 2016-2017 CS RT PG – 

Opening for Cub Scout Interest Topic— 

Ceremony/Skit/Song/Game 

Use a simple opening ceremony/skit/song/game 

that leaders will be able to duplicate in their 

units. You may wish to delegate this opportunity 

to a particular pack or group, or use participants if 

appropriate. Flag ceremonies, and reciting the 

Scout Oath and Law, are some of the appropriate 

types of opening ceremonies. 

Skits, songs, or games can be tied into the monthly 

interest topic and are a great way to involve 

everyone at the meeting. Remember to provide 

any information needed such as song lyrics, etc., 

so that everyone will participate. Involve all 

participants in a memorable activity that they can 

take home and plan for their Cub Scouts. It is 

important to encourage everyone to participate. 

These activities may come from the Cub Scout 

Leader How-To Book, Group Meeting Sparklers, 

and the Cub Scout Songbook. 

In the 2015-2016 CS RT PG – 

Sample Ceremony 

A sample ceremony is presented in this section to 

show leaders how Cub Scouting’s purposes and 

ideals can be symbolized in ceremonies. If some 

of your packs are known for excellent ceremonies, 

you might ask their leaders to perform a 

ceremony. Be sure to involve as many 

participants as possible. 

A ceremony related to the month’s point of the 

Scout law or supplemental theme makes it more 

relevant for the unit’s monthly use and will 

enhance it as a take-home idea. 

Skits, Songs, Cheers, and Games 

Here is where the “Fun with a capital F” comes 

in. Involve all participants in a memorable 

activity they will take home and do with their 

Cub Scouts. It is important to encourage 

everyone to participate. These activities may 

come from the Cub Scout Leader How-To Book, 

Group Meeting Sparklers, the Cub Scout 

Songbook, and the monthly program resource 

provided in this guide. They should relate to a 

coming month’s theme. 

Per the CS RT PGs - Why are doing 

these activities at Roundtable? 

To involve participants – After all day at 

work most participants do not want to just sit 

around and listen to someone talking, they 

want to participate. And for most people if 

they participate in a meaningful way, they will 

return to help again. Two plusses here – 

people are active and they want to return. 

To have FUN – Games, skits, songs, cheers 

and stunts are FUN to do at Roundtables and 

to use in Pack and Den Meetings. (I use 

capitals on all letters not just the "F" ) 

For Leaders to use in their Units – 

Roundtable is where Leaders come to get 

ideas. Give them a "snazzy" (yes, I am old - 

CD) game, skit, song, cheer or stunt and they 

will take it back to their unit and use it. And if 

you presented it well, they will do it with 

confidence and their Scouts will have a great 

time playing, acting, singing, cheering, yelling, 

or "whatever-ing." One of the greatest 

compliments you as a RT Commissioner or


Assistant RTC can receive is, "I used that 

ones who know what plays best at your District's 

ceremony (song, skit, cheer) you demonstrated Roundtable. 

last month and the boys loved it. Thanks for It is important that we keep demonstrating these 

your help. Your demonstration gave me the things or soon everyone (All generalizations are 

confidence to do it back in the unit." Pizzazz false, including this one) will be having blasé Pack 

does help retention of Leaders and Youth. 

Meetings. Leaders will forget or never learn what 

HINT - Make sure you have a copy of everything pizzazz does for a Pack or Den Meeting. 

you demonstrate (game, skit, song, cheer, stunt) 

Now let's look a little at some of these – 

for participants to bring home or they will forget it 

Songs, Stunts, Cheers – 

and never use it. Something one of my RT 

Songs and sparklers should be included as part of 

mentors said became the credo for my RTs: 

every roundtable and every Pack Meeting. 

You will receive a copy of everything Knowing how to lead a song is an important skill 

demonstrated here at RT to take home. for CS Leaders to have. 

Otherwise it was just entertainment and Morale features (songs, jokes, cheers, stunts) 

there are better shows on TV and you have should be interjected anytime the audience 

better things to do than watch us. 

becomes restless, bored, or shows other signs that 

a change of pace is necessary. 

Let's look at another reason: 

All songs and sparklers must follow the "Positive 

One of my favorite promo RT sayings is: 

Values" guidelines and should not include putdowns 

or negativity. 

Use and teach the song-leading tips in the Cub 

Scout Songbook (explain, provide copies). 

ROUNDTABLE – Where you get: 

The WILL to do and 

The SKILL to do 

We demonstrate games, skits, songs, cheers and 

stunts at RTs to show the Leaders how easy it is 

to do. Getting in front of a group to lead a song or 

cheer is not easy for many people. They need 

encouragement. They need to be shown that it is 

all right for an adult to "act like a 9 year old." So, 

RTCs and Assistant RTCs demonstrate these 

things to give confidence to the leaders. 

Although, based on a survey of leaders, the 

emphasis on them has been reduced in the 2016- 

2017 CS RT PG, the Guide still calls for skits, 

songs, cheers and stunts to be demonstrated to 

show the leaders how to do it. Because of the 

quality of the Pack Meeting plans (Prepped by a 

Task Force lead by my friend Kim) and the Den 

Meeting plans, it was felt that additional theme 

related skits, songs, cheers and stunts were not 

needed at RT. So, they provided items for the 

Interest Topics. 

However, on page 5 of the CS RT PG, it states: 

"You may continue to emphasize the pack meeting 

plans during your Roundtable as a helpful 

resource." Your team (The ADC-RTs, you, the 

CS RTC, and your Assistant RTCs) are the only 

How to Lead a Song 

From CS Songbook 

Choose It. As the leader you must choose the 

song that the group will sing. You want to be 

certain that all songs chosen support the values 

and ideals of Cub Scouting. You will also want to 

choose a song that fits the program. Fast action 

songs get the program off to a brisk start. Patriotic 

songs add a note of dignity to the program. At the 

end of the program, slower closing songs can 

leave every one calm and thoughtful. 

Know It. The song leader should know the 

song—both words and tune—before leading it. 

Learn the song, then practice before the meeting 

by teaching the song to your family or to the pack 

committee members at the monthly pack planning 

meeting. 

Teach It. Start by telling your audience the name 

of the song. Unless you are certain that everyone 

in the group knows the song, you need to teach 

both the words and the tune. You may wish to 

provide copies of the words. Use songbooks, 

reproduced song sheets, or words on a large sheet 

of paper or overhead projector.


Sing It. Sing the song through once, either alone 

or with a small group who already know it. Let the 

singers try a verse at a time, slowly at first. When 

they master it, pick up speed. 

Pitch It. Set the pitch by singing the first word of 

the song loudly so that everyone starts out on the 

same key. Musical accompaniment helps—a 

keyboard, piano, accordion, guitar, or harmonica 

are all good because they can play harmony not 

just single melody notes. 

Lead It. Be active in your song leading. Use 

simple arm motions to lead the song so that 

everyone is singing together. 

• Start the singing with a slight upward motion 

and then a decisive downward motion (a 

downbeat). Begin singing yourself on the 

downbeat. Don’t worry if some don’t start 

with the first note—they’ll join in quickly. 

• Beat time with a simple up-and-down motion 

of the arm, but make it definite and brisk. 

You’re in command. 

• Control volume by raising your hands for 

loudness and lowering them for softness. 

• Move around a little. Inject a little pep and 

personality. Keep smiling. 

• Smile at your group. Relax. Radiate 

confidence and enthusiasm, even if you don’t 

feel particularly confident or enthusiastic. 

Morale catches. 

Stop It. When the group has sung it a time or two, 

stop—don’t make it a music lesson. If the song 

isn’t going well, or it was pitched wrong at the 

beginning, stop the song and start over. 

Ceremonies – 

The ceremony at the start of the CS Leader 

Breakout follows the Opening Ceremony done for 

the combined group. The Opening Ceremony for 

the combined group should have included a flag 

ceremony and the Scout Oath and/or Law. It 

would be redundant to repeat that for the breakout. 

Use a CS Ceremony – maybe one where you take 

a word like CUBS or BUGS and have different 

people say what the letters mean. Check out the 

B-U-G-S Ceremony in this issue of Baloo's Bugle. 

Ceremonies and Skits, too, must follow the 

"Positive Values" Guidelines 

To add pizzazz, leaders could wear appropriate 

costumes for various ceremonies. If "Cubs of the 

Roundtable" is the theme, wear something that a 

knight might have worn. 

There are lots of types of ceremonies used in Cub 

Scouting: 

Advancement Flag Graduation 

Recognition (Youth and Leader awards) 

Use and teach the information on building good 

ceremonies in the Cub Scout Ceremonies for Dens 

and Packs. Remember don't hesitate to modify 

ceremonies to reflect different program level 

needs. Show the participants how easy it is!! 

The Cub Scout Leader How-To Book has a great 

section on skits. Caution leaders on using skits 

from unofficial sources (including Baloo's Bugle) 

as the "Positive Values" Guidelines have changed 

over the years and different people may interpret 

them differently. 

Games 

The purpose of game demonstrations at 

roundtables is not just to learn how to play the 

game, but to teach the roundtable participants how 

to lead the boys. 

Lead and Teach the games in accordance with 

"Suggestions for Leading Games" in the Cub 

Scout Leader How-To Book. 

Types of games for roundtable include: 

Pre-opening games 

Team Building Games and Relays 

Core value related games 

Active and Quiet games 

Scouting Skill Games (e.g. knots, 1 st Aid) 

Things to consider when choosing a game 

Size of group 

Indoors or outdoors 

Space available 

Equipment needs 

 

Do-able by adults (For RT demos) 

One last thought - Props and Costumes 

Props and Costumes are another way to interject 

"fun" into the roundtable. An event promoted by 

someone in costume will have an additional value 

to the presentation. Costumes should be simple 

ideas that can be easily duplicated by leaders or 

boys. The Cub Scout Leader How-To Book has 

examples and patterns.


Positive Values Emphasis 

Every Scouting activity should be a positive experience 

in which youth and leaders feel emotionally secure and 

find support from their peers and leaders. Everything 

we do with our Scouts - including songs, skits, and 

ceremonies - should be positive, meaningful, and 

should not contradict the philosophy expressed in the 

Scout Oath and Law. 

Guidelines to Determine 

Appropriate Scouting Activities 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheers, songs, skits, stories, games and 

ceremonies should build self-esteem and be 

age-appropriate. 

Name-calling, put-downs, or hazing are not 

appropriate. 

References to undergarments, nudity, or bodily 

functions are not acceptable. 

Cross-gender impersonations are not 

appropriate. 

Derogatory references to ethnic or cultural 

backgrounds, economic situations, and 

disabilities are not acceptable. 

Alcohol, drugs, gangs, guns, suicide, and other 

sensitive social issues are not appropriate 

subjects. Refrain from “inside jokes” which 

are exclusionary to the audience. 

Wasteful, ill-mannered, or improper use of 

food or water should not be used. 

The lyrics to the following patriotic songs 

should not be changed: “America”, “America 

the Beautiful”, God Bless America”, and “The 

Star-Spangled Banner.” 

Similar respect should be shown for hymns 

and other spiritual songs. 

Avoid scary stories and bad language. 

Model the values of BSA and set a high 

standard for appropriateness in ALL Scouting 

activities. 

IF IN DOUBT, TAKE IT OUT 

2016 – 2017 

CS RT PLANNING GUIDE 

IS ISSUED!!! 

You can obtain a copy at the Roundtable Support 

page of the National Commissioner's page: 

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Commission 

ers/roundtable.aspx 

Page 5 of the 2016-2017 Cub Scout Roundtable 

Planning Guide (CS RT PG) states – 

"There is an exciting new look to the Cub 

Scout Roundtable this year." 

With which I must agree. There have been very 

exciting changes in the CS RT PG for 2016-2017. 

The team that was assembled was on a mission to 

revitalize CS RTs and increase attendance. They had 

survey results and front line knowledge of what was 

happening in Cub Scouting and at Roundtables across 

the BSA. 

Some of their goals were: 

Fresh New Material. No reusing old stuff 

from previous years. 

Roundtable is to be supplemental training 

where leaders go to learn about new things, 

new methods, best practices, and network. 

The CS RT PG no longer provides pack 

meeting monthly themes or pack resource 

sheets. The pack meeting plans found online at 

Scouting.org are designed to help the 

Cubmaster plan terrific pack meetings and 

support den leaders with pack assignments. 

Effect on Baloo's Bugle 

Based on the increased emphasis on Interest 

(Training) Topics and decreased emphasis on Pack 

Meeting Pizzazz and Den Meeting Crafts, Baloo's 

Bugle will probably also decrease the space 

devoted to these items. And increase space for 

items related to the Interest Topic. 

Several Scouters (volunteer and professional) in 

my area agreed that it is time to move on from 

crafts as den meetings are now advancement 

oriented. And so Baloo's Bugle will move on, 

also. But there was hesitation amongst those 

Scouters about Pack Meeting pizzazz. And so we 

will continue to publish hints for Pack Meetings.


CUB SCOUT ROUNDTABLE SCHEDULE OF SESSIONS 

Per 2016-2017 Roundtable Planning Guide. 

RT 

Month 

Aug 

2105 

Sept 

2015 

Oct 

2015 

Nov 

2015 

Dec 

2015 

Jan 

2016 

Program 

Month 

Sept 

2015 

Oct 

2015 

Nov 

2015 

Dec 

2015 

Jan 

2016 

Feb 

2016 

Pack Meeting Theme and Scout 

Law Point 

Pack Meeting 

Scout Law 

Point 

Pack Meeting 

Theme 

Roundtable Interest Topic 

and Scout Law Point 

Roundtable 

Scout Law 

Point 

Helpful To The Rescue Loyal 

Kind 

Courteous 

Creepy 

Crawlers 

Cubs in 

Shining Armor 

Thrifty 

Loyal 

Cheerful Celebrate Friendly 

Obedient 

Reverent 

Cub Scout City 

Council 

Passport to 

Other Lands 

Brave 

Reverent 

Roundtable 

Interest Topic 

Internet 

Resources 

Cub Scout 

Cooking 

Family 

Involvement 

Working as a 

Team 

Recognition 

Duty to God 

Feb 

2016 

Mar 

2016 

Loyal 

Our National 

Treasures 

Cheerful 

STEM 

Activities 

Mar 

2016 

Apr 

2016 

May 

2016 

Jun 

2016 

Jul 

2016 

Apr 

2016 

May 

2016 

Jun 

2016 

Jul 

2016 

Aug 

2016 

Thrifty Power Up Obedient Aqua Cubs 

Clean 

Brave 

Trustworthy 

A Picnic with 

Pizzazz 

Roaming 

Reptile Alert 

Let the Games 

Begin 

Clean 

Helpful 

Kind 

Friendly #CUBSCOUTS Courteous 

Cub Scout 

Hiking 

Cub Scout 

Camping 

Campfire 

Etiquette 

Enjoying 

Nature


DL Breakout 

Topics 

WL 

Breakout 

Topics 

CM 

Breakout 

Topic 

Comm 

Breakout 

CS Leader 

Social Media & 

BSA Internet 

Resources 

Teams in your 

dens 

Recognition in 

Dens 

STEM 

Adventure 

Rqmnts 

(Hands On) 

Discussion of 

STEM Nova 

& Supernova 

Awards 

Review 

Reqmnts for 

water realated 

Adventures 

Preparing for 

a hike 

DL Topics + 

Game Design & 

Engineering 

BSA Social 

Media 

Guidelines 

On-Line 

Promotion of 

the Pack 

Combined Session - Cooking 

Helpful CS Cooking Tips, Hygiene, Safety, LNT, 

Scoutstrong Healthy Unit Award 

Combined Session - Family 

Too Little or Too Much, Family Involvement in Advancement 

Den Teams, 

Less parents, 

Prep for teams 

in Boy Scouts 

Recognition in 

Dens, 

Recognize 

leadership 

The CM and the 

Pack Team 

How to 

recognize youth 

& adults 

The Pack 

Committee 

team 

Recognizing 

Pack Adults 

Combined Session - Duty to God 

Duty to God Adventures & religious emblems 

STEM 

Adventure 

Rqmnts 

(Hands On) 

Discussion of 

STEM Nova 

& Supernova 

Awards 

Review 

Reqmnts for 

water realated 

Adventures 

Review 

Webelos 

Walkabout 

Combined Session - STEM 

- 

Review STEM Nova and 

Supernova Awards on line. 

Then discuss 

Adv Rqmnts, 

BSA Swim 

policies and 

local swim 

areas 

The CM and 

Den & Pack 

Hikes 

Water Safety 

Hike 

Planning 

I'net resources, 

BSA Social 

Media policy 

Why, how, & 

when we 

recognize youth 

& adults 

Overview of CS 

STEM Nova 

and Supernova 

Aquatic 

Adevntures, 

Areas, Safety 

Various 

Hiking Topics 

for all levels 

Combined Session - CS Camping 

BALOO Training, BSA Camping Rules, Types of Camps, Camp Logistics, 

Resources 

Combined Session - Campfire Etiquette 

Part 1 - Etquette, Safety, LNT 

Part 2 - Program Material, Positive Emphasis, Resources 

Nature is 

NATURE-al in 

Scouting 

Nature is 

NATURE-al in 

Scouting 

Combined Session - Nature 

Nature is NATURE-al in Scouting 

Safety, 2 Deep, Buddy System 

Overview of 

Nature is 

NATURE-al


Cub Scout Adventures To Highlight at RT 

Tiger 

Adventure 

Wolf 

Adventure 

Bear 

Adventure 

Webelos 

Adventure 

Arrow of 

Light 

Cyber Chip & Age 

specific Internet 

experiences 



experiences 



experiences 

Game Design, Engineer, Cyber Chip & 

Age spec Internet experiences 

Tiger Bites, 

Family Stories 

Running With the 

Pack 

Bear Picnic 

Basket; Bear 

Necessities 

Cast Iron Chef 

Scouting 

Adventure - 

Rqmnt 4 - 


Duty to God 

Footsteps 

Paws for Action 

Project Family 

Team Tiger Council Fire Paws for Action Project Family 

My Family’s Duty 

to God 

Duty to God 

Footsteps 

Fellowship and 

Duty to God 

Duty to God and 

You 

Duty to God in 

Action 

Backyard Jungle; 

Curiosity, 

Intrigue, and 

Magical 

Mysteries; Sky Is 

the Limit 

Adventures in 

Coins; Air of the 

Wolf; Code of the 

Wolf; Council 

Fire; Digging in 

the Past; Germs 

Alive!; Grow 

Something; Motor 

Away 

Baloo the Builder; 

Forensics; Fur, 

Feathers, and 

Ferns; Make It 

Move; Robotics; 

Super Science; A 

World of Sound 

Adventures in Science; Build It; Earth 

Rocks!; Engineer; Into the Wild; Into 

the Woods 

Floats and Boats Spirit of the Water Salmon Run Aquanaut 

Backyard Jungle 

Paws on the Path 

Fur, Feathers, 

and Ferns 

Webelos 

Walkabout 

Call of the Wild Bear Necessities Camper, Castaway 

Tiger Theatre 

Call of the Wild 

Bear Necessities, 

Grin & Bear It, 

Roaring Laughter 

Backyard Jungle, 

Tigers in the Wild 

Call of the Wild, 

Grow Something, 

Paws on the Path 

Fur, Feathers, 

and Ferns, Bear 

Goes Fishing 

Webelos Walkabout, Into the Wild, Into 

the Woods


DEN MEETING TOPICS 

Remember – Boys want to be active!! 

See, too, that they earn their awards 

(Never say GET. You get sick, you do not get awards 

– You earn awards. A little CD Philosophy). 

Big Rock Ideas – suggestions for Big Rocks that fit 

Interest Topics or seasonal activity. If years are next 

to an item (e.g. 13-14) that suggested Big Rock is in 

that Roundtable Planning guide and on-line at 

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Commissioners/r 

oundtable.aspx 

RT 

FOCI 

** - Cyber Chip is now an annual requirement. Each Cub Big Rock Ideas - Incorporating STEM (15-16), Aims Big Rock Ideas - Youth with Disabilities, Parent 

Scout must earn it every year. 

of Scouting (16-17), Trained Leaders (12-13), Engagement (12-13). Cubcast/Scoutcast Session 

Big Rock Ideas - Recruiting or Coordinate with BS RT and 

Session Topics - Cub Scout Cooking including Topics - Family Involvement, Families Involvement 

write one about Internet use or another topic. 

Interest Topics - Internet Resources, Cyber Chip, Internet Cooking Tips, Hygiene, Safety, LNT, Scoutstrong in Den Mtgs and Pack Mtgs. Also, in Advancement 

Safety Review, Age Appropriate Internet Experiences 

Healthy Unit Award 

and other pack activities 

RT MONTH 

August, 2016 

September, 2016 

October, 2016 

ARROW OF 

LIGHT 

Cyber Chip ** Scouting Adventure 

WEBELOS Cyber Chip ** Cast Iron Chef 

BEAR Cyber Chip ** 

Also, check the list in 

the Bugle of 

Adventures that have a 

CHARACTER 

COMPASS 

pointing to CLEAN! 

Bear Picnic Basket, 

Bear Necessities 


the Bugle of 


CHARACTER 

COMPASS 

pointing to 

KIND! 

Project Family 

Paws for action 


the Bugle of 


CHARACTER 

COMPASS 

pointing to 

COURTEOUS! 

WOLF Cyber Chip ** Running with the Pack Duty to God Footsteps 

TIGER Cyber Chip ** 

Tiger Bites 



MEETING 

Adventures that tie to 






PACK MTG 

THEME 

TO THE RESCUE CREEPY CRAWLERS 

CUBS IN SHINING ARMOR 

MONTH/ 

PM CORE VALUE 

SEPTEMBER: HELPFUL OCTOBER: KIND NOVEMBER - COURTEOUS 

CHARACTER COMPASS 

OCTOBER - 

ADVENTURES with a CHARACTER COMPASS 

pointing to KIND: 

TIGER – 

Backyard Jungle (Core) 

Tiger-iffic(Elec) 

WOLF – 

Duty to God – Footsteps (Core) 

Cubs Who Care (Elec) 

BEAR – 

Fur, Feathers, and Ferns (Core) 

Critter Care (Elec) 

WEBELOS CORE – 

Webelos Walkabout (Core) 

ARROW OF LIGHT CORE – 

Duty to God In Action (Core) 

WEBELOS & AOL ELECTIVES – 

Into the Wild (Elec) 

NOVEMBER - 

ADVENTURES with a CHARACTER COMPASS 

pointing to COURTEOUS: 

TIGER – 

Tiger Bites(Core) 

Tigers – Safe & Smart (Elec) 

WOLF – 

Call of the Wild (Core) 

Collections and Hobbies (Elec) 

BEAR – 

Paws for Actions (Core) 

Beat of the Drum (Elec) 


First Responder (Core) 

ARROW OF LIGHT CORE – 

None (Core) 

WEBELOS & AOL ELECTIVES – 

Maestro (Elec)


THEME RELATED STUFF 

TO THE RESCUE 

RELATED ADVENTURES 

All Adventures are fun. – 

TIGER – 

Tigers in the Wild – #4 

While on the hike, find 

three different kinds of 

plants, animals (Insects are animals!), or signs 

WOLF – 

Paws on the Path - #7 – Name two insects 

Call of the Wild - #3, While on a den or family 

outing, identify four different types of animals 

(Insects are animals!),. 

BEAR – 

Fur, Feathers, and Ferns - #1 – Identify six 

signs that any … , insects,… 


First Responder – #5 – Demonstrate how to 

treat e. – Tick Bites, f. Bites and stings of other 

insects 

ARROW OF LIGHT CORE 

NONE 

WEBELOS & ARROW OF LIGHT ELECTIVES – 

Into the Wild - #1 – Collect and care for an 

"insect, amphibian, or reptile zoo." 

Into the Wild - #4 – Watch at least four wild 

creatures (reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, fish, 

insects, or mammals)… 

Into the Wild - #6 – Identify an insect, reptile, 

bird, or other wild animal … 

PACK MEETING THEMES 

AND PLANS 

www.scouting.org 

From National's Website for the new plans 

using the Core Values based on the Scout Law: 

Here are a few thoughts to consider around these new 

pack meeting plans. First, there is a plan for each 

month that corresponds with a point of the Scout Law. 

In addition, each plan has a theme to help make the 

pack meeting even more fun! The plans do not have to 

be used in a specific order. 

Tips for Utilizing the Plans 

Pack meeting plans do not have to be done in any 

special order, but it is recommended that you 

include all of the points of the Scout Law each 

year. The pack planning meeting would be a good 

time to determine the order. 

There are pack meeting plans for multiple years 

posted on the website. It is your pack's choice of 

which one to select from each point of the Scout 

Law for each year. 

Pack meetings should not last longer than an hour. 

Adjust the plan to make it fit within the time. 

Research and experience tells us that Cub Scouts 

have a hard time sitting still for that long. Keep the 

meetings fun, active, and engaging. 

If you are comfortable with a costume to fit the 

theme of the meeting, go for it! 

 

 

Importantly, keep it simple and make it fun. 

The following required adventures have a 

requirement that suggests or requires completion at 

a pack meeting. Please plan accordingly as part of 

your annual program planning process. Work with 

your den leaders to plan when these activities will 

take place.


Tiger 

Tigers in the Wild, requirement 5. Participate in 

an outdoor pack meeting or pack campout 

campfire. Sing a song and act out a skit with your 

Tiger den as part of the program. 

Games Tigers Play, requirement 3. Make up a 

new game, and play it with your family or 

members of your den or pack. 

Wolf 

Council Fire, requirement 6c. Create a den project 

from recyclables for a pack meeting. 

Bear 

Grin and Bear It, requirement 2. Working with 

the members of your den, organize a Cub Scout 

carnival and lead it at a special event. 

Grin and Bear It, requirement 3. Help younger 

Cub Scouts take part in one of the events at the 

Cub Scout carnival. 

Webelos 

Stronger, Faster, Higher, requirement 5. With 

adult guidance, lead younger Scouts in a fitness 

game or games as a gathering activity for a pack or 

den meeting. 

Arrow of Light 

Building a Better World (if chosen), requirement 

10b. Set up an exhibit at a pack meeting to share 

information about the World Friendship Fund. 

As a personal note: I have read most of the plans and 

they are excellent and just as complete as the new Den 

Leader Books. The games, and other stuff are right 

there. Including costuming ideas for that added 

PIZAZZ!! If you do not use themes and do not add 

PIZAZZ you are not doing your best for your pack. 

GOOD JOB!!! From CD 

Check them out at: 

http://www.scouting.org/Home/CubScouts/Leaders/Cub 

masterResources/PackMeetingPlans.aspx 

PACK MEETING THEMES 

2016–2017 Pack Meeting Plans 

September Helpful "To The Rescue" 

October Kind "Creepy Crawlers" 

November 

Courteous 

"Cubs In Shining 

Armor" 

December Cheerful "Celebrate" 

January 

February 

March 

Obedient 

Reverent 

Loyal 

"Cub Scout City 

Council" 

"Passport To Other 

Lands" 

"Our National 

Treasures" 

April Thrifty "Power Up!" 

May 

June 

July 

Clean 

Brave 

Trustworthy 

"A Picnic With 

Pizzazz" 

"Roaming Reptile 

Alert" 

"Let The Games 

Begin" 

August Friendly "#CUBSCOUTS" 

If you are using a paper copy the link to all the 

Pack Meeting Plans is: 

http://www.scouting.org/Home/CubScouts/Leaders/Cu 

bmasterResources/PackMeetingPlans.aspx 

Kim, the chair of the task force, says "I do want to 

stress that the focus is still the Core Value and the 

theme is just there as an enhancement. Pack meeting 

theme plans are specifically crafted to bring out the 

important points of the Core Value in a fun way."


UPCOMING MONTHS 

October's Scout Law point, KIND, will use the 

theme, CREEPY CRAWLERS. 

KIND Months 

(Themes for Compassion) 

Month Year Theme 

December 1940 Good Will - Cub Style 

For November, the 

suggested Pack 

Meeting theme, CUBS 

IN SHINING 

ARMOR, emphasizes 

the Scout Law point, 

COURTEOUS. 

December 1941 Giving Good Will 

December 1945 Follows - Helps - Gives 

December 1947 Helps and Gives 

December 1948 Goodwill 

December 1961 Follows, Helps, and Gives 

December 1969 Cub Scout Gives Good Will 

December 1972 Follows, Helps, Gives 


December 1991 Follows, Helps, Gives 


March 2004 Walk In My Shoes 

November 2008 Spreading Seeds Of Kindness 

March 2011 Compassion 

March 2012 Compassion 

March 2013 Planting Seeds of Kindness 

A Scout is COURTEOUS. The theme CUBS IN 

SHINING ARMOR is used to help Cubs understand 

being COURTEOUS. 

A SCOUT IS COURTEOUS 

A Scout is courteous. A Scout is polite to everyone 

regardless of age or position. He knows that using 

good manners makes it easier for people to get 

along. 

HOW DOES “CUBS IN SHINING ARMOR” 

RELATE TO THIS SCOUT LAW POINT? 

A Scout knows good manners make it easier for 

people to get along together. The word “courteous” 

is an old English word that comes from the time of 

knights. Many associate chivalry and graciousness 

with a knight in shining armor because of their code 

of conduct. The knight’s code of conduct extols 

these virtues, ensuring that a Cub Scout in shining 

armor will exhibit courtesy to all. 

March 2015 Aware and Care 

Potential "CREEPY CRAWLER " Months 

October 1955 Cub Scout Beekeepers 

May 1971 Growing, Flying, Crawling 

May 1992 Bugs and Things 

June 1995 Bugs `n Things 

April 2000 Bugs & Things 

May 2007 Cubs and Bugs Galore 

Other Potential Months 

August 1940 Natural Adventures 

July 1942 Nature 

August 1951 Nature 

September 1956 Cub Scout Naturalist 

April 1964 Cub Scout Naturalists 

April 1975 Cub Scout Naturalists 

August 1987 Back to Nature 

May 1994 Back to Nature 

Month Year Theme 

Potential COURTEOUS Months 

December 1947 Helps and Gives 

December 1948 Goodwill 

December 1949 The Other Fellow 

December 1958 The Golden Rule 

December 1961 

Follows, Helps, and 

Gives 

December 1984 Do a Good Turn 


December 1992 To Help Other People 

December 1995 Do a Good Turn 


November 2014 Give Goodwill 

November 2015 Cubs In Action 

August 2016 S'More Cub Scout Fun


Potential "CUBS IN SHINING ARMOR" 

Months 

November 1946 

When Knighthood was in 

Flower 

March 1955 Knights of Yore 

January 1962 Knights of Yore 

March 1966 

Knights of the Round 

Table 

January 1970 Knights of Yore 

March 1973 

Knights Of the 

Tournament 

November 1979 Knights of Yore 

January 1986 

Knights of the 

Roundtable 

January 1989 Knights in Armor 

January 1992 

November 1995 


Roundtable 


Roundtable 

November 2006 Cubs in Shining Armor 

July 2013 Cubs in Shining Armor 

Same is true for Boy Scout Leaders!! 

BE UP TO DATE 

www.scouting.org/programupdates 

The Program Updates page has been regrouped. Since 

the CS Adventure is in full swing, the emphasis on 

getting ready for it has been reduced. The downloads 

are still all there. And great information about three 

new Cub Leader courses at Philmont Training Center 

next summer. 

There is a lot of information now on etting ready and 

implementing the changes to the Boy Scout program. 

Check it all out – stay current!!


CUBMASTER THOUGHTS Check out uniforms at BSA's Uniform site 

http://bsauniforms.org/ 

The Uniform 

Mark Diienno, Cubmaster 

Why is it that in almost all BSA literature and 

programs, leaders, especially Cub Leaders, are pictured 

wearing jeans while wearing the uniform shirt? 

What is it that stops volunteers from committing fully 

and wearing the proper uniform? 

I am not embarrassed about wearing the full uniform. 

Shirt, pants, belt, and socks. 

If your son was on a sports team, would he pick and 

choose what parts of the uniform he would wear while 

participating in this said sport? 

Of course not. 

We should have the same approach. 

The Uniform is the equalizer, bringing together boys 

and leaders from different faiths, ethnic backgrounds, 

and Social status. 

It helps defines us as an organization. 

National should set the tone with all it does and follow 

its own policies and program. 

As Cubmaster, I know that I set the tone for my unit. 

I wear the uniform properly, and help encourage others 

to completely commit to this important method of 

scouting. 

We also "recycle" our uniforms by passing down 

uniforms as the boys continue in their scout journey. 

This will help those who may have an issue with the 

cost of purchasing a new uniform. 

A unit could also set aside a fundraiser to help defray 

the cost, for those in the unit who may require financial 

assistance. 

Do not underestimate the importance of wearing the 

uniform properly. 

It is as equally important as any other method in 

scouting. 

The have a page for each Cub uniform – 

Tiger 

Wolf, 

Bear, 

Webelos, Blue and Khaki 

And pages for Male and Female Leaders!! 

And they are all in complete uniform – 

no mention of leaving parts out!! 

BSA Official Uniform Policy 

http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33066(15)_Web-2.pdf 

The Boy Scouts of America has always been a 

uniformed body. Its uniforms help to create a sense of 

belonging. They symbolize character development, 

citizenship training, and personal fitness. Wearing a 

uniform gives youth and adult members a sense of 

identification and commitment. 

Personal equality. The uniform represents a 

democratic idea of equality, bringing people of 

different racial, economic, religious, national, ethnic, 

political, and geographic backgrounds together in the 

Scouting tradition. 

Identification. The uniform identifies youth and adult 

members of the Boy Scouts of America, visible as a 

force for good in the community. When properly and 

smartly worn, the uniform can build good unit spirit. 

When worn on the correct occasions, it can attract new 

members. 

Achievement. The uniform shows the wearer’s 

activity, responsibility, and achievement. What each


youth or adult member has accomplished with program 

opportunities can be recognized by the insignia worn 

on the uniform. 

Personal Commitment. The uniform is a constant 

reminder to all Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity 

Scouts, Venturers, Sea Scouts, and adults of their 

commitment to the ideals and purpose of the Boy 

Scouts of America. The uniform is a way of making 

visible members’ commitment to a belief in God, 

loyalty to country, and helping others at all times. 

While wearing the uniform is not mandatory, it is 

highly encouraged. The leaders of Scouting— both 

volunteer and professional—promote the wearing of 

the correct complete uniform on all suitable occasions. 

The Rules and Regulations and Policy. The 

following pages contain our uniform policy as taken 

from the Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of 

America. The chapters contain applications of the 

regulations to each program area. Neither the Rules 

and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America, the 

policy, nor the program applications may be added to 

or changed in any way unless approved by the National 

Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America through 

its Program Impact Department. 

Effective Oct. 1, 2013, the official stance on the Boy 

Scouts of America’s uniform policy is that shirts and 

blouses are to be worn tucked in, regardless of whether 

the wearer is a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, 

Venturer, or adult Scouter. All Sea Scout uniforms are 

designed to be tucked in except youth dress whites and 

youth dress blues. In the past, guidelines have simply 

stated the uniform wearer should be neat in 

appearance. Neatness includes tucking in the shirt or 

blouse. This update will appear in related resources, 

such as the uniform inspection sheets, as they are 

revised and printed. 

Cub Scout Uniforms - 

According to BSA, the Cub Scout and Webelos 

Scout uniforms has six required parts: See: 

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/U 

niform/Parents.aspx 

The six parts are: 

• Cap. Tiger cap, Cub Scout Wolf cap, Cub 

Scout Bear cap, or Webelos cap 

• Neckerchief and Slide. Triangular for that 

rank level 

• Shirt. Official long- or short-sleeve, blue 

for Tiger Cubs, Wolf Cubs, and Bear Cubs and 

either blue or tan (optional) for Webelos 

Scouts. 

• Belt. Official blue web belt. Webelos Scouts 

wearing optional tan uniform may wear either 

the blue belt (preferred) and Webelos buckle 

or olive belt and Webelos buckle. Cub Scout 

belt loops are worn only on the blue belt. 

• Pants/Shorts. Official, pressed; no cuffs. Blue 

for Tiger Cubs and Cub Scouts and either blue 

(with blue shirt) or olive (with tan shirt) for 

Webelos Scouts. 

• Socks. Dark blue official socks with orange 

tops for Tiger Cubs and gold tops for Cub 

Scouts. Webelos Scouts wearing optional 

olive/tan uniform wear official Boy Scout 

olive socks. 

Adult Leader Uniforms 

The adult leader uniform parts 

are best shown on the 

Uniform Inspection Sheet 

(BSA # 34048)

BALOO'S BUGLE - (September 2016 RT / October 2016 Prog Ideas) Page 35


LIONS 

The Chief Scout Executive on Lions 

Organizing for Lions 

From – New Birth of Freedom Council 

For those packs that are thinking ahead about 

participating in the Lion Scouts program, having the 

right volunteers involved in delivering the Lion Scouts 

program will be important. Research shows that the 

most important person for a successful Scouting 

experience is a good leader. There are two new adult 

leader positions within the pack that are directly engaged 

in the delivery of the Lion Scouts program – a Lion 

Coordinator and a Lion Guide. Where do these positions 

fit into the current pack structure? What is the Lion 

Coordinator’s job description? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is an experienced and successful den leader 

Understands den and pack operations within the 

overall structure of Cub Scouting 

Demonstrates excellent communication and 

organization skills (and will remain in at least 

monthly contact with the Lion dens) 

Participates as needed in the unit’s School Night 

with all new Lions and their parents 

Assists the Lion guide in hosting the first 

orientation meeting for all the individual Lion dens 

in their pack 

Serves as a coach and mentor for Lion Guide 

What We Know 

According to a 2014 U.S. Census Bureau report, 57 

percent of kids ages 6–17 participate in at least one 

after-school extracurricular activity. This means that by 

the time they are eligible for Tigers, more than half of 

them already are engaged in some type of athletic, 

artistic or other program. 

Often, children become attached to lifelong activities at 

an early age — that is certainly a goal we would have, 

as we know the long-term benefits of Scouting 

involvement include strong asset development in the 

areas of character and leadership. However, we also 

know that when youth participate in numerous activities 

at an early age, and miss joining Scouting, they are 

unlikely to do so at adolescence. 

What will be important to learn in the next few years, if 

the initial entry point works at the kindergarten-age 

level, is will this cause losses at a different age, or will 

the program keep the same retention all the way through 

to Boy Scouting? 

What we learn from the pilot Lion format could also 

help us assess and create a smoother transition from 

Webelos into Boy Scouting. Too many parents now see 

a barrier or obstacle, rather than a smoother transition. 

You will often hear parents say, “We did Cub Scouting, 

now we’re not sure if we are going to do Boy Scouts.” 

We do not have a seamless transition into Boy Scouts 

for a number of reasons. This pilot test will help us think 

through some of these issues. 

We want to be sure that our Lion program delivers the 

right mix of character and leadership values and that we 

set the bar high. The program must be sustainable, we 

must have the right infrastructure to support it, and it 

needs to address in a meaningful way the needs of 

parents who want their kids to join Scouting at an earlier 

age. 

You can rest assured that we will carefully evaluate our 

progress and keep you apprised of the results. Stay tuned 

for more. 

Reprinted from "The Chief's Corner" 

on Scoutingwire.org


More Lion Information 

WEBELOS 

Rather than reprinting all the related LION info for 

another month, I am providing you the links to the 

BSA Sources. CD 

Bryan's Blog has written about Lions – 

Go to http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2016/ and 

you can look them up 

Cub Hub Lion Posts 

Go to the Cub Scout Learning Library item in this 

issue of Baloo's Bugle to see the Cub Hub Blog entries 

on The Lion Program. Or go to www.cubscouts.org 

and click on the Cub Hub Blog. 

Always an S Webelos always ends with an S 

whether talking about one Webelos Scout or a den of 

Webelos. It is an acronym – WE’ll BE LOyal Scouts. 

As the CS RT Commissioner who mentored me says – 

"If you don’t have an S at the end – then there is 

nothing to which to be loyal." 

There are slideshows on the web put up 

by local councils. Some examples are: 

WD Boyce Council has "Lion Cub Pilot Program" at: 

http://www.wdboyce.org/document/lion-cub-pilotprogram/161325 

Northern Star Council has a training slide show for 

District Coordinators and others at: 

https://www.signup4.net/UPLOAD/NORT26A/LION12E/ 

District%20Lion%20Cub%20Coordinator%20Training.pdf 

Councils have put up webpages about what 

their packs need to know to begin a Lions 

Program. Examples are: 

New Birth of Freedom: 

http://seb.newbirthoffreedom.org/2016/03/22/wereapproved-for-the-lion-scouts-pilot/ 

WD Boyce: http://www.wdboyce.org/cub-scouts/lioncub-pilot-program/63360 

Garden State (My Council): 

http://www.gardenstatescouting.org/lion-program-0 

Garden State, also, has an FAQ PDF - 

http://www.gardenstatescouting.org/sites/default/files/Li 

on%20Program%20FAQ.pdf 

And we have created a Facebook page for our units with 

Lions - https://www.facebook.com/GSCLion/ 

Selected FAQ's 

National has posted a PDF file of FAQs about the LION 

program at 

http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/Lion_FAQs.pdf 

Note: For Traditional units, Webelos Scouts / Dens 

means Webelos (4 th grade) and Arrow of Light (5 th 

grade) Scouts / Dens. For LDS Units where the 

Webelos experience is the 12 months a Scout is 10 

years old, it is all inclusive.


WEBELOS TROOP VISIT 

Which? ________________________________ 

Do they have a calendar? YES NO 

CHECKLIST 

Get copy _______________________________ 

Troop 889, The Woodlands, TX 

http://www.troop889bsa.org/ 

Do I already know boys in the 

I found this great list on Troop 889's website and 

troop? YES NO 

thought I would pass it on to you. It gives you Who? _________________________________ 

great insight into what your Webelos and their 

parents should be asking when they visit a troop. 

Are there plenty of adult leaders 

involved? YES NO 

Webelos Scout Troop Visit Checklist 

_______________________________________ 

Basic Information 

Were the older scouts helpful? YES NO 

Troop Number: _________________________ _______________________________________ 

Date of Visit: ___________________________ Did they answer my questions? YES NO 

Meeting Place: __________________________ _______________________________________ 

Day and Time: __________________________ Do they have a program for 

new scouts? YES NO 

Scoutmaster’s Name: _____________________ 

_______________________________________ 

SM's Phone #: __________________________ 

Is the Troop going to Summer 

Senior Patrol Leader’s Name: 

Camp? YES NO 

______________________________________ 

Where: _________________________________ 

SPL's Phone #: __________________________ 

Do they do High Adventure 

Number of scouts in the troop: _____________ 

activities? YES NO 

How many were at this meeting: ____________ 

Any Planned: ____________________________ 

Webelos Scout Evaluation of the Troop: 

More Webelos Notes: 

(Circle the answers) Take notes 

_______________________________________ 

Are all the boys in full uniform? YES NO 

_______________________________________ 

Uniform Rule? __________________________ 

_______________________________________ 

______________________________________ 

_______________________________________ 

______________________________________ 

______________________________________ 

Was the meeting organized? YES NO 

What did they do? _______________________ 

______________________________________ 

Is the meeting run by the boys? YES NO 

______________________________________ 

Do they have boys of all ages? YES NO 

______________________________________ 

Did I feel welcome? YES NO 

How? __________________________________ 

Did their campouts seem like fun? YES NO 

Where? ________________________________ 

Why? _________________________________ 

Did their other activities sound 

like fun? YES NO


Adult Troop Visit Checklist 

Camping Style Y N # 

Basic Information 

Troop Number: _________________________ 

Date of Visit: ___________________________ 

Meeting Place: __________________________ 

Day and Time: __________________________ 

Scoutmaster’s Name: _____________________ 

SM's Phone #: __________________________ 

Number of scouts in the troop: _____________ 

Winter Camp 

Camporees 

High Adventure 

Backpacking 

Canoeing 

Car/Trailer Camping 

Tent 

Cabin / Lean To 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

NO ______ 

NO ______ 

NO ______ 

NO ______ 

NO ______ 

NO ______ 

NO ______ 

NO ______ 

How many youth were at this meeting? ______ 

How many adults were at this meeting? ______ 

Alternate Frequency: _______________ 

Quality Unit: YES NO 

Every Year? ____________________________ 

How many years? ________________________ 

______________________________________ 

Meeting Run By: 

Youth Adults Mixed 

______________________________________ 

Was the meeting organized? YES NO 

______________________________________ 

Does the troop have active boy 

leadership corps: YES NO 

How often do they meet? __________________ 

How many boys in the leadership corps? ______ 

How is the boy leadership decided? (Circle one) 

Elected by the boys Appointed by the adults 

How often does the troop hold elections? _____ 

______________________________________ 

Does the troop produce a calendar 

of events: YES NO 

Copy Provided: YES NO 

Camping 

How often does the troop camp? ____________ 

______________________________________ 

What type of camping does the troop do? 

Summer Camp In Council Out of Council 

Where: _____________________________ 

Notes: ______________________________ 

___________________________________ 

Where: _____________________________ 

Do all the boys get to go 

on all of the outings? YES NO 

______________________________________ 

Are there any age or rank 

requirements? YES NO 

______________________________________ 

Does the program schedule change 

from year to year or are the 

events the same: YES NO 

______________________________________ 

Do campouts have a theme, merit badge or rank 

requirement focus: YES NO 

______________________________________ 

Other Stuff 

What type of special events does the troop 

participate in (i.e. Scouting for Food, Scout Show, 

etc.): __________________________________ 

______________________________________ 

______________________________________ 

What are the uniform requirements of the troop: 

______________________________________ 

______________________________________ 

Were the Scouts in full uniform: YES NO 

Were the adults in full uniform: YES NO 

Uniform Notes: _________________________ 

______________________________________ 

Are there any additional costs to 

join the troop: YES NO 

Other Notes: ____________________________ 

______________________________________ 

_______________________________________


General Questions to Ask 

12. What kind of fundraising do you have? 

at Troop Visits (Webelos and Adults) 

___________________________________ 

___________________________________ 

1. How often has your troop achieved Quality 

13. What are the financial obligations for each 

Unit status in the last 5 years? ___________ 

Scout? 

___________________________________ 

At sign-up ________________________ 

2. How are new scouts handled? Are they mixed 

Per campout ______________________ 

in with existing patrols or put into a new 

Summer camp _____________________ 

patrol? ______________________________ 

Dues ____________________________ 

___________________________________ 

Other ____________________________ 

3. How many registered leaders are there? What 

________________________________ 

is their attendance history at regular meetings 

14. Do you pay for or subsidize training for the 

and on outings? ______________________ 

boys (Junior Leader Training, Den Chief 

___________________________________ 

Training, etc.)? _______________________ 

4. What is the boy-to-adult leader ratio at 

___________________________________ 

meetings and on outings? ______________ 

15. Does your Troop have a limitation on size? 

___________________________________ 

___________________________________ 

5. Do you have an active outdoor program? How 

___________________________________ 

many days per year are spent camping? 

16. Do you have written policies? Are they 

___________________________________ 

followed? ___________________________ 

___________________________________ 

___________________________________ 

Where? _____________________________ 

17. Is your Troop “Boy Run” or “Adult Run”? 

___________________________________ 

What is your philosophy about this? 

6. What are the plans for summer camp? 

___________________________________ 

___________________________________ 

___________________________________ 

___________________________________ 

18. Are Troop meetings and activities planned… 

___________________________________ 

By the boys? ______________________ 

7. What is your philosophy on uniforms? 

For a full year? ____________________ 

___________________________________ 

At a Patrol Leaders’ Council? _________ 

___________________________________ 

8. How are new Scouts going to learn what to do 

as Boy Scouts (camping skills, patrol 

activities, advancement, etc.)? ___________ 

___________________________________ 

Will they have an experienced adult leader and 

older scouts working with them? _________ 

___________________________________ 

9. What is a typical Troop meeting like? Do you 

work on merit badges? Do you play a lot of 

games? _____________________________ 

___________________________________ 

10. What is your philosophy regarding 

advancement (at what pace are the ranks 

earned)? ____________________________ 

___________________________________ 

11. What kind of program do you have for older 

Scouts? Are there any High Adventure 

activities? ___________________________ 

___________________________________ 

19. What kind of equipment do you have? Is it in 

good shape? Do you have enough (quantity) if 

our Webelos were to join your Troop? 

___________________________________ 

___________________________________ 

20. Are your Scouts able to balance Boy Scouts 

with other activities such as sports, band, 

church, etc.? _________________________ 

___________________________________ 

21. How active is your Troop at District and 

Council events? ______________________ 

___________________________________ 

22. Does the Troop have a good reputation in the 

community, District and Council? ________ 

___________________________________


23. How many current leaders are trained in… 

Youth Protection? _________________ 

Leader Specific (i.e. ITOLS, Committee, 

etc.)? ___________________________ 

________________________________ 

Wood Badge? ____________________ 

24. What are the expectations/requirements of new 

adults/parents to this Troop – as assistant 

leaders, committee members, special event 

chairpersons, event workers, merit badge 

counselors? _________________________ 

___________________________________ 

25. Does the Troop pay for any/all adult leader 

registration and training? _______________ 

___________________________________ 

26. How many leaders routinely attend District 

Roundtable Meetings? _________________ 

___________________________________ 

27. How do you feel about a Webelos Scout (and 

parent) visiting a troop meeting unannounced? 

___________________________________ 

28. How many boys are registered in the troop 

And how many are active? _____________ 

___________________________________ 

OCTOBER CRAZY 

HOLIDAYS 

Jodi, SNJC Webelos Resident Camp Director 

Emeritus, 2006-2011. Adapted from 

http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/index.htm 

http://www.brownielocks.com/month2.html 

October is: 

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month 

Our daughter and we have worked with, 

adopted from and fostered for 

Adopt a Boxer Rescue. We currently have our 

7 th foster this year. CD 

American Pharmacist Month 

Apple Month 

A PDF of this form from Troop889 is available at 

http://www.troop889bsa.org/documents/doc_down 

load/22-questions-and-answer-to-ask-whenvisiting-a-troop 

 

 

 

 

 

Bat Appreciation Month 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

Bullying Prevention Month 

Celiac Disease Awareness Month 

Celebrating The Bilingual Child Month 

 

 

 

Clergy Appreciation Month 

Computer Learning Month 

Cookie Month


National Pizza Month 

National Popcorn Popping Month 

National Pork Month 

Sarcastic Month 

Seafood Month 

Corn Month 

 

 

 

Country Music Month 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month 

Down Syndrome Awareness Month 

 

 

Spinach Lovers Month 

Squirrel Awareness Month 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eat Better, Eat Together Month 

Eat Country Ham Month 

German-American Heritage Month 

Halloween Safety Month 

International Drum Month 

Learn to Bowl Month 

Lupus Awareness Month 

National Dental Hygiene Month 

National Diabetes Month 

National Liver Awareness Month 

National Vegetarian Month 

 

As a recent convert to Vegetable Based & Whole 

Grain eating, I highly recommend you consider this 

life style or at least reducing the amount of meat you 

eat. It was a personal choice. CD 

Weekly Celebrations: 

Albuquerque International Balloon Festival 

1-10 

National Walk Your Dog Week 1-7 

Universal Children's Week: 1-7 

 

National Physical Therapy Month 

4H Week 2-8 

Great Books Week: 2-8 (1st Full Week) 

National Carry A Tune Week: 2-8


International Post Card Week 2-8 

Freedom of Speech Week 16-22 

National Nuclear Science Week 16-22 

Freedom From Bullies Week: 16-22 

National Character Counts Week: 16-22 

National Chemistry Week: 16-22 

Teen Read Week: 16-22 

Spinning & Weaving Week: 3-9 

World Space Week: 4-10 

Get Organized Week 4-10 

National Storytelling Weekend: 7-9 

Earth Science Week: 9-15 

National Friends of Libraries Week: 16-22 

Freedom of Speech Week: 16-22 (3rd Full 

Week) 

National School Bus Safety Week, 17-21 

YWCA Week Without Violence: 17-21 

Fire Prevention Week: 9-15 

World Rainforest Week: 10-16 

Give Wildlife a Brake! Week: 23-29 

World Origami Days: 24-11/11 

International Magic Week: 25-31 

National Food Bank Week: 16-22 (Week 

Always Has 16th in it, World Food Day)


October Daily Holidays, and 

Special and Wacky Days: 

1 International Frugal Fun Day 

This sounds like a great Cub Scout Idea!! 

1 World Vegetarian Day 

1 National Homemade Cookies Day 

1 World Card Making Day 

2 National Custodial Worker Day 

2 Name Your Car Day 

2 Oktoberfest in Germany ends, date varies 

3 Techies Day 

4 National Golf Day 

10 National Angel Food Cake Day 

4 National Frappe Day 

5 Do Something Nice Day 

5 National Kale Day - first Wednesday of 

October 

5 World Teacher's Day 

6 Come and Take it Day 

6 Mad Hatter Day 

6 Physician Assistant Day 

7 World Smile Day 

7 Bald and Free Day (or October 14) 

10 Columbus Day - second Monday of month 

10 International Newspaper Carrier Day -date 

varies 

11 Yom Kippur 

11 It's My Party Day 

12 Take Your Teddy Bear to Work Day 

12 Cookbook Launch Day 

12 National Gumbo Day 

12 Old Farmer's Day 

12 National Fossil Day - date varies 

12 Moment of Frustration Day 

12 Emergency Nurses Day- date varies 

13 International Skeptics Day 

8 American Touch Tag Day 

9 Curious Events Day 

9 Fire Prevention Day 

9 Leif Erikson Day 

9 Moldy Cheese Day 

14 Bald and Free Day (Or October 7) 

14 World Egg Day - second Friday of month 

14 National Dessert Day - take an extra helping, 

or two 

15 Sweetest Day Third Saturday of month 

15 White Cane Safety Day 

16 Bosses Day 

16 Dictionary Day 

17 Wear Something Gaudy Day 

18 No Beard Day 

19 Evaluate Your Life Day


20 Brandied Fruit Day 

21 Babbling Day 

21 Count Your Buttons Day 

21 National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day find a 

recipe, too. 

22 National Nut Day 

22 Make a Difference Day- fourth Saturday of 

the month, neighbors helping neighbors. 

23 Mother-In-Law Day - fourth Sunday in 

October 

23 National Mole Day 

23 TV Talk Show Host Day 

24 National Bologna Day 

24 United Nations Day 

25 World Pasta Day 

25 Punk for a Day Day 

26 National Mincemeat Day 

27 National Tell a Story Day - in Scotland and the 

U.K. 

27 Navy Day 

28 Frankenstein Day - last Friday in October 

28 Plush Animal Lover's Day 

29 Hermit Day 

29 National Frankenstein Day 

30 National Candy Corn Day 

30 Mischief Night 

31 Carve a Pumpkin Day - no surprise here 

31 Halloween 

OCTOBER – A MONTH FOR 

KINDNESS 

Alice Retzinger, Golden Empire Council 

October is a month filled with opportunities to be 

KIND. Every Cub Scout can learn, step by step, 

to make good choices, keep his promises and earn 

a reputation for being KIND. Here are some ways 

to accomplish that: 

October is Adopt a Shelter Animal Month 

Even if every boy can’t go out and adopt a new 

pet, he can be KIND for a pet he already has. 

Remember that your pet depends on you to give 

them fresh water, food, a safe place to live, and 

exercise. That’s how you show you love them! 

Or he can be KIND by helping at an animal 

shelter. Check with a local shelter – they often 

need food, clean towels and blankets, and 

sometimes even people to come in and walk the 

animals. 

October is also Disability Awareness Month - 

Learn to be KIND to thos with disabilities by 

trying some Disability Challenge games. Help a 

person with a disability. Invite someone to come 

and share how they cope with their disability. (I 

had a wonderful den visitor who was blind and 

told - and showed the boys how he was able to get 

around on his own – and he left some Braille 

books for us to enjoy!) 

Fire Prevention Week is in October 

Visit a fire house and be KIND by bringing the 

fire fighters items they may need or snacks. 

Something to show you are thankful for their 

service. Invite a fireman to visit your den. In the 

past, my boys got to try on the boots and gear, turn 

on the siren, and even try using the hose! Check 

with your local fire department – they often have 

brochures, comic books, activity books, and 

sometimes other freebies – like pencils or even 

plastic fireman’s helmets! The Sacramento Fire 

Department has a great brochure about “Get Out – 

Stay Out!” – and it includes a grid for making a 

family fire escape plan. And don’t overlook 

Smokey the Bear and Sparky the Dog! Have the 

boys distribute door hangers to remind people to 

check the batteries on the smoke detectors – they 

are real lifesavers!


And be sure to teach every boy to be responsible 

for his own safety – review Stop, Drop & Roll and 

how to get out of a burning building safely. 

October 1st, World Card Making Day 

Always the first Saturday in October. Be KIND, 

make a special card to send to a friend, family 

member, or even someone serving in the military. 

October 3rd, Child Health Day 

Celebrate by being KIND to someone who is sick 

and doing the requirements in each rank for being 

safe and healthy. And be sure to have a healthy 

snack! 

October 5th, World Teacher Day 

Be KIND and do something nice for a teacher. It 

could be as simple as saying “Good morning” with 

a smile, or offering to collect and take out the 

trash, or even making a card to say Thank You for 

their hard work. 

October 11th, Yom Kippur 

This very important Jewish holiday begins at 

sundown. It is all about taking responsibility for 

what you have done and seeking forgiveness for 

your mistakes. Be sure to be KIND and respect 

your Jewish friends by wishing them a good day; 

you could also learn more about this special day. 

October 12th, Cookbook Launch Day 

Encourage den or pack families to start gathering 

favorite Holiday Recipes to share with everyone. 

Perhaps a den parent or leader would be 

responsible for taking the lead and combining all 

the recipes in a special Pack Gift for December. 

Or, ask every family to bring a favorite dish to 

share for the October Pack Meeting – and ask 

them to KINDLY bring a copy of the recipe! 

October 21st, Count Your Buttons Day 

Have a friend, an Aunt, or other relative who does 

a lot of sewing? Be KIND to them and offer to do 

this chore. But if you don’t know someone with a 

lot of buttons, you could be KIND by offering to 

count all the loose change that’s around your 

house or theirs instead – and then use it to get 

prepared to be KIND and do something nice on 

Make a Difference Day tomorrow! 

Or if you have some missing buttons? Take 

responsibility for sewing them back on! It’s a useful 

skill to teach a Cub Scout. 

October 22, Make a Difference Day 

Always the fourth Saturday of the month, an 

opportunity for neighbors to be KIND to 

neighbors. Millions of people around the world 

participate in doing all kinds of things to help 

others – from buying a dozen pairs of socks to 

deliver to homeless, to donating millions of dollars 

for world health projects. Need an idea? Want to 

share what you are doing? Have a photo to share? 

Go to the website at: 

http://makeadifferenceday.com/ 

October 23rd, Birthday of Edison Arantes do 

Nascimento – The world knows him as Pele, not 

only a world famous soccer star, but a model of 

KINDNESS. Born in poverty in a tiny Brazilian 

town in 1940, he was named after Thomas Edison 

– his parents wanted him to go far. 

He got his nickname when he mispronounced a 

local name, but it stuck and came to be known 

throughout the world. As a young boy, he showed 

his responsibility by shining shoes to earn extra 

money. And he didn’t let the lack of money for a 

soccer ball stop him – he used a grapefruit or a 

stuffed sock! 

The first team he played on was known as “the 

shoeless ones” because all the boys were too poor 

to afford the regulation shoes. 

The team won a local competition, and Pele was 

the hero. He is retired now, but he won his first 

World Cup at age 17. He is the only soccer player 

to be on three World-Cup winning squads, and he 

was named “Football (soccer) Player of the 

Century by IFFHS International and the 

International Olympic Committee. 

He is a Brazilian national hero and has also shown 

his KINDNESS and responsibility to others in 

many ways. He has dedicated games and money 

to support poor children in his country and around 

the world. He challenges children to “Be Ahead – 

Be Unique”


October 28, The Statue of Liberty’s Birthday 

So take the time to solve the mystery of why her 

birthday isn’t on July 4 th . Read the story and look 

for examples of people who showed KINDNESS 

and personal responsibility to get the statue built. 

On this day in 1886, France presented the statue to 

the United States as a thank-you for the USA's 

KINDNESS, friendship, and generosity – it had 

been intended originally to mark the American 

Centennial on July 4, 1876. 

Raising the $400,000 he needed was very difficult, 

and work stopped frequently; deadline after 

deadline was missed – but in 1880, the Franco- 

American Union came up with idea of holding a 

“Liberty” lottery to raise funds – and that did the 

trick! 

In the United States, there was less enthusiasm. 

The U.S. Congress did vote unanimously to accept 

the gift from France … But it didn’t provide any 

funding for the pedestal, and neither did the city of 

New York - or the state. But the statue’s right 

hand and torch were finished, so Bartholdi shipped 

it to the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition put it 

on display. Visitors paid 50 cents to climb a 30 

foot steel ladder up the side of the hand to stand 

on the balcony surrounding the torch. 

The story of the statue is a testament that one 

person CAN make a difference, and that one man 

with a sense of Responsibility can overcome all 

kinds of obstacles. 

In 1865 a young French sculptor named Frederic 

Bartholdi met historian Edouard de Laboulaye, a 

great admirer of the United States – he mentioned 

the American Centennial and suggested a gift 

from France. Bartholdi proposed a giant statue of 

some kind … and thought about it for the next six 

years. 

By 1871, Bartholdi had most of the details worked 

out in his mind: The American monument would 

be a colossal statue of a woman called “Liberty 

Enlightening the World.” Bartholdi proposed that 

the statue be paid for by the French people, and 

the pedestal that it stood on be financed and built 

by the Americans. 

He was so excited that he came to America, where 

he saw the perfect spot for his statue – an island in 

New York harbor called Bedloe’s Island. He 

traveled around the United States for five months 

getting support for his idea. But when he returned 

to France, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte was 

very hostile to the idea of democracy and freedom 

the statue represented. So the sculptor kept quiet 

until Bonaparte was defeated in 1874. 

No way could a huge statue be completed in less than 

two years, but Bartholi founded the Franco-American 

Union of French and Americans to help raise money 

for the statue, including Gustave Eiffel of the famous 

tower soon to be built. 

Two years later the statue’s head was displayed in 

the same way in Paris, giving people a chance to 

climb up into the head and peek out from the 

windows in the crown. A lot of enthusiasm was 

generated, but not as much cash as Bartholdi had 

hoped for. 

In 1883, Congress voted down a bill to pay for the 

pedestal, and Joseph Pulitzer, publisher of the 

New York World, was so angry that he launched a 

campaign in his newspaper. He managed to raise 

only $133.75 for the pedestal. 

By June of 1884, the statue itself was finished, but 

it stood in a courtyard in Paris because there was 

no pedestal, and an estimated $100,000 was still 

needed to complete it. When New York had no 

funds, Boston, Cleveland, Philadelphia and San 

Francisco began to compete to have Lady Liberty.


Joseph Pulitzer decided to try again – and his 

paper had a much bigger circulation by then – he 

also promised to list the name of any contributor 

in his paper, no matter how small the donation. 

“The statue is not a gift from the millionaires of 

France to the millionaires of America,” he told 

readers, “but a gift of the whole people of France 

to the whole people of America. Take this appeal 

to yourself personally.” And this time, he raised 

over $52,000 by May 15 th . 

Another $25,000 was offered by the makers of 

Castoria, a laxative – but they wanted to right to 

have their name across the top of the pedestal for 

one year – the offer was declined. 

But by now, ordinary Americans were sending in 

pennies, nickels and dimes … and they also began 

buying copies of the World newspaper each day to 

keep track of the race; it became the most widely 

read newspaper in the Western Hemisphere. 

Finally on August 11, Pulitzer’s goal was met. 

“ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS! 

TRIUMPHANT COMPLETION OF THE 

WORLD‘S FUND FOR THE LIBERTY 

PEDESTAL” the headline read. More than 

120,000 people had contributed to the effort, for 

an average donation of about 83¢ per person. 

By April 1886 the pedestal was finally finished, 

and the pieces of the statue itself were put into 

place. The internal steel and iron framework 

structure went up first; then the pieces of the 

statue’s outer skin were attached one by one. 

Finally on October 28, 1886, at a ceremony 

headed by President Grover Cleveland, the statue 

was opened to the public … more than ten years 

after the original July 4, 1876 deadline. 

The statue was late – very late. But better late than 

never! And it is not only a KIND gift to the 

American people, but a testimony of one man who 

promised he would do something and then took 

the responsibility to make it happen! And the 

KINDNESS and generosity of Americans who 

donated to ensure its completion. 

October 31, Halloween 

Remember to take time to be KIND to those who 

come to your door and those who cannot afford to 

celebrate and for you to celebrate responsibly and 

safely! 

And you might also sing Happy Birthday to 

Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts in 

the United States, who was born on this day in 

1860 and was known for her KINDNESS to all.


SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES 

BSA FAMILY AWARD 

Pat Hamilton, Baltimore area Council, 

www.scouting.org, & Baloo 

The BSA Family Award program offers activities 

to help strengthen all families—whether twoparent, 

single-parent, or nontraditional. This 

program helps families accomplish worthy goals 

while building and strengthening relationships 

among family members. All family members are 

encouraged to participate and may earn the award. 

Some packs, through a volunteer family program 

chair, actively encourage and support families 

pursuing this award. If your pack does not 

promote and support the family program, your 

family may still participate on its own. The BSA 

Family Activity Book (available at your local 

council service center) gives all the requirements 

as well as step-by-step instructions for earning the 

BSA Family Award. 

A family may earn the BSA Family Award. The 

experiences family members share as they 

complete the requirements for the family award 

will enrich family living and strengthen family 

relationships. The family will complete, within a 

12-month period, five requirements to earn the 

award. Two of the requirements are mandatory 

and three may be the family's choice. 

Families who are registered in Cub Scouting for 

several years may earn the award more than once. 

Each time the award is earned, the family will 

receive a BSA Family Award Certificate. The 

certificate will indicate the 12-month period in 

which the family completed the requirements. The 

Scout will receive the BSA Family patch. 

To earn the BSA Family Award, a family will 

complete 10 activities within a 12-month period. 

The family chooses one activity in two topics in 

each of the five categories. 

1 Learning Through Fun and Adventure 

Enjoying Family Fun 

Knowing It's Make-Believe 

Cultivating Talents 

Being Patriotic 

2 Strengthening Family Relationships 

Making Mealtime Meaningful 

Strengthening Family Traditions 

Understanding Siblings 

Showing Love 

Communicating 

Sharing 

3 Developing Character 

Learning Duty to God 

Fostering Self-Esteem 

Accepting Success 

Trusting 

Giving 

4 Teaching Responsibility 

Developing Responsibility 

Being prepared 

Planning and Organizing 

Managing Money 

5 Handling Difficult Situations 

Overcoming Obstacles 

Adjusting to a Move 

Coping With Long-term Illness 

Loss of Loved Ones


The BSA Family Activity Book 

Recently, BSA has added pins for completion of 

extra activities above those required for the award. 

These include - 

The BSA Family Activity Book (available in 

English (#33012, $4.99) and Spanish (#30131, 

$4.99)) is the primary resource for the program. It 

is filled with suggested activities to enhance the 

children's personal development and enrich and 

strengthen the family. 

The BSA Family Activity Book is divided into 

five categories that include several topics of 

interest to families. Each topic contains suggested 

activities for a family to do together. These 

activities could include going on field trips; telling 

stories; doing arts and crafts projects; playing 

games; participating in family discussions; or 

making lists, charts, and scrapbooks. 

Most of the ideas in the BSA Family Activity 

Book will be useful during family meetings or 

gatherings. However, parents will also find ways 

to incorporate them into daily life. Many ideas 

may be adapted for use while riding in a car and 

during mealtimes, and may provide things to 

occupy children when they say there is "nothing to 

do." In short, parents may use the ideas and 

activities to meet their own family's needs and 

interests. 

Included with most topics are recommended books 

for adults and children to read together. One can 

find these (or other books) at a local public library. 

Adults and children may take turns reading aloud. 

There are many wonderful books to help explain 

or illustrate any topic the family explores. 

Facing 

Family 

Challenges 

Developing 

Personal 

Skills 

Connecting 

With 

Community 

Building A 

Family 

Team 

Shaping Family 

Identity 

Check them out in 

the Family Book, 

at 

www.scouting.org 

and 

www.scoutstuff.or 

g 

When a family has completed the requirements, all 

family members are eligible to receive an award 

certificate, patches for uniform wear, and/or pins 

for non-uniform wear.


CUB SCOUT OUTDOOR 

ACTIVITY AWARD 

http://usscouts.org/advancementTOC.asp#cub & 

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/L 

eaders/Awards/CSOutdoorActivityAward.aspx 

All Cub Scouts have the opportunity to earn the 

Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award. Boys may 

earn the award in each of the program years as 

long as the requirements are completed each year. 

The first time the award is earned, the boy will 

receive the pocket flap award, which is to be worn 

on the right pocket flap of the uniform shirt. Each 

successive time the award is earned, a wolf track 

pin may be added to the flap. 

Leaders should encourage boys to 

build on skills and experiences 

from previous years when 

working on the award for a 

successive year. 

Requirements 

All Ranks 

Attend Cub Scout day camp or either Cub Scout 

or Webelos Scout resident camp, 

and do the following: 

Rank-Specific 

Tiger: Complete the Backyard Jungle 

adventure from the Tiger Handbook, and 

complete four of the listed outdoor activities. 

Wolf: Complete the Paws on the Path 

adventure from the Wolf Handbook, and 

complete five of the listed outdoor activities. 

Bear: Complete the Bear Necessities 

adventure from the Bear Handbook, and 

complete six of the listed outdoor activities. 

Webelos: Complete the Webelos Walkabout 

adventure from the Webelos Handbook, and 

complete seven of the listed outdoor 

activities. 

Outdoor Activities 

These activities must be in addition to any similar 

activities counted for rank advancement, and can 

be accomplished as a family, den, or pack. 

Participate in a nature hike in your local area. 

This can be on an organized, marked trail or 

just a hike to observe nature in your area. 

Participate in an outdoor activity such as a 

picnic or park fun day. 

Explain the buddy system and tell what to do 

if lost. Explain the importance of cooperation. 

Attend a pack overnighter. Be responsible by 

being prepared for the event. 

Complete an outdoor service project in your 

community. 

Complete a nature/conservation project in your 

area. This project should involve improving, 

beautifying, or supporting natural habitats. 

Discuss how this project helped you to respect 

nature. 

Earn the Summertime Pack Award. 

Participate in a nature observation activity. 

Describe or illustrate and display your 

observations at a den or pack meeting. 

Participate in an outdoor aquatics activity. 

This can be an organized swim meet or just a 

den, pack, or family swim. 

Participate in an outdoor campfire program. 

Perform in a skit, sing a song, or take part in a 

ceremony. 

Participate in an outdoor sporting event. 

Participate in an outdoor interfaith or other 

worship service. 

Explore a local city, county, state, or national 

park. Discuss with your den how a good 

citizen obeys the park rules. 

Invent an outside game and play it outside 

with friends for 30 minutes.


TRAINING TOPICS 

Games as a Learning Tool 

Bill Smith, the Roundtable Guy 

Children love games. 

By the time a boy starts Tigers (even Lions) he is 

already comfortable playing games. He likes rules 

and is learning how to adapt his behavior to fit 

rules and then how to deal with a new set of rules 

for a different game. 

Good leaders become proficient at using these 

traits to both control behavior and to teach their 

charges. You can make almost any Cub Scout 

activity be some kind of game. It requires a bit of 

imagination and some understanding of what a 

game is. I have always believed that Scouting 

should be a lot of games, governed by Scouting’s 

Ideals, occasionally interspersed with a few 

ceremonies. 

Rules are the essentials of many a game. For 

children, following the rules is often more 

important and even more fun than winning or 

losing. In fact many games they play and enjoy 

don’t have winners; all they have are rules. 

For example, take the game where they sit in a 

circle and the first boy whispers a message to the 

ear of boy on his right. He then passes the 

message to the next boy and so on all the way 

around. The last boy then repeats aloud the 

message he heard to the whole den. No winners or 

losers, just fun. 

In a previous Baloo's Bugle, Sean Scott told us 

how to make awards ceremonies more exciting. 

He made giving out badges and pins into a game 

involving role playing and a lot of “let’s pretend.” 

When rules disappear and imagination takes over, 

games enter what I like to call the realm of pure 

play. (Click hyperlink to the article) 

Pure play is about imagination. It rarely involves 

rules. When a boy plays with his partially 

completed pine wood car, climbs a tree, or stomps 

through a mud puddle, he is in a kind of dream 

world. He pretends he is someone else, 

somewhere else, having a great adventure. 

The need for Adventure 

Cub Scouting helps fulfill a boy's desire for 

adventure and allows him to use his vivid 

imagination while taking part in skits, games, 

field trips, service projects, outdoor activities, 

and more. A variety of adventure themes let a 

boy play the role of an astronaut, clown, 

explorer, scientist, or other exciting character. 

Boys find adventure in exploring the outdoors, 

learning about nature, and gaining a greater 

appreciation for our beautiful world. 

The Benefits of Cub Scouting 

The importance of play 

A child's life is largely made up of play, but 

that play is very real to the child. Children not 

only pretend to be jet planes or astronauts, 

while the game is going on they are jet planes 

or astronauts. They are disappointed and 

disillusioned if a grown-up takes a game 

lightly, finishes it abruptly before it is played 

out, or does not worry about keeping the rules. 

The play-world is a very real world to 

children. In it they are learning and testing out 

the rules of life which they have to observe as 

adults later on. They will learn to give and 

take, to co-operate with others, to accept 

defeat without complaining, and succeed 

without being boastful. Scoutbase UK Scouts 

People who study children’s games have traced 

games that have been passed on from generation 

to generation, some for more than a century with 

no adult involvement. Some of these games 

remain confined to a restricted area – even a 

neighborhood – and others are carried by children 

across oceans. The rules and structures rarely 

change with time even when transported to a new 

country with a different language. 

Also, see Russ of Timucua District's wonderful 

examples of simple timeless games in "Take ‘em 

outside and play TAG!" (It follows this article) I 

once watched a boy visiting here from Japan who 

immediately was able to join into tag games with 

the locals seamlessly with little difficulty.


Role playing and simulation games can be 

important teaching methods. Things like fire drills, 

first-aid practice and rescue breathing are standard 

methods to learn certain skills. I recently saw a 

bicycle safety clip on Youtube that was really a 

role playing game. It was hilarious but the boys 

seemed to be learning a lot. 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVnYByg9mIw ) 

Competitive Games 

Boys usually enjoy games where they compete 

against each other or against a standard. It 

challenges them to do their best. The fun and 

excitement involved are effective tools for leaders 

to use in their Cub Scout programs. 

Use a variety of these games in your den and pack 

meetings and especially in outings. Watch out for 

the boy who doesn’t like to compete, who hangs 

back and doesn’t seem to try. A good leader will 

discover his hidden talents and abilities and use a 

game where he will excel. 

In competitive games, the rules tend to be selection 

processes that determine winners and losers. A sack 

race selects abilities like agility and concentration 

to determine who wins. The rules of a spelling bee 

select other qualities. 

When choosing a competitive game, start by 

considering what abilities or talents will be needed 

to succeed. How much will chance or luck be a 

factor? Over a short period of time you should like 

each of your boys to gain the esteem of winning. 

Most boys understand winning and losing so you 

don’t have to make a big thing out of it. We adults 

tend to over react to who wins and, in turn, 

stigmatize who loses. Some pinewood derbies have 

rules that tend to select only the most capable 

parents – even those who secretly purchase ringers 

– as winners. Then these qualities are validated by 

glorifying the winners with trophies and publicity. 

Can you imagine what would happen if the rules 

were changed so that the winner was the slowest 

car that crossed the finish line? What qualities and 

abilities would then succeed? 

Over the years I have coached boys in sports teams 

and science teams as well as Scouts. I have rejoiced 

in their dedication, their inventiveness, and their 

indomitable spirit. 

Some of my fondest memories are of those kids 

just doing their best. It was always fun and I guess 

that’s what it was supposed to be. 

Some Interesting links on games and play: 

www.USScouts.org (the host of Baloo's Bugle) 

has a great games selection at 

http://usscouts.org/games.asp 

Teaching Fire Safety for Kids 

Deep Fun 

Boy Scout Trail has a game search where 

you can select the rank for which you are 

looking 

What are YOU going to do now? 

The best gift for a Cub Scout....... 

......get his parents involved! 

The greatest gift you can give your child 

..... good self respect! 

Take em outside and play TAG! 

Russ, Timucua District 

Elbow Tag (circle) 

Partners stand scattered over play area, inside arms 

linked, outside hand on hip. A runner reaches 

safety by hooking on to an arm, thus securing a 

partner. The other partner must drop off and be 

chased. If caught before reaching safety, the runner 

becomes IT. If the runner is constantly evading the 

chaser, the supervisor can call "Switch!" so now the 

runner becomes the chaser. 

Follow Tag 

Ask all players to find a partner. One person is the 

leader and the other is the follower. The follower 

must follow as closely as possible (without 

touching) the leader. The instructor may control 

the form of motion by asking players to skip, 

walk, run, hop, etc. or the leader may be given the 

option of choosing or changing the form of motion 

as he chooses. The follower is obligated to do the 

same as the leader. The leader tries to make it 

difficult for the follower to follow. And it's always 

fun to stop abruptly. 

Plate Contest 

Have one Scout (For Lions and Tigers, the adult 

partner) try to balance a pie plate on his/her head 

while the other Scout tries to place three marbles 

in it. No hands allowed!


FUN STUFF 

Freeze Tag 

Children scatter in a designated area of the park. 

Two children are IT. When Scouts are touched by 

IT they freeze. A frozen person may be unfrozen 

by one of the other children crawling through 

her/his legs. The object is to try to unfreeze people 

as fast as they are frozen. If you are frozen three 

times you also become IT. 

Sidewalk Game 

You'll need a sidewalk, chalk, dice or a 

spinner. 

Choose a stretch of sidewalk for your game 

board - at least 20 squares. 

Using chalk, write directions on some of the 

squares. 

Use your imagination. Suggestions: 

Jump ahead two spaces, 

Double your spin and move forward, 

Go back one space, etc. 

May be played solo or in two person teams 

(Lions & Tigers – Scout and Partner play 

together). 

Roll the dice (or spin the spinner) and advance 

around the board. 

It may be fun to use a pair of big, fuzzy dice 

for this game, CD 

Follow the directions on the spaces where you 

land. 

Stake a Claim 

Each team stakes a claim in a park using a 6- 

foot length of rope and some sticks. 

Then they list all the nature things found in 

their area. 

You can have multiple winners: longest list, 

shortest list, most unusual item, etc. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fun Bug Facts 



If you gathered together all the world's bugs in 

one place and weighed them, those bugs would 

weigh more than the entire world's people and 

animals put together! 

If you gathered together in one place all the 

world's ants, it would take a long time to count 

them -- all ten thousand trillion of them! 

Dragonflies can fly forward and backwards, as 

fast as 30 miles per hour! 

Leaf cutting ants don’t eat the leaves – they 

carry them back to the nest and make compost 

heaps on which a special fungus that they DO 

eat grows! 

A grasshopper can jump 20 times its own 

length! 

Cockroaches are the most ancient of all insects 

– fossils have been found from 350 million 

years ago! 

Grasshopper ears are on their front legs! 

Spiders and scorpions are not insects – they 

are arachnids. 

Ticks and mites are true bugs. 

You can tell butterflies from moths by looking 

at their antennae – moths have “fuzzy” ones, 

butterflies have smooth ones – and butterflies 

are generally day fliers, while moths like to fly 

at night. 

Bug me while I’m Eating 

Did you know that in some parts of the world 

insects are an important part of people's diets? 

Insect eaters say that termites taste like pineapple 

and bees have a nutty flavor. Check out some 

comparisons of the nutritional value of insects vs. 

“regular” food at www.educationworld.com 

sponsored by the University of Kentucky. 

Mosquito Facts 

West Valley Mosquito & Vector Control Project 

http://www.wvmosquito.org 

Mosquitoes don't need your blood for food; most 

mosquito nutrition comes from flower nectar. 

Only the female mosquito bites. 

The average mosquito consumes one millionth of 

a gallon of blood per night. At that rate it would


take about 1,120,000 bites to drain the blood from 

an average adult human. 

A mosquito can bite more than once. A female 

goes out for a blood meal whenever she needs 

protein for her eggs. She can feed multiple times 

and usually makes between one and three batches 

of eggs during her lifecycle. 

Mosquito larvae are cannibals. If the mosquito 

larvae are crowded the larger, older larva will eat 

the smaller, freshly hatched larvae. 

Mosquitoes have been consuming blood for about 

2 million years. 

A female mosquito can lay as many as several 

hundred eggs in one batch 

Citronella candles should never be lit indoors; the 

chemical that drives mosquitoes away is also 

harmful to your health. 

Early Spanish expeditions to the Americas led by 

Hernando De Soto felt the wrath of mosquitoes. 

Half of his men never made it off of American soil 

because of mosquito-borne disease. 

Sir Patrick Manson (1844-1922) made the first 

assertion that mosquitoes transmit malaria. 

Sir Ronald Ross (1857-1932) won the 1902 Nobel 

Prize for proving that mosquitoes transmit 

malaria.Carlos Juan Finlay (1833-1915) in 1881 

suggested that mosquito was the carrier of yellow 

fever, and then later specified the correct species, 

Aedes aegypti.Walter Reed (1851-1902) Reed 

proved Finaly's theory of mosquitoes as the carrier 

of yellow fever.Mosquitoes can't eat too much. If a 

mosquito gets too bloated with blood to fly away 

from her victim, she releases a little ballast to help 

her become airborne. She does this by emptying 

out the mosquito equivalent to a bladder. In 

essence she piddles on you.Beetles: 

Largest group of insects, with a quarter of a 

million different species! 

Found even in polar climates 

One lives in the Namib Desert in Africa and 

survives by drinking the dew that condenses 

on its own body! 

They have a double set of wings – usually, the 

front pair of wings are thick and hard and act 

as a cover for the back wings. 

Honeybees: 

Male honeybees are only in the hive at certain 

times of the year. 

Only the Queen Honeybee survives the 

Winter! 

More great bee facts in “Tales from the Hive” 

from a PBS special – go to 

http://www.pbs.org/wgby/nova/bees for a 

great 3D anatomy of a hive, interactive “You 

Be the Bee” and lots of information about their 

dances 

Check other website listings for more bug facts – 

or just look under specific types of bugs in your 

Search engine 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did You Know? 

Trapper Trails Council 

There are more than 12,000 different varieties 

of ants in the world. 

The leaves of a Venus flytrap can close over 

an insect in less than half a second. 

The roundworm lives for only 12 days; the 

lake sturgeon (a fish) can live more than 150 

years. 

Crickets have hearing organs in their knees. 

An ant can lift 50 times its own weight-with its 

mouth. 

The common snail has close to 10,000 teeth-- 

all on its tongue. 

A frog must close its eyes in order to swallow. 

Texas horned toads can squirt blood from the 

corners of their eyes. 

The praying mantis is the only insect that can 

turn its head without moving any part of its 

body. 

Scientists have determined that the common 

housefly hums in the musical key of F. 

To make one pound of honey, bees must 

collect nectar from approximately 2 million 

flowers. 

A mosquito has 47 teeth. 

Australian tree frogs give off a chemical that 

helps heal sores when it’s put on human skin. 

Doctors expect to find lots of other ways the 

chemical can be used. 

Blink your eyes. That’s how long it takes a 

scorpion to stab its stinger into prey and squirt 

its poison. Sometimes when a scorpion is 

threatened, it sprays poison several feet into 

the air. 

Sea spiders bodies have very little room inside 

them, so their intestines are in their legs.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each big eye on a dragonfly is made up of 

many little eyes--up to 28,000 of them! 

Dragonflies can spy moving objects up to 40 

feet (12 m) away. 

One kind of termite queen can lay more than 

86,000 eggs every day! 

The deadliest animal in the world is the 

mosquito. Mosquitoes carry diseases such as 

malaria that may kill more than a million 

people each year. 

Honeybees make a total of 10 million trips 

between their hive and flowers for each pound 

(450 g of honey they make.) 

Some bats can eat 500 mosquitoes every hour. 

An elephant may use a leafy branch or plant 

stalk as a fly swatter. 

The world’s smallest mammal is probably the 

bumblebee bat of Thailand. The little creature 

is about the size of a large bumblebee, and it 

weighs less than a penny. 

Cockroaches can go without eating for three 

months, as long as they have water. And they 

can eat many different foods, including your 

peanut butter sandwich, your fingernail 

clippings, and especially your math book (they 

like the glue in the binding). 

PACK THEME IDEAS 

Have a Pack Presentation of Hug a Tree 

– And Survive! 



We’re approaching the season when families are 

going out of doors, picnicking, camping and 

hiking. This is also the season when some people 

get lost. In fact, the March-April issue of 

Scouting Magazine had an article about what to do 

if you become lost. (If you lost your copy, go to 

www.scoutingmagazine.org and check it out online) 

But Search and Rescue people have 

discovered that children who are lost react 

differently than adults. They often think their 

parents will be angry with them – and they often 

hide from rescuers because they have been told to 

stay away from strangers! The Hug A Tree and 

Survive Program originated in San Diego, 

California, following the tragic death of a lost 9- 

year old boy. Founders Ab Taylor and Thomas R. 

Jacobs developed this program specifically to 

teach children what to do if lost. If every child 

should had a whistle around his neck and a 

garbage bag in his pocket, a fanny pack or a day 

pack when out in nature away from home, and had 

practiced this program in advance, perhaps no 

child would be permanently lost again – at least 

that is the hope of the Search and Rescue people. 

At http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ccaps/hug_e.htm 

there is a printable coloring book. Free 

presentations are available in some areas – check 

with search and rescue or local police 

departments. Go online and get the details. 

Visit a Park, Nature Center, Museum, or 

Special Event 



Check out a park in your area, Many State and 

National Parks have friendly Rangers who give 

FREE nature talks to groups. Maybe your park 

has an insect expert. Don’t know where to go?? 

Check this month’s websites for 

www.museumregister.com and www.nps.gov 

Here are a few Special Events taking place around 

the country that involve Bugs. 

Here is a small sampling of places that have 

had bug exhibits - 

Grand Rapids, Michigan – Frederik Meijer 

Gardens & Sculpture Park 

Tucson, Arizona – Arizona Sonora Desert 

Museum - Large scale insect drawings, artisteducators, 

storytelling, hand-painted bug 

tattoos, also check out their live web-cam – 

Amazing! (520) 883-2702 

Pittsburgh, PA – Carnegie Museum of 

Natural History - Children’s activities and ots 

of other great stuff – also online exhibits 

(412) 622-3131 

Cambridge, Mass. – Harvard Museum of 

Natural History – free for Mass. Residents on 

Wed, 3-5pm and Sun 9-noon (617)495-3045 

hmnh@oeb.harvard.edu 

New Mexico State Parks Division Ongoing 

programs, hikes at locations throughout state 

(505)531-2776 or 

http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/parkseven 

tcalendar 

University of South Carolina (803) 777-7251 

http://cas.sc.edu/MCKS


Kachemak Bay, Alaska – Pratt Museum: Art, 

Science & Culture 

North Carolina Natural Science Center of 

Greensboro –(336) 228-3769 

San Francisco Insect Zoo – (ongoing) One of 

only 3 insect zoos in the US, a temporary 

exhibition in 1979 that proved so popular it 

became permanent! And 

San Francisco Zoo, 1 Zoo Road, San Francisco 

(415) 753-7080 (By the way, for links to all 

museums and arts organizations in the Bay 

Area, go to www.lasf.org/links/li_artss.html ) 

Walnut Creek, CA – Alexander Lindsay 

Museum (ongoing) In addition to regular 

programs, they have special Scout tours 

http://www.wildliffemuseum.org/programs/tours/scout.php 

Another great feature – you can RENT over 

10,000 specimens (not live), including spiders, 

butterflies, rocks and minerals all set up for 

Webelos Geologist requirements. (925) 935- 

1978. You might want to check with museums 

in your area to see if they do the same thing. 

Denver Botanic Gardens: 

www.botanicgardens.org . 

Dr. Entomo's Palace Of Exotic Wonders - 

Museum hours are Tuesday thru Saturday 10 

a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sundays 1 to 4:30 p.m. and 

closed Mondays and holidays. Parking is free 

and facilities are handicap accessible. 

www.oshkoshmuseum.org 

Newark Museum, Newark, NJ 

www.newarkmuseum.org 

Morris Arboretum, University of 

Pennsylvania, www.morrisarboretum.org 

Don’t forget to check your local newspaper event 

section (Especially for Earth Day Events), your 

librarian for ideas, the front of your phone book 

for listings of parks and the activities available 

and local museums with a schematic layout, local 

and regional park districts in your area for hikes 

and nature programs, and of course, other 

people at Roundtable 

INSECT ZOO 

Southern NJ Council 

Materials 

2 tuna or cat food cans 

1 pop bottle cap 

Casting plaster 

1 piece screen 8” x 10 1/2” 

3 round head paper fasteners 

Stick or branch 

Paint 

Directions: 

1. Set one tuna can (open side up) on work table. 

2. Mix enough plaster to fill can to within 1/4" 

from top. 

3. Roll screen wire into tube 8" high and as big 

around as the inside of the can. 

4. Set screen down into wet Plaster. 

5. Push small branch into plaster in center. 

6. Push bottle cap, open side up, into plaster to 

make a 'watering hole’ for bugs. 

7. Use the paper fasteners to secure the screen 

wire shut. 

8. The other lid serves as the lid. 

9. If desired, the cans can be painted before 

assembling the bug jug. 

10. A wire handle can be added at top, attached to 

screen, for easy carrying. 

11. The lid sets on top so is easily removable. 

Insects and Bugs should only be kept 

temporarily. 

They must be returned to their homes 

Be sure to see the feeding directions


Insect Activities 



Have an entomologist visit your den or pack. 

Check at local colleges, universities or at your 

local library for contacts. And one of the best 

resources if your local library – Check with the 

Reference Librarian – they have lists of all kinds 

of clubs and can help you get in contact with a bug 

expert. Ask at Roundtable for contacts. 

Bug Collections - Display bug collections and 

terrariums at the pack meeting for all to see. This 

should be a carry-over from your den meetings— 

you can make a really neat terrarium out of a 2- 

liter soda bottle! 

What Am I? Have the boys make cards with 

pictures, descriptions, or names of different bugs. 

See if they can put each of them in the right 

column: insect, arachnid, or bug. 

Invite a speaker to come from your local 

Mosquito Abatement District. Perhaps you can 

do a service project in the neighborhood by 

dropping off information from the district about 

what things people can do to prevent mosquitoes 

and protect themselves. Boys should go around 

their own homes and make sure standing water is 

dumped, even just in a cup! Your local district will 

have a web site, and probably kid’s activities, too. 

Are You Smarter than a Cub Scout? 



Use Bug Facts to make up a Trivia sort of game 

about bugs – You can either put them on cards or 

just use them to play a game. For lots of extra fun, 

have a parent – child competition based on the 

new game show “Are You Smarter than a Fifth 

Grader?” 

String Along Hike 


Take a piece of string about a yard long on your 

hike. Every now and then, place the string in a 

circle on the ground. See how many different 

things you can find enclosed within the circle. 

You may be in for a surprise, for it is not unusual 

to find 20 or more things. Then stretch the string 

in a line and see how many things touch it. 

Ant Hike 



My favorite spur of the moment “Plan B” den 

activity – for those times when the boys have 

cabin fever or your guest didn’t show up or that 

30 minute project took 2! Alice 

First, take the boys outside and tell them to find 

an ant trail – no squishing ants, just find a trail and 

let you know where it is. Next, they are to follow 

the trail and figure out where the nest is – if they 

can! When someone finds the entrance to an ant 

nest, use a stick to partially block the entrance. 

What do the ants do? How do they solve the 

problem? How long does it take? 

Second, have everyone go on a “Dead Ant 

Search.” No fair killing one! When they find one, 

put it right down in the middle of the ant trail. 

What do the ants do? Find another kind of dead 

bug or worm and do the same thing. What do the 

ants do? 

What do you think an ant will do when he gets 

lost? Let one crawl onto a leaf or twig and then 

put it down a little way away from the trail. What 

does the ant do? Now try putting an ant down on 

another trail of ants. What does it do? 

Another way to disrupt the ant trail is to create 

a small wind – blow (softly, not too hard) on the 

ant trail – you can either blow through a straw or 

just wave a piece of cardboard. We’re not looking 

for a hurricane here – just a little wind! Watch 

what the ants do. 

Create a “rain shower” on an ant trail by slowly 

putting about 20 drops of water on the trail. Use a 

medicine dropper – and don’t get carried away – 

just a little rain. What do they do? How long 

before the trail is back to normal? Now try using 

a sprinkler to fake a “rainstorm.” What do the 

ants do? How long before the trail is back to 

normal? 

Now block it with a piece of wood, a big stick or 

a rock. What do the ants do? How long before 

they have their trail going again? Now try giving 

the ants a reward – a piece of meat or part of a 

candy bar laid down near the trail. What do the 

ants do? How long does it take them to change 

the route of the trail? Which way made the ants 

change their trail more quickly – an obstacle, or a 

food reward?


Bug Hotel 


Materials: oatmeal container, markers, poster 

paints and brushes, utility knife, screen 

Use markers or poster paint to decorate the 

outside of the oatmeal container, making sure 

you post the house rules 

Paint or draw the shutters, then use a craft 

knife (adults only) to cut them out with 

sideways H shapes. 

Paint the door, then cut it out, making sure its 

bottom edge is at least 1/4 inch above the floor 

inside (to keep guests from checking out too 

early.) 

Roll the screening so it rests snugly around the 

inside of the container. Trim so the top edge 

fits beneath the lid and leave a 1-inch overlap 

where the sides edges meet. 

Tips: Be sure to provide guests with food (notice 

what they were eating when you found them) and 

water (a filled plastic bottle cap should meet their 

needs). 

Insect Feeding Directions 


If you capture an insect alive and plan to observe 

it, be sure to keep it alive by feeding it. 

Praying Mantis - eats flies or small insects, 

small pieces raw meat on a toothpick, and water. 

Field Cricket - fill bottom of cage with one inch 

of soil. Water. Feed bits of bread soaked in 

water, lettuce, or peanut butter. 

Click Beetle - feed soft-bodied insects and water. 

Grasshopper or Walking Stick - put grass sod 

in bottom of cage. Water grass from time to time 

and add a dish of water for the insect. 

Caterpillar - feed types of leaves from the 

location you found him. 

Tarantula - almost all insects & needs water. 

Meal Worm - feed oatmeal or bran meal with 

small pieces of potato or apple. 

Cricket Trap And Zoo 


Trap 

Trap is cardboard shoebox with cover. 

Cut doors at bottom center of ends and sides, 

as shown. 

Push doors in until they are 1/4' open. 

Put bread crumbs and potato peels in center of 

box and add lid. 

Listen outdoors for ‘chirping’ and set box in 

that area. 

Zoo 

Zoo is a clear plastic shoebox or deep glass 

bowl. 

Put 2” of soil in bottom. 

Push a bottle cap into soil, open end up. 

Keep it full of water. 

Punch air holes in cover or raise cover off box 

by placing match sticks at two corners. 

Get the Travel Bug 



Decide on a bug for which you want to write a 

travel brochure. Find out all you can about what 

the bug eats, where he likes to live, what time of 

year and what time of day or night he likes to be 

“out and about,” what kinds of things might attract 

(or scare away) him or her. (Again, check with the 

Children’s Librarian for a good bug book, or go 

to one of the websites suggested) Find out all you 

can about your bug. Now use these facts to make 

your own travel brochure or poster. You can draw 

pictures or cut them out of magazines. Display the 

poster or brochure at the Pack Meeting. You 

could even have each boy choose a different bug! 

What’s Next? Use a sectioned paper plate, or just 

draw sections on a paper plate. Draw the life 

cycle of your particular bug, one part of the cycle 

to a section – the caterpillar to butterfly cycle is 

one example.


Spider Watching Made Easy: 



Keep an eye on a single spider web in your house. 

They have territories, so it will stay in the same 

spot. Notice what it eats – does it catch bugs in 

the web? Look for mummies – silk-wrapped 

insects or litter left over from a spider lunch. 

Watch for molting. Spider skins look like dead 

spiders, but look closely and you will see they are 

empty, like snake skins. What does the web look 

like? Each kind of spider spins it’s own kind of 

web. Spider silk is the strongest fiber found in 

nature and it comes from silk glands at the rear of 

the spider’s body. They use silk to build traps, 

homes, parachutes and slings to hold their eggs. 

Most indoor spiders build irregular webs called 

cobwebs. Watch your web for a female carrying 

an egg – or lots of little tiny babies, if you’re 

lucky! 

Go on a Bug Hike: 



String Hike – Each boy has a 36” length of string 

– lay it down on the ground in a circle, then lie 

down and watch to see what you can find. Be 

very quiet, and don’t move – stay there for several 

minutes – What kinds of bugs do you see? What 

are they doing? Have the boys compare what they 

saw in their circle. 

Different Perspective Hike – Stop and get down 

to the level of a three year old at various places on 

your hike – what looks different from that angle? 

Finders, Not Keepers Hike – Go on a Bug 

Scavenger Hike – but instead of collecting what 

you find, share it with everyone, make a list or 

check off items on a list you made ahead of time, 

maybe draw a picture of what you saw. “Bug” 

things to look for: something crawling, a flying 

bug, something fuzzy, a leaf chewed by a bug, a 

hopping bug, a white, yellow, green or red bug, 

aphids, ants, a Praying Mantis, a beetle, a “rollie 

pollie” sow bug….. 

Harmless Bug Collecting: Did you know that 

you may have a bug collection right over your 

head? Check overhead light fixtures – they 

sometimes have lots of different bugs – and 

they’re easy to catch! 

AMAZING ANT FARM 

Utah National Parks Council 

Materials: 

Large glass or plastic jar 

Soft drink can 

Black construction paper 

Tape 

Dirt or sand 

Ants from an ant hill* 

Piece of sponge 

Cloth to cover the jar 

Rubber band 

Food scraps 

Fill the soft drink can with sand and seal the 

opening with tape. Or, use an unopened can of 

soda. 

Carefully put the can into the jar. 

Fill between the jar and the can with dirt or sand. 

Do not pack the dirt too tightly, but fill the jar 

almost up to the top. Because ants cannot enter 

the can, they will be forced to build tunnels around 

the outside of the jar where you can see them. 

Pour some water over the dirt so that it’s damp, 

not soggy. 

Get the piece of sponge wet with water and place 

it on top of the soda can. This is the water supply 

for the ants. BE SURE TO KEEP IT MOIST. 

Poke several holes in the dirt with a wooden spoon 

so the ants have some holes to start with. 

Add the ants and cover the jar with the cloth. 

Secure with a rubber band. 

Tape the black paper around the jar. The ants are 

more likely to make tunnels around the jar if it’s 

dark. It may take about a week for the tunnels to 

really begin developing. You can remove the 

paper later to observe the ants’ behavior. 

IMPORTANT: You must feed your ants. Place 

food on the top of the dirt and observe what 

happens. Try feeding them different things and 

see what they like the most. Different foods you 

can try include bread, crackers, dry pet food, sugar 

water (in the sponge) and pieces of fruit.


To catch ants, find an ant hill, and with a small 

shovel, dig up the ant hill and the ants. Until you 

place them in the habitat, keep the ants and dirt in 

another jar covered with fine mesh or cloth and 

secured with a rubber band. This will let air in but 

keep the ants from getting out. 

FLY SWATTER SLIDE 


You will need: 

Plastic needle point canvas 

Popsicle stick 

Plastic fake flies 

Slide back 

Hot Glue gun 

Directions: 

Cut a fly swatter shape out of the plastic canvas. 

Glue a Popsicle stick onto the back and 

Glue a plastic fly onto the front. 

Glue on the slide back. 

Leaf Creatures: 



Collect various leaves and glue them to 

colored paper to create your own “bugs.” 

Use markers for eyes, features. 

You can overlap, but can’t cut the leaves – 

Use your imagination to “see” the bug that’s 

hiding in the shape of the leaf! 

The April 2008 theme is “Leaf it to Cubs,” 

this might be a good one then, too CD 

Hershey Kiss Critter 


Materials 

Pipe Cleaners 

Jiggly Eyes 

Craft Foam 

Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses 

Low Heat Glue Gun 

Directions 

Curl a 6” piece of pipe cleaner around a pencil 

Glue a Hershey’s Kiss to each end 

Fold a 1” piece of pipe cleaner in half and glue 

to the top of one Kiss to form the antennae 

Cut two sets of feet out of craft foam 

Glue the feet to the bottom of the Kisses 

Glue on jiggly eyes 

Can you take what you have learned and 

create a butterfly? Dragonfly? 

Or some other bug? 

Paper Maché Bugs 

(for your own Bug’s Life Mural at Pack 

Meeting?) 



Decide which bug you want to make – then find a 

balloon or balloons that will make a good base: 

Long, skinny balloons are good for butterfly, 

dragonfly, walking stick, praying mantis, 

caterpillar, and cricket bodies; 

Long but wavy balloons are excellent 

caterpillar bodies; 

Normal round balloons make good insect 

heads, fly and beetle bodies, depending on the 

size. 

One piece at a time, dip strips of newspaper in 

flour and water paste, and 

Squeeze off excess paste with fingers and 

completely cover the balloon – 

Do several layers, let dry completely, at least two 

days, 

Then apply paint and decorate. 

Use window insulation film (e. g. 3M brand), clear 

contact paper or plastic wrap for see-through 

wings for dragonflies, flies, or wasps. 

Use crepe paper or thin fabric for butterfly, moth 

or grasshopper wings. 

Trace the wings with a permanent marker or pen. 

Finally, use coat hanger wire or something a little 

thinner (florists' wire is too thin), shaped and 

glued to the outer margins of the wings to give the 

wings the rigidity they need. 

Hot glue the inner wire portion of wings to the 

body. 

With very heavy wings, you may have to cut a 

notch in the body wall for extra gluing surface 

area.


INSECT WEB SITES 



www.bugs.com Sponsored by an extermination 

company, but all kinds of information; go to the 

Kid’s Corner for cool bug facts; insect riddles, 

coloring pages, wild butterfly pictures, lots of fun 

activities 

http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/insects/01.html 

interactive “Let’s Talk About Insects” – great info 

and fun, too! 

http://www.kids.gov everything from geography 

to music, computers to transportation, including 

homework help and links to great state sites for 

kids; click on animals to go to insects – too many 

things to even list! 

www.miniclip.com/games/mancala-bugs/en 

online game about bugs 

www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/insects/print 

outs.shtml all kinds of coloring pages with and 

without anatomical labels, craft ideas – check it 

out for any subject; age based 

http://www.uky.edu/Ag/IPM/teachers/resources.ht 

m Bug-go Bingo game, print outs about insects; 

IPM for Classroom – beneficial insects, butterfly 

gardening, good pictures! 

http://www.fws.gov scroll down on left to 

endangered species, then scroll down to kid’s 

corner 

http://www.sasionline.org Arizona/Sonora Desert 

based backyard bug watch, also scroll down from 

there to Dick’s virtual arthropod zoo 

http://www.monarchwatch.org Kansas-based 

Monarch Butterfly site, info on butterflies, 

migration, anatomy, how to raise them, lots more 

http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org scroll down 

on the left to find your topic: puzzles, games, 

science and science fair ideas– look up 

articles/20060308/Note2.asp for a story about 

Cannibalistic “Mormon” Crickets 

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/bees Tales from 

the Hive program and activities, some interactive, 

links to other information from PBS programs 

http://www.themeunits.com/Ants_bk.html 

focused on ants, craft and game ideas, basic 

entomology – fun games, mazes, word searches, 

activity ideas 

http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/ythfacts/olde 

ntyouth.htm One of the BEST sites – lots of ideas 

and links to games, crafts, facts, activities – click 

on each section to check! 

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/explore/bugs 

.htm A great site with bug bios, interactive games, 

and links to information about raising bug pets 

such as crickets, sowbugs- info about all kinds of 

bugs, maintained by Ann Zeise (A to Z) 

http://www.bugbox.net based in Fredericksburg, 

VA – (540) 710-0776 – in addition to online 

puzzles, games, for anyone anywhere, but if you 

are in that area they have fun activities and 

programs for school or scout groups 

To locate a Nature Center or Natural History 

Museum in your area: 

http://www.museumregister.com . You can look 

by category and by state. This site sounds great 

but I found the listings for NJ pretty slim. They 

are probably actively looking for listings. CD 

To look for specific kinds of exhibits, try 

http://www.partyguideonline.com - go to 

attractions, museums, natural history - this is a 

directory of displays on exhibit at selected 

museums in every state. Scroll down on the left 

for the state by state listing 

Bugs and Things - 

Y.E.S. MINIBEAST WORLD 

http://members.aol.com/YESedu/mainmenu.html 

Insect Jokes 

http://members.aol.com/YESedu/jester.html 

Butterfly Sites 

http://www.shuntington.k12.ny.us/curr_resources/ 

butterflies/butterflysites.html 

Bug Food 

http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/Entomology/ythf 

acts/bugfood/bugfood.htm 

http://www.ent.iastate.edu/misc/insectsasfood.html 

The Bug Club 

http://www.ex.ac.uk/bugclub/ 

Helping Your Child Learn Science - Bugs 

http://www.ed.gov/pubs/parents/Science/bugs.html


THEME & PACK MEETING IDEAS 

GATHERING ACTIVITIES 

Note on Word Searches, Word Games, Mazes and 

such – In order to make these items fit in the two 

column format of Baloo’s Bugle they are shrunk to a 

width of about 3 inches. Your Cubs probably need 

bigger pictures. You can get these by copying and 

pasting the picture from the Word version or clipping 

the picture in the Adobe (.pdf) version and then 

enlarging to page width. CD 

Bug Match 

York Adams Council 

Have someone cut out a bunch of different insect 

pictures and mount them on paper to hang around 

the Pack Meeting room. (Make sure you know the 

names of the different bugs.) 

Label the pictures with letters or numbers. 

Hand out sheets of paper with the names of the 

different bugs listed in a mixed up order. 

Ask people to match the pictures with the names. 

After the opening ceremony, read off the answers 

and ask everyone how they did. 

Give an appropriate cheer/applause to the one(s) 

who got the most matches. 

Find the Sting 

Heart of America Council 

Give your boys the list with out the answers an se how 

many they ca n fill in while the others are arriving - 

1. A sting that cures fatigue – resting. 

2. A sting that cures hunger – feasting. 

3. A sting that tidies you room – dusting. 

4. A sting that makes you laugh – jesting. 

5. A sting that cooks your meat – roasting. 

6. A sting that browns your bread – toasting. 

7. A sting that bragging people indulge in – boasting 

8. A sting that spoils your tools – rusting. 

9. A sting that makes you read a book to the end – 

interesting. 

10. A sting that tries your knowledge – testing. 

11. A sting that we observe during lent – fasting, 

12. A sting that cooks are always doing – tasting. 

This could, also, make a great AUDIENCE 

PARTICIPATION if the Cubmaster reads out the 

questions at the pack meeting show and asks the 

audience for answers. CD 

Creep Crawly Word Search 

Three Rivers Council 

Find the following words in the Word Search 

Ant Beetle Bumble Bee 

Butterfly Caterpillar Centipede 

Cicada Cockroach Cricket 

Earwig Firefly Grasshopper 

Green Darner Hornet Ladybug 

Locust Moth Silverfish 

Spider Termite Tick 

Wasp 

Funny Words 

My Aunt Betty in Florida 

Figure Out What These Words Have In Common...... 

Banana 

Dresser 

Grammar 

Potato 

Revive 

Uneven 

Assess 

Are You Peeking Or Have You Already Given Up? 

Give It Another Try.... 

The answer is at the end of this issue of Baloo’s Bugle


Insect Word Search 

Baloo’s Archives 

Find the following words in the Word Search 

ANT FLY MOSQUITO 

APHID GNAT MOTH 

ASSASSIN GRASSHOPPER ROACH 

BEDBUG GRUB SCALE 

BEE HORNET SILKWORM 

BEETLE KATYDID SPIDER 

CATERPILLAR LACEWING STINK BUG 

CENTIPEDE LADY BUG TERMITE 

CHIGGER LOCUST TICK 

CRICKET LOUSE WALKING STICK 

DIRT DOBBER MANTIS WASP 

EARWIG MEALY BUG WEEVIL 

FLEA MITE YELLOW JACKET 

Buggy Crossword 


Insect Food 


Match the insect with the food you would feed it if you 

caught one: 

Insects 

1. Praying Mantis 

2. Field Cricket 

3. Click Beetle 

4. Grasshopper 

5. Caterpillar 

6. Tarantula 

7. Meal Worm 

Food 

a) feed soft-bodied insects and water. in small 

pieces 

b) feed oatmeal or bran meal with small pieces of 

potato or apple. 

c) bits of bread soaked in water, lettuce, or peanut 

butter. 

d) feed types of leaves from the location you found 

him. 

e) grass sod and water 

f) eats flies or small insects, raw meat 

g) eats most all insects and needs water. 

Answers: 1. f, 2. c, 3.a, 4. e, 5. d, 6. g, 7. b


OPENING CEREMONIES 

Hooray For Bugs! 


Personnel: Nine Cub Scouts 

Props: Each Cub holds a poster with a picture of an 

insect on the front and his part on back in LARGE 

type. 

All 

Yuk! Who needs bugs? We all do! 

Cub # 1. If it were not for insects and their relatives, 

we would not have apples, grapes, peaches 

or many of the foods we eat. 

Cub # 2. Insects pollinate plants. They travel from 

plant to plant carrying the pollen that enables 

plants to bear fruit. 

Cub # 3. Insects also make food for us. Do you like 

honey? Hooray for bees! 

Cub # 4. Insects are food for many animals. Fish, 

lizards, rats, birds and toads eat them. 

Cub # 5. Some people eat grasshoppers and even ants. 

(But don’t try it.) 

Cub # 6. Insects also eat each other and thereby help 

the farmer protect his crops. 

Cub # 7. Insects help get rid of man's and nature’s 

waste. They eat up much of what we throw 

away. 

Cub # 8. They help our forests by gnawing up wood 

until it turns into what is called “humus”, 

which helps new plants to grow. 

Cub # 9. Insects die and their bodies decay, so the soil 

becomes richer. True, some are harmful and 

you don't want to get near them ... but not 

all! 

All HOORAY FOR INSECTS!!!! 

B-U-G-S 


Setup: Make large cards to spell out BUGS. Have bug 

pictures on the side with the letters. Have the boys’ 

parts on the back in LARGE print 

Cub # 1. B-stands for best. A Cub Scout promises to 

do his best 

Cub # 2. U-stands for understands. A Cub Scout 

understands his duty to God and his Country. 

Cub # 3. G -stands for goodwill. A Cub Scout gives 

goodwill. 

Cub # 4. S- stands for spirits, the Cub Scout spirit. 

DL The letters on the cards spell BUGS. We 

share our world with bugs and others of 

CM 

God’s creatures. 

Let us learn to live in harmony with those 

around us. Join me now in the Pledge of 

Allegiance 

Trapper Trails had this in their book for both 

Opening and Closing – Your Choice - CD 

Mosquito 


Personnel: Cubmaster or Den Leader and 8 Cubs 

Equipment: 8 large cards. One for each of the letters 

of the word Mosquito. Have the letters and an 

appropriate picture on front. Have the Cubs part on 

back in LARGE print. 

Cub # 1. M - is for the memories we will share 

tonight, and the memories of our time at 

camp. 

Cub # 2. O - is for the opportunity we are fortunate to 

have - the opportunity to grow together at 

camp, to learn new skills, and to share 

together around an open fire. 

Cub # 3. S - is for the super activities and people we 

meet when we are at Camp. 

Cub # 4. Q - is for the quiet times we experience 

together, times when we can reflect on the 

wonderful friends we have made. 

Cub # 5. U - is for the ultimate peacefulness in the out 

of doors. 

Cub # 6. I - is for the inspiration we receive from 

nature, and from friends. 

Cub # 7. T - is for the terrific people we meet each 

day. 

Cub # 8. O - is short for “On with the Show” 

DL: 

All: 

CM: 

And when you put these all together, what do 

you get? 

MOSQUITO! (loud) 

Both the mosquitoes and I welcome you to 

tonight’s pack meeting.


BUGS BUGS BUGS 


Setup: Make large cards with bug pictures on the 

front. Have the boys’ parts on the back in LARGE 

print 

Cub # 1. There are flies, and fleas, ticks and chiggers. 

Cub # 2. There are mosquitoes and ants, and 

scorpions. 

Cub # 3. There are spiders, crickets, and cockroaches 

and more. 

Cub # 4. And they are all creatures of this great earth. 

Cub # 5. Believe it or not, they were all put on this 

earth as part of God’s great plan. 

Cub # 6. And Mom and Dad, there are days when you 

think that we are all just as big of a pest as 

they. 

ALL So tonight we ask that you think of us all as 

part of that Godly plan, and love us all. 

CM Join us now in the Pledge of Allegiance 

WATCHING ALL THE BUGS AND BEES 


Personnel: Seven boys, each holding a poster with a 

picture depicting their line on the front. Setup: And 

their parts on the back in LARGE print 

Cub # 1. We know a place where you can find fun 

things to do of every kind. 

Cub # 2. We can find a sneaky snake or fill an ant 

farm in a shake. 

Cub # 3. Chase butterflies flying by or jump a fence 

(if it’s not too high!) 

Cub # 4. Hear the crickets serenade, sit on the grass, 

drink lemonade. 

Cub # 5. Games of all sorts we do play, this we do to 

pass our day. 

Cub # 6. The first one able to climb the tree tells the 

others what he can see. 

Cub # 7. The dirt and grime that’s left on me shows 

how much fun it is to be, 

ALL - Watching all the bugs and bees! 

N-A-T-U-R-E 


The boys should prepare for the Opening Ceremony 

during one of their den meetings, preparing the props 

and practicing what they're going to say. For the props, 

have the boys draw each letter on a separate piece of 

paper/cardboard (big enough to be seen everywhere in 

the Pack Meeting area) and cut out or draw pictures that 

relate to what they're going to say. Have their parts in 

LARGE print on the back of the card 

Cub # 1. "N" is for Nighttime 

When many animals come out, 

Like the owl and the bat, 

The possum with its snout. 

Cub # 2. "A" is for Always, 

When there are special things to see. 

You can find big ones and small ones, 

An elephant or bee. 

Cub # 3. "T" is for Time 

We should take all we can. 

To stop and appreciate 

The beauty of the land. 

Cub # 4. "U" is for Unbelievable 

What the Creator has given us 

So we should stop to smell flowers 

Not in a hurry or a fuss. 

Cub # 5. "R" is for Remember, 

Where this beauty comes from. 

And remember to be thankful 

For each rising sun. 

Cub # 6. "E" is for Everyone, 

Yes, all should see take part 

For Nature is from God 

And it comes from the heart.


AUDIENCE PARTICIPATIONS 

A LESSON FOR THE BIG BUGS 


Divide the group into four smaller groups and 

assign each group one of the words and 

responses listed. 

Practice as you make assignments 

Read the story. 

After each of the words is read pause for the 

group to make the appropriate response. 

BEES 

“Buzz, Buzz” 

FROG 

“Croak, Croak” 

ANTS “Hup, 2, 3, 4” 

WOODS 

(All sounds together) 

MOSQUITOES 

Bite, Bite 

This is a story about Billy and his family and their 

adventures in the WOODS __. One fine spring day, 

Billy’s family decided it was a good day for a picnic in 

the WOODS __ where they could enjoy nature. They 

packed a nice lunch and left on their outing. As soon as 

they arrived at their destination, they picked out a nice 

spot to spread their picnic. Billy and his brother ran off 

to chase a FROG __. They heard some BEES __ 

gathering nectar, and watched some ANTS __ busy at 

work. They even awaited some MOSQUITOES __ 

and felt right at home with their nature friends. When 

they got back to the picnic area, they began telling the 

rest of the family about the WOODS __; the BEES __; 

the ANTS __; the FROGS __ and even the 

MOSQUITOES __. Dad listened intently as he 

opened another sandwich and carelessly threw the 

wrapper on the ground. Their sister threw her soda can 

under a bush, and ran off to chase a FROG __ that 

hopped by. Mom threw her napkin on the ground and 

jumped up in disgust. “That does it!” she said. “The 

ANTS __ seem to have taken over our lunch!” Dad 

stretched out for a nap and had just about dozed off 

when he heard sister scream. She had been stung by a 

BEE __. Mom took care of her, so Dad tried again to 

sleep. But this time the pesky MOSQUITOES __ 

would not leave him alone. Finally he announced they 

were all going home. Billy said, “Why do we have to 

leave now?” Dad replied, “Well, Billy, it seems we 

aren’t wanted by the WOODS __. We sure haven’t 

been treated very well. The MOSQUITOES __ are 

eating me alive; the ANTS __ took over our lunch; and 

the BEE __ stung your sister.” Billy said, “It seems to 

me that the WOODS __ and the MOSQUITOES __ 

and the ANTS __ and the BEES __ are trying to tell us 

something.” “What’s that?” asked Dad. “Well,” said 

Billy, “just look around here and you will see that we 

haven’t been very nice visitors in the WOODS __. 

Look at all the trash we’ve thrown around. It seems 

that we’re the worst bugs of all -- litterbugs.” So the 

family started to clean up the mess and afterwards they 

all felt better. They took a nice walk through the 

WOODS __ listening to the sounds. They actually 

enjoyed the buzzing of the BEES __; the croaking of 

the FROGS __ and they even watched an army of 

ANTS __ at work. When they returned home they 

were tired, but happy that they had learned an 

important lesson that day. The worst kind of bug is a 

litter bug! 

THE BUG BALL 


Divide the group into four smaller groups and assign 

each group one of the words and responses listed. 

Practice as you make assignments 

Read the story. 

After each of the words is read pause for the group to 

make the appropriate response. 

BEES: 

BUZZZZZZ 

BUTTERFLIES: Flutter, flutter 

ANTS: Hut 2-3-4 

GRASSHOPPERS: Chirp, chirp 

BUG(S): All at the same time. 

Every BUG in BUGville was excited for the annual 

BUG Ball. The BEES were buzzing and polishing up 

the dance floor. The BUTTERFLIES were fluttering 

around putting up the decorations. The ANTS were 

carrying in all the food on their backs. The 

GRASSHOPPERS were hopping around getting the 

music ready. Then disaster struck. The BEES got mad 

at the ANTS for walking across their clean dance floor. 

Next, the BUTTERFLIES fluttered over and knocked 

over the GRASSHOPPERS stack of music. The 

GRASSHOPPERS were so mad they started pulling 

down the decorations put up by the BUTTERFLIES. 

The BEES gave up and started eating all of the ANTS 

refreshments. It looked like there wasn’t going to be an 

annual BUG ball in BUGville. All the BUGS looked at 

each other and said, don’t BUG me anymore. Then one 

little ANT spoke up. We all have to work together. So 

the GRASSHOPPERS helped put the decorations back 

up. The ANTS helped stack all the music back up. The 

BUTTERFLIES fluttered and helped polish up the 

floor, and the BEES buzzed out and got more 

refreshments. By working together, all the BUGS in 

BUGSville was able to have the best BUG ball ever.


ADVANCEMENT 

CEREMONIES 

The Butterfly Advancement 

Baltimore Area Council 

Arrangement: Pictures of eggs (Tiger) caterpillar 

(Wolf), cocoon (Bear), and butterfly (Webelos). 

The awards can be put inside a cocoon, which can 

be a bottle, balloon, or toilet tissue tube. 

Cubmaster: In the spring of the year many things 

are unfolding. One of these great events is the 

caterpillar that wants to grow up and be something 

beautiful. He seals himself up in a cocoon and 

awaits the changing into the beautiful butterfly. 

Tonight we want to remember that like the 

caterpillar, our Cubs are also changing and 

growing. And so, they, too, represent the coming 

of spring. 

Asst. Cubmaster: Will these boys and their 

parents please come forward and stand behind the 

Den Chief holding the proper picture. Will these 

Cubs stand behind the eggs? (Calls the Cubs 

receiving their Tiger. Continue until all boys have 

been called and standing behind proper picture.) 

Cubmaster: These cubs have shown that by 

working on their projects they have grown in their 

own skills and stature. We would like to present 

the award representing their part in their own life’s 

drama. 

Continue with other groups 

Just Like the Caterpillar 


Personnel: 

Cubmaster could do entire ceremony. Or Den 

Leaders could be used to read the sections for their 

dens. Or committee people (advancement chair, 

committee chair and others could be assigned the 

parts. 

Equipment: 

An oval shape to be a caterpillar egg for the 

boys who are receiving Bobcat 

A circle decorated like a caterpillar’s head for 

the boys who are receiving Tiger to stand 

behind, 

A circle, about 15 inches across for each boy 

who is receiving either the Wolf or Bear rank, 

A roll of batting for the boys receiving 

Webelos to hold, 

A large poster or cut-out of a butterfly for the 

boys who are receiving Arrow of Light to 

hold. 

Cubmaster: This month the Pack Meeting theme 

focuses on Cubs and Bugs in nature. Things in 

nature change and grow, but the differences aren't 

always noticeable. But, there is one insect that we 

can watch change right before our very eyes! 

Cubmaster: The caterpillar is a simple animal, 

starting out as an egg. Our Bobcats are just 

starting out too. They grow rapidly as the larva 

does in the egg as they learn the Scouting basics! 

Call up Bobcats and parents, present rank to 

parents to present to Cubs, lead cheer. After 

cheer, have parents sit back down and give the 

Bobcats the eggs to hold. 

When the caterpillar hatches it has a head and big 

eyes to take in the entire world around him. Our 

Tigers have big eyes too, as they take in all of the 

new adventures waiting for them! 

Call up Tigers and parents present rank to parents 

to present to Cubs, lead cheer. After cheer, have 

parents sit back down and give the Tigers the 

caterpillar head to hold. 

Cubmaster: The caterpillar is made up of 

segments, which all work together to get him 

where he wants to go. Our Wolf and Bear Cub 

Scouts have learned to work together in their 

respective dens, with their leader and with their 

families to reach their goal. 

Call up Wolves and parents, present rank to 

parents to present to Cubs, lead cheer. After 

cheer, have parents sit back down and give each 

boy a circle (body segment) to hold up and have 

them line up next to "Head". 

Repeat the same for the Bears. 

Cubmaster: As the caterpillar matures, some 

changes begin to take place. The caterpillar spins 

a cocoon and closes itself within. Our Webelos 

don't spin cocoons, but they have learned to work 

more independently of their families and closer 

with their leader and Activity Pin counselors. 

Call up boys receiving Webelos and their parents, 

present rank to parents to present to Cubs, lead 

cheer. After cheer, have parents sit back down and 

have the Webelos stand alongside the Wolves and 

Bears holding the batting. If you have a small


number of Webelos, they could wrap themselves 

up in the batting. 

Cubmaster: The end result of the caterpillar's life, 

is the new life form that it takes on, a butterfly. 

The boys who are receiving the Arrow of Light 

tonight are ending the Cub Scout portion of their 

Scouting adventure, and are now ready to move on 

to Boy Scouts. 

Call up boys receiving Arrow of Light and their 

parents, present rank to parents to present to 

Cubs, lead cheer. After cheer, have parents sit 

down and have boys hold up butterfly cut-out. 

Cubmaster: Just like the caterpillar grew and 

changed, so did the Cub Scouts in our Pack, it just 

took a little bit longer and maybe wasn't quite as 

noticeable, but Mother Nature came through once 

again with another miracle! One more cheer 

Spider Web 


Attach awards to spiders and gang them on a 

spider’s web (You can make one out of yarn or 

use Halloween webbing). Tell the Cub Scouts that, 

“We’ve spun a web of fun and caught some 

awards”. 

Have the boys come up with their parents and find 

their spider-award. (You can make spiders out of 

tootsie roll pops, with a pom-pom and pipe cleaner 

legs. The stick is the webbing you can hang it 

from.) 

Advancement Ceremony Ideas 


Using a big net drag "insect" scout up for 

awards. Attach a bug to each award. 

Attach awards to a plastic bug and pull them 

out of an aquarium that has some dirt, etc., set 

up like you were going to keep bugs in it. 

Attach awards to a large bug chart. (Bugs 

could be made of dark sandwich cookies with 

licorice string legs.) 

Make a beehive and pace awards in it. Play 

"The Flight of the Bumblebee: song while 

presenting awards. 

Make a spider web and tape award to it. 

Worms 


Put awards in a bug jar filled with gummy worms. 

Using tweezers, have the Cub Scout pull out the 

worms to find his award. 

Insect Net 


Have a big bug jar with some cotton balls in it for 

the kill jar. Use a butterfly net and go out and look 

for that most rare bug you need to finish your Cub 

Scout bug collection. When you find him have 

everyone be really quiet and then catch him with 

your net and bring him up to present him his 

award. 

Painted Scout Advancement Ceremony 

Pack 43 Davenport, IA 

You can do any or all of these depending on your 

awards for that evening 

BOBCAT 

Indian Drummer begins soft, slow rhythmic beat. 

CM: Tonight, we are honored to have among us 

boys who have completed the requirements 

for the Bobcat badge. The Bobcat badge is 

an important part of the Cub Scout Trail; it 

is the foundation upon which a boy begins 

his trek toward the Arrow of Light. 

CA Would the following boys and their parents 

please come forward! [Read Scouts 

names.] 

CM: Boys, you have accomplished the first step 

in Cub Scouting. In all things there is 

always a first....the first stone laid in a new 

building, the first step across a bridge. The 

first is sometimes the hardest, but that’s 

because it lays the foundation or the 

strength for what follows. 

CA The Bobcat badge is your foundation. The 

trail of Scouting lies ahead of you, but 

don't be afraid. You won't have to do it 

alone. You will have lots of help from your 

Akela. Akela can be your parents, your 

den leader; even I your Cubmaster will 

help you along the trail, helping you 

become successful. 

CM: Do you want to wear the sign of the 

Bobcat? If you do, please say "yes". 

Cubs: Yes 

CM: You have worked hard with your Den and 

your parents to fulfill the Bobcat 

requirements. You are now ready to wear 

the sign of the Bobcat. 

The blue on your left cheek will stand for


CA 

CM 

CA 

truth, loyalty, and the sky above. 

(Paint a vertical blue stripe on left cheek) 

The gold on your right cheek will stand for 

happiness, good cheer and warm sunlight. 

(Paint a vertical yellow stripe on right 

cheek) 

[Pass out badges to parents] 

Your parents stand here with you as an 

example to show they are proud and that 

they are there to help you, just like they 

helped you earn the Bobcat badge. Scouts, 

your parents are the most important Akela 

in your lives. It is only with their help and 

support that you are receiving your Bobcat 

badge. Parents, would you please pin your 

son’s badge on his uniform? 

Congratulations to you and your family on 

completing this part of the Cub Scout 

Trail. 

Lead a Cheer!!! 

TIGERS 


CA: Would the Tiger Cubs and their partners 

please come forward. [Read Scouts 

names.] 

CM: For the past few months, you and your 

family have explored new and exciting 

things and places. You have earned your 

seven Adventures. You have explored in 

your home, school, and neighborhood. You 

and your partner have sought out new 

activities that have shown you how people 

work and have fun together 

CA: Do you want to wear the sign of the Tiger? 

If you do, please say "yes". 

Tigers: Yes 

CM: We will give you the sign of the Tiger 

which will continue you on your journey 

along the Scouting Trail. You will need 

lots of support from your family as you try 

to attain Cub Scouting’s' highest honor, the 

Arrow of Light. 

The black on your cheeks is for the fun 

you had as you worked your way along the 

Tiger Trail. 

(Paint one diagonal stripe on each cheek) 

CA 

TL 

CM 

CA 

The yellow on your chin is for sunlight 

along the Wolf Trail. 

(Paint one vertical stripe on chin) 

The red on your forehead is for bravery 

when you attempt the Bear Trail. 

(Paint one vertical stripe on forehead) 

[Pass out badges to partners] 

Tiger Cubs, remember the meaning of your 

Tiger paint. It shows that you are ready to 

move along the trail of Scouting. Tiger 

partners, please pin the Tiger badge on 

your Scouts’ left pocket. 



Trail. 

Lead a Cheer!!!! 

WOLF 


CM: When a boy joins a Cub Scout Pack, he 

earns the badge of the Bobcat and starts on 

an upward trail. The trail to the Wolf 

badge covers 7 Adventures that help him 

learn many things. He will continue to 

follow this trail as it leads him through the 

footsteps of the wolf, the bear and the 

Webelos brave, and on his way to the 

highest honor of Cub Scouting, the Arrow 

of Light. Tonight, we honor those Scouts 

who have made a significant advancement 

along this journey and have earned the 

Wolf badge. 

CA Would the following Scouts and their 

parent please come forward. [Read Scouts 

names.] 

CA: Do you want to wear the sign of the Wolf? 

If you do, please say "yes". 

Cubs: Yes 

CM: You have worked hard with your Den and 

your parents to fulfill the Wolf 

requirements. You are now ready to wear 

the sign of the Wolf. 

The blue on your chin stands for 

HAPPINESS from your days as a Bobcat. 

(Paint a vertical blue stripe on chin) 

CA The yellow across your nose is for 

SUNLIGHT along the Wolf trail. 

(Paint a yellow ramp across the nose )


DL 

CM 

CA 

The red on your forehead is for 

BRAVERY when you become a Bear. 

(Paint two vertical stripes on forehead) 

[Pass out badges to parents] 

Wolf Cubs remember the meaning of your 

Wolf paint. It shows that you are ready to 

move along the upward trail of Scouting. 

Parents, please pin on your son’s Wolf 

badge. 

Please join me in congratulating these boys 

in their achievement! Lead a Cheer!!!! 

BEAR 


CM: Tonight we are honoring some Cub Scouts 

who have reached a new rank along the 

scouting trail. On that trail they have 

worked hard to earn the sign of the bear by 

completing 7 challenging Adventures. 

CA Would the following Scouts and their 

parent(s) please come forward. (Read 

Scouts names) 

CM: Do you want to wear the sign of the Bear? 

Cubs: Yes 

CM: You are well on your way along the Cub 

Scout Trail to reach the honor of the Arrow 

of Light, and eventually start the Boy 

Scout trail to seek the sign of the Eagle. To 

help you along your journey, we will give 

you the sign of the Bear. 

The yellow on your chin stands for 

SUNLIGHT from the Wolf Trail. 

(Paint two vertical yellow stripes on chin) 

CA The red on your cheeks is for COURAGE 

and the hard work you and your parent did 

to achieve the Bear Rank. (Paint two 

upward slanting lines on each cheek) 

DL The blue on your forehead is for 

LOYALTY when you become a Webelos. 

(Paint two vertical blue stripes on 

forehead) 

CM [Pass out badges to parents] 

Bear Cubs, remember the meaning of your 

Bear paint. It shows that you are ready to 

move along the upward trail of Scouting. 

Parents, please pin on your son’s Bear 

badge. 

CA 



Trail! 

Lead a Cheer!!!! 

WEBELOS 


CA: Webelos stands for "We'll Be Loyal 

Scouts." Would the following Scouts and 

their parent please come forward. (Read 

Scouts names.) 

CM: The sign of the Webelos Scout signifies a 

major step on the Cub Scout Trail. To 

reach this achievement, you have 

completed many steps that include earning 

7 Adventrures. Just as Indian boys became 

warriors and were painted in the colors of 

their tribe, we will paint you with the 

colors of Scouting. If you want to wear the 

sign of the Webelos, please say "yes". 

Cubs: Yes 

CM: You are well on your way along the Cub 

Scout Trail to reach Cub Scouts highest 

honor, the Arrow of Light, and eventually 

start the Boy Scout trail to seek the sign of 

the Eagle. To help you along your journey, 

we will give you the sign of the Webelos. 

CA The blue W across your nose is for strength 

as you work on the Arrow of Light. 

(Paint a large blue line from ear to ear 

across the bridge of nose) 

WL The yellow on your chin and forehead is 

the color of sunlight and will light your 

way along the Scouting Trail. 

(Paint a yellow triangle on chin pointing 

down and on forehead pointing up) 

WA The red stands for fire so that you have a 

burning desire to explore new areas. 

(Paint red stripes on each cheek) 

CM [Pass out badges to parents] 

All of these colors together form the 

Webelos symbol. You should be very 

proud to wear it. Parents, please pin on 

your son’s Webelos badge. 

CA Congratulations to you and your family on 

completing this part of the Cub Scout Trail. 

Lead a Cheer!!!!


Thank you to Kathy of Pack 43 who sent me this 

ceremony 

LEADER RECOGNITION 

Here is good one for leader recognition– 

Attach this to a large plastic bug – 

This could, also, be given to the Cubs at your 

Pack Meeting or Picnic to encourage them to 

keep going CD 

Leader Appreciation Ceremony 

Piedmont Council 

Materials needed: Four candles 

One person can read the whole thing or Narrator 

can begin and end (Fourth Candle) and three 

others read the first three candles. Your choice. 

Narrator begins - 

Scouting is made up of many things, people, and 

ideas. Tonight we are going to take a few minutes 

to reflect on some of the more pertinent aspects of 

Scouting. 

First - Scouting is a program. (Light first candle) 

As depicted by our first candle it is one of the 

many items of Scouting. It is a program dedicated 

to the development of character, citizenship, and 

the mental and physical fitness of our youth. 

Second - Scouting is for youth of our community. 

(Light second candle) Young boys expect to learn, 

gain recognition by advancement, but most of all 

they expect to have fun with others their own age. 

Third - Scouting is the parents of young Cub 

Scouts. (Light third candle) For without parents 

taking an interest in the activities of their son, 

taking them to meetings, and fulfilling the part of 

Akela, we would not have Cub Scouts. 

But, as you can see, this leaves one lone candle. 

This candle represents the leaders of Cub 

Scouting. Would the following leaders (call 

names) please come forward? 

I light this candle for you, (Light fourth candle) 

for you have been a faithful leader to us and we 

want you to know that your work, dedication, and 

tireless effort have been gratefully appreciated. 

For without your leadership as with the leadership 

of all Cub Scout leaders the first three candles 

program, youth, and parents would be 

meaningless. 

Thank You!


SONGS 

BUG JUICE 


Tune: On Top of Old Smokey 

At camp with the Cub Scouts, 

They gave us a drink, 

We thought it was Kool-Aid, 

Because it was pink. 

But the thing that they told us, 

Would’ve grossed out a moose. 

For that great tasting pink drink, 

Was really Bug Juice! 

It looks fresh and fruity, 

Like tasty Kool-Aid. 

But the bugs that are in it, 

Were murdered with Raid! 

Next time you drink Bug Juice, 

And a fly drives you mad, 

He’s just getting even, 

‘Cause you swallowed his dad! 

IT’S AN INSECT COVERED WORLD 


Tune: “It’s a Small World” 

It’s a world of centipedes, a world of moths, 

It’s a world of katydids, a world of wasps, 

There’s so much that we share, 

That it’s time we’re aware, 

Its an insect covered world. 

CHORUS: 

It’s an insect covered world, 




It's a world of beetles, a world of fleas, 

It’s a world of caterpillars, a world of bees, 

In this world that we know, 

There is so much to show, 

It’s an insect covered world. 

CHORUS 

Spotted Bed Bugs 


Tune: Onward Christian Soldiers 

Onward spotted bed bugs. 

Marching up the sheets. 

Tickle, tickle, tickle. 

On poor Grandma's feet. 

Grandma gets excited. 

Grandpa gets his gun. 

Boom, boom, boom, boom. 

Boom, boom, boom, boom. 

See those bed bugs run. 

Onward spotted bed bugs. 

Marching off the sheets. 

Carrying off the wounded --- 

And poor grandma's feet 

BUGS AND SPIDERS 


Tune: Are you Sleeping? 

Bugs and spiders, 

Bugs and spiders, 

See them creep, 

See them creep, 

Show them to my Mother, 

Show them to my Mother, 

Watch her scream, 

Watch her scream 

CREEPY CRAWLY BUGS 


Tune: Old MacDonald 

All us Cub Scouts love those bugs, 

Creepy crawly bugs. 

And in the woods, we found some worms 

Creepy crawly worms. 

With a wiggle, wiggle here, 

And a wiggle, wiggle there, 

Here a wiggle, there a wiggle 

Everywhere a wiggle, wiggle. 

All us Cub Scouts love those bugs, 

Creepy crawly bugs. 

Other Creepy Crawly Bugs. 

Bees – with a buzz, buzz 

Ants – with a bite, bite 

Crickets – with a chirp, chirp 

Beetles – with a click, click


The Ants Go Marching 

Hear the tune at 

:http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/lyrics/antsgo.htm 

The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah 

The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah 

The ants go marching one by one, 

The little one stops to suck his thumb 

And they all go marching down to the ground 

To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! 

The ants go marching two by two, hurrah, hurrah 

The ants go marching two by two, hurrah, hurrah 

The ants go marching two by two, 

The little one stops to tie his shoe 

And they all go marching down to the ground 

To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! 

The ants go marching three by three, 

The little one stops to climb a tree 

The ants go marching four by four, 

The little one stops to shut the door 

The ants go marching five by five, 

The little one stops to take a dive 

The ants go marching six by six, 

The little one stops to pick up sticks 

The ants go marching seven by seven, 

The little one stops to pray to heaven 

The ants go marching eight by eight, 

The little one stops to shut the gate 

The ants go marching nine by nine, 

The little one stops to check the time 

The ants go marching ten by ten, 

The little one stops to say "THE END" 

Flea Songs 


In these songs, the song leader 

Sings (says) a line and the audience repeats the 

line. 

Starts the beat by alternately slapping thighs 

and clapping hands: 

Has everyone join in the beat alternately 

slapping thighs and clapping hands before the 

singing starts: 

Flea #1 

This version would be great for Cub Scouts 

Flea! 

Flea Fly! 

Flea Fly Mosquito! 

Oh no no no no Mosquito! 

Get that big bad bug with the bug spray! 

PSSSSSSSSSSH (spray can sound) 

I would do the PSSSSSSSSSSH all together not 

repeat back 

Repeat three or more times, 

each time a little faster. 

Flea #2 

Flea! 

Flea Fly! 

Flea Fly Flo! 

Eenie, meenie, decimeenie, oo wall a wall a 

meenie! 

Ex a meenie, zoll a meenie, oo wall a wall! 

Beep billy ott in dotten oh bo ba beaten dotten 

shh! 

Flea #3 

This is the version sung at our Boy Scout 

Resident Camp 

Flea! 

Flea fly! 

Flea fly flow! 

Kumalata kumalata kumalata veeslay! 

Oh, no no no, not the veeslay. 

Ich a mini, satch a mini, oo walla walla mini. 

Des a mini, satch a mini, oo walla wall. 

A beat billy oaten bobin obo a boatin bobin obo a 

boatin bobin boatin bobin boatin bobin boatin 

bobin sssshhh... 

King of the Camp 


Tune: King of the Road 

Flies, Bugs, and bumblebees 

Chigger bites on my knees 

Band-Aids from head to toe 

Gotta sunburn on my nose 

I've got sand in the food I eat 

I've got blisters on both my feet 

I'm in pain but can't complain 

I'm King of the Camp


STUNTS AND APPLAUSES 

APPLAUSES & CHEERS 


John Travolta & the Mosquito Cheer- Use your 

disco pointer finger pointing up and down and 

sing, Oo AH, Oo ah, (Then slap all over) Eatin’ 

alive, Eatin’ Alive. My RT is definitely going to 

do this one. Even if it is too old for the Cubs!! 

CD 

SPIDER APPLAUSE- Walk on all four fingers 

on the one hand and then up the other arm and 

then scream “EEEEKKKK!!!” 

Beehive cheer- When Cubmaster raises hand 

audience buzzes loud, lowers hands they buzz 

quieter. 

WORM CHEER - Put hands together over-head, 

weaving body back and forth, and shout “Way to 

dig!” 


Flea Clap-Have everyone raise his hands above 

his head. Applaud by clicking the nails of 

the thumb and forefinger of each hand. 

Mosquito - With your hands, slap yourself on the 

neck, arms, legs, etc, while saying, "Oooo, 

Ahhh, Ouch!" 

Bee Applause: Put arms out to sides pretending 

to fly, while saying "Buzz, buzz, buzz." 

Leader controls volume with his signals. 

Bug Applause: When the leader waves hands (as 

if to "shoo" away a bee or mosquito, make 

buzzing sound (zzzzzzz). When leader 

finally slaps hands together (as in 

smacking the bug) everyone stops. 

. 

RUN-ONS 


Person 1: I just saw a moth crying. 

Person 2: That’s impossible! 

Person 1: You mean you never saw a moth bawl? 

Person 1: Waiter! Waiter! What is this fly doing 

in my soup? 

Waiter: It looks like it is doing the back stroke. 

DL: Why don’t you come in Tommy? 

Are your feet dirty? 

Tommy: Yes, ma’am, but I have my shoes on. 


Ask if anyone can walk out of the room with two 

legs and return with six legs. (Carry in a chair) 

Bee Sting 


1 st Cub OOOOOUCH, OOOOOOH, 

OOOOOUCH 

2 nd Cub What’s the matter with you? 

1 st Cub A bee’s stung my thumb! 

2 nd Cub Try putting some cream on it then. 

1 st Cub But the bee will be miles away by this 

time. 

JOKES & RIDDLES 



What do you get if you cross a mosquito with 

a sheep? 

Bah, humbug! 

What do you call a bee that is born in the 

month of May? 

A May-bee! 

What's an ant's favorite song? 

The National Ant-them! 

What kind of bee has no stinger and no wings? 

A fris-bee! 

Where can a spider always find a fly, even 

during the winter? 

In Web-ster's Dictionary! 

What's the biggest ant in the world? 

Ant-arctica! 

What’s a mosquito’s favorite sport? 

Skin diving!! 

What insect is as smart as a talking horse? 

A spelling bee.



What did one cockroach say to the other 

cockroach? 

You bug me. 

What do you get when you cross a bee with a 

cow? 

A Humburger 

What has eighteen legs and catches flies? 

A baseball team. 

What has four wheels and flies? 

A Garbage Truck 

What do you call a bee that can’t make up its 

mind? 

A May bee. 

What did the bug say when it hit the windshield? 

I don’t have the guts to do that again! 

What do you get when you cross a pig with a 

centipede? 

Bacon and legs. 

Great Salt Lake Council 

What is a caterpillar? 

A worm rich enough to buy a fur coat. 

What do you get when you cross an elephant with 

a fly? I don’t know, but if it lands on you, 

you’re a gonner. 

Why did the teacher excuse the firefly? 

Because when you’ve got to glow, 

you’ve got to glow. 

How did the firefly feel when he ran into the fan? 

Delighted. 

How many inch worms make a foot? Twelve. 

If a moth breathes oxygen in the daytime, what 

does it breathe in the evening? Nightrogen 

What goes snap, crackle, fizz? 

A firefly with a short circuit. 

What creature is smarter than a talking parrot? 

A spelling bee. 

What do you get if you cross a bee with a firearm? 

A bee-bee gun. 

Mosquito Knock Knocks 


Knock Knock. 

Who’s there? 

Amos. 

Amos who? 

A mosquito bit me. 

Knock Knock. 


Stella 

Stella who? 

Stella nother mosquito bit me. 

Knock Knock. 


Andy 

Andy who? 

Andy another mosquito bit me. 

Knock Knock. 


Consumption. 

Consumption who? 

Consumption be done about all these mosquitoes? 

SKITS 

The Picnic 


Characters: Mom, Dad, two Uncles and Billy. 

(Someone should introduce characters.) 

Costumes: Everyone in summer wear, ready for a 

picnic. 

Props: Picnic basket, blanket spread out on 

ground, plates, cups, etc. and Billy with a ball. 

Scene: Mom, Dad and the two Uncles are sitting 

around the blanket and Billy with a ball. 

Billy: Mom, When do we eat? 

Mom: As soon as your aunts arrive, Billy. 

Dad: This is a great day for a picnic. 

1st Uncle: The weatherman said it’s going to be 

sunny all day and the weatherman is 

always right! 

(Sound effect of thunder) 

2nd Uncle: Almost always right! 

Billy: Mom, when are going to eat? 

Mom: As soon as your aunts arrive, Billy! 

Dad: Anyone here want to go to the Tiger 

baseball game with me next Saturday? 

2nd Uncle: I will, we should have a roaring 

good time! 

1st Uncle: You ain't just ly-in (lion)! That would 

be a Paw-fect day. 

Billy: 

Mom: 

Mom, when are we going to eat? 

As soon as your aunts arrive, Billy. 

(Billy leaves with disgust, but comes 

back quickly with an "ant". A large ant 

made from cardboard on a string and


Dad: 

Billy: 

put it in front of his mother's face. 

Mom screams.) 

What's the meaning of this, Billy! 

I'm hungry!! Mom said we'd eat as 

soon as my aunts are here! 

Giant Worm 


On stage you have a boy concealed in a sleeping 

bag that is open on both ends, he is the Giant 

worm. 

Several “hikers” happen upon the worm. 

The hikers are eating and carrying with them a 

supply of candy bars. They look at each other in 

amazement ask each other “I wonder what he 

eats” 

The hikers hold some candy bars near the mouth 

of the worm. The worm gobbles up the candy bars 

wrappers and all. Then the worm quickly discards 

empty wrappers from the other end. (Stuff 

happens). The hikers run away. 

Another group of hikers comes along drinking soft 

drinks and repeats the routine. 

The third group comes along with nothing to eat 

or drink. This group should have your smallest 

scout. This group also ponders what this giant 

worm would eat. At that moment the worm 

gobbles the smallest scout. Then discards a pair of 

pants and shirt out the other end. 

The worm slithers off with the “eaten” scout under 

the sleeping bag. The hikers run away. 

Hiking with Bugs 


Personnel: 6 Cubs (Cub 2 should be the 

smallest boy in the group) 

Equipment: A tent set up as in the out of 

doors, 2 small flashlights 

Setting: 4 very tired and dirty Cubs, 

scratching and examining their bites. 

Cub 1: Boy am I glad to be back from that hike. 

I'm tired. 

Cub 2: The mosquitoes must have called up all 

of their relatives and told them we were 

coming. I've been eaten alive. 

Cub 3: They said a day hike, not an all day hike. 

Not only were we out near the river, but 

we were out all day. Gave those critters 

too much of a chance to eat at me. 

Cub 4: I feel the same way. I couldn't feel 

worse if I'd been run over by a semitruck. 

Cub 1: Bugs! Bugs everywhere. I wouldn't 

mind if they didn't itch so much. 

Cub 3: The blisters don't hurt as much as the itch 

itches. 

Cub 4: Those insects hadn't seen human beings 

in years. Here put some of this on all the 

spots. (Boys pass around a first aid 

ointment. Little lights start flashing in 

the dark, use 2 boys waving small 

flashlights) 

Cub 2: We'd better get inside our tent now! The 

bugs are out looking for us with 

flashlights. 

The Ants 


Characters 6 to 8 cub scouts 

Props: Paper Sacks 

Setting: Skit opens with boys standing 

together in a backyard. Cardboard cutout trees 

and bushes could be used. 

1st Cub: Gee, there’s nothing to do. 

2nd Cub: Yeah, I know. 

3rd Cub: Hey, let’s have a backyard picnic. 

All: Yeah! 

4th Cub: But it’s going to rain. 

1st Cub I don’t think so. If it does, we can eat 

in the house. 

2nd Cub: I’ll bring the potato chips. 

3rd Cub: I’ll bring the hot dogs. 

4th Cub: I’ll bring the hot dog buns. 

5th Cub: I’ll bring something special! 

(All walk offstage and come back carrying sacks.) 

2nd Cub: Here are the chips. 

3rd Cub: Here are the hot dogs. 

4th Cub: Here are the hot dog buns. 

5th Cub: Here are the drinks. 

6th Cub: (Drops his sack) Oh No!! 

1st Cub: What’s wrong? 

6th Cub: I brought the ants!!


CLOSING CEREMONIES 

Outdoor Code Closing 


Set-Up: Five Cubs. Have copies of the Outdoor 

Code for the audience or a large poster with 

underlined words on it. 

Cub # 1. Please stand as we say the Outdoor Code 

together. Pause after each line for an 

All 

explanation of that line. 

AS AN AMERICAN, I WILL DO MY 

BEST TO: BE CLEAN IN MY 

OUTDOOR MANNERS 

Cub # 2. I will treat the outdoors as a heritage to 

be improved for our greater enjoyment. I 

will keep my trash and garbage out of 

America’s water, fields, woods, and 

roadways. 

All: 


BEST TO: BE CAREFUL WITH 

FIRE. 

Cub # 3. I will prevent wild fires. I will build my 

fire in a safe place and be sure it is out 

before I leave. 

All: 


BEST TO : BE CONSIDERATE IN 

THE OUTDOORS. 

Cub # 4. I will treat public and private property 

with respect. I will remember that use of 

the outdoors is a privilege I can lose by 

abuse. 

All: 


BEST TO: BE CONSERVATION 

MINDED 

Cub # 5. I will learn how to practice good 

conservation of soil, water, forests, 

minerals, grasslands, and wildlife, and I 

will urge others to do the same. I will be 

a good sportsman in all my outdoor 

activities. 

Ant Hills 


Bugs are everywhere around us. Have you ever 

noticed an ant hill? The Ant Hill was constructed 

with team effort from each ant. During the winter, 

the ants stay underground. When the weather 

warms, they clear a passage to the outside world. 

Grain by grain the soil is brought up and deposited 

in a little pile around the opening. 

Like the ANTS, our Den/Pack requires teamwork 

from each Scout to be successful. Please join me 

in repeating the LAW OF THE PACK. 

CUBMASTER’S MINUTES 

Training Fleas 


Do you know how they train fleas? They put them 

into a glass jar with a lid. Then the fleas try 

desperately to get out. They keep jumping up 

hitting their heads against the top of the lid. Soon 

they don’t jump quite as high. 

Soon you can take them out of the jar and put 

them into an arena. As long as the side of the 

arena is lower than the lid was on the jar, the fleas 

will never jump out. They got tired of hitting their 

heads against the top and soon never jumped that 

high again for fear of hitting their head again. 

Boys can be like fleas. If we put a lid on some 

inappropriate activities, we may teach them to 

never do them again. But we must be careful that 

when it comes to learning and growing we keep 

the lid off the jar so that they never learn to limit 

their creativity. 

Closing Thought 


One of America’s greatest conservationists, Aldo 

Leopold, said: “The Lord giveth and the Lord 

taketh away, but He is no longer the only one to 

do so. When some remote ancestor of ours 

invented the shovel, he became a giver. He could 

plant a tree. And when the axe was invented, he 

became a taker. He could chop it down.” Thus 

each of us possesses the power to create or to 

destroy. Let us use this power wisely for the good 

of our Country and all mankind. 

Undiscovered Secrets 

No matter where you live, there is a world of 

undiscovered secrets of nature waiting to be 

explored. Farmers and naturalists are students of 

nature. A naturalist stands like Columbus on the 

prow of his ship, with a vast continent before him. 

Except that the naturalist’s world can be at his 

feet. It is as near as your back yard, a nearby park, 

woods, or the fields of a local farm. All kinds of 

insects, birds, plants, and other forms of life 

inhabit these lands. Continue exploring the world 

of nature and you will find many wonderful things 

that God has given us to enjoy.


If It’s Harder, It’s Even More Important 

Alice, Golden Empire Council 

Most of us find it pretty easy to understand and relate 

to someone who is a lot like ourselves – and it’s pretty 

easy to be kind and not be critical. But the true test of 

being a “Good Scout” is when we can look at someone 

who is different, who worships a different God, who 

honors a different flag, who dresses in a different way, 

and we can put ourselves in that person’s place, walk a 

mile in his shoes, and treat him as we would treat our 

friends. It’s when we see someone who walks or talks 

or writes in a way that makes us uncomfortable – and 

instead of pity we feel a kinship – Now that is being 

KIND! 

A Scout is Kind 

https://johnscout.wordpress.com 

A Scout is Kind. A Scout treats other as he wants 

to be treated. He knows there is strength in being 

gentle. He does not harm or kill any living thing 

without good reason. 

This point of the Scout Law is closely related to 

the prior. To be Courteous is to be Kind. Yet they 

each have their distinction. 

In my mind, Kindness is more basic. It’s the 

Golden Rule (do unto others as you would have 

them do onto you). It may be dharma. It may be 

simple human charity. 

Being Kind is not something you stop and think 

about. You don’t take more than you can 

eat. You close the gate when you go 

through. You put the seat down when you’re done 

in the outhouse. 

You either treat others with kindness, or you go 

through life oblivious to anything greater than 

yourself. 

. 

A Scout is Kind 

http://scoutmaster.typepad.com/ 

A Scout is kind. A Scout knows there is 

strength in being gentle. He treats others as he 

wants to be treated. Without good reason, he 

does not harm or kill any living thing. 

No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind 

action leads to another. Good example is 

followed. A single act of kindness throws out 

roots in all directions, and the roots spring up 

and make new trees. The greatest work that 

kindness does to others is that it makes them 

kind themselves. - Amelia Erhart 

This is my simple religion. There is no need for 

temples; no need for complicated philosophy. 

Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; 

the philosophy is kindness. - His Holiness the 

Dalai Lama 

Kindness is not usually my first reaction to 

difficult situations. My first reaction may be 

disappointment, anger, frustration or some other 

form of dismay. But if I can maintain an even 

temper (something that gets easier and easier as I 

practice) I can choose to respond with kindness. 

Buddhism teaches a conceptualization of other 

people that reminds us we are all part of each 

other. Admittedly this concept is foreign to the 

western mind and may not pass theological muster 

in other systems of belief yet it contains some 

broad truths that correspond to most. 

Buddhism accepts that we have all passed through 

innumerable cycles of rebirth in innumerable 

worlds in the the infinite past. In these 

innumerable cycles we are so closely interrelated 

to the rest of humankind we have all shared the 

same family at one time or another. Keeping this 

in mind that person who is the source of our 

distress was, in some past life, our mother, father 

sister or brother and we should look on them as 

such. We should treat them not as an enemy but as 

we would treat the closest member of our own 

family. 

This thread of kindness is woven into every 

system of belief. 

The Judeo-Christian imperative that we treat 

others as we would wish to be treated ourselves 

echos this concept.


Hinduism declares that "One should never do that 

to another which one regards as injurious to one’s 

own self. This, in brief, is the rule of dharma." in 

the Mahabharata. 

Islam's Muhammad said “None of you [truly] 

believes until he wishes for his brother what he 

wishes for himself.” 

Scouting's aspiration to kindness possesses great 

potential to unite many disparate opinons on a 

single point of agreement. 

CUB GRUB 

Chocolate Chirpie Chip Cookies: 



For the adventurous – go to 

www.ent.iastate.ed/Misc/InsectsAsFood.html 

for this and other recipes, including where you can 

purchase dry-roasted crickets and other 

ingredients! 

Fluttering Butterflies 



Materials: gumdrops, small pretzels, string 

licorice, small candies, frosting, knife 

For the body, cut two slits in a gumdrop. 

For the wings, press 1 pretzel into each slit. 

Use string licorice for antennae. 

Decorate the butterfly with assorted candy. 

Use frosting to “glue” the candy to the 

butterfly. 

Cub Cakes 



Cupcake Caterpillar: Or use green frosting, line 

up a wavy row of cupcakes. Finish off with M&M 

or Skittles, coconut, licorice or other candies to 

make a fuzzy beastie. 

Moth or Butterfly: To make a butterfly, pour the 

cake mix in a cupcake liner inside the cupcake pan 

– now take 2 little balls of tin foil and put it 

between the paper liner and the cupcake pan at the 

top and bottom of the cupcake – it will keep the 

cupcake from baking in a round shape – instead 

you will have a moth or butterfly shape. Once 

baked and cooled, decorate with frosting, licorice 

antennae, and other candies or sprinkles for a 

unique butterfly! 

Lady Bug Cupcakes: Use red frosting and 

chocolate chips turned upside down and pushed 

part way into the frosting to decorate your lady 

bug. Add black licorice antennae. 

Buggy Bake Off: Each boy makes his own 

cupcake “bug” – and brings it to the pack meeting 

to be judged – Everyone gets a prize made by 

attaching plastic bugs available at dollar and party 

stores to a cardboard or scrap wood base with 

appropriate titles - things like “Most Colorful 

Bug” or “Best Use of Sprinkles” or “Scariest 

Bug.” 

Caterpillar 

Utah National Parks Council 

Cut half a banana into fat slices. 

Put them back together again using peanut butter 

between the pieces to hold them together – make 

sure some of the filling pops out from between the 

banana sections. 

(Check for allergies – you could also use 

cream cheese, plain or flavored) 

Now add slivers of carrot for antennae and raisins 

for feet. Or use various other veggies or fruits or 

even candies to really dress up your creation!


Cub Scout Classics 


Ants-On-A-Log : Slice stalks of celery, and 

spread peanut butter in the groove. Sprinkle with 

black raisins. 

Variations: 

1) aphids-on-a-log (sunflower seeds), 

2) gnats-on-a-log (currants). 

Ant Treats: Use cinnamon twists (glazed donutlike 

pastries formed into the number eight) as the 

insect body, stick bendable plastic straws in the 

sides (three on each side) to be the legs, and they 

should look like giant ants. Use 'donut holes' for 

ant eggs. 

Bee Bread: Combine 

1 c. corn syrup, . 

1/14 c .powdered sugar, 

1 c. peanut butter and 

1-1/4 c. powdered milk; 

Roll into balls and then roll balls in powdered 

sugar. 

Fly in the Batter Recipes 

Cookies: Just a “buggy” name for chocolate 

chip or oatmeal cookies, with raisins (flies) 

and chocolate sprinkles (gnats). 

Pudding: Vanilla pudding with raisins – try 

adding a plastic fly – a hidden treat? Or scary 

surprise? 

“Cow” Pies: A blob of chocolate pudding 

with slivered almonds (maggots) – add a 

plastic fly “adult” on top – The boys will 

LOVE it! Moms may HATE it! 

Bug Blood: Mix a yellow drink (citrus pop or 

lemonade) with a blue one (Kool-Aid). You’ll end 

up with a radioactive shade of green. 

Caterpillar In A Cocoon : 

1. Use a Bundt cake & filling recipe or box, but 

bake in cupcake tins (greased-do not use 

cupcake papers). 

2. When cool, dip or cover with a thin layer of 

frosting, and then roll in or sprinkle coconut 

on top. 

3. Soften (but don’t melt!) caramel candies, coat 

with melted chocolate and/or roll in 

nuts/sprinkles/coconut. 

Butterfly Snacks: Use pretzels to form the 

butterfly wings, stuck together with softened 

caramel candy or peanut butter. Use two stick 

pretzels to make antennae. 

Chocolate Pretzel Spider: Stick two Oreo 

cookies together with chocolate frosting. Make 8 

curved legs by breaking bow-tied pretzels, and 

attach them around the middle of the spider by 

sticking them into the chocolate frosting. Use M & 

M's for eyes on the front, 'glued' with frosting. 

Butterfly Mouthparts 


Ingredients 

1 3-oz. pkg. flavored gelatin 

1/2 cup warm water 

1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows 

Directions 

Grease an 8-9” square pan VERY LIGHTLY. 

Mix boxed gelatin (any flavor) with warm 

water in a 1 1/2 quart size bowl and 

microwave 1 1/2 minutes. 

Stir to dissolve completely. 

Add marshmallows, microwave 1 minute more 

or until marshmallows are puffed and almost 

melted. 

SLOWLY stir mixture until marshmallows are 

melted. 

Allow creamy layer to float to the top-don’t 

mix it all together. 

Pour mixture into pan. 

Refrigerate until set (about 1 hr.). 

Loosen edges with a knife. 

Roll up tightly like a jelly roll, then (with 

seam-side down) 

Cut into 1/2” slices with a sharp knife. 

Serve immediately or refrigerate.


Caterpillar and Butterfly 


Common ingredients for both: 

Gummy Lifesavers 

Taffy 

Frosting 

Gumdrops 

Needed for just butterfly 

String Licorice for the butterfly's tongue 

and antennae 

Gum drop fruit slices 

Needed for the Caterpillar: 

Coated licorice candy 

Instructions 

Dampen gummy lifesavers, and press them 

together to form the body. 

Roll a piece of taffy into a ball for the head. 

Add frosting for the eyes and a gumdrop for 

the tail. 

Use coated licorice candy for the caterpillar's 

legs and slices of string licorice for the 

butterfly's tongue and antenna. 

Use gumdrop fruit slices for the butterfly 

wings. 

Spider Cookies 


PEANUT ALLERGY ALERT 

Ingredients 

2 ½ cups semi sweet chocolate chips 

¼ cup milk 

½ cup peanuts 

¾ cup dry chow main noodles 

waxed paper 

Directions: 

Melt 2 1/2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips 

and 1/4 cup of milk in a microwave on high 

for 1 minute and 40 seconds stirring every 20 

seconds. 

Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts and 3/4 cup 

of dry chow mein noodles. 

Drop by tablespoons onto waxed paper. 

Stick extra noodles into each cluster for legs. 

Chill. 

Dirt and Worm Cupcake 


These candy-clad chocolate cupcakes are for 

young mischief-makers 

who believe that the "yuckier" food looks, the 

better! 

Ingredients 

1 pkg fudge-brownie mix 

1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut 

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate morsels 

2 tsp coconut extract 

1/2 can (16 oz) prepared chocolate frosting 

Optional toppings: candy worms, crushed 

chocolate-wafer cookies 

Instructions 

1. Preheat over according to brownie-mix 

package directions. Line 12 muffin pan cups 

with paper foil liners. 

2. Prepare brownie mix according to package 

directions, using the "cake-like" variation. Stir 

coconut, chocolate morsels and coconut 

extract into batter 

3. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin 

cups. Bake 25 to 30 minutes. Remove to wire 

racks; cool completely. Spread cooled 

cupcakes with frosting. Decorate with desired 

toppings. 

4. Makes 12. 

Butterfly Sandwich 


Ingredients 

Bread 

Cream Cheese 

Olives, chives 

Bell pepper strips 

Carrot curls 

Directions: 

Cut a slice of bread diagonally into halves 

Arrange the halves on a plate with the cut 

edges facing out to resemble wings. 

Spread cream cheese on the bread 

Top with sliced olives, snipped chives and 

strips of fresh bell pepper. 

For the body place a piece of pepper between 

the wings and add carrot-curls for antennae.


GAMES 

Ultimate Insect Game 


We all know how frogs catch insects with their 

tongues, right? Here is a game that your den can 

play where they catch insects the same way 

Needed 

Velcro tape – both sides 

Pictures of insects cut out and mounted on 

light cardboard (paper plates, card stock, …) 

Blow out party favors – one per boy / 

contestant. You know the kind that make a 

noise and unwind when you blow into them 

Set Up 

Cut out the insect pictures and mount on the 

cardboard 

Trim edges to make it look neat 

Put one side of Velcro on the insect pictures 

Unroll each of the Party Blow Outs and put the 

other side of the Velcro on the end of the blow 

out. 

Be careful when placing the Velcro to make 

sure it will be on the bottom when blow out is 

unfurled. 

Game 

Spread all the insect pictures on a table 

Give each boy a party blow out 

Remind them how frogs catch insects with 

their tongues 

Explain that they are frogs and the party blow 

outs are their tongues. 

And they are to catch as many insects as they 

can in the next _____ seconds 

Or they are to catch all the insects and whoever 

has the most is the winner 

NOTE – There is a sheet of insect 

pictures for you to use on the 

next page of Baloo’s Bugle 

Predator Prey Game: 



This is a great game for a big space – and the more 

people the better. Start by explaining what 

predators and prey are. You must explain the 

game before anyone starts – it will get far too 

crazy to control after you start! You will need to 

identify three animals – the first one will be prey, 

the second one predator and then prey, and the 

third one will be predator. If you use all insects, a 

good choice would be aphids, ladybugs and 

Praying Mantis. 

Inside, poker chips would be good “aphids.” 

Outside, you could use popcorn for the aphids – 

scatter all around the playing field. Divide the 

boys into two groups- ladybugs (or beetles if the 

boys object to being a ladybug) are the first group 

– when you blow the whistle, they have a limited 

time to run and gather poker chips (or popcorn in 

snack re-sealable bags.) They need three full bags 

or 3 chips to survive. Blow the whistle again, and 

the second group of boys (praying mantis’) run out 

and tries to capture (tag) the ladybugs. The trick 

is, they must have 3 ladybugs (with 3 full bags 

each) to survive, and if they capture a ladybug 

without three bags, they will still have to capture 

another, so that they have a total of 9 bags of 

popcorn. Only when they have at least 3 ladybugs 

and 9 full bags (or 9 poker chips) can the Praying 

Mantis return to the safety of his nest. Blow the 

whistle again, and aphids without 3 full bags or 

Praying Mantis without 3 beetles and 9 full bags 

of “aphids” are out of the game. Now that 

everyone is worn out, talk about predators and 

prey. Can an animal be both? What could be the 

predator for the Praying Mantis? If a ladybug 

escapes being caught, but doesn’t have enough 

“food”, what would happen? What would happen 

to the Praying Mantis who didn’t capture enough 

beetles – or who captured beetles without enough 

“aphids?” You can make this game more involved 

for older boys, by adding the safety of hula hoop 

“nests” and making a rule that they can only get 

one bag or poker chip at a time – always having to 

sneak out of the nest for their next meal! Boys 

could also look for other examples of insects that 

are predators and prey – and draw pictures or 

make models of them to display at the Pack 

Meeting.

BALOO'S BUGLE - (September 2016 RT / October 2016 Prog Ideas) Page 84


Hands-On Science: An Insect's Senses 



Many insects use their antennae to feel their 

surroundings. Pair up the boys. One partner 

blindfolds the other and hands that person two 

straws. Then the partner without the blindfold 

places an object on a table (for example, a book, a 

box of tissue, or a thermos). The blindfolded 

partner must try to use the straw "feelers" to 

determine what the object is. 

Critter race 


Go to your local pet store and get a box of 

bugs just before pack meeting. 

Lay a tarp out on the grass or in the parking lot 

etc. 

Draw a large enough circle so all boys or 

teams can sit in middle with backs against 

each other. 

Pass out bugs and 

Have the boys race the bugs. 

First bug to get out of the circle wins. 

A lot fun with crickets. 

Fear Factor Cub Style 


Using gummy worms, skin less grapes (eye balls), 

green elbow noodles (brains), and whatever fun 

things you can come up with. Have a fear factor 

competition. 

6-Legged Insect Race 


Have the Cubs pair off 

Tie the adjacent legs of two boys to each other as 

in a three-legged race. 

Now tie their arms that are next to each other 

together too. 

Have them get down on their hands and knees and 

crawl in a 6 legged race to the finish line. 

Mr. Muffet & the Spider 


One cub is Mr. Muffet & sits on a low bench in 

the center. The other cubs form a circle around 

Mr. Muffet. Mr. Muffet covers his eyes and one 

cub is chosen to be a spider. He must come up and 

touch Mr. Muffet and return to his seat without 

being caught. If Mr. Muffet hears the spider he 

tries to tag him before the spider returns to his spot 

in the circle. If the spider gets tagged he becomes 

Mr. Muffet and a new spider is chosen. 

Grasshopper Relay 


Relay teams line up single file. The first player in 

each team holds a bean bag or ball firmly between 

his knees. At a signal, he hops to goal line and 

back to the starting line where he hands the bag to 

the next grasshopper in line, if a player drops the 

bean bag, he goes back to the starting line. Team 

to finish first wins. 

Centipede 


Equipment: Broom stick 

Line up teams of 8, 12, or 16. Have the first four 

Cub Scouts on each team straddle a broomstick 

with their left hands grasping the stick. On signal, 

they run to a designated line, return, and give the 

stick to the next four players in their line. If any 

player releases his hold on the stick, he must 

regain it before his team may progress further. 

The first team through wins. 

Spider Race 


Equipment: Rope 

Divide group into set of two boys each. Tie each 

set of boys together at belt loops or belts. With 

four arms and legs, they are now spiders. Have 

the boys compete in a race across the playing area. 

They must travel with just their hand and feet 

touching the ground. 

Critter Catching Contest 


Divide the den into two teams. Give each boy in 

one team a balloon (not over-filled) to tie around 

his ankle. On the command "GO" the other team 

tries to stomp on the critters (pop the balloons) in 

a set amount of time. After that, the teams 

reverse. 

Centipede Rope Race 


Divide the den into two equal teams. Give each 

team a long rope. On "GO" each boy, in turn, ties 

the rope around his waist and then sits down. The 

first team to be completely seated wins.


Centipede Run 


Divide the den into two teams. Again using a long 

rope, each boy ties it around his waist. Have the 

two teams race a distance. The first across the 

finish line wins. 

Bug Races 


Draw a large circle on the driveway with sidewalk 

chalk. Let the boy catch a bug. Each boy places 

his bug close to the center of the circle. When the 

leader says go, all the boys release their bug. First 

but to crawl or jump out of the circle is the winner. 

Caterpillar Race 


Line up groups in single file. The first Cub Scout 

in each line places his hands on the ground. Each 

teammate behind him bends forward and grasps the 

ankles of the player in front of him. On signal, the 

columns move forward in this position. When the 

last player in the column crosses the finish line the 

team has completed the race, provided that their 

line is still intact. The first team to complete the 

race wins. 

Inchworm 


Boys assume prone position, with body extended, 

face down, arms fully extended, with hands on 

floor and fingers spread. Holding the hands 

stationary, walk the feet up as close to hands as 

possible. Then, with feet stationary, walk hands 

forward to starting position. Repeat. Have a race 

for the fastest inchworm or see who can go 

farthest in six actions. 

My.Scouting 

a key tool in managing training records. 

By Gary Moore 

Pine Tree Council My.Scouting Tools Champion 

and Executive Board Member 

I've been an Adult Scout Leader for almost 35 years 

now. As I look back, the two thoughts (aside from the 

Scout Oath and Law) that have been the most powerful 

guides for me are "Keep it simple, make it fun." and 

"Every boy deserves a trained leader." The first has 

been important in that it speaks to the attitude that 

leaders must exhibit to make Scouting successful - not 

only with youth, but also with adults. The second 

thought, about training, has always reminded me that I 

am a guardian of Scouting. I don't own it - the program 

belongs to and is shaped by the Boy Scouts of 

America. Training has helped me understand the 

Scouting program and how to add my energy, 

excitement and personality in correctly delivering the 

program. 

So, how does My.Scouting help with this? There are 

actually two areas in My.Scouting that are integral 

parts of the training strategy. One area, the Training 

Manager tool, helps record and track training progress. 

The other, the Training Center, offers on-line training. 

This month, we'll take a look at the My.Scouting 

Training Manager tool and see how it makes training 

records visible and maintainable at the Unit level. 

The My.Scouting Training Manager tool has brought 

new capabilities to ensure that we manage Adult 

Leader Training. It has provided standard record 

keeping tools that allow instant visibility of training 

records. The unit Key 3, that is the Committee Chair, 

the unit leader – Cubmaster, Scoutmaster or Crew or 

Team Advisor and the Chartered Organization 

Representative, have access to the Training Manager 

tool. The unit also has the option to assign up to two 

Key 3 Delegates to help with My.Scouting tools. 

The Training Manager tool is especially helpful for 

managing Youth Protection Training. YPT is a


required training for all leaders. Without it, a leader's 

membership cannot be renewed at re-charter time. It is 

very helpful for the Pack to be able to access these 

records so proper training can be planned and 

accomplished in time for re-charter. The Training 

Manager tool offers a YPT Aging Report to make this 

tracking easy. 

Another report, the Trained Leaders Report is also 

available to quickly understand who has been trained 

and what others need to complete training for their 

position. 

To show how to use the Training Manager tool, an 8 ½ 

minute video explaining each part of the Training 

Manager tool is available at http://bit.ly/2bwiCEC 

Leaders Report, the Commissioner can alert the 

District Training team of needed training within the 

Pack and help ensure needed training is scheduled and 

help insure that those who need the training are invited 

and encouraged to attend. 

BSA has been working hard to make training more 

accessible through on-line training from the 

My.Scouting website. We’ll take a look at that next 

month. 

By the way, my email address is in each video 

mentioned here. Please let me know if you have 

questions or suggestions. I’d love to hear from you. 

Till next month, Good Scouting! 

One important thing to note in assessing training is that 

unit members must make sure that the membership ID 

that they use to log into My.Scouting is the same ID 

that shows up in their listing in the Pack records found 

in the Member Manager tool. If a leader logs into 

My.Scouting and takes training, but you do not find it 

recorded in the Training Manager tool, the ID 

mismatch is the first thing to check. Have the member 

log into https://My.Scouting.org, click on Menu in the 

upper left and choose My Dashboard. This will open 

up to a page showing My Training. Click on the "three 

stacked lines" icon and choose My Profile from the 

dropdown. This shows the Member ID that is being 

used when the member logs in. If it is different than the 

member ID shown in the unit database seen in the 

Member Manager, you've found the problem. (For help 

on the Member Manager tool, see the video at 

http://bit.ly/2aq6aYH) to resolve this, the member 

should go to the Legacy Web Tools from the 

My.Scouting menu and choose the Manage Member 

ID tool. You can also email the National Help Desk at 

myscouting@netbsa.org or call 1-800-627-2035 from 

8AM to 5PM Central time. 

BSA Social Media 

You Tube Channels 

(Images are hyperlinked to the You Tube Channels) 

Scouting Magazine 

Boys’ Life Magazine 

Boy Scouts of 

America 

The Training Manager tool also lets the unit update 

training records. For example, if a leader has taken, 

say, position specific training in a live setting but that's 

not showing up in the My.Scouting Training Manager, 

the unit may add that (assuming that verification of 

training, such as a signed course training card or 

certificate, is available) to the leader's training record. 

This also updates the National database. 

Summit Bechtel Reserve 

Check out the cool stories and interviews on the 

different channels. (Click on images to view the videos) 

Scouting Magazine 

This tool is especially helpful for the Unit 

Commissioner. By examining the unit's Trained


Check out Camp Melita Island. This camp is in my 

home state and on a lake that I spent a lot of time on. 

Inside the Vortex, the STEM Scouts mobile lab. 

Be sure to check out Summit’s You Tube channel for 

lots more videos 

Northern Tier 

(Click on images to see video) 

Meet Shawn Jackson, the creator of Scoutbook. 

Northern Tier Promotional Video (older video, but still 

gives you a great idea of what Northern Tier has to offer) 

Beast Feast – Cole Canoe Base 

Boys Life Magazine 

Check out the different play lists that are on the Boys 

Life Magazine YouTube channel. 

BL Essentials 

Handbook Hacks 

How to tie knots 

Scouting Around 

Uploads 

Summit Bechtel Reserve 


Jobs at Northern Tier 

Cub Scout Family Camp 

Northern Tier staff training for 2018 Winter Olympic 

Games


OKPIK Promo 

Philmont Scout Ranch 


“Bryan on Scouting” 

is the official blog of Scouting magazine, a Boy Scouts 

of America publication. Scouting magazine is 

published five times a year and is received by 1 million 

registered adult volunteers. Bryan covers many topics 

every month. He keeps his Blog current and deals with 

the latest issues. 

1Philmont Scout Ranch Drone Tour 

2How to Hang Bear Bag 

His articles this past month are listed below (Every title 

has a hyperlink). The articles in BLUE are of special 

interest for Cub Scout Leaders. 

If the word SPONSORED appears, that BSA received 

compensation for that blog post. 

August 2016 

2017 National Jamboree subcamps 

will be named after national parks 

(with patches to match) 

August 26, 2016 // 4 Comments 

3How To Set Up A Camp 

Florida Sea Base 

Click on image to view video 

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 

National Park Service, and the 2017 National 

Jamboree is joining the celebration with 22 

subcamp patches. 

BSA Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/theboyscoutsofamerica/ 

Be sure to check out Boy Scouts of America Facebook 

page for more great articles and Videos regarding 

Scouting. 

U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO to 

companies: Use Exploring to build a 

talent pipeline 

August 25, 2016 // 0 Comments


Thomas Donohue, an Eagle Scout who is Challenge yourself with Scouting 

president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of 

Commerce, sees Exploring as a way for 

magazine’s ‘Where Am I?’ contest 

companies to develop a talent pipeline. 


With the Scouting magazine app, get 

every issue ever printed for $4.99 a 

year 


Carry a century of Scouting stories, 

knowledge and history everywhere you go by 

downloading the new Scouting magazine 

app. 

STEM Scouts pilot adds seven 

councils, bringing total to 20 


The BSA announced that its popular STEM 

Scouts pilot program will add seven new 

councils this fall, bringing the total to 20. 

Have Scouts who take medications? 

Read these instructions, too 


Guess the location and you could win a $100 

Scoutstuff.org gift card in this geography 

contest. 

How councils use Polaris ATVs to rev 

up excitement for Scouting 


By adding Polaris ATVs, one council has found 

a perfect partner in teaching Scouts how to 

have fun, ride safely and respect the 

environment. 

Jared Ward, Eagle Scout and 

Olympic marathoner: Scouting 

taught me to do hard things 


Plan ahead. Talk to the Scout's parents. Be 

smart about storage and labeling. Review the 

eight steps for dealing with a youth member’s 

medication. 

Jared Ward, a member of Team USA's 2016 

Olympic marathon team, says, "Some of my 

best memories came while I was in a Boy 

Scout uniform." 

Louisiana flooding hits Scout 

families; here’s how to help




Scouts and Scouters in the Evangeline Area 

Council and Istrouma Area Council in 

Louisiana have been displaced by 

unprecedented flooding. 

Philmont Advisor Skills School, 

coming to a city near you, gets you 

trek-ready 


The parents of Ryan Held, the Eagle Scout 

who won Olympic gold, say both of their sons 

are proof that Scouting helps prepare young 

people for life. 

Greg Billington, Olympic triathlete 

and Eagle Scout, found a way to do it 

all 


Philmont Advisor Skills School — offered at 

the Scout ranch and at locations nationwide 

— and the Philmont Advisor Workshop help 

leaders prepare for a trek. 

John Nunn, Eagle Scout, competes in 

the longest track event in the 

Olympics 

August 17, 2016 // 1 Comment 

Swim, bike, run ... and earn the highest 

award in Scouting. All in a life's work for Greg 

Billington, an Eagle Scout and Olympic 

triathlete. 

What makes summer camp great? 

This Scout gives the best possible 

answer 


John Nunn, 38, is an Eagle Scout who will 

compete in the 50-kilometer race walk at the 

2016 Olympics in Rio. He's the only American 

in the race. 

Parents of Eagle Scout and Olympic 

gold medalist Ryan Held tell their 

story 

There are countless reasons why Scouts love 

attending summer camp, but a Scout in the 

Chief Seattle Council gave perhaps the best 

reason yet.


Rob Munn, Eagle Scout, hopes to 

power eight-man rowing team to gold 


Rob Munn, one of seven Eagle Scout 

Olympians in Rio, will race for gold for Team 

USA in Saturday's eight-man rowing finals. 

Kodiak Challenge offers hands-on 

leadership training for Scouts and 

Venturers 


Robert Garrett, who in 1896 became the first 

modern Olympic champion in discus and shot 

put, brought the new Boy Scouts of America 

to Baltimore in 1910. 

Eagle Scout Olympian Ryan Held 

wins gold in 4×100 freestyle relay 


Ryan Held, one of seven Eagle Scouts on the 

2016 U.S. Olympic roster, won a gold medal 

Sunday night as a member of Team USA's 

4x100 freestyle relay team. 

Kodiak Challenge invites Scouts and 

Venturers to step outside their comfort zones 

to experience hands-on leadership training. 

How to deliver on the promises made 

at join-Scouting night 


Time to learn the name of Ryan Held, 

Eagle Scout and Olympic swimmer 


A Cub Scout's join-Scouting night experience 

is filled with a grandiose vision of the Cub 

Scout year. But then we have to deliver on 

that promise. 

1896 Olympic discus champion 

brought Scouting to Baltimore in 

1910 

August 9, 2016 // 1 Comment 

At the U.S Olympic Swimming Trials, nobody 

was talking about Ryan Held. Pretty soon, 

everyone will know this Eagle Scout's name. 

On our radar: Great gear sighted at 

the 2016 Summer Outdoor Retailer 



Scouters, add these items to your gear wish 

lists and stay tuned for even more gear 

coverage in Boys Life and Scouting 

magazines. 

Casey Patterson: Beach volleyball 

Olympian, hairstyle icon, Eagle Scout 


The window for 2017 Eagle Scout 

scholarships — offering money for college to 

worthy Eagle Scouts — opened Aug. 1, 2016, 

and will close Oct. 31, 2016. 

Your pick for the coolest car at 

Outdoor Retailer’s Pinewood Derby 


Casey Patterson, Eagle Scout Olympian, says 

Scouting taught him to work hard, help 

others, and live a life that balanced sports 

and Scouts. 

2018 VenturingFest will celebrate the 

program’s 20th anniversary 


Cast your vote for the "People's Choice" car 

at the Outdoor Retailer Pinewood Derby, 

hosted by Scouting Works. 

How the seven Eagle Scouts fared at 

the 2016 Olympics 


The 2018 VenturingFest, celebrating the 

program's 20th anniversary, will take place 

July 1 to July 6, 2018, at the Summit Bechtel 

Reserve in West Virginia. 

Window for 2017 Eagle Scout 

scholarships open till Oct. 31, 2016 


Seven members of the 2016 U.S. Olympic 

Team that competed in the Rio Olympics are 

Eagle Scouts. Here's how they fared in the 

Summer Games. 

Now hear this: 2016 Jamboree-onthe-Air, 

Jamboree-on-the-Internet 

dates set 



TIGER 

Tiger Adventure: Backyard Jungle 

Embrace Scouting's global reach by involving 

your Scout units in the 2016 Jamboree-onthe-Air 

and Jamboree-on-the-Internet — Oct. 

14 to 16, 2016. 

At last, relief from this embarrassing 

problem affecting Scouts and 

Scouters 


Developed by Scouters for Scouters, 

Adventure Cream prevents chafing and 

blisters during Scouting's most-demanding 

activities. 

DEN ADVENTURES 

1. Take a 1-foot hike. Make a list of the 

living things you find on your 1-foot 

hike. 

2. Point out two different kinds of birds 

that live in your area. 

3. Be helpful to plants and animals by 

planting a tree or other plant in your 

neighborhood. 

4. Build and hang a birdhouse. 

5. With your adult partner, go on a walk, 

and pick out two sounds you hear in 

your “jungle.” 

Workbook for use with these requirements: PDF 

Format DOCX Format 

Ways to Conduct a 1-Foot Hike 

http://cubscoutideas.com/3887/tiger-backyard-jungleadventure-take-a-1-foot-hike/ 

There are several ways you can conduct the hike. 

1. Make it a Square Foot Hike – Give each boy a 4′ 

piece of string. Have them pick an area they like and 

lay out the string to form a square foot. For 10 minutes, 

they examine their square foot with the magnifying 

glass. Afterward, they can share what they found with 

the rest of the group. 

2. Play “Do You See What I See?” – For this game, 

have each boy pick a partner. Partners decide on their 

one foot area. Have both boys stand behind a line 

about 10 feet away from the area they’ve chosen. Give 

the first boy a set amount of time (5 or 7 minutes 

would probably be best) to examine his area. He 

makes a list of everything he sees. When the time 

expires, he and his partner trade places. Give the 

partner the same amount of time to make his list. Have 

the boys compare lists and see who found the most 

things. After they compare, have both of them go back


to their area to see if they can find more things working 

as a team. 

Make a plot by drawing a large square on their paper 

and have them indicate where in the square they saw 

the different living things. 

3. Complete several 1-foot hikes during a regular hike 

– Since most of us hike in some kind of wooded area, 

the boys may be able to find things they wouldn’t if 

they complete the 1-foot hike in their backyards. 

Many hiking trails weave through different types of 

terrain. You may hike through a heavily wooded area, 

by a body of water or near an open field of 

wildflowers. By selecting more than one spot to have a 

1-foot hike, the boys will be able to see different living 

things. 

While a 1-foot hike doesn’t sound that exciting at first, 

your Cub Scouts will be amazed at what they can 

discover. 

To add some excitement, tell the boys that they won’t 

know when you’ll call out for them to do a 1-foot hike. 

They need to be ready to quickly find the area they 

want to examine. Like before, give them a set amount 

of time to examine the area. Talk about what they 

found when the time is up. Continue your hike until 

you find another great spot for a 1-foot hike. 

“Leave No Trace” 

Since we want to “Leave No Trace” of our hike, the 

boys shouldn’t dig or disturb the surface of the ground 

too much. My good friend Betsy gave me several good 

ideas to help with that. She suggested that we find an 

area with lots of nooks and crannies to explore without 

digging. Fallen logs in the woods and grass offer lots 

of possibilities. Or they can look at a garden with 

mulch that they can gently push aside. 

Betsy also shared these great ideas. We can expand the 

area beyond just looking at the ground. Go up the 

plants on your 1- foot space because there is lots to 

observe on a plant too–the colors, shape of the leaves, 

texture, bugs or other animals that might be there. The 

boys might also want to look for shadows. They could 

look for where the sun is and talk about the path it 

takes through the sky and how that affects what grows 

on the opposite sides of trees and rocks. 

Recording The Findings 

There are a few ways that the boys can record what 

they found: 

Make a simple list. 

Draw pictures of what they find. 

American Robins 

The red breasted birds, mark the return of Spring to 

most folks in the northern states. One of the easiest 

birds to watch while they go about their nesting and 

feeding habits since they're in most peoples backyards. 

Actually, unknown to a lot of people, these birds spend 

the winter in much of their breeding range. However, 

because they spend less time in yards and congregate 

more in wooded areas you may not see them as often. 

During milder winters, it's more common to see them 

in our backyards. 

These birds are often used as the standard to which 

other birds sizes are compared; one of the most 

common native birds of the East, and the largest of the 

Thrush Family. 

Hardly a garden in North America has not been visited 

by this bird. Often referred to as the Red Robin. 

Description 

American Robins have gray upperparts and the familiar 

reddish breast, varying from pale rust to a dark brick 

red. Male and females look nearly identical. The 

females colors are less vibrant. 

Sometimes during nesting season you'll see mud on the 

breast of a female, since she is the one that lines the


nest with mud. The average size of this bird is 9-11 

inches long. 

Often, you'll see these birds hopping on lawns, 

meadows, and golf courses looking for earthworms. 

They also eat insects, fruit, and berries. 

The female has a brown crown and a plain breast with 

a broad buff line over the eye. Be careful when 

identifying female House Sparrows because they may 

look similar to female House Finches. The female 

House Finch will have a stripped breast. 

Although misnamed English Sparrow, and commonly 

known as the House Sparrow, it is not particularly a 

native of England and is not a sparrow. It's thought to 

have its origin in the Mediterranean and actually a 

member of the Weaver Finch family. 

10 Steps to Plant a New Tree and Shrubs 

http://www.homedepot.com/c/easy_steps_to_plant_ne 

w_tree_HT_PG_OD 

Fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs around 

your home. By planting in the cooler weather, you're 

allowing the plants to more easily establish the root 

growth they will need during the spring growing 

season and the hot, dry summer. It will also allow the 

plants to recover from the inevitable stress they 

experience during transplanting. 

House Sparrows 

may or may not be the most loved birds, they certainly 

are a part of our backyard bird watching experience. 

Initially these birds were imported from England. 

Brought to the US because they were known to eat 

certain caterpillars that harm shade trees. 

One by one, other US cities began importing them for 

the same purpose. In less than 50 years this small bird 

has a range that includes the entire U.S. and well into 

Canada. 

Unfortunately, they didn't go after the caterpillars 

hoped for. While intentions were good, the outcome 

has been just the opposite. Our native cavity nesters 

have not evolved fast enough to compete with these 

highly competitive birds. 

Their nesting, feeding, and mating habits can be 

observed easily due to their long multiple breeding 

season. 

Description 

House Sparrows are 5 to 6 inches in length. The male 

has a gray crown, whitish check, and black throat. The 

bill and breast are black in summer and in winter the 

bill is yellow and the breast is gray. 

Planting a new tree is an investment that can last a 

lifetime. Position the tree carefully since it will be in 

place for years. When planting a tree, know its 

maximum height and spread, information that's usually 

on the label. Plant it far enough away from houses, 

outbuildings, power lines, and other permanent 

structures so that even when mature, the tree won't 

touch them. Be sure to plant your new tree far enough 

away from other trees so that it won't grow leaning 

away from the others, trying to get maximum light. 

For tips and helpful information on how to properly 

fertilize your lawn, visit our Feeding Your Lawn and 

Overseeding Your Lawn project guides. 

Step 1: Things to consider 

Here are some things to consider before selecting 

which trees and shrubs to purchase: 

Will the shrubs or trees I have chosen flower? 

Do they bear fruit or berries? 

Will they attract birds or butterflies? 

Are they purely ornamental or will they drop fruit on 

the ground? 

Will this shrub or tree keep its leaves all winter?


Step 2: Tree planting preparation 

When selecting the location for your tree, make note of 

the sun exposure for the area throughout the day. You 

should also consider the plants, shrubs or trees 

surrounding the location and try to envision the 

maximum canopy and height the new tree will 

eventually reach. 

Will it brush up against your house? Are there 

overhead obstructions such as wires or eaves? What 

current plants and shrubs will be cast in shade once the 

tree reaches full height? These are all questions you 

should ask yourself before heading off to The Home 

Depot Garden Center. There you will find labeling on 

the plants and trees indicating their sun needs and 

expected size at maturity. 

This will help you avoid the need to retransplant the 

tree later because it has outgrown it's space. 

Step 3: Location selection 

Once you have selected a tree, it’s time to dig the hole. 

Begin by measuring the tree’s root ball. A common 

mistake made while planting a tree is to dig the hole 

too deep and not wide enough. 

The hole should be dug at least three times the 

diameter of the root ball of the tree and no deeper than 

its root ball. This large diameter of loosened soil will 

allow the roots to spread and grow more easily. 

It’s best to place the soil on a tarp or in a wheelbarrow 

to avoid killing any surrounding grass and to make 

back filling the hole easier. 

Step 4: Dig the hole 

If you’re digging in soil with a high clay content, check 

the walls and base for glazing. This glazing will form a 

barrier that blocks water from seeping in. It can also 

make it more difficult for the roots to spread and grow 

into the surrounding native soil. Use a gardening tool 

such as a fork to scratch a few inches deep and break it 

up. 

Dig a slightly deeper ring around the outer edges of the 

hole, leaving a higher ridge of compacted soil in the 

center. This will allow the root ball to rest on a 

pedestal of sorts and keep water from pooling at the 

base of the root ball. 

You want the root ball moist but not soaking in water 

as this could lead to root rot. 

Step 5: Prepare the tree 

If the tree you selected comes in a bucket, you’ll need 

to remove it and gently loosen the root ball with a 

shovel or by hand. The roots can become pot-bound 

and will continue to grow in a circular pattern if they 

aren’t loosened first. 

If your tree comes in a burlap wrap, remove any string 

or twine that may be present. Then cut away the burlap 

surrounding the roots. If it’s natural burlap, it can be 

peeled back from the root ball and remain. If it’s a 

synthetic or plastic burlap it must be removed entirely. 

Step 6: Plant the tree 

Trees should always be lifted by the root ball, never by 

the trunk. Lower the tree into the hole and place it on 

top of the raised center section. Lay the handle of your 

shovel across the hole to check that the crown of the 

root ball is level with the surrounding ground. 

If the root ball is below the surrounding ground, 

remove the tree and add more soil. If it’s too high, 

remove more soil from the hole. It’s best in most 

regions to not amend the soil. Allow the root system to 

adjust to the native soil around it and spread. 

If your soil is sandy and fast draining, add some peat 

moss to the excavated soil. Use that mix of native soil 

and peat to backfill the hole. The peat will act as a 

sponge and absorb water, keeping it at the level of the 

root structure. 

Step 7: Backfill the hole 

Backfill the hole just to the height of the ball or slightly 

lower to allow for settling. Don’t mound the dirt over


the ball and up the trunk, it will prevent air from 

reaching the roots. 

Be careful not to compress the soil too much or it will 

prevent water from reaching the deeper parts of the 

root ball. Mound dirt around the tree to form a moat 

that will help collect water. 

After digging the hole, place the shrub and again check 

that the base of the trunk is even with the surrounding 

ground. Create a moat of soil around the drip line of 

the plant to allow water to collect around the shrub. 

The drip line is the distance to the outermost branches. 

Spread two inches of mulch or pine straw around the 

shrub, but away from the base of the trunk. 

Spread two inches of bark or wood chip mulch around 

the area to help retain water and control weeds. It’s 

very important that no mulch be touching the trunk of 

your new tree. Clear mulch back away from the base of 

the trunk. This will allow enough clear surface area for 

water, air and light to penetrate the soil. 

Step 8: Water and maintain the tree 

It’s critical in the early development of the root system 

to keep the soil moist. Newly planted trees should be 

watered at the time of planting and you should water it 

at least once per week during its first growing season. 

Water it more often during the height of summer as 

rainfall dictates. 

Avoid over watering the tree because it will reduce the 

oxygen flow to the root system. It’s best to give the 

tree deep soakings rather than frequent, light waterings. 

Getting the moisture down deep in the root system will 

encourage deep root growth. 

Soaker hoses work well for deep watering. They 

release small amounts of water and can be left on for 

several hours. 

Step 9: Planting shrubs 

As with tree planting, you should make note of the sun 

exposure for your planned area. Also note the distance 

to any surrounding shrubs and flowers. This way, you 

won’t plant a shrub that will soon crowd out those 

around it or struggle due to too much or too little sun. 

The hole should be dug as deep as the root ball and two 

or three times as wide. If the roots of the shrub have 

become pot-bound, loosen the root ball by hand or with 

a shovel. This will encourage the feeder roots to grow 

beyond the root ball and help establish the plant 

sooner. 

Step 10: Maintaining shrubs 

Once planted, give the shrub a long, generous soaking. 

Repeat the deep watering two or three times per week 

until the shrub is established. 

To help relieve the stress of the transplant, you can 

apply a plant starter solution to both shrubs and trees 

immediately after planting. This will help relax the 

roots and promote growth. Read the product directions 

for proper application instruction 

Flip the Bird Tag 

http://scoutermom.com/cubscout/tiger-adventurebackyard-jungle/ 

This is an active game which is a combination of tag 

and keep away. In it, a players work together to keep 

their friends from being tagged. “Flip the Bird” is the 

traditional name for this game, but if you think it will 

cause too much of a stir, you can just call it “Bird 

Tag”. 

Materials 

You need something to be the “bird”. This can be a 

rubber chicken, a towel with a knot tied in the middle, 

a ball, etc. Use your imagination. 

Instructions 

Choose somebody to be “It”. 

Define the boundaries of the play area. 

Give the “bird” to somebody who is not it. 

“It” tries to tag the other players. “It” can tag anyone 

except the person currently in possession of the “bird”. 

The players work together, throwing the “bird” to 

the person being chased to prevent “it” from tagging 

them.


When somebody is tagged, they must sit on the side 

of the play area. 

Last person not to be tagged wins. Hr or she gets to 

be “It” for the next round 

Notes 

Utility knife 

Spoon 

Hand drill 

Enamel paint or shellac or polyurethane 

Paint brush 

This game is meant to teach teamwork. However with 

younger children, some might not want to throw the 

bird. If this is the case, make the rule that nobody can 

keep the bird for more than the count of three. 

Another option is to have multiple birds and only the 

people with the birds can be tagged. Know your group 

and adjust the rules as necessary. 

Gourd Birdhouse 

I dried some gourds we grew, so we can make gourd 

birdhouses. If you didn’t grow any yourself, you can 

probably find some in your area at a farmer’s market or 

even a craft shop. 

Because of the number of steps involved and the 

drying time required between paintings, we will 

probably start these at a meeting and then they can take 

them home to paint them. I’m also planning on having 

them already soaking when the meeting starts. Kids 

and a 10 percent bleach solution are not a good 

combination, so they can start at the point where they 

scrub the gourds with the soapy water. 

Gourd Birdhouse 

Depending on age and maturity, some of these steps 

might have to be done by an adult. 

Materials: 

Dried gourd – “bottle gourd” 

bleach solution – one-part bleach and nine parts 

water 

Steel wool 

bucket with soapy water 

Old towel to dry the gourd 

Directions 

Soak the gourd in a bleach solution for 15 minutes. 

(This might be done by an adult rather than a youth.) 

Dry the gourd with the towel. 

Immediately clean the outside of the gourd using the 

steel wool and the soapy water. 

Dry the gourd again with the towel. 

With the knife, cut a 1 ½ inch diameter hole in the 

gourd, slightly above the halfway point on the “fat” 

part of the gourd. (This might also need to be done by 

an adult.) 

Use the spoon to remove any seeds or pith in the 

gourd. 

Drill a few holes in the bottom, for drainage. 

Drill two holes at the top of the gourd. Later you 

will feed the wire through these to make a hanger for 

the gourd.. 

Coat the gourd with at least two coats of paint, 

shellac, or polyurethane, letting it dry 24 hours 

between applications. 

Feed a length of wire through the holes. 

Twist the ends of the wire together to form a hanger. 

Hang out on a tree and wait for some birds to move 

in. 

Notes 

The dried gourds might have some mold spots on 

them. This happens during the drying process. They 

can still be used. 

You might need to redrill the holes a little after 

painting. 

USE CAUTION WITH THE BLEACH AND THE 

UTILITY KNIFE! 

Cub Scouts Birdhouse Plans 

http://scoutermom.com/cubscout/tiger-adventurebackyard-jungle/ 

http://cubscoutideas.com/3915/cub-scouts-birdhouseplans/#more-3915


You’ll also need 

1 5/8-inch galvanized deck screws 

2-inch galvanized finishing nails 

Fine sandpaper 

Wood glue 

Building Instructions: 

Assemble the birdhouse as shown in this 

drawing. Step-by-step instructions are below. 

1. Precut a board for each boy following the first 

diagram. 

2. Drill the entrance hole about 2 ½” from the top of 

the front piece. The hole should be about 1 ½” in 

diameter. Make sure the hole is centered on the 

board. Unless you have a manual hand drill and a lot 

of time for the boys to crank the drill, you’ll probably 

want to predrill the hole. 

3. Attach the front to the sides by using the 1 5/8” 

deck screws. You might want to predrill holes in the 

front piece to make it easier for the boys. 

4. Attach the back to the sides with the 2” finishing 

nails. The holes for the nails can also be predrilled. 

5. Cut about ½” off each corner of the floor for 

drainage. 

6. Attach the floor about ¼” up from the bottom of 

the house on the sides and back with the 2” finishing 

nails. Don’t nail the floor from the front because you 

won’t be able to open it for cleaning. 

7. Attach the roof to the sides with 1-5/8-inch deck 

screws. 

8. Hang your birdhouse outside, and watch for the 

new occupants to settle in! 

Yours in Scouting, 

Sherry 

DIY Supply List: 

5 feet of 1- x 6-inch board cut into the following 

pieces (see diagram below): 

2 – 10” pieces 

1 – 7 ¾” pieces 

2 – angled pieces 10″ on one side & 8″ on the other 

1 – 4” piece 

1. Precut a board for each boy following the first 

diagram. 

2. Drill the entrance hole about 2 ½” from the top of 

the front piece. The hole should be about 1 ½” in 

diameter. Make sure the hole is centered on the 

board. Unless you have a manual hand drill and a lot 

of time for the boys to crank the drill, you’ll probably 

want to predrill the hole. 

3. Attach the front to the sides by using the 1 5/8” 

deck screws. You might want to predrill holes in the 

front piece to make it easier for the boys. 

4. Attach the back to the sides with the 2” finishing 

nails. The holes for the nails can also be predrilled. 

5. Cut about ½” off each corner of the floor for 

drainage. 

6. Attach the floor about ¼” up from the bottom of 

the house on the sides and back with the 2” finishing 

nails. Don’t nail the floor from the front because you 

won’t be able to open it for cleaning. 

7. Attach the roof to the sides with 1-5/8-inch deck 

screws.


8. Hang your birdhouse outside, and watch for the 

new occupants to settle in! 

Yours in Scouting, 

Sherry 

WOLF 

Wolf Elective Adventure: Cubs Who 

Care 

physical disability can play, and 

tell your den about it. 

c. Learn about “invisible” 

disabilities. Take part in an 

activity that helps develop an 

understanding of invisible 

disabilities. 

d. With your den, try doing three 

of the following things while 

wearing gloves or mittens: 

i. Tying your shoes. 

ii. Using a fork to pick up 

food. 

iii. Playing a card game. 

iv. Playing a video game. 

v. Playing checkers or 

another board game. 

vi. Blowing bubbles. 

e. Paint a picture two different 

ways: Paint it once the way you 

usually would paint it and then 

again by using a blindfold. 

Discuss with your den the ways 

the process was different. 

f. Demonstrate a simple sentence 

or at least four points of the 

Scout Law using American Sign 

Language. 

g. Learn about someone famous 

who has or had a disability, and 

share that person's story with 

your den. 

h. Attend an event where people 

with disabilities are participants 

or where accommodations for 

people with disabilities are 

made a part of the event. 

Workbook for use with these 

requirements: PDF Format DOCX Format 

1. With the members of your den, visit 

with a person who has a physical 

disability. 

2. Do four of the following: 

a. With other members of your 

den, try using a wheelchair or 

crutches, and reflect on the 

process. 

b. Learn about a sport that has 

been adapted so that people in 

wheelchairs or with some other 

NOTES TO DEN LEADER 

https://cubscouts.org/library/cubswho-care/ 

Meeting 1 includes several options for activities 

that can be used to complete requirement 2d. 

Prepare materials according to the needs of the 

requirement option your den selects. Requirement


2d.iv can be completed at home with the permission 

of a Scout’s parent or guardian. 

For Meeting 2, invite a guest speaker who lives 

with a disability and is open to sharing his or her 

experience with the den (requirement 1). If you 

need help finding someone, check with local 

schools or the local chapter of a group like Special 

Olympics or Easter Seals. Service clubs, such as the 

Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis, or Lions, may also 

have contacts. Help the Scouts prepare some 

questions during Meeting 1, and remind them to be 

courteous and respectful. 

Check with your local council to see if they have 

access to a wheelchair, crutches, or other resources 

that could be borrowed for completion of 

requirement 2a in Meeting 2. 

This adventure does not include plans for a den 

outing to fulfill requirement 2h. If that requirement 

is selected, leaders should make arrangements with 

the outing location, provide families with planning 

information, and submit all required paperwork in 

advance. 

Scouts might choose to complete requirements 2b, 

2g, or 2h independently at home. Encourage Scouts 

who do so to share what they learned and how the 

activity helped them increase their awareness of 

certain disabilities or people who live with them. 

See the Appendix for optional den meeting 

activities, including openings, gatherings, and 

closings. 

The 10 Most Successful People With 

ADHD 

http://elitedaily.com/money/10-successful-people-adhd/ 

There is a common misconception out there that 

people with ADHD become too distracted to get 

anything done. This couldn't be any further from 

the truth. 

Today there's an estimated 7% of adults who are 

affected by this disorder. And of that percentage 

comes some of the world's most influential people. 

That's right, some of the greatest philosophers, 

athletes and entrepreneurs of all time suffer from 

this not-so-rare condition. 

The truth is that when people with ADHD are able 

find something that they're passionate about, they 

will dedicate themselves harder than anyone else 

could even imagine — often times crushing the 

competition. 

And judging by what some people have 

accomplished, I think it's safe to say that it should 

be considered more of an advantage than a 

weakness. These are the 10 Most Successful 

People With ADHD. 

10. Walt Disney, The Founder Of Disneyland 

Walt Disney was one of the greatest entrepreneurs 

of all time as his presence is still felt even 50 years 

after his death. He took what were crude drawings 

and turned them into a brand that is now instantly 

recognizable worldwide. With ADHD, he was 

able to build an empire and make a product that 

people love and want. And as we all know, this is 

one of the most important things when it comes to 

creating long-lasting success. Fast forward to 

today and Disney is still one of the top dogs. 

9. Michael Phelps, The Most Decorated Olympian 

Of All Time 

Michael Phelps is one of the greatest athletic 

specimens the world has ever seen. He is the most 

decorated Olympian ever, racking up 14 gold 

medals in his career. He credits much of this 

success to his ADHD. Phelps' mother described 

her son's exhibition of classic ADHD symptoms: 

not sitting still or being able to focus. However, he 

channeled that into swimming, and with 

“continuous praise and positive reinforcement,”


Phelps found the encouragement he needed to 

fight on to victory. 

8. Justin Timberlake, 

Singer/Actor/Producer/Businessman 

JT is the f*cking man. Not only has he dominated 

the Billboard charts for years, but he wifed up one 

of the baddest chicks in the game. The Grammywinning 

artist revealed in an interview with 

Collider.com that he has “ADD mixed with 

OCD.” That hasn't stopped him from bringing 

sexy back in his suit and tie. He has since 

transcended his success to movies and business. 

Not bad, Justin. Not bad. 

7. Michael Jordan, The Greatest Of All Time 

MJ is perhaps the most polarizing sports figure on 

the planet. During his NBA career, he became the 

greatest of all time and made basketball what it is 

today. Oh yeah… and he had ADHD. His success 

went beyond just sports to business where he rakes 

in millions of dollars through sneakers sales and 

other investments. He has his hands in a lot of pots 

and is always looking for his next move — a 

common trait to this condition. 

6. Jim Carrey, Actor/Comedian/Poducer 

Jim Carrey has been making us laugh for over two 

decades and in case you haven't realized it by now, 

the guy has a serious case of ADHD. He 

remembers coping by being the class clown, and 

said that it's “hard for me to come down from what 

I do.” That hasn't stopped him from putting out 

some of the most epic comedies of all time and 

acting like a complete nutcase wherever he goes. 

ADHD works well for him. 

5. David Neeleman, Aviation Entrepreneur 

David Neeleman is a boss. While he only 

discovered he had the disorder while in his 30s, it 

didn't stop him from creating monster value in one 

of the most-recognizable aviation brands in the 

world — JetBlue. He is the perfect example of 

what someone with ADHD can accomplish when 

they are truly passionate about what they do. 

Neeleman credits much of his success to having 

ADHD, saying that with the disorder comes 

creativity and the ability to think outside the box. 

4. Will Smith, Actor/Producer/Rapper 

The fresh prince has done it all in his illustrious 

career — from creating one of the greatest sitcoms 

of all time to putting out bangers in the 90s, big 

Willy is that dude! He never settled for one lane 

and this is a direct result of his ADHD. Will once 

described himself as the “fun one who had trouble 

paying attention.” He even admitted before that he 

has trouble reading movie scripts. So he just does 

what any great actor does — wing it! 

3. John F. Kennedy, The 35th President Of The 

United States 

JFK was the swag champ. Not only was he one of 

the most bad ass presidents of all time, but he 

changed what it meant to be an Elite gentleman. 

From leading the country to banging young 

Marilyn, John really left his mark on America — 

with ADHD of course. It has been said that he was 

able to apply himself though this by smoking pot, 

which helped him focus and alleviate his back 

pain. 

2. Richard Branson, Business Mogul 

Sir Richard Branson is the definition of a mogul. 

With ADHD, he was able to accomplish ridiculous 

feats — from starting his own space exploration 

company to owning his own island. You never 

know what he's going to do next, as his reach is 

truly universal. Thanks to his ADHD, he's able to 

innovate, achieve and succeed in everything he 

does. 

1. Albert Einstein, Theoretical Physicist 

When your last name becomes the universal 

reference to calling someone a genius — you're 

smart. Albert Einstein was a classic case of 

ADHD as he was forgetful, could never find his 

keys and often seemed oblivious to his 

surroundings. Not to mention the hair. It's safe to 

say he didn't fit in with the majority. He was a 

maverick, and he lived by his own rules.


BEAR 

Bear Adventure: Fur, Feathers, and 

Ferns 

1. While hiking or walking for one mile, 

identify six signs that any mammals, 

birds, insects, reptiles, or plants are 

living nearby the place where you 

choose to hike. 

2. Name one animal that has become 

extinct in the last 100 years and one 

animal that is currently 

endangered Explain what caused their 

declines. 

3. Visit one of the following: zoo, wildlife 

refuge, nature center, aviary, game 

preserve, local conservation area, 

wildlife rescue group, or fish hatchery. 

Describe what you learned during your 

visit. 

4. Observe wildlife from a distance. 

Describe what you saw. 

5. Use a magnifying glass to examine 

plants more closely. Describe what you


saw through the magnifying glass that 

you could not see without it. 

6. Learn about composting and how 

vegetable waste can be turned into 

fertilizer for plants. 

7. Plant a vegetable or herb garden. 

Workbook for use with these requirements: PDF 

Format DOCX Format 

Notes 

This game is meant to teach teamwork. However 

with younger children, some might not want to 

throw the bird. If this is the case, make the rule 

that nobody can keep the bird for more than the 

count of three. 

Flip the Bird Tag 

http://scoutermom.com/16586/flip-bird-tag/ 

Another option is to have multiple birds and only 

the people with the birds can be tagged. Know 

your group and adjust the rules as necessary. 

Finding Out About Endangered Species in 

Your Area 

This is an active game which is a combination of 

tag and keep away. In it, a players work together 

to keep their friends from being tagged. “Flip the 

Bird” is the traditional name for this game, but if 

you think it will cause too much of a stir, you can 

just call it “Bird Tag”. 

Materials 

You need something to be the “bird”. This can be a 

rubber chicken, a towel with a knot tied in the 

middle, a ball, etc. Use your imagination. 

Instructions 

1. Choose somebody to be “It”. 

2. Define the boundaries of the play area. 

3. Give the “bird” to somebody who is not it. 

4. “It” tries to tag the other players. “It” can tag anyone 

except the person currently in possession of the “bird”. 

5. The players work together, throwing the “bird” to the 

person being chased to prevent “it” from tagging them. 

6. When somebody is tagged, they must sit on the side of 

the play area. 

7. Last person not to be tagged wins. Hr or she gets to be 

“It” for the next round 

Conservation and Scouting go hand in hand. Since 

getting outdoors is a big part of the Cub Scout and 

Boy Scout programs, it makes sense that we should 

teach Scouts about protecting our natural 

resources. 

The US Fish and Wildlife Service has an Endangered 

Species Page where you can look 

up endangered species in your state or even your 

county. There is also a Weird and Wonderful 

Wildlife Page on the site where kids can learn 

about 14 different endagered species and play 

some games to find out even more. 

o if your unit is studying endangered species for 

requirements or just to learn more about 

conservation, check out those pages from the US 

Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Ideas for Adventure Requirements: 

http://scoutermom.com/5903/finding-endangeredspecies-area/ 

http://www.boyscouttrail.com/cub-scouts/bear-furfeathers-ferns-adventure.php 

1. Requirements 1 through 5 could all be done 

on one den outing if scouts researched


extinct animals beforehand. Signs could be 

sound, tracks, scat, fur, feathers, or visual 

sighting. 

2. Visit IUCN.org and check out the Red List of 

threatened species (the Photos page would be 

most interesting). 

3. At a den meeting, offer as many of these 

different places as possible in your area and 

let the scouts choose which sounds most 

interesting. 

4. Binoculars and a camera with telephoto 

lens helps us keep our distance. Staying on 

the trail and being observant for unusual 

animal behavior is a good idea. 

5. Take time to view a fresh, green leaf and a 

leaf that has begun to decompose. What 

differences are there? color, disintegrating 

material, crunchy or soggy. 

6. Visit EPA.gov Composting for information about 

composting. 

7. Have a selection of vegetable seeds on a 

white sheet of paper and have scouts try to 

identify them. Help them figure out how 

long various vegetables will take to grow 

and how much space they will need. Then, 

let them choose a few to plant in egg 

cartons, paper cups, or other personal, 

portable growing containers. 

messages to each other. 

To make a decoder, you will need: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Den Meeting Ideas for Fur, Feathers, 

and Ferns Adventure: 

http://www.boyscouttrail.com/cub-scouts/bear-furfeathers-ferns-adventure.php 

Play Group Morph. 

Create Wacky Animals. 

Play Vegetable Olympics. 

Perform Cubmaster In the Wild skit. 

Sing LIttle Green Frog song. 

Sing Tom the Toad song. 

The LNT Principles for Kids are listed in the 

back of the Bear Handbook. Read details of 

the principles and implementing them 

atLNT.org and Outdoor Ethics. 

Learn more about Leave No Trace 

from Leave No Trace Dude. 

Learn more about Hiking from Hiking Dude. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posterboard 

Colored pencils 

Scissors 

A compass 

A pencil 

A ruler 

A paper fastener 

A fine tip Sharpie marker 

Step 1: Cut out three circles per 

decoder out of posterboard. You will 

need one that is 3.25 inches in diameter, 

one that is 2.5 inches in diameter, and 

one that is 1.5 inches in diameter.


Note: The size of the circles is very 

important! If you change the size of the 

decoder, you will have to change the 

measurements for marking off the letter 

sections, which involves higher level 

math than I felt like using… 

Step 2: Color your circles with colored 

penciles, if desired. 

Step 3: On the largest circle, make 

small pencil marks 3/8″ apart on the 

outside edge. You should end up with 

27 sections. 

Detail is important in this step! This 

was where we got into trouble. We were 

trying to make three identical 

decoders. I had 28 sections on my first 

try, and Aidan had 24. Obviously, those 

two decoders were not going to be 

compatible! We figured out what we 

were doing differently, and we decided 

that I would make all of the outside 

pieces so that they would be the 

same. We had to start over on the large 

circles, and I made 3 with exactly 27 

sections each. 

Step 4: Poke a hole through the center 

of the largest circle and the middle 

circle. Attach them with the paper 

fastener. The best way to find the 

middle of the circle is to use the 

compass. 

Then, use the ruler to draw a straight 

line from the paper fastener to each 

edge mark. Again, detail is 

important. You really want each of the 

sections to be equal in size, or your 

decoder will be difficult to use.


Step 5: Write the alphabet on the 

outside circle and put a ? in the 27th 

section. For the middle circle, you can 

either write the alphabet in order or mix it 

up. Aidan wanted a random alphabet in 

the middle circle – I think it made it feel 

more secret! 

Then add the smallest circle to the 

decoder. 

word” along with each message and 

setting the decoder where “A” on the red 

circle matches the first letter of the code 

word. Or, come up with your own 

system! 

To write a message, find the letter you 

want on the outside (red) circle and write 

down the corresponding letter on the 

middle (blue) circle. 

To read a message, find the letter on the 

middle (blue) circle, and write down the 

corresponding letter from the outside 

(red) circle. 

To write a message: 

First, set the code. The post on 

Spoonful suggests setting the decoder 

where the “A” on the outside circle 

matches the first letter of the day of the 

week. Aidan wasn’t wild about that 

idea. We thought of sending a “code


The post on Spoonful has additional 

directions for making the decoder into 

something that can be worn around your 

neck – kind of fun if you want to add that 

step! 

The Thomas Jefferson Cipher Wheel 

– Here’s an interesting tidbit from 

history… Thomas Jefferson created a 

cipher wheel which was used to send 

encrypted messages in a similar 

way. The wheel was made from 36 

discs on an axle that could be turned to 

spell out a message. To encrypt the 

message, the sender would copy down 

any other row from the cipher wheel 

other than the intended message (which 

would appear to be nonsense). The 

receiver would line up the discs on his 

(identical) cipher wheel so that they 

matched the nonsense message and 

then turn the cipher wheel until they saw 

a row with the hidden message. Click 

here to read more about the Jefferson 

Cipher Wheel – it’s quite 

interesting! You can also purchase a 

replica (that really works) 

from monticello.org. 

HOMEMADE RAIN GAUGE 

http://theimaginationtree.com/2012/04/homemaderain-gauge.html 

Here’s how to make a really simple rain 

gauge using recycled materials, for 

some rainy day fun! There are plenty of 

opportunities for learning 

about measuring, number recognition, 

capacity and weather along the way 

too! 

We have had the most incredible, 

persistent rainfall for the past 10 days 

here in the Southern UK, and it has 

inhibited a lot of our outdoor play ideas. 

But then I came up with a really easy


way to embrace the rain and throw in a 

bit of playful learning too, by measuring 

the rainfall! 

All you need is an empty plastic bottle, 

the larger the better! 

I cut around the body of the bottle, about 

5cm down from the top. We simply 

turned it upside-down and placed it 

inside the bottle, making sure it was 

pushed down and flush with the edges. 

permanent marker. Just make sure your 

lines are at regular intervals, ready for 

measuring! Cakie got her ruler and held 

it up to the lines I had drawn, making a 

good attempt to read the numbers back. 

I wrote on the measurements in 

centimetres. 

24 hours later, Cakie rushed out to 

check out the water level in her rain 

gauge and it was already up to our first 

marker level of 4cm!! 

Our bottle had grooves on it already and 

I just drew around them using a


The rain continues to fall and we are 

checking every day. The level is rising 

by at least 2-4cm per day…wow! 

With older children I would consider 

making a line graph to chart the increase 

in rain and investigate the average 

monthly rainfall in Britain compared to 

the rest of the world. 

4. Before your hike, plan and prepare a nutritious 

lunch. Enjoy it on your hike, and clean up afterward. 

5. Recite the Outdoor Code and the Leave No Trace 

Principles for Kids from memory. Talk about how you 

can demonstrate them on your Webelos adventures. 

6. With your Webelos den or with a family member, 

hike 3 miles (in the country if possible). 

7. Complete a service project on or near the hike 

location. 

8. Perform one of the following leadership roles during 

your hike: trail leader, first-aid leader, lunch leader, or 

service project leader. 

Mini First Aid Kit 

Difficulty: Very Easy 

Recycle a film canister 

and transform it into a 

handy Mini First Aid Kit 

for kids to wear on their 

belt. Great for Tiger 

Cubs. 

What you'll need: 

WEBELOS CORE 

Webelos Walkabout 

Webelos Adventure: Webelos Walkabout 

Do all of these: 

1. Create a hike plan. 

2. Assemble a hiking first-aid kit. 

3. Describe and identify from photos any poisonous 

plants and dangerous animals and insects you might 

encounter on your hike. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuji film canister 

Scissors 

Orange or black pony bead 

Tiger sticker (from Tiger Cub Family Activity 

Packet) 

Orange plastic lanyard (Rexlace) 

Midget Tootsie Rolls 

Alcohol swab 

Band-Aid 

Q-tip 

Hot glue or "Glue Dots" (A & W Products) 

How to make it: 

1. Adhere the pony bead to the top of the film 

canister using either hot glue or Glue Dots. 

2. Place a Tiger sticker on outside of canister. 

3. Lace the orange plastic lanyard through lid. 

Tie a knot. You can also use a hole punch


and punch 2 holes in the lid then string the 

lanyard through. Tie a knot. 

4. Cut a Q-tip in half. 

5. Put Tootsie Rolls, alcohol swab, a Band- 

Aid, 1/2 Q-Tip inside the canister. Secure 

the lid. 

6. Put your Mini First Aid Kit on your belt. If 

you get hurt or lost from the group, clean 

the spot with the alcohol wipe, put on a 

Band-Aid, and eat a Tootsie Roll. 

Tips: 

Note from editor: We found Glue Dots at our local 

Wal-Mart in the school or business supply area. 

Although the Glue Dots are a lot more expensive 

than a hot glue gun, they are SAFER for children 

to use. Supervise the use as this adhesive is 

extremely sticky and can be a bit tricky to use at 

first. 

Small box bicarbonate of soda 

For toothache 

Small bottle oil of cloves 

For plant poisoning 

Small bar yellow soap 

Ideas for containers to use: 

A cigar box, a tin cracker or candy box - paint 

and decorate. Put a list of what-to-do inside the 

lid. 

Make a cloth case with a strap. 

A cloth kit with pockets. Fold over the top, roll 

up, and tie. 

First Aid Kit Neckerchief Slide 

Betsy O, Northwest Texas Council 

This slide has been around for a long time. I found it in 

the 2008-2009 Cub Scout Program Helps. 

MAKE YOUR OWN FIRST AID KIT 

What to Include: 

For open wounds, cuts, skinned knees, and scratches 

1 box 12 adhesive compresses 

3 sizes sterile bandages 

3 sterile gauze squares 

A small bottle antiseptic 

For blisters 

Adhesive compresses or gauze squares 

Narrow adhesive 

For sprains 

1 triangular bandage 

Small scissors 

For burns, sunburn 

Tube burn ointment - 5% 

For splinters 

Small tweezers 

Needle 

Matches to sterilize 

For fainting 

Small bottle aromatic spirits of ammonia 

For bites or stings 

Materials- 

Plastic 35 mm film canister with lid 

(How much longer will we have these 

great Craft items with digital cameras 

abounding?? We need a replacement 

soon! CD!) 

Adhesive Band-Aid 

Antiseptic wipe 

½ of a chenille stem 

Tools- 

Red paint pen 

Awl 

Instructions- 

• Have an adult poke two holes, one on either side 

and near the top of the canister. 

• Draw a red cross on the front center of the canister. 

Let dry. 

• Feed the end of the chenille stem through the holes 

and leave the tails sticking out of both holes. 

• Fill the canister with Band-Aids and wipes 

• Add your name and date!


You can find a copy of the How-To 

Book at 

http://www.scouting.org/filestore/hisp 

anic/english/33832_WEB.pdf 

Make personal First Aid Kits 

in a zip lock bag. These would include a couple 

bandaides, cotton ball, safety pen, a sanitize wipe, Q 

tip, etc) You can also make these in a plastic film 

canister if you can still find them. 

For the Pack Health and Fitness Camp Out you may 

also want to consider: 

Outdoor Code Responsive Reading 

Ceremony 

Equipment: U.S. flag, copy of the Outdoor Code for 

each participant 

The Cubmaster(CM) speaks briefly about the 

importance to our nation of taking good care of our 

natural resources and then uses the Outdoor Code as a 

responsive reading, with boys (and parents, if present, 

and everyone in the audience) reading the responses. 

CM: As an American, I will do my best to be clean 

in my outdoor manners— 

BOYS: I will treat the outdoors as a heritage. I 

will take care of it for myself and others. I will 

keep my trash and garbage out of lakes, 

streams, fields, woods, and roadways. 

CM: Be careful with fire— 

BOYS: I will prevent wildfire. I will build my 

fires only where they are appropriate. When I 

have finished using fire, I will make sure it is 

cold-out. I will leave a clean fire ring or 

remove all evidence of my fire. 

CM: Be considerate in the outdoors— 

BOYS I will treat public and private property with 

respect. I will use low-impact methods of 

hiking and camping. 

CM: Be conservation-minded— 

BOYS: I will learn how to practice good conservation 

of soil, waters, forests, minerals, grasslands, 

wildlife, and energy. I will urge others to do 

the same. 

CM: Let us close by singing 

“God Bless America.” 

(CS How To Book, page 6-13) 

The Outdoor Code Opening 

Sam Houston Area Council 

Materials – 4 Cub Scouts, Cubmaster (CM), Assistant 

CM (CA), the American flag posted on the stage, 

several potted plants or an artificial tree, a garbage bag 

filled with trash (rinsed out cans, bottles, crumpled 

paper, etc.) 

Cubmaster enters carrying the garbage bag, and 

stands between the flag and the plants. 

CM: We are blessed to live in this great land of 

freedom and beauty. America truly is the home 

of amber waves of grain and purple mountains 

majesty. Unfortunately, there are people in this 

country who abuse their freedom and pollute the 

land. (He dumps the bag of trash on the ground.) 

As Cub Scouts, we can learn to be better 

Americans by living the Outdoor Code. 

Cub #1 (enters and stands by Cubmaster) As an 

American, I will do my best to be clean in my 

outdoor manners. (He takes empty bag from 

Cubmaster and begins to pick up trash while 

CM 

Cubmaster speaks.) 

I will treat the outdoors as a heritage. I will take 

care of it for myself and others. I will keep my 

trash and garbage out of lakes, streams, fields, 

woods, and roadways. 

Cub #2 (enters and takes bag from Cub #1. Cub #1 

exits.) I will be careful with fire. (Picks up more 

trash as Cubmaster speaks.) 

CM 

I will prevent wildfire. I will build my fires only 

where they are appropriate. When I have 

finished using a fire, I will make sure it is cold 

out. I will leave a clean fire ring, or remove all 

evidence of my fire. 

Cub #3 (Enters and takes bag from Cub #2. Cub #2 

exits.) I will be considerate in the outdoors. 

(Picks up trash as Cubmaster speaks.) 

CM 

I will treat public and private property with 

respect. I will use low-impact methods of hiking 

and camping. 

Cub #4 (Enters and takes bag from Cub #3. Cub #3 

exits.) I will be conservation-minded. (Picks up 

remaining trash as Cubmaster speaks.) 

CM 

I will learn how to practice good conservation of 

soil, waters, forest, minerals, grasslands, wildlife, 

and energy. I will urge others to do the same. 

(Cub #4 gives bag back to Cubmaster and exits.)

CA 


These Cub Scouts have shown they are willing to 

protect our country's natural beauty and conserve 

her natural resources. 

Please stand, salute the flag and join me in 

singing "America the Beautiful." (Or say the 

Pledge of Allegiance.) 

Outdoor Code Closing 

National Capital Area Council 

Leader: As a citizen of the United States, I will do my 

best to be clean in my outdoor manners. 

Pack: I will treat the outdoors as a heritage to be 

improved for our greater 

enjoyment. I will keep trash and garbage out of my 

country's waters, 

fields, woods, and roadways. 

Leader: Be careful with fire. 

Pack: I will prevent wildfire. I will build my fire in a 

safe place and be sure it is out before I leave. 

Leader: Be considerate in the outdoors. 

Pack: I will treat public and private property with 

respect. I will remember that use of the outdoors is a 

privilege I can lose by abuse. 

Leader: Be conservation minded. 

Pack: I will learn how to practice good 

conservation of soil, water, forests, minerals, 

grasslands, and wilderness, and I will urge 

others to do the same. I will use 

sportsmanlike methods in my outdoor 

activities. 

THE OUTDOOR CODE 

This is good after a hike, fishing trip, park clean-up, 

nature hunt (anything outdoors of an educational 

nature) not just to play. 

DEN CHIEF: Let's sit quietly for a few moments. 

Close your eyes and listen to the sounds of nature. 

Think of what we have to be thankful for. 

Let's now repeat The Outdoor Code. 

"As an American, I will do my best --be clean in my 

outdoor manners, be careful with fire, be considerate in 

the outdoors, and be conservation-minded. 

DEN LEADER: Let's sing God Bless America. 

Leave No Trace Awareness Award 

The Leave No Trace Awareness Award is worn on the 

uniform shirt, 

centered on the right pocket as a TEMPORARY patch. 

Only ONE Temporary patch may be worn at a time. 

Cub Scout Leave No Trace 

Pledge 

I promise to practice the Leave No Trace frontcountry 

guidelines wherever I go: 

1. Plan ahead. 

2. Stick to trails. 

3. Manage your pet. 

4. Leave what you find. 

5. Respect other visitors. 

6. Trash your trash. 

Tiger Cub Scout Requirements 

1. Discuss with your leader or parent/guardian 

the importance of the Leave No Trace 

frontcountry guidelines. 

2. Complete the activities for Achievement 5, 

Let's Go Outdoors. 

3. Participate in a Leave No Trace-related 

service project. 

4. Promise to practice the Leave No Trace 

frontcountry guidelines by signing the Cub 

Scout Leave No Trace Pledge. 

5. Draw a poster to illustrate the Leave No Trace 

frontcountry guidelines and display it at a pack 

meeting.


Wolf Cub Scout Requirements 




2. On three separate outings, practice the 

frontcountry guidelines of Leave No Trace. 

3. Complete Achievement 7, "Your Living 

World." 

4. Participate in a Leave No Trace - related 


5. Promise to practice Leave No Trace 





meeting. 

Bear Cub Scout Requirements 






3. Complete Achievement 12, "Family Outdoor 

Adventures." 








meeting. 

Webelos Scout Requirements 






3. Earn the Outdoorsman activity badge. 








meeting. 

Cub Scout Leader 

Requirements 

1. Discuss with your den's Cub Scouts or your 

pack's leaders the importance of the Leave No 

Trace frontcountry guidelines. 

2. On three separate outings demonstrate and 

practice the frontcountry guidelines of Leave 

No Trace. 

3. Participate in presenting a den, pack, district, 

or council awareness session on Leave No 

Trace frontcountry guidelines. 

4. Participate in a Leave No Trace-related service 

project. 

5. Commit yourself to the Leave No Trace 



Assist at least three boys in earning Cub Scouting's 

Leave No Trace Awareness Award. 

LEAVE NO TRACE 

Santa Clara County Council 

With Hiking the theme for July a many of Packs and 

Dens will be out in Camps and Woods and Parks 

exploring. BSA has published a Cub Scout Version of 

the Leave No Trace principles. It is available as a bin 

item, # 13-032. (When requested, Bin items are 

provided free from BSA National to your local 

council.) Go ask for your copy. 

The brochure describes six Front Country Guidelines 

for Cub Scouts to follow while hiking, camping and 

enjoying the outdoors. There is even a Cub Scout 

Leave No Trace award with a patch for Cub Scouts and 

leaders to earn. 

Making sure our leaders and Cubs are familiar with 

theses principles should enable our Cubs to be 

complimented wherever they go and help us recruit 

even more boys!! 

Focus on “Leave No Trace” 

Santa Clara County Council


It is never too early to start teaching the concepts and 

practices of Leave No Trace. We emphasize Leave No 

Trace in Boy Scouts, but the Cub Scout years are the 

best place to start learning about it. We can hike and 

camp as Cub Scout families. If the treasure that is our 

outdoors is to remain for our children’s children to 

enjoy, we must all impact nature as little as possible. 

Teach your Cub Scouts the basic principles of Leave 

No Trace. An excellent resource can be found on the 

BSA website at 

http://www.scouting.org/BoyScouts/TeachingLeaveNo 

Trace.aspx . 

Teach the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Some 

of these concepts are too advanced for Cub Scouts, but 

many of them can be understood even by our Tigers. 

Plan Ahead and Prepare 

Know the regulations and special concerns for the 

area you'll visit. 

Prepare for extreme weather, hazards and 

emergencies. 

Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use. 

Visit in small groups. 

Split larger parties into groups of 4 - 6. 

Repackage food to minimize waste. 

Use a map and compass to eliminate use of rock 

cairns, flagging or marking paint. 

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces 

Durable surfaces include established trails and 

campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow. 

Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet 

away from lakes, streams 

Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site 

is not necessary. 

In popular areas 

Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when 

wet or muddy. 

Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where 

vegetation is absent. 

In pristine areas 

Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and 

trails. 

Avoid places where impacts are just beginning. 

Dispose of Waste Properly 

Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest 

areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, 

leftover food, and litter. 

Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 

inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp and 

trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. 

 

 

Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. 

To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet 

away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of 

biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater. 

Leave What you Find 

Preserve the past, observe but do not touch, cultural 

or historic structures and artifacts. 

Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you 

find them. 

Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. 

Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches. 

Minimize Campfire Impacts 

Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the 

backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and 

enjoy a candle lantern for light. 

Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, 

fire pans or mound fires. 

Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground 

that can be broken by hand. 

Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires 

completely, then scatter cool ashes. 

Respect Wildlife 

Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or 

approach them. 

Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their 

health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to 

predators and other dangers. 

Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and 

trash securely. 

Control pets at all times, or leave them at home. 

Avoid wildlife during sensitive times, mating, 

nesting, raising young, or winter. 

Be Considerate of Other Visitors 

Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their 

experience. 

Be courteous, yield to other users on the trail. 

Step to the downhill side of the trail when 

encountering pack stock. 

Take breaks and camp away from trails and other 

visitors. 

Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and 

noises. 

Cub Scout Leave No Trace Pledge 

Oregon Trail Council 

Set Up – 

Cubmaster (CM) and 6 Cub Scouts (could be all 

Tiger cubs as this opening is simple) 

Props 

– Each Cub Scout has a poster with his words and 

an appropriate picture on front and his part either 

the words or an explanation of the words in 

LARGE print on the back. 

CM: 

I promise to practice the Leave No Trace front 

country guidelines wherever I go:


Cub #1: 

Plan ahead. 

Cub #2: 

Stick to trails. 

Cub #3: 

Manage your pet. 

Cub #4: 

Leave what you find. 

Cub #5: 

Respect other visitors. 

Cub #6: 

Trash your trash. 

CA: 

(Lead the Pledge of Allegiance) 

ARROW OF LIGHT CORE 

Webelos/AOL Elective Adventure: Into 

the Wild 

Do six from requirements 1 through 9. 

1. Collect and care for an "insect, 

amphibian, or reptile zoo." You might 

have crickets, ants, grasshoppers, a 

lizard, or a toad. Study them for a 

while and then let them go. Share your 

experience with your Webelos den. 

2. Set up an aquarium or terrarium. Keep 

it for at least a month. Share your 

experience with your Webelos den by 

showing them photos or drawings of 

your project or by having them visit to 

see your project. 

3. Watch for birds in your yard, 

neighborhood, or town for one week. 

Identify the birds you see, and write 

down where and when you saw them. 

4. Learn about the bird flyways closest to 

your home. Find out which birds use 

these flyways. 

5. Watch at least four wild creatures 

(reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, fish, 

insects, or mammals) in the wild. 

Describe the kind of place (forest, 

field, marsh, yard, or park) where you 

saw them. Tell what they were doing. 

6. Identify an insect, reptile, bird, or wild 

animal that is found only in your area 

of the country. Tell why it survives in 

your area. 

7. Give examples of at least two of the 

following: 

a. A producer, a consumer, and a 

decomposer in the food chain of 

an ecosystem 

b. One way humans have changed 

the balance of nature 

c. How you can help protect the 

balance of nature 

8. Learn about aquatic ecosystems and 

wetlands in your area. Talk with your 

Webelos den leader or family about the 

important role aquatic ecosystems and 

wetlands play in supporting life cycles 

of wildlife and humans, and list three 

ways you can help. 

9. Do ONE of the following: 

a. Visit a museum of natural 

history, a nature center, or a 

zoo with your family, Webelos 

den, or pack. Tell what you saw. 

b. Create a video of a wild creature 

doing something interesting, 

and share it with your family 

and den. 

Workbook for use with these 

requirements: PDF Format DOCX Format 

Cub Scout Outdoor Activities at 

Local Parks 

http://cubscoutideas.com/tag/into-the-wild/


Cub Scouts: Bird Feeders for Kids 

to Make 

When you’re planning your Cub Scout year, check 

out any local nature centers or parks. Many of them 

have great programming that you can consider. Most even 

have programs that are specifically for Cub Scouts. 

I’ve found that the employees of nature centers are very 

knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their work. And 

that enthusiasm rubs off on the boys. 

Cub Scouts: Easy Bird Feeders for 

Kids 

Welcome to part 2 of our “bird feeders for kids to 

make” series. Part 1 explained how to make a very 

simple feeder using a toilet paper roll. In this part, we’ll 

cover how to construct a bird feeder from a soda bottle. 

Having a homemade bird feeder in your backyard can 

help fulfill Tiger Adventure Backyard Jungle 6, Wolf 

Adventure Paws on the Path 7 and Webelos & Arrow 

of Light Adventure Into the Wild 3 & 6. 

Cub Scout Den Meeting: Bird 

Feeders 

The third option in our “bird feeders for kids to make” 

series is a craft stick bird feeder. This feeder is simple 

to make, but it will take a little longer than the other two 

designs in the series. 

In the Cub Scout new program, the Tiger, Wolf, Webelos 

and Arrow of Light ranks have adventures where the boys 

need to learn about birds. They can use this project to 

attract birds to their backyards to study them.


Simple bird feeders are a great craft for Cub Scouts to 

make during a den meeting. There are many different 

bird feeder designs, so it will be easy to find one that 

works for your Cub Scout den. 

This is the first in a three part series to share some of 

those designs with you. 

How to Make a Terrarium Out of 

a Soda Bottle 

ALL ABOUT COLLECTING 

CRITTERS(Bugs/Insects) 

http://www.kidactivities.net/post/Children-Collecting- 

Bugs!.aspx 

FYI: 

By one estimate, about one million trillion insects are 

alive at any moment. So what would happen if all of 

these six-legged invertebrates were to suddenly vanish 

from our planet? The result would be catastrophic, 

according to Harvard University biologist Edward O. 

Wilson. Entire ecosystems would be destroyed… 

Unable to reproduce, plants that rely on insect 

pollinators would perish. So would trillions of 

organisms, including many reptiles, birds, and 

mammals that rely on insects for food. Without insects 

to aid in breaking down dead plant and animal matter, 

we'd soon be up to our necks in decay. 

Lift up anything on the ground and find little bug 

worlds "underneath". Many bugs hide among their 

favorite plants. Try a garden, yard, park, flowerbeds, 

hedges, and under rocks or logs. 

Katydids are green just like the leaves. 

 

 

 

 

Many moths are brown and look just like the 

bark on their favorite trees. 

Butterflies are drawn to red, orange and pink 

flowers and also like phlox, alyssum, verbena, 

and herbs such as marjoram and thyme. 

Look for beetles under fallen logs or rocks. 

Crickets love cracks in sidewalks and 

buildings. 

It’s so rewarding for kids to plant seeds and watch 

them grow. They also learn that they need to take care 

of their seeds by watering them and making sure they get 

enough light. 

The Cub Scout adventure program has several 

requirements that involve growing something. Two of 

those adventures require making a terrarium. They are: 

Wolf Elective Adventure – Grow Something 4: Make a 

terrarium. 

Webelos/AOL Elective Adventure – Into the Wild 2: Set 

up an aquarium or terrarium. Keep it for at least a month. 

Share your experience with your Webelos den by 

showing them photos or drawings of your project or by 

having them visit to see your project. 

 

You might find the woolly bear 

caterpillar crawling across a sidewalk or on 

plants. 

Keep your eyes open for ants of all sizes--- 

they are everywhere. 

___________________ 

HOW & WHERE TO SEARCH for CRITTERS... 

COMMON PLACES TO FIND 

INSECTS... 

Insects inhabit every place on our planet except the 

ocean. Look for insects in these places: 

 

 

Under boards and rocks – Look for ants, 

crickets, beetles, termites. 

In or around streams, ponds, lakes – Look 

for mayflies, dragonflies,


 

 

 

 

 

damselflies, stoneflies, caddis flies, aquatic 

beetles, true bugs, flies. 

Under loose bark, in logs and stumps – Look 

for termites, ants and 

beetles — particularly bark beetles, tiger 

beetles, wood boring beetles. 

On crops – Look for grasshoppers, beetles, 

flies, aphids, leafhoppers, 

spittlebugs, plant bugs. 

In the air – Look for butterflies, moths, flies, 

bees, wasps, beetles, 

leafhoppers, grasshoppers. 

In cellars and basements – Look for crickets, 

beetles, ants, bristletails. 

On livestock, pets, poultry – Look for fleas, 

sucking lice, chewing lice, 

flies. 

fireflies. Fireflies and ladybugs are favorites among 

families. 

SIGNS OF CRITTER LIFE include nibbled plant 

leaves or flowers. 

Look on the stems and underneath the leaves 

or petals for hungry caterpillars and other 

insects. 

 

 

 

Carefully lift up leaves, flowers and rocks to 

look for critters. 

Listen as carefully as you look. Cicadas, for 

example, sing at dawn and dusk in the 

summer. 

Peek on tree trunks. If you're lucky, you can 

watch a green cicada drying out on the tree 

trunk after crawling out of its brown nymph 

skin, which may still cling to the tree. 

_____________________ 

 

 

Around outdoor lights at night – Look for 

moths, beetles, true bugs, 

mosquitoes. 

Around dumps or piles of refuse – Look for 

cockroaches, earwigs, 

beetles, flies. 

 

 

 

 

On manure piles – Look for flies, beetles. 

In, around or on flowers and ornamental 

plants – Look for thrips, 

plant bugs, beetles, bees, wasps, ants, aphids, 

scale insects, walking 

sticks, insects galls, butterflies, moths. 

In houses – Look for crickets, cockroaches, 

beetles, ants, flies, 

mosquitoes, moths, termites, silverfish. 

In clothes, furniture, stored food – Look for 

clothes moths, carpet 

beetles, flour beetles, bean weevils. (Info from 

MSU website) 

_________________________ 

AT HOME... 

If children are heading on a night-time hunt, instruct 

them try turning on a porch light, standing near a street 

light or shining a flashlight and you're sure to see some 

moths. With a large grassy lawn on a warm summer's 

night they’ll see the bright flickering of hundreds of 

IDENTIFYING INSECTS... 

It may be difficult to correctly name what you've found, 

but here are some tips. 

Insects are animals that have: 

1 pair of antennae 

 

 

 

2 pairs of wings (if any) 

3 pairs of legs 

3 body parts: head, thorax and abdomen 

and an exoskeleton ("exo" means their skeleton 

is on the outside!) 

Count Legs: Insects have only six legs, but if it has 

eight legs as do spiders, ticks and scorpions, it is 

considered an arachnid, not an insect. A hairy spider 

could be a "wolf spider" that lives in the ground and 

moves very fast to catch its food. 

Antennae? Most BUTTERFLIES have 

antennae that look like golf clubs with thick 

bumps at each end; MOTHS tend to have 

antennae that are straight or feathery.


 

If you want the official insect names, check 

out a field guide from the library; a good one 

for kids is the National Audubon Society's 

First Field Guide-Insects published by 

Scholastic. 

_________________ 

masking tape and permanent markers to cut down on 

supply costs. 

WHAT TO DO: 

Remove the paper label. Have an adult cut a 

small rectangular hole in the upper half of one 

side of the jar. Make it about 3 inches wide and 

1-2 inches tall. 

ARE YOU SPOTTING THE CRITTERS-- OR 

KEEPING THEM? 

Let your kids decide if you want to "catch" what you 

see or just spot what you see. If you want to catch, see 

the below post for "critter keeper" directions. Your 

group may decide to just observe critters and chose to 

learn more about "what the critters do and how they 

live." 

WHEN INSECTS ARE CAPTURED AND 

BROUGHT INSIDE... Be sure to put a small cap full 

of water in the bug house and some leaves and twigs. 

Let children watch them, look at them with a 

magnifying glass and then release them back to their 

outdoor home. 

_____________ 

 

 

 

Cut a piece of netting that is 1 inch wider than 

the hole and 3 times the height of hole plus 1 

inch. Fold the netting into thirds so you have 3 

layers of netting to cover the hole. 

Stretch the netting layers over the hole and 

tape it in place along all 4 edges with electrical 

tape. Press tape firmly against jar. Decorate the 

tape with paint markers and bug stickers. 

To make an optional handle: Wrap one 

chenille stem around the top of jar under the 

lid and twist ends together. Slide the ends of 

the other stem under the first one at opposite 

sides of jar. Hook the ends around it and twist 

to hold. 

______________________ 

HOW TO GET AN INSECT ZOO! 

MAKING A PLASTIC CRITTER- 

KEEPER JAR: If kids want to collect what 

they've found, make this keeper jar. Your critters can 

breathe and you can watch them closely. Add some 

grass, sticks, leaves or flowers and when you're 

finished watching, LET THE BUGS GO BACK TO 

THEIR OWN HOMES AGAIN! 

What You'll Need: 

28 or 40-ounce plastic peanut butter jar 

Sharp scissors, (an adult's job) 

Nylon netting, tulle, or fine wire mesh 

Electrical or masking tape. 

Optional: 2 chenille stems, paint markers, bug stickers 

TIP: Use scraps of lace or netting and substitute 

Work with the children to set up a few insect traps on 

the play yard. 

Things you will need: 

Four small, clear, plastic cups, Shovels, Peanut butter: 

Help the children dig four small holes in the dirt. The 

holes will need to be the same size as the plastic 

cups. Lower the plastic cups into the holes so that the 

brims are even with the Earth. Put a small scoop of 

peanut butter in each of the cups and cover it with a 

small layer of loose grass.That’s it! Wait a while and 

you will get a big surprise. In a few days, you will have 

an insect zoo for your insect aquarium...release insects 

after observing. 

__________________ 

MAKE A "BUG INN" 

Materials Needed: 

One round oatmeal container


2 feet of fiberglass screening (from a hardware store) 

or 

some donated old screens... 

Craft knife (for adults only) 

Markers or poster paint 

1. Use markers or poster paint to decorate the outside 

of the oatmeal container. 

2. Draw windows and a door on the container. With the 

craft knife, an adult should cut out windows and cut 

three sides to form your door, so it opens and closes. 

3. Roll the screening so it rests tightly around the 

inside of the container. 

4. Trim so the top edge fits beneath the lid and leave a 

one inch overlap where the side edges meets. 

5. When 'guests' arrive at the Bug Inn, be sure to 

provide them with food, such as grass, or whatever 

they were eating when you found them. 

6. Place a bottle cap filled with water in the container. 

When you are done observing your guests, please let 

them go back to their real homes. 

.....This would be suitable for 5 years old and up. 

_________________ 

SNACKS...Want to turn the above into a Theme? 

Just add some of the fun "EDIBLE CREEPY 

CRAWLIES" to your plans! Yumm...6 and 8 leg 

critters never tasted so good! This is followed by 

crafts, games, songs and a book list... 

PEANUT BUTTER CATERPILLARS 

Bananas 

Peanut butter 

Grapes 

Chow Mein noodles 

• Peel and slice a banana. Join the slices together by 

"gluing" them with peanut butter. Carefully poke two 

Chow Mein noodles (or break a pretzel stick in half to 

make two pieces) through the top of the grape. Use 

more peanut butter to attach the head (grape) to the 

front of the body, with antennae (Chow Mein noodles) 

pointing up. 

_________________ 

ANTS IN THE SAND 

Crushed graham crackers 

Chocolate sprinkles 

Snack sized re-sealable plastic bags 

• To crush graham crackers, place inside a large 

(gallon size) re-sealable plastic bag. Using a rolling 

pin, crunch crackers through the bag by rolling back 

and forth over them until they are all in crumb form. 

Fill snack sized re-sealable bags halfway with graham 

cracker crumbs. Add a small handful of chocolate 

sprinkles to the bags and seal. 

_________________ 

ANT HILL Make edible ant hills in cups! 

Use clear plastic punch cups to see the layers. 

1. For the 'dirt" layer--first put chocolate pudding into 

the cup. 

2. Crush graham crackers in a plastic Ziploc bag and 

pour the crumbs into the cup for the anthill "sand". 

3. Add chocolate chips or raisins for the "ants". 

____________ 

GREAT "BUGGY" VEGGIE SNACKS... 

BUGS ON A LOG... 

MAKE 'LOGS' from any of these foods: 

 

 

 

CELERY STALKS (cut to about 3 inches 

long) 

APPLES (cut in halves or quarters with cores 

removed) 

CARROT STICKS (cut to about 3 inches long) 

FILL THE 'LOGS' WITH A SPREAD: 

Cream Cheese 

 

 

 

 

Cream cheese and pineapple 

Cheese and pimento 

Peanut butter 

Egg salad 

SPRINKLE 'BUGS' ON THE SPREAD: 

Raisins 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Golden raisins 

Dried cranberries or cherries 

Raisenettes candy 

Unsweetened cereal 

Sunflower seeds 

Chopped peanuts of finely chopped walnuts 

Mix in chopped apple or crushed pinapple


______________________________ 

COOKIE SPIDERS 

Black or chocolate licorice twists 

Fudge sandwich cookies 

Chocolate frosting 

Red cinnamon candies or chocolate chips or raisins for 

eyes 

 

 

 

 

Cut licorice in half. 

Remove the top of each sandwich cookie; 

press 8 licorice pieces into the fudge center to 

resemble spider legs. 

Spread a little chocolate frosting over the 

licorice; replace cookie tops. 

Frost the tops of the spider cookies with 

frosting. Place red cinnamon candies on top for 

eyes. 

_________________ 

MARSHMALLOW SPIDERS 

You'll need a package of large marshmallows, pretzel 

sticks or chow mein noodles and mini M & M's or 

raisins. 

• Have the kids push four pretzel sticks or noodles 

into each side of the marshmallow as the spider's legs. 

These will make the marshmallow body of the spider 

actually stand on their spider legs. 

Use another stick to poke two eye holes in the 

marshmallow; insert M&M's or raisins into place as the 

spider's eyes. (Image by KidActivities.net) 

________________ 

MUENSTER CHEESE BEETLES 

Crunchy Chow Mein noodles 

Muenster cheese (or other soft block cheese) 

• Cut the cheese into 2" x 1" rectangular blocks. Gently 

insert three Chow Mein noodles on each side of the 

cheese blocks for legs. Using two broken Chow Mein 

noodles, insert into the "head" as antennae. 

Tip: Use softer cheese such as gouda, Havarti, 

Monterey jack, or mozzarella so cheese does not 

crumble Chow Mein noodle are inserted. 

________________ 

CRACKER SPIDERS 

with peanut butter or cheese spread! 

These arachnid treats are easy to make and they look 

positively lifelike crawling across the snack plate. 

For each: 

2 round crackers 

2 teaspoons smooth peanut butter (or cheese spread if 

allergies) 

8 small pretzel sticks 

2 raisins 

• With the peanut butter, make a cracker sandwich. 

Insert eight pretzel "legs" into the filling. With a dab of 

peanut butter, set two raisin "eyes" on top. Makes 1. 

(Image by KidActivities.net) 

______________________________________ 

THE ABOVE ARE ALSO GREAT WITH 

NUTELLA 

Ingredients:


8 Ritz crackers 

4-5 Tbsp. chocolate hazelnut spread, such as Nutella 

thin pretzel sticks for decorating 

Raisins or white chocolate chips for decorating 

Directions: 

1. Spread approximately one tablespoon of the 

chocolate hazelnut spread (Nutella) on four Ritz 

crackers. Top each with another Ritz cracker to make a 

sandwich. 

2. Insert pretzel sticks on the sides of each cracker to 

make a spider's legs. 3. Make the spider's eyes by 

dabbing a bit of Nutella on the back of two raisins or 

white chocolate chips and placing them on top of the 

cracker sandwich. Make the spider's mouth the same 

way, using the Nutella as glue for the white chocolate 

chips or raisins, and arranging them in the shape of a 

mouth. 

4. Serve and eat! 

Makes 4 crunchy 

___________ 

BUTTERFLY BITES #1 

Ingredients: 

Stalks of celery, Twist pretzels, Pretzel pieces, Raisins 

and Spreadable cheddar, any cream cheese or peanut 

butter 

Directions: 

Wash celery and cut in half crosswise. Fill each celery 

piece with 1-tablespoon cheddar cheese, cream 

cheese or peanut butter. Add two pretzel twists for 

wings. Use pretzel pieces for antennae and raisins for 

decoration. Eat your butterfly before it files away! 

_____________ 

DRINK BUG JUICE! Sprinkle a few raisins in 

glasses/cups of apple juice or apple cider...or add 

raisins to water before freezing for ice-cubes. 

_________________ 

BUTTERFLY BITES #2Put out apple slices, mini 

carrots, pretzel sticks and raisins or dried cranberries. 

Have kids use apple slices for the wings, the carrot for 

the body and pretzel sticks for antennae, Decorate with 

raisins. Photo by KidActivities 

______________ 

EASY CATERPILLAR CAKE... 

Ingredients: Cake mix (Confetti nice for this) 

Frosting 

Green or yellow food coloring 

Coconut 

Pretzels 

Prepare cake mix as directed on box and bake in bunt 

pan. 

Cut the cake in half and lay the two pieces together IN 

A CURVE---for the caterpillar body. 

(A photo of this cake done up as a 'Worm' is in the 

Worm Theme...) 

Color the frosting green or yellow (your choice) and 

spread on cooled cake. 

Sprinkle coconut so the caterpillar looks fuzzy. 

Add straight pretzels for antennas. 

Add other facial details as desired 

___________ 

CREEPY CRAWLERS 

1 lg. pkg. butterscotch chips 

1 lg. pkg. milk chocolate chips 

1/4 c. butter 

1 (5 oz.) can chow mein noodles 

1 to 2 tbsp. water 

• Melt chips and butter in double boiler or glass bowl 

in microwave. Stir to mix. Gradually add small 

amounts of water to thicken mixture. Stir in noodles 

and mix to coat in chocolate mixture. Drop by 

spoonfuls onto waxed paper. 

___________ 

ARTS & CRAFTS... (Critter Jar up above...) 

A cool idea from Shannon Stewart at Stetson 

School... 

INSECTS UNDER MAGNIFYING 

GLASS


FINGER PRINT BUGS 

Dip thumbs in washable paint to make 'thumbprint' 

bodies on paper. Have children decorate insect bodies 

by drawing in legs and antennae. 

PAINT THUMB PRINT PICTUES with Watercolor 

Tins. 

1. Prime the paints by placing a bead of water on each 

color. 

2. Stick your thumb in a watercolor pan. 

3. Make a thumbprint on the paper. 

4. When it is dry, add lines to make it a bug. 

_____________ 

CREATE AN EGG CARTON BUG! 

Materials: Cotton balls, egg cartons, paint/markers, 

google eyes, pipe cleaners, construction paper, glitter, 

any other material the children may want to use. 

Cut the egg cartons in separate 1 to 3 hump-pieces and 

put them out with a variety of the above supplies. See 

where the children's imaginations will take them! 

______________________ 

A "Bumble Bee picture" is in Art Gallery: Grades 1 to 

3. These images were made by 3rd graders. 

_______________ 

BUTTERFLY FEET 

Paint the bottom of children's feet with non-toxic 

tempera paint. Have the child step onto a piece of 

paper with their feet and heels together. When dry, 

have children add antennae with crayons, markers or 

yarn. 

__________ 

CATERPILLAR 

Materials: 

Plastic-Foam meat tray 

Hole puncher 

Yarn and Pen 

Cut circles from a thoroughly sanitized 

plastic-foam meat tray. 

 

With a hole puncher, punch a hole through the 

center of each circle. 

 

 

 

Tie a knot in one end of a piece of yarn. 

Push the other end of the yarn through the hole 

in each circle. 

When your caterpillar is as long as you want, 

knot the second end of the yarn, leaving some 

yarn behind the knot for a tail.


 

 

Draw a face on the front circle. You now have 

a Caterpillar! 

You can also make the caterpillars with long 

sections of egg cartons-such as the above bugs! 

_______________ 

Back to top of page 

Visit the Joke Category of Fleas, Flies & Spiders 

________________ 

GAMES... 

PLAY...CATERPILLAR IN THE 

GARDEN 

1. Divide your guests into two teams. 

2. Line the children up in two columns, one child 

behind the other, at the start line. 

3. Have each child put his or her hands on the waist of 

the child in front of them, forming a "caterpillar." 

4, When you say, "Wiggle!" each team must run, 

staying connected, to the finish line. 

5. If a team becomes disconnected, they must stop and 

reconnect before continuing. 

6. The first team to the finish line wins. 

___________________________ 

BEES IN THE GARDEN 

Need: 

A Large Piece of White Poster Board 

A Black Marker 

Any Colored Marker (optional) 

Scissors or an X-Acto Knife 

At Least 3 Plastic Yellow Easter Eggs 

1. Draw a flower shape on the large piece of poster 

board. 

2. If this game is being played by younger children, 

make sure the center of the flower is about 7" - 8" in 

diameter. If youth are older, make the center smaller 

(i.e. no smaller than 5" in diameter). 

3. Cut the center out of the flower. 

4. Color or paint the flower petals. 

5. Attach the flower to a stake or stick that can be 

placed in the ground. 

6. Make the three "bees" by drawing black stripes and 

antennae on plastic yellow Easter eggs. 

TO PLAY: Place your flower in the ground, and draw 

a line about 6 feet in front of it. Line children up 

behind the line. Let each child try to toss each "bee" 

through the center of the flower. 

________________ 

SONGS, POEMS AND FINGER PLAY... 

HUNTING BUGS (Author Unknown) 

Sung to: A- Hunting we will go 

A-hunting we will go 

A -hunting we will go 

We'll catch a ______ (insert any insect here) 

and put it in a box... 

(loudly) and then we'll let it go! 

__________ 

BUGGY ANATOMY GAME... 

To tune of: London Bridge is Falling Down 

Head and thorax, abdomen, abdomen, abdomen. 

Head and thorax, abdomen, That's an insect. 

Every insect has six legs, has six legs, has six legs. 

Every insect has six legs, that's an insect. 

Antennae to feel their way, feel their way, feel their 

way. 

Antennae to feel their way, that's an insect. 

____________ 

BUGS 

June bug, stink bug, 

Ladybug, chinch bug, 

Water bug, pink bug, 

Please-don't-pinch bug! 

Horsefly, housefly, 

Dragonfly, deer fly, 

Firefly, fruit fly, 

Buzzing-in-your-ear fly! 

Honeybee, bumblebee, 

Queen bee, drone bee, 

Worker bee, nurse bee, 

Leave-me-alone bee! 

Gypsy moth, luna moth, 

Beetle and mosquito, 

Bugs and insects 

Really are neat-o! 

Cockroach, katydid, 

Cricket and cicada, 

Grasshopper, mantis, 

Catch you all later! 

Author Unknown 

________ 

IT'S AN INSECT 

(This would be great fun to go with one of the 'Creepy 

Crawlie Snack ideas) 

To tune of: My Darling Clementine 

It's an insect 

Not a spider 

it has six legs--instead of eight.


3 on this side 

3 on that side...and it's crawling on my plate! 

__________ 

WE'RE GOING ON A BUG HUNT... 

Rhymed to: "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" 

We're going on a bug hunt! 

We're going to catch some big ones. 

What a sunny day! 

Are you ready? OK! 

Oh my! A bee! 

A black & yellow bee, 

Flying over the flowers. 

BUZZ..... 





Oh, my! An ant! 

A tiny, black ant, 

Crawling through the grass. 

Shh... 





Oh, my! A grasshopper! 

A big, green grasshopper, 

Hopping around the tree. 

Boing, boing... 





Oh, my! A butterfly! 

A pretty, orange butterfly, 

Floating in the sky. 

Whoosh, whoosh... 

We're going on bug hunt! 




Oh my! A spider! 

A big black spider, 

Creeping on the tree. Creep, creep... 

(Author Unknown) 

________ 

FUZZY WUZZY CATERPILLAR 

Fuzzy wuzzy caterpillar in the garden creeps 

He spins himself a blanket and soon falls fast asleep. 

Fuzzy wuzzy caterpillar wakes up by and by... 

To find he has wings of beauty, changed to a butterfly. 

Pretty little butterfly, what do you do all day? 

I fly around the flowerpots, nothing' to do but play. 

Nothing' to do but play, darling', nothing' to do but 

play. 

So fly butterfly, fly butterfly, don't waste your time 

away. (Author Unknown) 

________ 

Caterpillar Chant 

Original Author Unknown 

A caterpillar looks so small. 

It is hardly there at all. 

It munches on green leafy treats, 

And it gets bigger as it eats. 

It eats and eats, 'til pretty soon, 

It wraps up tight in a cocoon. 

When it wakes up it blinks its eyes 

And says, "I'm now a butterfly!" 

________________ 

If you like Insects... Click here for our great 

'WORM THEME'! 

_____________ 

BOOKS ABOUT BUGS ( LISTED A-Z) 

Amazing Anthony Ant by Lorna & Graham Philpot 

Amazing World of Butterflies and Moths by Louis 

SabinAnts 

Armies of Ants by Walter Retan 

Backyard Insects by Millicent E. Seisam 

Big Bad Bugsby Tracey E. Dils 

Bugs by Heather Amery & Jane Songi 

Bugs by Nancy Winslow Parker & Joan Richards 

Wright 

Bugs: A closer look at the world's tiny creatures by 

Jinny Johnson 

Butterflies and Moths by John Leigh-Pemberton 

Butterfliesby Elizabeth Elias Kaufman 

Butterflies Bugs and Wormsby Sally Morgan 

Butterflies and Moths by Angels Julivert 

Buzz! A book about Insects by Melvin Berger 

Camouflage in Nature by National Audubon Society 

Can You Find Me? by Jennifer Dewey 

Can You Find Me? A book about Camouflage by 

Jennifer Dewey


Close Up by Frank B. Edwards 

Creepy Crawlies by Cathy Kilpatrick 

Creepy Crawly Baby Bugs by Sandra Markle 

Disguises and Surprises by Claire Llewellyn 

First Field Guide Insects by National Audbudon 

Society 

How Do Flies Walk Upside Down? by Melvin & Gilda 

Berger 

I Can Read About Creepy Crawly Creatures by C.J. 

Naden 

I Can Read About Insects by Deborah Merrians 

I Wish I Were A Butterfly by James Howe 

Insects Do The Strangest Things by Leonora & Arthur 

Hornblow 

Insects A True Book by Illa Podendorf 

Ladybugby Barrie Watts 

Monster Bugs by Lucille Recht Penner 

Our Insect Allies by National Aududon Society 

Questions and Answers About Bees .by Betty Polisar 

Reigot 

Quick as a Cricket by Audry Wood 

Spiders Spin Webs by Amanda O'Neill 

The Big Bug Searchby Caroline Young 

The Caterpillar and the Polliwog by Jack Kent 

The Creepy, Crawly Book by Bobbi Kate 

The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle 

The Ladybug and other insects by Scholastic 

The Magic School Bus "Gets Ants in its Joanna Cole 

The Magic School Bus "Butterflies and the Bog 

Beast".by Joanna Cole 

The Magic School Bus "Inside a Beehive" by Joanna 

Cole 

The Spider Makes a Web by Joan M. Lezau 

The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle 

What's Inside? Insects by Scholastic 

What Is An Insect? by Jenifer W. Day 

What Is An Insect? by Robert Snedden 

World's Weirdest Bugs .....by M.L.Roberts 

Awesome idea from Earth Mama's World: Food Chain game 

out of styrofoam cups! Just glue images on to your cups and 

write the name of the organism on the rim. Mix them up, have 

kids 

Food Chain Stacking Cups


ONE LAST THING 

The Butterfly.... 

Baloo’s Archive 

One day a man found a cocoon of a butterfly. When a 

small opening appeared, he sat and watched the 

butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its 

body through the tiny hole. Then it seemed to stop 

making any progress. It had gotten as far as it could 

and could go no farther. 

So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a 

pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the 

cocoon. The butterfly now emerged easily. But it had 

a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man 

continued to watch the butterfly because he expected 

that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and 

expand, to be able to support the body, which would 

contract in time. 

Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest 

of its life crawling around with a swollen body and 

shriveled wings. It never was able to fly. 

What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not 

understand was, that the restricting cocoon, and the 

struggle required for the butterfly to get through the 

tiny opening, were nature's way of forcing fluid from 

the body of the butterfly into its wings, so that it would 

be ready for flight once it achieved freedom from the 

cocoon. 

Sometimes struggles are exactly what our Scouts and 

we need in life. If people were allowed to go through 

our life without any obstacles, they would be crippled. 

And they would never be able to fly.... 

As you learn and re-learn to fly each day, keep in mind 

that struggles are not always bad; they define us and 

make us stronger! 

The Stranger in Our House 

Here's a unique thought provoker, be careful of the 

little sister has always been a caution, right? I didn't 

figure this one out until near the end. CD 

A few months before I was born, my Dad met a 

stranger who was new to our small Tennessee town. 

From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this 

enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live 

with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted 

and was around to welcome me into the world a few 

months later. 

As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my 

family. In my young mind, he had a special niche. My 

parents were complementary instructors: Mom taught 

me the Word of God, and Dad taught me to obey it. 

But the stranger He was our storyteller. He would 

keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures, 

mysteries, and comedies. If I wanted to know anything 

about politics, history, or science, he always knew the 

answers about the past, understood the present and 

even seemed able to predict the future! 

He took my family to the first major league ball game. 

He made me laugh, and he made me cry. The stranger 

never stopped talking, but Dad didn't seem to mind. 

Sometimes, Mom would get up quietly while the rest 

of us were shushing each other to listen to what he had 

to say, and she would go to her room and read her 

books (I wonder now if she ever prayed for the 

stranger to leave.) 

Dad ruled our household with certain moral 

convictions, but the stranger never felt obligated to 

honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed 

in our home... not from us, our friends or any visitors. 

Our longtime visitor, however, got away with fourletter 

words that burned my ears and made my dad 

squirm and my mother blush. 

My Dad was a teetotaler who didn't permit alcohol in 

the home, not even for cooking. But the stranger 

encouraged us to try it on a regular basis. He made 

cigarettes look cool, cigars manly, and pipes 

distinguished. 

He talked freely (much too freely!) about sex. His 

comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes 

suggestive, and generally embarrassing. I now know 

that my early concepts about relationships were 

influenced strongly by the stranger. 

Time after time, he opposed the values of my parents, 

yet he was seldom rebuked, and NEVER asked to 

leave. 

More than sixty years have passed since the stranger 

moved in with our family. He has blended right in and 

is not nearly as fascinating as he was at first. Still, if


you were to walk into my parent's den today, you 

would still find him sitting over in his corner, waiting 

for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw 

his pictures. His name?... 

We just call him, "TV." 

TV has a younger sister now. 

We call her, "Computer." 

In attempting to find the source of this item that my 

Aunt Betty in Florida sent me I “Googled” the first 

line. I got 366.000 hits. Checking the first several 

pages I found numerous copies posted on the Internet 

with various credits. There were several names and 

many Unknowns. If someone knows the original 

source, please send it. CD 

THE GOLDEN RULE 

What you do not want done to yourself, 

do not do unto others. 

—Confucius, 551–479 B.C. 

What you hate, do not do to anyone. 

—Judaism 

Hurt not others that which pains thyself. 

—Buddhism 

The real way to get happiness is by 

giving out happiness to other people. 

— Baden-Powell, 

The Founder’s Last Message 

Do unto others as you would have them 

do unto you. 

—The Golden Rule

BALOO'S BUGLE

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