Pack 925 — Aligned Den Plan

Cub Scout program year 2026-2027 · Two aligned den weeks a month · All required adventures done by the April 29 awards

Pack Plan Overview

Every den runs the same two aligned den-meeting weeks each month, so the whole pack moves together. The other weeks are the Pack Meeting and a Flexible week (electives, make-ups, or den choice). August is a partial startup month (Welcome Back Party, New Scout Night, and one den kickoff on Aug 27). Each den completes all six required adventures before the End-of-Year Awards on April 29, 2027.

Aligned Den MeetingFlex / Special WeekPack Meeting
MonthAligned #1Aligned #2Flex / SpecialPack Meeting
August 2026 Thu Aug 27 — Thu Aug 20
New Scout Night		 Thu Aug 13
Welcome Back Party (Pack Meeting)
September 2026 Thu Sep 3 Thu Sep 17 Thu Sep 10
Flex week		 Thu Sep 24
Pack Meeting
October 2026 Thu Oct 1 Thu Oct 15 Thu Oct 22
Flex week		 Thu Oct 29
Pack Meeting (Halloween theme)
November 2026 Thu Nov 5 Thu Nov 19 Thu Nov 12
Flex week		 —
No pack meeting (Thanksgiving week 11/26 is dark)
January 2027 Thu Jan 7 Thu Jan 21 Thu Jan 14
Flex week		 Thu Jan 28
Pack Meeting
February 2027 Thu Feb 4 Thu Feb 11 — Thu Feb 25
Blue & Gold / Pack Meeting (2/18 is dark - intersession)
March 2027 Thu Mar 4 Thu Mar 18 Thu Mar 11
Flex week		 Thu Mar 25
Pack Meeting
April 2027 Thu Apr 8 Thu Apr 22 Thu Apr 15
Flex week		 Thu Apr 29
End-of-Year Awards & Campfire (rank badges awarded)

Required Adventure by Den & Month

Month Lion Tiger Wolf Bear Webelos Arrow of Light
August 2026 Bobcat Kickoff Bobcat Kickoff Bobcat Kickoff Bobcat Kickoff Bobcat Kickoff Bobcat Kickoff
September 2026 Bobcat Bobcat Bobcat Bobcat Bobcat Bobcat
October 2026 Mountain Lion Tigers in the Wild Paws on the Path Bear Habitat Webelos Walkabout First Aid
November 2026 Fun on the Run Tiger Bites Running With the Pack Bear Strong Stronger, Faster, Higher Outdoor Adventurer
January 2027 King of the Jungle Team Tiger Council Fire (Duty to Country) Paws for Action My Family Personal Fitness
February 2027 Lion's Roar Tiger's Roar Safety in Numbers Standing Tall My Safety Citizenship & Duty to God
March 2027 Lion's Pride Tiger Circles (Duty to God) Footsteps (Duty to God) Fellowship My Community Complete - Optional: Knife Safety
April 2027 On Your Mark (elective) + Catch-Up Tiger Tag (elective) + Catch-Up Race Time (elective) + Catch-Up Baloo the Builder (elective) + Catch-Up Earth Rocks! (elective) + Catch-Up Crossed Over - Mentor & Celebrate

Note on Arrow of Light: AOL Scouts cross over into a Scouts BSA troop at the Crossover ceremony (about Feb 28), so their plan is compressed to finish all six required adventures by February 11. Outdoor Adventurer moves up to the Nov 20-22 AOL Adventure Weekend campout, and February doubles up (Citizenship + Duty to God). March and April are post-crossover: no required work, just optional enrichment and a send-off.

Lion Den (Kindergarten)

Lions are the youngest Scouts. Keep everything SHORT, active, and hands-on - attention spans are about 5-10 minutes per activity. Every Lion has an adult partner right there with them, so the Den Chief mostly leads games and demos. A different family hosts each month (shared leadership).

Adult presence: Every Lion has an adult partner at every meeting. Lions use SHARED LEADERSHIP - a different family hosts/leads each month.

August 2026: Bobcat Kickoff

August is a partial startup month: the Welcome Back Party (Aug 13) and New Scout Night (Aug 20) kick off the year, and the first den meeting (Aug 27) starts Bobcat. Meet everyone, set up how the den runs, and get a first taste of the Scout Oath, Law, and sign. Bobcat is finished in September, so Scouts who join in early fall still catch up.

Thu Aug 27Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Aug 20New Scout Night
Thu Aug 13Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Pick up the family welcome packet and the pack calendar at the Aug 13 Welcome Back Party.
  • Bobcat starts now and is completed in September - new families who join at New Scout Night (Aug 20) jump in then.
Printable helpers for this adventure: Scout Oath card · Scout Law card · Sign, Salute & Handshake
Thu Aug 27

Meet Your Den & Start Bobcat

Focus: Get to know your den, set up how meetings run, and get a first look at the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Cub Scout sign.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Bobcat (start): Get to know the members of your den.
  • Bobcat (start): First look at the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Cub Scout sign - completed in September.
Materials to bring:
  • poster board
  • markers
  • tape
  • printable Scout Oath / Scout Law / Sign cards
Gathering Name Game Mixer
  1. As Scouts arrive, play a quick name game (name + favorite animal, or toss-a-ball name catch).
  2. Den Chief learns and uses every Scout's name right away.
  3. New Scouts and returning Scouts pair up so no one stands alone.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Welcome Circle
  1. Everyone shares their name, grade, and one thing they hope to do in Scouts this year.
  2. Den Chief and leader introduce themselves and how the year works.
  3. Celebrate that this is the start of a fun year together.
Activity Set Up Our Den
  1. Talk about how meetings work: gathering game, opening, activity, closing.
  2. As a den, make a simple Den Code of Conduct (be kind, listen, do your best); everyone adds a handprint or signature.
  3. Pick where the den banner/code will hang each week.
Needs: poster board, markers, tape
Activity First Look: Oath, Law & Sign
  1. Show the Cub Scout sign (two fingers up) and practice it together.
  2. Read the Scout Oath and Scout Law aloud; Scouts repeat a line at a time.
  3. Hand out or display the printable Oath, Law, and Sign cards to take home and practice.
Needs: printable Scout Oath / Scout Law / Sign cards
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Practice the Cub Scout sign and the Scout Oath and Law at home using the printable cards.
  • Remember: every Lion brings an adult partner to every meeting - sign up for a host month.
Den Chief tip: Keep it warm and easy - August is a soft start and families are still joining. The goal tonight is belonging and excitement, not finishing requirements. Bobcat gets completed in September.
Flex week idea: Aug 13 Welcome Back Party and Aug 20 New Scout Night are pack-run. Use them to recruit, hand out calendars, and welcome new families before the Aug 27 den kickoff.

September 2026: Bobcat

The 'getting started' adventure - every Lion earns Bobcat first. Learn who is in the den and what it means to be friendly.

Thu Sep 3Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Sep 17Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Sep 10Flex Week
Thu Sep 24Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Bobcat req 4: At home, adult partner + Lion do the activities in the booklet 'How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide' (free at scouting.org).
Printable helpers for this adventure: Scout Oath card · Scout Law card · Sign, Salute & Handshake
Thu Sep 3

Meet the Den & the Scout Law

Focus: Get to know each other and hear the Scout Law for the first time.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Bobcat 1 (Get to know den members)
  • Bobcat 2 (Hear the Scout Law; show being friendly)
Materials to bring:
  • butcher paper / poster board
  • washable paint or markers
  • wet wipes
  • printed Scout Law card
Gathering Name-Ball Toss
  1. Sit in a circle. Roll or gently toss a soft ball.
  2. Whoever catches it says their name and one thing they like (a color, an animal, a snack).
  3. Keep going until everyone has gone twice.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Den Name Banner
  1. Tell the Lions they are all one den - a team.
  2. Everyone adds their handprint (washable paint) or a drawing to a big banner.
  3. Hang it at every meeting so it feels like 'their' space.
Needs: butcher paper / poster board, washable paint or markers, wet wipes
Activity The Scout Law & Being Friendly
  1. Den Chief or leader reads the Scout Law out loud slowly.
  2. Zoom in on FRIENDLY. Ask: 'What does a friendly person do?'
  3. Play 'Friendly or Not?' - Den Chief acts out a scene (sharing vs grabbing); Lions thumbs-up if it's friendly.
  4. Each Lion does one friendly thing right now (give a compliment to their buddy).
Needs: printed Scout Law card
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Give each family the Protect Your Children booklet (Bobcat req 4).
  • Remind parents about the shared-leadership host rotation - sign up for a month.
Den Chief tip: First meeting = set the tone. Learn every kid's name tonight and use it constantly. Big energy, big smiles.
Thu Sep 17

Do Your Best!

Focus: Learn the Cub Scout motto and share a time you did your best.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Bobcat 3 (Share a 'Do Your Best' moment)
Materials to bring:
  • beanbags
  • bucket
  • painter's tape for a balance line
  • chair
Gathering Freeze Dance
  1. Play music; Lions dance. Stop the music - everyone freezes.
  2. Anyone still moving does a silly pose and rejoins. Pure wiggle-burner.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity What Does 'Do Your Best' Mean?
  1. Teach the motto: 'Do Your Best.' Say it together 3 times, louder each time.
  2. Den Chief shares a quick example (tried hard on something even when it was tricky).
  3. Go around the circle: each Lion tells (or acts out) one time they did their best. Adult partners can help them remember.
Activity Best-Effort Obstacle Mini-Course
  1. Set up 4 simple stations (hop 5 times, crawl under a chair, toss a beanbag in a bucket, balance on a line).
  2. Each Lion goes through cheering 'Do Your Best!'
  3. Everyone finishes - it's about effort, not winning.
Needs: beanbags, bucket, painter's tape for a balance line, chair
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • If a family hasn't finished the Protect Your Children booklet, remind them - it completes Bobcat.
Den Chief tip: Bobcat is DONE after tonight (plus the home booklet). Celebrate! Tell them they're officially Cub Scouts now.
Flex week idea: Roundtable week (Sep 10): optional light meeting - a pack-wide welcome picnic or just get families signed up for host months.

October 2026: Mountain Lion

First taste of the outdoors: the Cub Scout Six Essentials, staying safe, and a nature walk.

Thu Oct 1Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Oct 15Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Oct 22Flex Week
Thu Oct 29Pack Meeting
Thu Oct 1

Six Essentials & Staying Safe

Focus: Learn the Six Essentials and the S.A.W. rule before we head outside next time.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Mountain Lion 1 (Six Essentials)
  • Mountain Lion 3 (What S.A.W. means)
Materials to bring:
  • a full set of the Six Essentials to pass around
  • a whistle for each Lion (or share a few)
Gathering Pack the Pack Relay
  1. Pile of gear on one side (real + silly items). Backpack on the other.
  2. Lions relay-run to grab ONLY the real Six Essentials and pack them.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity The Six Essentials Show-and-Tell
  1. Hold up each of the Six Essentials one at a time. Say what it's for.
  2. Six Essentials: water, flashlight, first-aid kit, trail snack, sun protection, whistle.
  3. Each Lion picks one item and shows the den what you DO with it.
Needs: a full set of the Six Essentials to pass around
Activity S.A.W. - If You Get Separated
  1. Teach S.A.W.: STOP where you are, ALERT by blowing your whistle 3 times, WAIT for a trusted adult.
  2. Practice: Den Chief yells 'You're separated!' - Lions freeze, blow whistle 3 times, sit and wait.
  3. Repeat twice so it sticks.
Needs: a whistle for each Lion (or share a few)
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Ask families to bring weather-appropriate shoes/jackets next week for the outdoor walk.
Den Chief tip: Whistles = instant excitement. Set the rule: 3 blasts only means 'I need help.' No random tooting.
Thu Oct 15

Nature Walk: Natural vs Manmade

Focus: Take a 20-minute walk with our Six Essentials and spot animals.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Mountain Lion 2 (20-min outdoor walk; natural vs manmade)
  • Mountain Lion 4 (Common animals: wild vs domestic)
Materials to bring:
  • the Six Essentials
  • a nearby safe walking area
  • a few animal picture cards (optional)
Gathering Buddy Up
  1. Each Lion + adult partner is a buddy pair. Practice 'buddy check!' - everyone finds their buddy fast.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity The 20-Minute Explore Walk
  1. Walk a safe loop outside for about 20 minutes with the Six Essentials.
  2. As you go, call out: 'Natural or manmade?' Point at a tree (natural), a sign (manmade), a rock, a fence.
  3. Have Lions collect ZERO items - we look, we don't take (Leave No Trace, kid version).
Needs: the Six Essentials, a nearby safe walking area
Activity Animal Sort
  1. During/after the walk, name animals you might see here.
  2. Sort them: WILD (squirrel, hawk, deer) vs DOMESTICATED (dog, cat, cow).
  3. Each Lion names one wild and one tame animal.
Needs: a few animal picture cards (optional)
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Mountain Lion complete! Families can review the animals they saw over dinner.
Den Chief tip: Have a rain backup: do the walk indoors around the building/gym and use animal picture cards.
Flex week idea: Oct 22 (Gold Rush weekend): many families away - make this optional or a simple pumpkin-decorating den night.

November 2026: Fun on the Run

Healthy habits: food groups, hand washing, being active, and resting.

Thu Nov 5Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Nov 19Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Nov 12Flex Week
Thu Nov 5

Food Groups & Clean Hands

Focus: Learn the five food groups and how/when to wash hands.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Fun on the Run 1 (Five food groups)
  • Fun on the Run 2 (Hand washing; when to wash)
Materials to bring:
  • paper plates
  • food pictures from magazines/printouts
  • glue sticks
  • safety scissors
  • washable glitter or hand lotion + cinnamon
  • soap
  • sink/water access
  • paper towels
Gathering Food Group Corners
  1. Label 5 corners/areas: Fruits, Veggies, Grains, Protein, Dairy.
  2. Den Chief calls a food ('banana!'); Lions run to the right corner.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Build a Healthy Plate
  1. Give each Lion a paper plate. Cut/paste food pictures onto it.
  2. Talk through the 5 groups as they build a balanced plate.
  3. Each Lion shows their plate and names the groups.
Needs: paper plates, food pictures from magazines/printouts, glue sticks, safety scissors
Activity Glitter-Germ Handwashing
  1. Put a little washable glitter ('germs') on Lions' hands.
  2. Send them to wash - the glitter shows what plain water misses.
  3. Teach: wash with soap while singing Happy Birthday twice. Talk about WHEN to wash (before eating, after bathroom, after sneezing).
Needs: washable glitter or hand lotion + cinnamon, soap, sink/water access, paper towels
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Encourage families to let Lions help pick a fruit or veggie at the store.
Den Chief tip: Kids LOVE the glitter-germ trick. It's the moment they remember all year.
Thu Nov 19

Move It & Rest It

Focus: Be active for 20 minutes, then practice how to rest.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Fun on the Run 3 (Active 20 minutes)
  • Fun on the Run 4 (Methods that help you rest)
Materials to bring:
  • open space/gym
  • cones
  • parachute (optional)
  • mats or open floor
  • calm music (optional)
Gathering Animal Moves
  1. Den Chief calls an animal; everyone moves like it (bear crawl, bunny hop, crab walk).
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity 20-Minute Active Games
  1. Run a rotation of active games: tag, relay races, Simon Says (active moves), parachute if you have one.
  2. Keep everyone moving for a full 20 minutes.
  3. Point out their fast heartbeat - 'That's your body getting strong!'
Needs: open space/gym, cones, parachute (optional)
Activity Calm-Down Corner
  1. After all that running, practice resting: lie down, close eyes, breathe slow (smell the flower, blow out the candle).
  2. Try 'quiet as a mouse' for 60 seconds.
  3. Talk about bedtime routines that help you rest well.
Needs: mats or open floor, calm music (optional)
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Fun on the Run complete! Suggest a family 'active + rest' evening routine.
Den Chief tip: Always end active nights with the calm-down so kids leave regulated, not bouncing off walls.
Flex week idea: Nov 12 (Roundtable): elective night or start collecting for Scouting for Food.

January 2027: King of the Jungle

Family, doing your part, and helping the community through service.

Thu Jan 7Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Jan 21Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Jan 14Flex Week
Thu Jan 28Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • King of the Jungle 2: With your adult partner, choose a family job and do it at least once (chores, setting the table).
  • King of the Jungle 3: Talk with a grandparent or older adult about what citizenship/being a good citizen means to them.
Thu Jan 7

My Family & My Jobs

Focus: Draw your family and learn we all help at home; kick off the service project.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • King of the Jungle 1 (Draw the people you live with)
Materials to bring:
  • paper
  • crayons/markers
  • chart paper
  • markers
Gathering Family Charades
  1. Lions act out a family helper job (sweeping, cooking, walking the dog); others guess.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity My Family Portrait
  1. Each Lion draws a picture of the people they live with (pets count!).
  2. Share: 'Who is in your picture and one thing you love doing together?'
Needs: paper, crayons/markers
Activity Jobs That Help
  1. Brainstorm jobs kids can do at home. Write/draw them on a chart.
  2. Each Lion picks a home job to do this week (this is req 2, finished at home).
  3. Talk about our BIG helper project next meeting - a service project.
Needs: chart paper, markers
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Home job (req 2) and grandparent/citizenship chat (req 3).
  • Ask families to bring one canned good next week for the service project.
Den Chief tip: Tie the home jobs to the Scout Law point HELPFUL. Repetition of 'Helpful' all month.
Thu Jan 21

Service Project: Helping Others

Focus: Do a simple service project as a den.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • King of the Jungle 4 (Participate in a service project)
Materials to bring:
  • depends on project: canned goods box, cards + markers, or trash bags + gloves
Gathering Kindness Web
  1. Pass a ball of yarn across the circle; each Lion names one kind thing they can do, making a web.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Den Service Project
  1. Pick ONE simple project: sort/pack canned goods for a food pantry, make thank-you cards for first responders, or clean up the meeting-place grounds.
  2. Do the project together for ~20 minutes.
  3. Afterward, ask: 'Who did we help, and how did it feel?'
Needs: depends on project: canned goods box, cards + markers, or trash bags + gloves
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • King of the Jungle complete! Encourage families to keep their home jobs going.
Den Chief tip: Keep the project short and visible so 5-year-olds can see the result of their help.
Flex week idea: Jan 14 (Roundtable): elective night, or families start decorating a Pinewood Derby car for the Race Time elective.

February 2027: Lion's Roar

Personal safety: Shout-Run-Tell, calling for help, and street/parking-lot safety.

Thu Feb 4Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Feb 11Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Feb 25Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Lion's Roar 1: With parent permission, watch the 'Protect Yourself Rules' video for the Lion rank at home BEFORE session 1 (or as a den if a screen is available).
Thu Feb 4

Shout, Run, Tell + Getting Help

Focus: Practice the Shout-Run-Tell rule and how to reach emergency services.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Lion's Roar 2 (Demonstrate Shout, Run, Tell)
  • Lion's Roar 3 (Access emergency services)
Materials to bring:
  • toy phones or paper phone cutouts
Gathering Red Light / Green Light
  1. Classic game - warms them up and previews 'stop when told,' which matters for safety tonight.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Shout, Run, Tell
  1. Teach the rule: if something feels wrong, SHOUT 'No!', RUN away to safety, TELL a trusted adult.
  2. Practice as a game: Den Chief describes an 'uh-oh' situation; Lions do the three moves.
  3. Each Lion names one trusted adult they would TELL.
Activity Calling for Help
  1. Teach 9-1-1: when to call, and that you say your name and where you are.
  2. Practice on toy/pretend phones: 'What's your emergency? What's your name? Where are you?'
  3. Reinforce: only call for a real emergency.
Needs: toy phones or paper phone cutouts
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Help your Lion memorize their home address and a parent's phone number.
Den Chief tip: Keep it empowering, not scary. Frame it as 'you're strong and you know what to do.'
Thu Feb 11

Street & Parking-Lot Smarts

Focus: Cross a street and walk through a parking lot safely.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Lion's Roar 4 (Safely cross a street / walk in a parking lot)
Materials to bring:
  • painter's tape
  • a couple of toy cars (optional)
Gathering Stop & Go Signs
  1. Den Chief holds a red 'STOP' / green 'GO' sign; Lions walk or freeze accordingly.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Pretend Crosswalk
  1. Tape a 'road' with a crosswalk on the floor.
  2. Teach: STOP at the edge, LOOK left-right-left, hold a grown-up's hand, WALK don't run.
  3. Each Lion practices crossing the pretend street the right way.
Needs: painter's tape, a couple of toy cars (optional)
Activity Parking-Lot Rules
  1. Teach: in a parking lot, always hold an adult's hand and watch for backing-up cars (white lights = car is moving).
  2. Play 'Car or No Car?' - Den Chief says a scene; Lions say if it's safe to walk.
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Lion's Roar complete! Practice safe crossing on your next real walk.
Den Chief tip: Blue & Gold / Pack Meeting is 2/25 - remind families to attend; awards may be given there.
Flex week idea: No separate flex week in Feb (2/18 is dark). Pack Meeting 2/25 covers the pack-wide slot.

March 2027: Lion's Pride

Reverence and gratitude: family faith traditions and showing love/kindness. Most of this adventure is done WITH FAMILIES at home; the den does the kindness pieces.

Thu Mar 4Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Mar 18Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Mar 11Flex Week
Thu Mar 25Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Lion's Pride 1: With your parent/guardian, talk about your family's faith traditions and draw your favorite holiday/celebration.
  • Lion's Pride 2: With your family, attend a religious service or gathering that shows how your family expresses reverence.
Thu Mar 4

Cheerful Cards for People We Love

Focus: Make a cheerful card/drawing for someone you love.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Lion's Pride 3 (Make and give a cheerful card/drawing)
Materials to bring:
  • cardstock/construction paper
  • crayons/markers
  • stickers
  • glue
Gathering Compliment Circle
  1. Go around the circle; each Lion gives the person on their right a kind compliment.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Cheerful Card Craft
  1. Each Lion makes a bright, cheerful card or drawing for someone they love.
  2. Decorate with stickers, hearts, and their own artwork.
  3. Talk about WHO they'll give it to and why that person is special.
  4. Send it home to be delivered (completes req 3).
Needs: cardstock/construction paper, crayons/markers, stickers, glue
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Deliver the cheerful card. Do the family faith-tradition talk + drawing (req 1) and attend a service/gathering (req 2).
Den Chief tip: Reverence is personal - keep the den framing about GRATITUDE and KINDNESS so every family is comfortable.
Thu Mar 18

Sharing Our Traditions

Focus: Share the drawings from home and celebrate what makes each family special.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Lion's Pride wrap-up (share home drawings; celebrate reverence & gratitude)
Materials to bring:
  • the home drawings
  • table for a 'gallery'
Gathering Show & Tell Setup
  1. Lions place their home faith-tradition drawings on the table as they arrive.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Traditions Gallery Walk
  1. Lions (with adult partners) share their favorite family holiday/celebration drawing.
  2. Celebrate that families are different and that's wonderful.
  3. Close with a gratitude circle: each Lion names one thing they're thankful for.
Needs: the home drawings, table for a 'gallery'
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Lion's Pride complete! All six required Lion adventures are now done - rank badge time!
Den Chief tip: Confirm every Lion has finished all 6 adventures. Flag any make-ups for the April buffer.
Flex week idea: Mar 11 (Roundtable): elective night. Pinewood Derby is late Feb/March - a great flex-week activity.

April 2027: On Your Mark (elective) + Catch-Up

All 6 required adventures are done. April is a buffer: knock out any make-ups and do a FUN elective. 'On Your Mark' is games + a box-derby race - perfect for spring energy.

Thu Apr 8Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Apr 22Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Apr 15Flex Week
Thu Apr 29Pack Meeting
Thu Apr 8

Games & Obstacle Relay (On Your Mark 1-2)

Focus: Play den games and run an obstacle-course relay.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • On Your Mark 1 (Play a game with your den)
  • On Your Mark 2 (Obstacle course relay)
Materials to bring:
  • game supplies as needed
  • cones
  • beanbags
  • tape
  • tunnel or chairs
Gathering Sharks & Minnows
  1. High-energy tag to start the night.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Den Game Time
  1. Play 2-3 favorite den games chosen by the Lions.
  2. Reinforce good sportsmanship - cheer for everyone.
Needs: game supplies as needed
Activity Obstacle Course Relay
  1. Build a simple course (cones, tunnel, beanbag toss, balance line).
  2. Run it as a team relay - everyone finishes, effort over speed.
Needs: cones, beanbags, tape, tunnel or chairs
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Any Lion missing a required adventure: send a quick make-up activity home.
Den Chief tip: Use April to make sure EVERY Lion is complete before the 4/29 awards night.
Thu Apr 22

Box Derby Race (On Your Mark 3)

Focus: Build and race a simple box derby - celebrate the year.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • On Your Mark 3 (Build a box derby and race)
Materials to bring:
  • cardboard boxes/decorations
  • markers
  • ribbons for all
Gathering Engine Revs
  1. Silly warm-up: everyone is a race car warming up their engine.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Build & Race
  1. Decorate simple cardboard 'cars' (or use a ride-on/scooter relay).
  2. Run friendly heats with lots of cheering.
  3. Hand out 'Great Effort' ribbons to everyone.
Needs: cardboard boxes/decorations, markers, ribbons for all
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • See you at End-of-Year Awards 4/29 - Lions get their rank badge!
Den Chief tip: Big send-off. Make sure advancement is recorded in Scoutbook before awards night.
Flex week idea: Apr 15 (Roundtable): final elective or make-up night before the 4/29 awards.

Tiger Den (1st Grade)

Tigers are 1st graders, so keep meetings active, simple, and full of chances to talk with their adult partners. Every Tiger has an adult partner at every meeting, and that adult should help coach, not take over. Use shared leadership: a different family hosts or helps lead each month.

Adult presence: Every Tiger has an adult partner at every meeting. Tigers use SHARED LEADERSHIP - a different family hosts/leads each month.

August 2026: Bobcat Kickoff

August is a partial startup month: the Welcome Back Party (Aug 13) and New Scout Night (Aug 20) kick off the year, and the first den meeting (Aug 27) starts Bobcat. Meet everyone, set up how the den runs, and get a first taste of the Scout Oath, Law, and sign. Bobcat is finished in September, so Scouts who join in early fall still catch up.

Thu Aug 27Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Aug 20New Scout Night
Thu Aug 13Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Pick up the family welcome packet and the pack calendar at the Aug 13 Welcome Back Party.
  • Bobcat starts now and is completed in September - new families who join at New Scout Night (Aug 20) jump in then.
Printable helpers for this adventure: Scout Oath card · Scout Law card · Sign, Salute & Handshake
Thu Aug 27

Meet Your Den & Start Bobcat

Focus: Get to know your den, set up how meetings run, and get a first look at the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Cub Scout sign.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Bobcat (start): Get to know the members of your den.
  • Bobcat (start): First look at the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Cub Scout sign - completed in September.
Materials to bring:
  • poster board
  • markers
  • tape
  • printable Scout Oath / Scout Law / Sign cards
Gathering Name Game Mixer
  1. As Scouts arrive, play a quick name game (name + favorite animal, or toss-a-ball name catch).
  2. Den Chief learns and uses every Scout's name right away.
  3. New Scouts and returning Scouts pair up so no one stands alone.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Welcome Circle
  1. Everyone shares their name, grade, and one thing they hope to do in Scouts this year.
  2. Den Chief and leader introduce themselves and how the year works.
  3. Celebrate that this is the start of a fun year together.
Activity Set Up Our Den
  1. Talk about how meetings work: gathering game, opening, activity, closing.
  2. As a den, make a simple Den Code of Conduct (be kind, listen, do your best); everyone adds a handprint or signature.
  3. Pick where the den banner/code will hang each week.
Needs: poster board, markers, tape
Activity First Look: Oath, Law & Sign
  1. Show the Cub Scout sign (two fingers up) and practice it together.
  2. Read the Scout Oath and Scout Law aloud; Scouts repeat a line at a time.
  3. Hand out or display the printable Oath, Law, and Sign cards to take home and practice.
Needs: printable Scout Oath / Scout Law / Sign cards
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Practice the Cub Scout sign and the Scout Oath and Law at home using the printable cards.
  • Remember: every Tiger brings an adult partner to every meeting - sign up for a host month.
Den Chief tip: Keep it warm and easy - August is a soft start and families are still joining. The goal tonight is belonging and excitement, not finishing requirements. Bobcat gets completed in September.
Flex week idea: Aug 13 Welcome Back Party and Aug 20 New Scout Night are pack-run. Use them to recruit, hand out calendars, and welcome new families before the Aug 27 den kickoff.

September 2026: Bobcat

The den startup adventure - Tigers learn who is in their den, practice the basic Cub Scout signs, and start using the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and motto.

Thu Sep 3Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Sep 17Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Sep 10Flex Week
Thu Sep 24Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Bobcat 6: At home, Tiger adult partner + Tiger do the activities in the booklet 'How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide' (free at scouting.org).
Printable helpers for this adventure: Scout Oath card · Scout Law card · Sign, Salute & Handshake
Thu Sep 3

Meet the Den & Scout Spirit

Focus: Get to know each other, say the Scout Oath, and learn Scout Law words by doing them.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Bobcat 1 (Get to know den members)
  • Bobcat 2 (Recite the Scout Oath with adult partners)
  • Bobcat 3 (Scout Law: trustworthy, helpful, or friendly)
Materials to bring:
  • poster board or butcher paper
  • orange/black paper strips
  • markers
  • tape or glue
  • printed Scout Oath and Scout Law cards
Gathering Tiger Name Toss
  1. Stand in a circle. Toss a soft ball to someone and say their name.
  2. On the second round, say your name and one favorite animal, game, or snack.
  3. Adult partners join in so everyone learns family names too.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Den Tiger Team Poster
  1. Each Tiger writes or decorates their name on a stripe for a big den poster.
  2. Adult partners add their names too because Tigers and partners work together.
  3. Hang the poster at future meetings to make the den feel like a team.
Needs: poster board or butcher paper, orange/black paper strips, markers, tape or glue
Activity Oath Echo & Law Actions
  1. Den Chief says the Scout Oath in short phrases; Tigers and adult partners echo it back.
  2. Leader reads the Scout Law and picks TRUSTWORTHY, HELPFUL, and FRIENDLY.
  3. Act out quick scenes: tell the truth, carry chairs, invite someone to play. Tigers name which word they showed.
Needs: printed Scout Oath and Scout Law cards
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Give each family the Protect Your Children booklet link or handout (Bobcat req 6).
  • Ask families to sign up for the shared-leadership host rotation.
Den Chief tip: First meeting = relationships first. Keep adult partners involved so Tigers learn that Scouting is something they do together.
Thu Sep 17

Signs, Salutes & Do Your Best

Focus: Practice Cub Scout sign, salute, handshake, and share a Do Your Best story.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Bobcat 4 (Cub Scout sign, salute, and handshake; how each is used)
  • Bobcat 5 (Share a Do Your Best time)
Materials to bring:
  • small flag
  • station signs
Gathering Scout Sign Freeze
  1. Tigers move around the room. When the Den Chief raises the Cub Scout sign, everyone freezes and gets quiet.
  2. Repeat several times, then let a Tiger try leading it.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Sign, Salute, Handshake Stations
  1. Station 1: Cub Scout sign - two fingers up when saying Oath/Law or when leaders need quiet.
  2. Station 2: Cub Scout salute - use it when in uniform and saluting the flag.
  3. Station 3: Cub Scout handshake - two fingers along the inside of the other Scout's wrist.
  4. Tigers rotate with adult partners and demonstrate each one.
Needs: small flag, station signs
Activity Do Your Best Story Circle
  1. Teach the Cub Scout motto: 'Do Your Best.' Say it together with the Cub Scout sign up.
  2. Den Chief shares a short example of trying hard at school, sports, music, or helping at home.
  3. Each Tiger shares one time they did their best; adult partners may help prompt.
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • If a family has not finished the Protect Your Children booklet, remind them that it completes Bobcat.
Den Chief tip: Bobcat is complete after tonight plus the home booklet. Celebrate with a quick cheer and record completions right away.
Flex week idea: Roundtable week (Sep 10): optional welcome night, parent orientation, or make-up for any Tiger who missed Bobcat basics.

October 2026: Tigers in the Wild

Outdoor basics for young hikers: what to carry, how to respect nature, and how to notice natural things around us.

Thu Oct 1Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Oct 15Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Oct 22Flex Week
Thu Oct 29Pack Meeting
Thu Oct 1

Six Essentials & Outdoor Code

Focus: Learn the Cub Scout Six Essentials, Outdoor Code, and common animals before the walk.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Tigers in the Wild 1 (Identify Six Essentials; show what each is for)
  • Tigers in the Wild 2 (Learn the Outdoor Code)
  • Tigers in the Wild 4 (Common animals; domesticated vs wild; draw favorite animal)
Materials to bring:
  • a full set of the Six Essentials
  • whistles
  • printed Outdoor Code card
  • animal picture cards
  • paper
  • crayons/markers
Gathering Pack the Tiger Bag
  1. Put real Six Essentials and silly distractor items in a pile.
  2. Teams relay to pack only the Six Essentials in a backpack.
  3. Review what each item is used for.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Six Essentials Show-and-Use
  1. Hold up each essential and ask, 'When would we use this?'
  2. Each Tiger chooses one item and demonstrates safe use with their adult partner.
  3. Practice the whistle rule: three blasts means 'I need help.'
Needs: a full set of the Six Essentials, whistles
Activity Outdoor Code Motions
  1. Teach the big idea: be clean, careful, considerate, and conservation-minded outdoors.
  2. Make a simple motion for each word and repeat it together.
  3. Ask how each one helps on next meeting's walk.
Needs: printed Outdoor Code card
Activity Wild or Domesticated Animal Draw
  1. Name animals common nearby: squirrel, deer, hawk, dog, cat, rabbit, goose.
  2. Sort them as wild or domesticated.
  3. Each Tiger draws a favorite animal and labels it wild or domesticated.
Needs: animal picture cards, paper, crayons/markers
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Bring weather-appropriate shoes/jackets and your Six Essentials for the outdoor walk next session.
Den Chief tip: Keep gear handling safe: no blowing whistles indoors except the planned practice. If families lack items, bring loaners.
Thu Oct 15

20-Minute Outdoor Walk

Focus: Take the required walk, spot natural vs manmade things, and describe a helpful tree.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Tigers in the Wild 3 (20-minute walk with Six Essentials; natural vs manmade)
  • Tigers in the Wild 5 (Find a tree and describe how it is helpful)
Materials to bring:
  • safe walking route
  • Six Essentials
  • attendance list
  • nearby tree
Gathering Buddy Check
  1. Each Tiger stands with their adult partner and checks for water, snack, sun protection, and whistle.
  2. Practice 'buddy check' - Tigers point to their partner fast.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity 20-Minute Natural / Manmade Walk
  1. Walk a safe loop for about 20 minutes with adult partners and Six Essentials.
  2. Stop several times; Den Chief points to an object and Tigers call 'natural' or 'manmade.'
  3. Follow Outdoor Code: stay together, leave things where they are, and use quiet nature voices.
Needs: safe walking route, Six Essentials, attendance list
Activity Helpful Tree Stop
  1. Find one tree on the route and gather around it safely.
  2. Ask: How does this tree help animals, people, and the air?
  3. Each Tiger says one helpful thing before walking back.
Needs: nearby tree
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Tigers in the Wild complete! Families can repeat the natural/manmade game on any walk.
Den Chief tip: Rain backup: walk indoors around the building and use printed photos for natural/manmade and tree discussion, then do a real short walk later if possible.
Flex week idea: Oct 22 (Gold Rush weekend): optional fall nature scavenger hunt, pumpkin hike, or make-up for the outdoor walk.

November 2026: Tiger Bites

Healthy habits: food groups, clean hands, being active, and sleep routines that help Tigers grow.

Thu Nov 5Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Nov 19Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Nov 12Flex Week
Thu Nov 5

Food Groups & Clean Hands

Focus: Identify the five food groups and practice when and how to wash hands.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Tiger Bites 1 (Identify the five food groups)
  • Tiger Bites 2 (Practice hand washing; when to wash)
Materials to bring:
  • paper plates
  • food pictures or grocery ads
  • glue sticks
  • safety scissors
  • crayons/markers
  • washable glitter or hand lotion + cinnamon
  • soap
  • sink/water access
  • paper towels
Gathering Food Group Corners
  1. Label five areas: Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Protein, Dairy.
  2. Den Chief calls a food; Tigers move to the matching area.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Build a Tiger Plate
  1. Give each Tiger a paper plate and food pictures.
  2. Tigers place foods into the five groups and build a balanced plate.
  3. Each Tiger names one food from each group.
Needs: paper plates, food pictures or grocery ads, glue sticks, safety scissors, crayons/markers
Activity Glitter Germ Wash
  1. Put a small amount of washable glitter or cinnamon lotion on hands as 'germs.'
  2. Practice washing with soap while singing Happy Birthday twice.
  3. Name when to wash: before eating, after bathroom, after sneezing/coughing, after playing outside.
Needs: washable glitter or hand lotion + cinnamon, soap, sink/water access, paper towels
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Ask Tigers to help choose one food from each food group at home this week.
Den Chief tip: Check allergies before any food handling. Pictures are safer than snacks unless families approve food in advance.
Thu Nov 19

30 Minutes Active + Sleep Helpers

Focus: Be active for 30 minutes and practice methods that help Tigers sleep.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Tiger Bites 3 (Be active for 30 minutes)
  • Tiger Bites 4 (Practice methods that help you sleep)
Materials to bring:
  • open space/gym
  • cones
  • beanbags
  • timer
  • water break area
  • mats or open floor
  • calm music (optional)
Gathering Animal Warm-Up
  1. Den Chief calls an animal; Tigers move like it: crab, bunny, bear, frog, cheetah.
  2. Keep it moving until opening starts.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity 30-Minute Active Game Circuit
  1. Run stations for relay races, tag, cone zigzags, and Simon Says exercises.
  2. Rotate every 5-7 minutes so Tigers stay interested and active for 30 minutes total.
  3. Pause for water as needed, then restart quickly.
Needs: open space/gym, cones, beanbags, timer, water break area
Activity Sleep Helper Practice
  1. Cool down with slow breathing: smell the flower, blow out the candle.
  2. Stretch quietly and practice making the room calm: dim voices, still bodies, slow breaths.
  3. Name sleep helpers: bedtime routine, screens off, reading, clean teeth, quiet room.
Needs: mats or open floor, calm music (optional)
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Tiger Bites complete! Try one sleep helper at bedtime this week.
Den Chief tip: End active meetings with the calm-down so Tigers leave settled. Have an indoor version ready if weather cancels outdoor running.
Flex week idea: Nov 12 (Roundtable): elective game night, Scouting for Food prep, or make-up for food groups/hand washing.

January 2027: Team Tiger

Tigers learn that teams need rules, jobs, good teammates, and service to others.

Thu Jan 7Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Jan 21Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Jan 14Flex Week
Thu Jan 28Pack Meeting
Thu Jan 7

Rules, Jobs & Team Games

Focus: Play games with rules and choose a helpful team job with adult partners.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Team Tiger 1 (Play a game with rules; discuss why rules matter)
  • Team Tiger 2 (Choose and do a job that helps your team)
  • Team Tiger 3 (Play a game with at least two teams; good team member discussion)
Materials to bring:
  • open space
  • job cards
  • simple supplies for setup/cleanup
  • cones
  • beanbags
Gathering Follow the Leader
  1. Den Chief leads simple motions around the room.
  2. Switch leaders and ask: What rule made this game work?
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Rules Matter Game
  1. Play a quick game like Simon Says or Red Light / Green Light using clear rules.
  2. Play one short round with one rule missing and notice the chaos.
  3. Discuss why rules keep games fair and safe.
Needs: open space
Activity Tiger Team Jobs
  1. Show job cards: setup helper, cleanup captain, flag helper, supply carrier, cheer leader.
  2. Each Tiger and adult partner choose one job that helps the den team.
  3. Tigers do the job once tonight and get a quick thank-you from the den.
Needs: job cards, simple supplies for setup/cleanup
Activity Two-Team Relay
  1. Split into two teams and run a beanbag or cone relay.
  2. Afterward ask: What did a good teammate do - cheer, wait turn, help, follow rules?
  3. Play a second round focusing on good teammate behavior.
Needs: cones, beanbags, open space
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Ask Tigers to notice one team they are part of this week: family, class, den, or sports team.
Den Chief tip: Balance teams gently so no one feels picked last. Adult partners can join teams to even numbers.
Thu Jan 21

Service Project Teamwork

Focus: Work as a den team on a short service project.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Team Tiger 4 (Participate in a service project)
Materials to bring:
  • depends on project: canned goods/bags, cards + markers, donation bins, or trash bags + gloves
Gathering Kindness Chain
  1. Each Tiger names one way to help someone.
  2. Write or draw each idea on a paper strip and link them into a chain.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Den Service Project
  1. Choose one project: pack food pantry bags, make thank-you cards, sort donated items, or clean meeting-place grounds.
  2. Give each Tiger a job so everyone contributes for about 20-25 minutes.
  3. Gather and ask: Who did our team help, and what job did you do?
Needs: depends on project: canned goods/bags, cards + markers, donation bins, or trash bags + gloves
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Team Tiger complete! Keep doing helpful jobs at home and in the den.
Den Chief tip: Pick a service project with visible results. If weather is bad, cards or donation sorting works indoors.
Flex week idea: Jan 14 (Roundtable): Pinewood Derby car build, extra service project time, or make-up for Team Tiger games/jobs.

February 2027: Tiger's Roar

Personal safety: Protect Yourself Rules at home, Shout-Run-Tell, emergency services, and what to do if lost or separated.

Thu Feb 4Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Feb 11Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Feb 25Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Tiger's Roar 1: With parent permission, watch the 'Protect Yourself Rules' video for the Tiger rank at home BEFORE session 1 (or as a den if a screen is available).
Thu Feb 4

Shout, Run, Tell + 911

Focus: Practice the Shout-Run-Tell rule and how to access emergency services.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Tiger's Roar 2 (Demonstrate Shout, Run, Tell)
  • Tiger's Roar 3 (Access emergency services)
Materials to bring:
  • toy phones or paper phone cutouts
  • sample address card
Gathering Safety Freeze Tag
  1. Play gentle freeze tag in a small area.
  2. To unfreeze, a Tiger says one trusted adult they can tell if they need help.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Shout, Run, Tell Practice
  1. Teach: if something feels wrong, SHOUT 'No!', RUN to safety, TELL a trusted adult.
  2. Den Chief gives simple pretend scenarios; Tigers practice the three moves.
  3. Each Tiger names a trusted adult at home, school, or Scouts.
Activity Emergency Call Role-Play
  1. Teach when to call 9-1-1 and that it is only for real emergencies.
  2. Practice on toy phones: 'What is your emergency? What is your name? Where are you?'
  3. Adult partners help Tigers practice saying an address or location.
Needs: toy phones or paper phone cutouts, sample address card
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Finish the Protect Yourself Rules video if not already done.
  • Help your Tiger memorize home address and a parent phone number.
Den Chief tip: Keep safety practice confident, not scary. Use pretend scenarios that are clear but not graphic.
Thu Feb 11

Lost or Separated Plan

Focus: Demonstrate what to do if separated from an adult or group.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Tiger's Roar 4 (What to do if lost or separated)
Materials to bring:
  • whistles
  • bright bandanna or cloth
  • chair or wall to be the 'tree'
  • helper picture cards
Gathering Buddy Line-Up
  1. Tigers and adult partners line up, then mix around the room.
  2. When Den Chief calls 'buddy check,' everyone quickly finds their partner.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Stop, Stay, Make Noise
  1. Teach a simple lost plan: stop, stay where you are, stay calm, make yourself seen/heard, and wait for trusted help.
  2. Practice sitting by a tree or wall, blowing three whistle blasts, and waving a bright item.
  3. Explain that wandering makes it harder for adults to find you.
Needs: whistles, bright bandanna or cloth, chair or wall to be the 'tree'
Activity Who Can Help?
  1. Show picture cards or name examples: uniformed leader, police/firefighter, store worker with name tag, parent with kids.
  2. Tigers sort 'safe helper' and 'not sure - find another adult.'
  3. Practice saying: 'I am lost. Please help me find my grown-up.'
Needs: helper picture cards
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Tiger's Roar complete! Review your family's plan for stores, parks, and campouts.
Den Chief tip: Blue & Gold / Pack Meeting is 2/25. If using whistles, set strict rules before handing them out.
Flex week idea: No separate flex week in February (2/18 is dark). Use any extra time for Blue & Gold prep or safety make-ups.

March 2027: Tiger Circles (Duty to God)

Reverence and kindness: families explore their own faith traditions at home, and the den practices kindness together.

Thu Mar 4Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Mar 18Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Mar 11Flex Week
Thu Mar 25Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Tiger Circles 1: With parent/guardian, talk about your family's faith traditions; identify three holidays or celebrations; draw your favorite.
  • Tiger Circles 2: With your family, attend a religious service or gathering that shows reverence.
Thu Mar 4

Kindness in Our Circle

Focus: Carry out an act of kindness and send home the family faith-tradition requirements.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Tiger Circles 3 (Carry out an act of kindness)
Materials to bring:
  • cardstock/construction paper
  • crayons/markers
  • stickers
  • envelopes (optional)
Gathering Compliment Circle
  1. Sit in a circle. Each Tiger gives a kind compliment to the person on their right.
  2. Adult partners help with ideas if needed.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Kindness Cards
  1. Choose recipients: family member, teacher, first responder, nursing home resident, or pack volunteer.
  2. Each Tiger makes a cheerful card or drawing with a kind message.
  3. Collect cards for delivery or send them home to be delivered this week.
Needs: cardstock/construction paper, crayons/markers, stickers, envelopes (optional)
Activity Kindness Plan Share
  1. Tigers name one kind action they can do this week: help set table, include a friend, thank a teacher.
  2. Adult partners help pick a realistic action.
  3. Close by saying the Scout Law point KIND together.
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Do Tiger Circles 1 and 2 at home: family faith tradition talk/drawing and attend a service or reverent gathering.
  • Deliver the kindness card if it was sent home.
Den Chief tip: Reverence is family-led. Keep the den conversation about gratitude, respect, and kindness so every family feels included.
Thu Mar 18

Family Traditions Gallery

Focus: Share home drawings and celebrate family traditions respectfully.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Tiger Circles wrap-up (share home drawings; confirm home requirements and kindness act)
Materials to bring:
  • home drawings
  • display table
  • advancement notes/checklist
Gathering Gallery Setup
  1. Tigers place their family holiday/celebration drawings on a table as they arrive.
  2. Give each drawing space and remind everyone to look respectfully.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Traditions Gallery Walk
  1. Tigers and adult partners walk around the drawings together.
  2. Each Tiger may share one favorite holiday or celebration from their family.
  3. Leader reminds the den that families can be different and all deserve respect.
Needs: home drawings, display table
Activity Kindness Report Circle
  1. Ask who delivered a card or did a kind act since last meeting.
  2. Let Tigers share briefly; applause after each share.
  3. Record anyone who needs a make-up before April.
Needs: advancement notes/checklist
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Tiger Circles complete when home requirements are done. Tell the den leader if your family still needs a make-up.
Den Chief tip: Confirm all required adventures are on track. March flex is a good time to finish any missing home pieces.
Flex week idea: Mar 11 (Roundtable): elective night, Pinewood Derby tune-up, or quiet make-up night for Tiger Circles home shares.

April 2027: Tiger Tag (elective) + Catch-Up

April is a buffer to finish any incomplete required adventures before the April 29 End-of-Year Awards. Use Tiger Tag as the fun elective: active games, relay play, and good sportsmanship.

Thu Apr 8Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Apr 22Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Apr 15Flex Week
Thu Apr 29Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Tiger Tag 4: Family option - attend a sporting event and talk about good sportsmanship you saw.
Thu Apr 8

Active Game & Good Sports

Focus: Play an active game, share why it is fun, and discuss good sportsmanship.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Tiger Tag 1 (Play an active game; share why you like it)
  • Tiger Tag 3 (Discuss what it means to be a good sport)
Materials to bring:
  • open space
  • cones
  • beanbags or soft ball as needed
Gathering Sharks & Minnows
  1. Play a quick round in a marked area.
  2. Remind Tigers that safe tagging means gentle touches only.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Favorite Active Game
  1. Let Tigers vote between two active games such as tag, capture the beanbag, or kickball bases.
  2. Play for 10-15 minutes with simple rules and lots of movement.
  3. Each Tiger shares one reason they liked the game.
Needs: open space, cones, beanbags or soft ball as needed
Activity Good Sport Huddle
  1. Ask: What does a good sport do when they win? When they lose? When someone makes a mistake?
  2. Practice saying 'good game,' cheering for others, and helping someone up.
  3. Play one more short round focused on good sportsmanship.
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • If any required adventure is incomplete, send the family a specific make-up task tonight.
  • Family option: attend a sporting event for Tiger Tag 4.
Den Chief tip: Use April to verify every Tiger is complete before 4/29 awards. Rain backup: play balloon volleyball or relay games indoors.
Thu Apr 22

Relay Games & Awards Countdown

Focus: Play a relay game and finish any final required-adventure make-ups.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Tiger Tag 2 (Play a relay game with your den)
  • Tiger Tag 4 sent home (Attend a sporting event family option)
Materials to bring:
  • cones
  • beanbags
  • open space
  • timer (optional)
  • advancement checklist
  • make-up instruction slips
Gathering Team Cheer Builder
  1. Split into two small teams and give each 2 minutes to make a friendly cheer.
  2. Teams perform cheers for each other before relays.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Tiger Relay Round-Up
  1. Run 2-3 relay rounds: cone zigzag, beanbag carry, and animal-walk relay.
  2. Change the order so every Tiger gets a turn to start, finish, and cheer.
  3. End with teams shaking hands and saying 'good game.'
Needs: cones, beanbags, open space, timer (optional)
Activity Final Catch-Up Check
  1. Leader checks each Tiger's required adventure status with adult partners.
  2. Give quick make-up instructions for any missing item before April 29.
  3. Close with a den cheer for finishing the Tiger year.
Needs: advancement checklist, make-up instruction slips
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • See you at End-of-Year Awards 4/29 - Tigers receive rank badges once all required adventures are recorded.
  • Family option: attend a sporting event for Tiger Tag 4 if you want to complete the elective fully.
Den Chief tip: Record advancement in Scoutbook before awards night. Keep relays cooperative and cheerful, not overly competitive.
Flex week idea: Apr 15 (Roundtable): final make-up/buffer night, Tiger Tag sports outing, or relaxed games before the 4/29 End-of-Year Awards.

Wolf Den (2nd Grade)

Wolves are 2nd graders, so they can do more for themselves: read simple cards, lead short parts, and practice skills with less adult help. Adult partners are welcome but not required at every meeting. Two registered leaders age 21+ must be present for every den activity.

Adult presence: Adult partners are welcome but not required at every meeting. Two registered leaders (21+) must be present.

August 2026: Bobcat Kickoff

August is a partial startup month: the Welcome Back Party (Aug 13) and New Scout Night (Aug 20) kick off the year, and the first den meeting (Aug 27) starts Bobcat. Meet everyone, set up how the den runs, and get a first taste of the Scout Oath, Law, and sign. Bobcat is finished in September, so Scouts who join in early fall still catch up.

Thu Aug 27Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Aug 20New Scout Night
Thu Aug 13Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Pick up the family welcome packet and the pack calendar at the Aug 13 Welcome Back Party.
  • Bobcat starts now and is completed in September - new families who join at New Scout Night (Aug 20) jump in then.
Printable helpers for this adventure: Scout Oath card · Scout Law card · Sign, Salute & Handshake
Thu Aug 27

Meet Your Den & Start Bobcat

Focus: Get to know your den, set up how meetings run, and get a first look at the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Cub Scout sign.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Bobcat (start): Get to know the members of your den.
  • Bobcat (start): First look at the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Cub Scout sign - completed in September.
Materials to bring:
  • poster board
  • markers
  • tape
  • printable Scout Oath / Scout Law / Sign cards
Gathering Name Game Mixer
  1. As Scouts arrive, play a quick name game (name + favorite animal, or toss-a-ball name catch).
  2. Den Chief learns and uses every Scout's name right away.
  3. New Scouts and returning Scouts pair up so no one stands alone.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Welcome Circle
  1. Everyone shares their name, grade, and one thing they hope to do in Scouts this year.
  2. Den Chief and leader introduce themselves and how the year works.
  3. Celebrate that this is the start of a fun year together.
Activity Set Up Our Den
  1. Talk about how meetings work: gathering game, opening, activity, closing.
  2. As a den, make a simple Den Code of Conduct (be kind, listen, do your best); everyone adds a handprint or signature.
  3. Pick where the den banner/code will hang each week.
Needs: poster board, markers, tape
Activity First Look: Oath, Law & Sign
  1. Show the Cub Scout sign (two fingers up) and practice it together.
  2. Read the Scout Oath and Scout Law aloud; Scouts repeat a line at a time.
  3. Hand out or display the printable Oath, Law, and Sign cards to take home and practice.
Needs: printable Scout Oath / Scout Law / Sign cards
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Practice the Cub Scout sign and the Scout Oath and Law at home using the printable cards.
  • Watch for the weekly meeting reminder and mark the pack calendar.
Den Chief tip: Keep it warm and easy - August is a soft start and families are still joining. The goal tonight is belonging and excitement, not finishing requirements. Bobcat gets completed in September.
Flex week idea: Aug 13 Welcome Back Party and Aug 20 New Scout Night are pack-run. Use them to recruit, hand out calendars, and welcome new families before the Aug 27 den kickoff.

September 2026: Bobcat

The getting-started adventure for new Wolves: learn the den, the Scout Oath and Law, and the signs that show we are Cub Scouts.

Thu Sep 3Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Sep 17Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Sep 10Flex Week
Thu Sep 24Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Bobcat home: Sent home - families do the activities in 'How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide' (free at scouting.org).
Printable helpers for this adventure: Scout Oath card · Scout Law card · Sign, Salute & Handshake
Thu Sep 3

Wolf Den Team & Scout Law

Focus: Get to know the den, recite the Scout Oath and Law, and create a den Code of Conduct.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Bobcat 1 (Get to know den members)
  • Bobcat 2 (Recite Scout Oath and Scout Law)
  • Bobcat 3 (Learn about the Scout Law)
  • Bobcat 4 (Create den Code of Conduct)
Materials to bring:
  • printed Scout Oath and Scout Law cards
  • Scout Law word cards
  • poster board
  • markers
  • tape
Gathering Name Toss Plus
  1. Stand in a circle. Toss a soft ball to a Scout.
  2. The Scout says their name and one thing they are good at, then tosses to someone new.
  3. Second round: say the name of the person you are tossing to.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Oath and Law Echo
  1. Den Chief leads the Scout Oath line-by-line, then the Scout Law line-by-line.
  2. Split into two teams; each team practices one half and teaches it back.
  3. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites both together.
Needs: printed Scout Oath and Scout Law cards
Activity Scout Law in Action
  1. Assign small groups 2-3 points of the Scout Law.
  2. Groups act out a quick scene showing one point, such as Helpful or Friendly.
  3. After each scene, the den guesses the Law point and says how it helps the den.
Needs: Scout Law word cards
Activity Den Code of Conduct
  1. Ask: 'What rules help everyone feel safe, included, and ready for fun?'
  2. Write 5-7 short rules in positive language, such as 'Use kind words.'
  3. Every Wolf signs the code and agrees to help the den follow it.
Needs: poster board, markers, tape
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Send the Protect Your Children booklet link/paper home for the Bobcat home requirement.
Den Chief tip: Second graders can help make the rules. Keep the code short and visible at every meeting.
Thu Sep 17

Signs, Salute, Handshake & Do Your Best

Focus: Practice Cub Scout signs and share a time each Wolf did their best.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Bobcat 5 (Cub Scout sign, salute, handshake; how each is used)
  • Bobcat 6 (Share a time you demonstrated Do Your Best)
Materials to bring:
  • three station signs
  • printed review cards
Gathering Scout Sign Freeze
  1. Scouts mingle until the Den Chief calls 'sign,' 'salute,' or 'handshake.'
  2. They freeze and show the correct action or find a partner for the handshake.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Cub Scout Actions Relay
  1. Teach the Cub Scout sign for attention, salute for the flag/uniform, and handshake for greeting.
  2. Set three stations. Scouts rotate and demonstrate the action and when to use it.
  3. Finish with a quick quiz: Den Chief names a situation; Wolves show the right action.
Needs: three station signs
Activity Do Your Best Circle
  1. Den Chief shares a short example of trying hard even when something was difficult.
  2. Each Wolf shares one time they did their best at school, sports, home, or Scouting.
  3. After each share, the den gives a quiet cheer or Cub Scout handshake.
Activity Bobcat Skill Challenge
  1. Run a friendly review: Oath, Law, sign, salute, handshake, and one Code of Conduct rule.
  2. Pair confident Wolves with anyone who needs help.
  3. Celebrate completion for everyone who also finishes the home booklet.
Needs: printed review cards
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • If the Protect Your Children booklet is not done, finish it at home this week to complete Bobcat.
Den Chief tip: Bobcat is the foundation for the year. If someone struggles with the Oath/Law, let them recite with the den rather than solo.
Flex week idea: Sep 10 (Roundtable): light welcome night, uniform help, Bobcat make-ups, or a den hike prep game.

October 2026: Paws on the Path

Outdoor readiness: carry the Six Essentials, use the buddy system, dress for the weather, and take a 30-minute nature walk.

Thu Oct 1Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Oct 15Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Oct 22Flex Week
Thu Oct 29Pack Meeting
Thu Oct 1

Trail Ready Wolves

Focus: Learn what to bring, how to dress, and how to use the buddy system before the walk.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Paws on the Path 1 (Cub Scout Six Essentials)
  • Paws on the Path 2 (Buddy system)
  • Paws on the Path 3 (Appropriate clothes/shoes)
  • Paws on the Path 4 (Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace Principles for Kids)
Materials to bring:
  • water bottle
  • flashlight
  • small first-aid kit
  • trail snack
  • sun protection
  • whistle
  • backpack
  • buddy name cards (optional)
  • sample shoes/jacket/hat
  • paper and marker
  • Outdoor Code/LNT card
  • scenario cards
Gathering Pack Inspection
  1. Lay out useful trail items and silly distractors.
  2. As Wolves arrive, they choose what belongs in a day pack and explain why.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Six Essentials Show and Use
  1. Hold up each essential: water, flashlight, first-aid kit, snack, sun protection, whistle.
  2. For each item, ask a Wolf to show what you do with it on a walk.
  3. Pack the items into a backpack in a smart order.
Needs: water bottle, flashlight, small first-aid kit, trail snack, sun protection, whistle, backpack
Activity Buddy System Practice
  1. Explain that buddies stay together, watch out for each other, and tell a leader if one needs help.
  2. Assign buddies for next session's walk.
  3. Practice 'buddy check' several times until pairs find each other fast.
Needs: buddy name cards (optional)
Activity Dress for the Walk
  1. Show good and bad choices for a walk: closed-toe shoes, layers, rain jacket, hat.
  2. Wolves vote thumbs-up or thumbs-down for each item.
  3. Make a short 'wear this next time' list for families.
Needs: sample shoes/jacket/hat, paper and marker
Activity Outdoor Code and LNT
  1. Teach the Outdoor Code in kid words: be clean, careful, considerate, and conservation-minded.
  2. Review Leave No Trace for Kids: plan ahead, stay on trails, trash your trash, leave what you find, respect wildlife, be kind to others.
  3. Practice with scenarios: 'You see a cool rock' or 'Your snack wrapper blows away.'
Needs: Outdoor Code/LNT card, scenario cards
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Wear closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate layers for the 30-minute outdoor nature walk next session.
Den Chief tip: Check the walking route and weather now. If rain is heavy, still plan a covered/indoor backup but keep session 2 as a real 30-minute walk if safe.
Thu Oct 15

30-Minute Nature Walk

Focus: Take the outdoor walk with buddies and describe animals Wolves could see.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Paws on the Path 2 (Use buddy system on walk)
  • Paws on the Path 3 (Wear appropriate clothes/shoes)
  • Paws on the Path 5 (30-minute nature walk; describe four animals)
Materials to bring:
  • safe outdoor route
  • first-aid kit
  • water
  • weather gear
  • clipboard
  • pencil
  • animal picture cards (optional)
Gathering Buddy and Gear Check
  1. Buddies meet up and show leaders their shoes/layers.
  2. Each pair names one Six Essential they brought or the den is carrying.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity 30-Minute Nature Walk
  1. Walk a safe outdoor loop for 30 minutes using buddy pairs and two-deep leadership.
  2. Stop briefly to notice plants, tracks, sounds, weather, and signs of animals.
  3. Use Leave No Trace: stay on path, pick up only trash, and leave nature where it is.
Needs: safe outdoor route, first-aid kit, water, weather gear
Activity Four Animals We Could See
  1. During or after the walk, brainstorm animals that could live near the route or in local homes.
  2. Each Wolf describes four animals, domestic or wild, with one detail each.
  3. Examples: dog on leash, squirrel, robin, deer, rabbit, ant, hawk.
Needs: clipboard, pencil, animal picture cards (optional)
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Paws on the Path complete! Families can repeat the walk and compare animals seen in another season.
Den Chief tip: This session must be outdoors for the walk if conditions are safe. Rain backup: walk under covered sidewalks or around the building exterior; shorten stops, not the 30 minutes.
Flex week idea: Oct 22 (Gold Rush weekend): optional leaf ID, pumpkin nature art, or walk make-up for anyone absent.

November 2026: Running With the Pack

Fitness, coordination, and sportsmanship through active games, balance challenges, and healthy meal planning.

Thu Nov 5Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Nov 19Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Nov 12Flex Week
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Running With the Pack 6: Sent home - help plan a healthy menu for a family meal and make a shopping list; bring or report the list at session 2.
Thu Nov 5

Throw, Catch, Balance

Focus: Practice throwing/catching and balance movements safely.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Running With the Pack 1 (Play catch and step back to improve)
  • Running With the Pack 2 (Balance walking forward, backward, sideways)
Materials to bring:
  • soft balls or beanbags
  • cones
  • painter's tape
  • beanbags
Gathering High-Five Lap
  1. Wolves jog or walk around the room.
  2. On the whistle, they stop and high-five a nearby Scout while saying 'good effort.'
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Catch and Step Back
  1. Pair Wolves about 5 steps apart with a soft ball.
  2. Throw and catch until the pair succeeds several times in a row.
  3. Both Scouts take one step back and try again, focusing on improvement over distance.
Needs: soft balls or beanbags, cones
Activity Balance Line Challenge
  1. Tape straight and zigzag lines on the floor.
  2. Wolves walk forward, backward, and sideways along the lines.
  3. Add a beanbag on the head or shoulder for a harder round if safe.
Needs: painter's tape, beanbags
Activity Sportsmanship Huddle
  1. Ask what good sportsmanship sounds like before, during, and after a game.
  2. Practice saying 'nice try,' 'good game,' and 'want help?'
  3. Use those phrases in every activity tonight.
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Start the healthy menu and shopping list with family for req 6.
Den Chief tip: Use soft equipment and clear boundaries. If indoors, avoid games with hard throws or long running lanes.
Thu Nov 19

Movement Skills & Team Game

Focus: Try flexibility/balance skills, animal moves, and a sport/game with good sportsmanship.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Running With the Pack 3 (Front roll, back roll, frog stand)
  • Running With the Pack 4 (Sport/game with good sportsmanship)
  • Running With the Pack 5 (At least two animal moves)
  • Running With the Pack 6 check-in (Healthy menu and shopping list sent home)
Materials to bring:
  • gym mats or soft carpet
  • adult spotters
  • cones
  • open space
  • ball
  • cones or boundary markers
Gathering Animal Move Warm-Up
  1. Den Chief calls frog leap, inchworm walk, kangaroo hop, or crab walk.
  2. Wolves move across a short safe lane and reset.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Gymnastics Skill Stations
  1. Set mats for front roll/back roll practice with adult spotting as needed.
  2. Practice frog stand as a short balance pose, hands on floor and knees near elbows.
  3. Let Scouts pass on any move that feels unsafe and try a balance alternative.
Needs: gym mats or soft carpet, adult spotters
Activity Animal Move Relay
  1. Run short relays using at least two moves: frog leap, inchworm walk, kangaroo hop, crab walk.
  2. Teams cheer for effort and wait their turn behind a cone.
  3. Afterward, ask which moves used strength, balance, or flexibility.
Needs: cones, open space
Activity Good Sportsmanship Game
  1. Play a simple sport or game such as kickball, soccer keep-away, or capture the flag.
  2. Pause once to notice examples of good sportsmanship.
  3. End with teams lining up for 'good game' handshakes.
Needs: ball, cones or boundary markers
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Turn in or report the healthy menu and shopping list if not already done. Running With the Pack is complete when req 6 is finished.
Den Chief tip: Have a quiet backup for bad weather: balloon volleyball plus balance stations. Do not force rolls; safety beats completion speed.
Flex week idea: Nov 12 (Roundtable): active make-up night, Scouting for Food prep, or healthy snack tasting.

January 2027: Council Fire (Duty to Country)

Citizenship and neighborhood service: care for the flag, build a model neighborhood, and help the community.

Thu Jan 7Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Jan 21Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Jan 14Flex Week
Thu Jan 28Pack Meeting
Thu Jan 7

Flag Ceremony & Good Neighbors

Focus: Learn flag care, practice a flag ceremony, and connect the Scout Law to being a good neighbor.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Council Fire 1 (Care for and fold US flag; participate in flag ceremony)
  • Council Fire 2 (Three Scout Law points for being a good neighbor)
Materials to bring:
  • US flag
  • flag stand
  • poster paper
  • markers
Gathering Scout Law Neighbor Match
  1. Place Scout Law word cards on a table.
  2. Wolves choose three that would make someone a good neighbor and stand by them.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Flag Care and Folding
  1. Teach respectful flag handling: do not let it touch the ground; fold carefully; store neatly.
  2. Demonstrate the triangle fold with two adults or older Scouts.
  3. Let each Wolf help with part of the fold.
Needs: US flag
Activity Den Flag Ceremony
  1. Assign roles: color guard, caller, pledge leader, audience.
  2. Practice once, then conduct a simple flag ceremony for the den.
  3. Switch roles if time allows so more Wolves participate.
Needs: US flag, flag stand
Activity Good Neighbor Law Points
  1. Pick three Scout Law points, such as Helpful, Friendly, and Courteous.
  2. For each point, Wolves give one real neighborhood example.
  3. Write the examples on a poster titled 'Wolf Good Neighbors.'
Needs: poster paper, markers
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Ask families to save small clean boxes/tubes for next session's model neighborhood.
Den Chief tip: Treat the flag ceremony as real, not pretend. Coach quietly and praise respectful behavior.
Thu Jan 21

Build a Neighborhood & Serve

Focus: Build home and community-building models, combine them, and complete a simple service project.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Council Fire 3 (Build a model of your home)
  • Council Fire 4 (Create a model of a building you visit)
  • Council Fire 5 (Combine models into a neighborhood)
  • Council Fire 6 (Participate in a service project; explain how it helps)
Materials to bring:
  • small boxes
  • paper
  • markers
  • tape
  • glue sticks
  • safe scissors
  • butcher paper
  • service project supplies: cards or food boxes or gloves/trash bags
Gathering Box Sort
  1. As Wolves arrive, sort recycled boxes into homes, stores, schools, libraries, and other buildings.
  2. Choose a spot on the table for each type.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Model My Home
  1. Each Wolf uses a small box or paper to make a model of their home.
  2. Add simple details: door, windows, people, pets, or yard.
  3. Write the Scout's name on the bottom.
Needs: small boxes, paper, markers, tape, glue sticks, safe scissors
Activity Model a Place We Visit
  1. Using the same supplies, each Wolf makes a building they visit: school, library, store, church, park shelter, or fire station.
  2. Add a sign so others know what it is.
  3. Talk about why people go there.
Needs: small boxes, paper, markers, tape, glue sticks
Activity Wolf Neighborhood and Service
  1. Combine all models on butcher paper; draw roads, sidewalks, parks, and shared spaces.
  2. Do a 15-minute service project: make thank-you cards for helpers, pack food donations, or clean meeting-place grounds.
  3. Ask each Wolf to explain how the project helps the neighborhood.
Needs: butcher paper, markers, service project supplies: cards or food boxes or gloves/trash bags
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Council Fire complete! Families can look for good-neighbor actions during the week.
Den Chief tip: If the service project needs approvals, arrange it before January. Keep model building simple so service time does not get squeezed out.
Flex week idea: Jan 14 (Roundtable): extra service project time, flag ceremony make-ups, or Pinewood Derby car build help.

February 2027: Safety in Numbers

Personal and group safety: Protect Yourself Rules at home, safe touch discussion, buddy system, and playground safety.

Thu Feb 4Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Feb 11Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Feb 25Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Safety in Numbers 1: Sent home - with parent permission, watch the 'Protect Yourself Rules' video for the Wolf rank before session 1.
Thu Feb 4

Safe Touch & Trusted Adults

Focus: Discuss safe touch from the video and practice speaking up to trusted adults.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Safety in Numbers 2 (Discuss safe touch from the video)
  • Safety in Numbers 3 intro (Buddy system review)
Materials to bring:
  • Protect Yourself Rules discussion notes
  • scenario cards
Gathering Trusted Adult Stars
  1. Wolves draw or write names of trusted adults on star cards.
  2. They keep the card private or share only if they want.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Safe Touch Discussion
  1. Use calm, simple language: safe touches help keep you healthy or safe; unsafe touches make you feel scared, confused, or are kept secret.
  2. Review: say no, get away, and tell a trusted adult if something feels wrong.
  3. Scouts name categories of trusted adults, such as parent, teacher, leader, or relative.
Needs: Protect Yourself Rules discussion notes
Activity Tell a Trusted Adult Role Play
  1. Den Chief reads low-stress scenarios, such as being lost or someone asking them to keep a bad secret.
  2. Wolves practice strong words: 'No,' 'Stop,' and 'I need help.'
  3. Each Wolf points to their trusted adult star or says who they would tell.
Needs: scenario cards
Activity Buddy Basics
  1. Review that buddies stay together and check before moving locations.
  2. Practice buddy check from different corners of the room.
  3. Explain they will demonstrate it on the playground next session.
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • If the Wolf Protect Yourself Rules video is not complete, watch it with parent permission before next session.
Den Chief tip: Keep the tone protective and matter-of-fact, never graphic. Follow Youth Protection policies and report concerns to the proper adult leader immediately.
Thu Feb 11

Buddy System & Playground Safety

Focus: Demonstrate the buddy system and safe use of playground or gym equipment.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Safety in Numbers 3 (Learn and demonstrate buddy system)
  • Safety in Numbers 4 (Review safety rules and demonstrate proper playground equipment use)
Materials to bring:
  • playground or gym equipment
  • safety rule cards
  • playground/gym space
  • balls if using gym games
  • paper hazard cards (optional)
Gathering Buddy Check Challenge
  1. Assign buddies as Wolves arrive.
  2. Call 'buddy check' several times while they are doing simple stretches.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Safety Rules Walk-Through
  1. Review common rules: take turns, look before moving, use equipment as designed, keep hands to self, tell an adult about hazards.
  2. Walk to each piece of playground/gym equipment and ask what could be unsafe.
  3. Have buddies explain one rule back to the group.
Needs: playground or gym equipment, safety rule cards
Activity Proper Use Demonstrations
  1. Demonstrate safe examples: slide feet first, swing seated, climb one at a time, throw balls only in the game area.
  2. Buddies take turns practicing while leaders supervise.
  3. Pause for immediate praise when Wolves use safe choices.
Needs: playground/gym space, balls if using gym games
Activity Hazard Hunt
  1. In buddy pairs, Wolves look for pretend or real hazards, such as wet spots, broken items, or crowded areas.
  2. They report hazards to a leader instead of fixing dangerous things themselves.
  3. Close by naming one safety rule they will use at school or the park.
Needs: paper hazard cards (optional)
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Safety in Numbers complete when the home video is done. Practice buddy checks on family outings.
Den Chief tip: If weather is bad, use indoor gym equipment or taped 'playground stations.' February has no separate flex week, so identify make-ups early.
Flex week idea: No separate flex week in Feb (2/18 is dark). Use gathering time at Blue & Gold for quick video/buddy make-up checks if needed.

March 2027: Footsteps (Duty to God)

Reverence, family faith traditions, kindness, and truthfulness. Family faith activities are sent home; the den focuses on kindness and the Wolf fable.

Thu Mar 4Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Mar 18Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Mar 11Flex Week
Thu Mar 25Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Footsteps 1: Sent home - with parent/guardian, talk about family faith traditions, identify three holidays/celebrations, and make a craft/art of your favorite.
  • Footsteps 2: Sent home - with family, attend a religious service or gathering that shows reverence.
Thu Mar 4

Kindness in Action

Focus: Carry out an act of kindness and prepare to share family tradition art later.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Footsteps 3 (Carry out an act of kindness)
Materials to bring:
  • cardstock
  • markers
  • stickers
  • envelopes or delivery bag
Gathering Kindness Dominoes
  1. Wolves sit in a circle. One Scout says a kind action; the next says another that could happen because of it.
  2. Keep going to show kindness spreads.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Den Kindness Project
  1. Choose one kindness act: make encouragement cards, thank meeting-place staff, or assemble small care notes for a service partner.
  2. Wolves write/draw positive messages and sign first names only.
  3. Deliver them tonight if possible or give them to the leader to deliver.
Needs: cardstock, markers, stickers, envelopes or delivery bag
Activity Kindness Reflection
  1. Ask: 'Who will this help?' and 'How does kindness connect to the Scout Law?'
  2. Each Wolf names one kind act they can do at home this week.
  3. Remind everyone to bring or describe their family tradition art next session if comfortable.
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Complete Footsteps 1 and 2 with family if not already done. Bring the craft/art or be ready to tell about it next time.
Den Chief tip: Reverence looks different in different families. Keep den conversation respectful, optional, and centered on gratitude and kindness.
Thu Mar 18

The Boy Who Cried Wolf

Focus: Read the fable and discuss why truthfulness matters; share home tradition art respectfully.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Footsteps 4 (Listen to/read The Boy Who Cried Wolf; discuss truthfulness)
  • Footsteps home check (Family traditions craft/service sent home)
Materials to bring:
  • copy of The Boy Who Cried Wolf
  • scenario cards
  • table for home crafts/art
Gathering Truth or Tall Tale
  1. Den Chief says silly statements, some true and some made up.
  2. Wolves move to 'truth' or 'tall tale' sides of the room and explain quick choices.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Fable Time
  1. Read or tell Aesop's fable 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf.'
  2. Ask what happened when the boy lied and why people stopped believing him.
  3. Connect to Trustworthy in the Scout Law.
Needs: copy of The Boy Who Cried Wolf
Activity Truthfulness Skits
  1. Small groups act out simple choices: broken item, forgotten homework, or game score mistake.
  2. Show the truthful choice and what happens next.
  3. Audience names why truth helped the group.
Needs: scenario cards
Activity Family Traditions Gallery
  1. Wolves who brought home art may share the holiday/celebration it represents.
  2. Listeners practice being Courteous and Reverent by listening quietly.
  3. No one has to share details they prefer to keep private.
Needs: table for home crafts/art
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Footsteps complete when home reqs 1 and 2 are finished. Report completion to the den leader for advancement.
Den Chief tip: If a family has not finished faith/home pieces, mark only the den pieces complete and use April buffer for follow-up.
Flex week idea: Mar 11 (Roundtable): quiet make-up night for Footsteps home sharing, Pinewood Derby tune-up, or extra Race Time prep.

April 2027: Race Time (elective) + Catch-Up

April is the buffer before the April 29 End-of-Year Awards: finish any incomplete required adventures, then enjoy Race Time with Pinewood Derby cars or Raingutter Regatta boats.

Thu Apr 8Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Apr 22Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Apr 15Flex Week
Thu Apr 29Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Race Time 1: Sent home - with an adult, build a Pinewood Derby car or Raingutter Regatta boat before the race session if it is not built at a pack workshop.
Thu Apr 8

Build, Rules & Speed Ideas

Focus: Learn race rules, inspect vehicles, and identify ways to increase speed.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Race Time 1 check-in (Build vehicle with an adult)
  • Race Time 2 (Learn race rules)
  • Race Time 3 (Identify how to increase speed)
  • Required adventure catch-up checks
Materials to bring:
  • printed pack race rules
  • sample car or boat
  • pencils
  • speed idea cards
  • advancement checklist
  • station cards
  • pens
Gathering Pit Pass Check-In
  1. As Wolves arrive, they place cars/boats in the pit area and make a paper pit pass.
  2. Leader notes who needs required-adventure make-up before awards.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Rules of the Race
  1. Review the pack rules for the chosen race: start, lane/track use, no touching during heat, and safety.
  2. Ask Wolves to explain one rule in their own words.
  3. Practice how racers wait their turn and retrieve vehicles.
Needs: printed pack race rules
Activity Speed Lab
  1. Brainstorm what could make a car or boat faster: straight wheels, smooth axles, balanced weight, clean sail, less rubbing.
  2. Show one safe adjustment or demo with a sample vehicle.
  3. Wolves identify one speed idea for their own vehicle.
Needs: sample car or boat, pencils, speed idea cards
Activity Catch-Up Stations
  1. Run quick stations for missing items: Oath/Law, buddy system, animal descriptions, Scout Law neighbor points, or truthfulness discussion.
  2. Leaders initial advancement records as Scouts finish.
  3. Send any faith/family-only or video requirements home again tonight.
Needs: advancement checklist, station cards, pens
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Finish any missing required adventures before the April 29 End-of-Year Awards. Bring race vehicle next session.
Den Chief tip: This month protects rank completion. Do not let the elective crowd out required-adventure make-ups.
Thu Apr 22

Race Day & Sportsmanship

Focus: Discuss sportsmanship and participate in a Pinewood Derby or Raingutter Regatta race.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Race Time 4 (Discuss good sportsmanship)
  • Race Time 5 (Participate in Pinewood Derby or Raingutter Regatta)
  • Final required-adventure catch-up before awards
Materials to bring:
  • Pinewood Derby track or rain gutters
  • cars or boats
  • race bracket or heat list
  • towels for regatta
  • advancement checklist
  • Scoutbook access or notes
Gathering Cheer Cards
  1. Wolves write short cheer cards: 'Great race,' 'Nice design,' or 'Do your best.'
  2. Use them during heats to cheer for others.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Sportsmanship Huddle
  1. Ask what to say when you win, lose, or have a vehicle problem.
  2. Practice: congratulate, encourage, and ask before touching another person's vehicle.
  3. Agree that effort and kindness matter more than trophies.
Activity Den Race
  1. Run friendly heats using the pack track, rain gutter, or a simple test lane.
  2. Every Wolf participates at least once and cheers for others.
  3. Celebrate creative design, best effort, and good sportsmanship.
Needs: Pinewood Derby track or rain gutters, cars or boats, race bracket or heat list, towels for regatta
Activity Final Advancement Sweep
  1. Leaders verify all required Wolf adventures are complete or identify last take-home items.
  2. Record completed adventures before the April 29 End-of-Year Awards.
  3. Close with one favorite memory from the Wolf year.
Needs: advancement checklist, Scoutbook access or notes
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • See you at the April 29 End-of-Year Awards. Bring any final home completion notes before awards night.
Den Chief tip: Have a backup race plan if the track is unavailable: timed roll on a safe ramp or regatta straw races in gutters. Keep results friendly and inclusive.
Flex week idea: Apr 15 (Roundtable): final required-adventure make-up, car/boat workshop, or extra practice before the 4/29 awards.

Bear Den (3rd Grade)

Bears are 3rd graders: capable, curious, and ready to do more themselves. Adult partners are welcome but not required at every meeting, so the Den Chief can give real jobs to Scouts and let them lead small pieces. Two registered leaders age 21+ must be present at every meeting and outing.

Adult presence: Adult partners welcome but not required. Two registered leaders (21+) must be present.

August 2026: Bobcat Kickoff

August is a partial startup month: the Welcome Back Party (Aug 13) and New Scout Night (Aug 20) kick off the year, and the first den meeting (Aug 27) starts Bobcat. Meet everyone, set up how the den runs, and get a first taste of the Scout Oath, Law, and sign. Bobcat is finished in September, so Scouts who join in early fall still catch up.

Thu Aug 27Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Aug 20New Scout Night
Thu Aug 13Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Pick up the family welcome packet and the pack calendar at the Aug 13 Welcome Back Party.
  • Bobcat starts now and is completed in September - new families who join at New Scout Night (Aug 20) jump in then.
Printable helpers for this adventure: Scout Oath card · Scout Law card · Sign, Salute & Handshake
Thu Aug 27

Meet Your Den & Start Bobcat

Focus: Get to know your den, set up how meetings run, and get a first look at the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Cub Scout sign.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Bobcat (start): Get to know the members of your den.
  • Bobcat (start): First look at the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Cub Scout sign - completed in September.
Materials to bring:
  • poster board
  • markers
  • tape
  • printable Scout Oath / Scout Law / Sign cards
Gathering Name Game Mixer
  1. As Scouts arrive, play a quick name game (name + favorite animal, or toss-a-ball name catch).
  2. Den Chief learns and uses every Scout's name right away.
  3. New Scouts and returning Scouts pair up so no one stands alone.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Welcome Circle
  1. Everyone shares their name, grade, and one thing they hope to do in Scouts this year.
  2. Den Chief and leader introduce themselves and how the year works.
  3. Celebrate that this is the start of a fun year together.
Activity Set Up Our Den
  1. Talk about how meetings work: gathering game, opening, activity, closing.
  2. As a den, make a simple Den Code of Conduct (be kind, listen, do your best); everyone adds a handprint or signature.
  3. Pick where the den banner/code will hang each week.
Needs: poster board, markers, tape
Activity First Look: Oath, Law & Sign
  1. Show the Cub Scout sign (two fingers up) and practice it together.
  2. Read the Scout Oath and Scout Law aloud; Scouts repeat a line at a time.
  3. Hand out or display the printable Oath, Law, and Sign cards to take home and practice.
Needs: printable Scout Oath / Scout Law / Sign cards
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Practice the Cub Scout sign and the Scout Oath and Law at home using the printable cards.
  • Watch for the weekly meeting reminder and mark the pack calendar.
Den Chief tip: Keep it warm and easy - August is a soft start and families are still joining. The goal tonight is belonging and excitement, not finishing requirements. Bobcat gets completed in September.
Flex week idea: Aug 13 Welcome Back Party and Aug 20 New Scout Night are pack-run. Use them to recruit, hand out calendars, and welcome new families before the Aug 27 den kickoff.

September 2026: Bobcat

The 'getting started' adventure - build the den team, review the Scout Oath and Law, and set expectations for Bear-level independence.

Thu Sep 3Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Sep 17Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Sep 10Flex Week
Thu Sep 24Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Bobcat home requirement: Parent/guardian + Bear review 'How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide' at home.
Printable helpers for this adventure: Scout Oath card · Scout Law card · Sign, Salute & Handshake
Thu Sep 3

Den Team & Code of Conduct

Focus: Get to know the den, review the Scout Oath and Law, and create a Bear Den Code of Conduct.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Bobcat 1 (Get to know den members)
  • Bobcat 2 (Recite Scout Oath and Scout Law)
  • Bobcat 3 (Learn the Scout Oath; identify its three points)
  • Bobcat 4 (Create a Den Code of Conduct)
Materials to bring:
  • Scout Oath poster or card
  • whiteboard or chart paper
  • markers
  • poster board
  • tape
Gathering Bear Name Grid
  1. Give each Scout a 3-by-3 grid with prompts like 'has a pet' or 'likes camping.'
  2. Scouts mingle and collect one signature per square.
  3. Call the den together and let a few Scouts introduce someone they learned about.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Oath Three-Point Breakdown
  1. Recite the Scout Oath together with the Cub Scout sign up.
  2. Write the three points: duty to God/country, help others, keep yourself strong/awake/straight.
  3. Small groups choose one point and give a real Bear example.
Needs: Scout Oath poster or card, whiteboard or chart paper, markers
Activity Build the Bear Den Code
  1. Ask: 'What rules help our den be safe, fair, and fun?'
  2. Combine ideas into 5-7 short rules the Scouts can actually remember.
  3. Everyone signs the code; post it at future meetings.
Needs: poster board, markers, tape
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Send the child-abuse prevention guide home and ask families to report completion.
  • Ask each Scout to think of one time they did their best for next meeting.
Den Chief tip: Bears can help write the rules, not just receive them. Keep the code positive: 'Respect the speaker' beats 'No talking.'
Thu Sep 17

Signs, Denner, and Do Your Best

Focus: Practice Cub Scout signs and leadership roles, then share what 'Do Your Best' looks like.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Bobcat 5 (Learn denner position and responsibilities)
  • Bobcat 6 (Demonstrate sign, salute, handshake; how each is used)
  • Bobcat 7 (Share a 'Do Your Best' time and why it matters)
Materials to bring:
  • scenario cards
  • denner cord or simple denner badge (optional)
Gathering Silent Sign Challenge
  1. As Scouts arrive, Den Chief silently gives the Cub Scout sign.
  2. Scouts who notice stop talking and copy the sign.
  3. Time how fast the whole den gets quiet; try again later to beat the time.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Cub Scout Sign, Salute, Handshake
  1. Den Chief demonstrates each one and explains when it is used.
  2. Pair Scouts up to practice the handshake and salute correctly.
  3. Run quick scenario cards: flag ceremony, quiet signal, greeting a leader.
Needs: scenario cards
Activity Denner Job Talk and Do Your Best Circle
  1. Explain denner jobs: help set up, lead lines, pass materials, model the code.
  2. Let Scouts nominate helpful denner behaviors for a future rotation.
  3. Go around the circle: each Bear shares a time they did their best and why effort mattered.
Needs: denner cord or simple denner badge (optional)
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Confirm the child-abuse prevention guide is complete so Bobcat can be recorded.
Den Chief tip: If Scouts get restless, turn practice into quick stations. Celebrate Bobcat completion for anyone finished with the home requirement.
Flex week idea: Sep 10: use the flex night for a welcome game night, denner election/rotation setup, or Bobcat make-ups.

October 2026: Bear Habitat

Prepare for and complete a one-mile outdoor walk while practicing Leave No Trace Principles for Kids.

Thu Oct 1Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Oct 15Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Oct 22Flex Week
Thu Oct 29Pack Meeting
Thu Oct 1

Plan the One-Mile Walk

Focus: Prepare gear, map the route, and learn the Leave No Trace choices we will practice outside.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Bear Habitat 1 (Prepare Six Essentials and weather-appropriate clothing/shoes)
  • Bear Habitat 2 (Know Before You Go - locate and confirm route)
  • Bear Habitat 3 (Choose the Right Path)
  • Bear Habitat 4 (Trash Your Trash - plan)
  • Bear Habitat 6 (Be Careful With Fire - determine fire danger rating)
  • Bear Habitat 8 (Be Kind to Other Visitors - identify how)
Materials to bring:
  • printed maps
  • markers
  • clipboard
  • station signs
  • trash bag
  • gloves
  • phone/printout for fire danger rating
Gathering Six Essentials Speed Sort
  1. Spread real gear and silly distractors on a table.
  2. Teams race to pack the Six Essentials plus weather-smart shoes/jacket choices.
  3. Review what each item is for before moving on.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Map the Mile
  1. Show the meeting-place map or printed park map.
  2. Mark the start, turnarounds, bathrooms, road crossings, and one-mile route.
  3. Talk about staying on the right path and what hazards to avoid.
Needs: printed maps, markers, clipboard
Activity Leave No Trace Planning Stations
  1. Station 1: plan how to pack out trash and safe litter pickup.
  2. Station 2: check the fire danger rating or discuss where to find it.
  3. Station 3: list ways to be kind to other visitors on a path.
Needs: station signs, trash bag, gloves, phone/printout for fire danger rating, markers
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Bring comfortable walking shoes, weather layers, water, and the Six Essentials for the one-mile walk.
Den Chief tip: Have an indoor route marked as a rain backup, but try hard to do the real outdoor mile on s2.
Thu Oct 15

One-Mile Leave No Trace Walk

Focus: Walk one mile and practice Leave No Trace, wildlife observation, and remembering what we find without taking it.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Bear Habitat 5 (Leave What You Find - pictures or sketches of five things)
  • Bear Habitat 7 (Respect Wildlife - identify six signs of mammals/birds/insects/reptiles)
  • Bear Habitat 9 (Go on the one-mile walk practicing Leave No Trace)
Materials to bring:
  • Six Essentials
  • trash bag
  • disposable gloves
  • route map
  • notebooks or index cards
  • pencils
  • camera/phone if allowed
Gathering Buddy Check and Gear Check
  1. Assign buddy pairs and do a fast head count.
  2. Each buddy checks water, whistle, and weather layers.
  3. Review: stay with the group, look not take, and stop at crossings.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity The One-Mile Walk
  1. Walk the planned one-mile route at a steady, safe pace.
  2. Stop briefly at 2-3 points to notice path choices, trash, visitors, and wildlife signs.
  3. Practice packing out trash only if adults say it is safe to pick up.
Needs: Six Essentials, trash bag, disposable gloves, route map
Activity Five Memories and Six Wildlife Signs
  1. Each Scout sketches or photographs five things to remember but not take.
  2. Look for six signs: tracks, nests, feathers, holes, scat, chewed leaves, insects, calls, or burrows.
  3. At the end, Scouts share one favorite observation.
Needs: notebooks or index cards, pencils, camera/phone if allowed
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Bear Habitat complete if the walk was finished. Check for ticks and refill/clean gear at home.
Den Chief tip: Bring extra adults for road crossings. Rain backup: postpone the walk to flex week rather than watering down the requirement.
Flex week idea: Oct 22: use as the weather make-up for the one-mile walk, or do a quick nature-sketch gallery if the walk is done.

November 2026: Bear Strong

Healthy bodies: try foods from food groups, move for fitness, practice personal exercises, and learn to relax.

Thu Nov 5Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Nov 19Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Nov 12Flex Week
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Bear Strong 5: Review your BSA Annual Health and Medical Record with a parent/guardian at home and update it if needed.
Thu Nov 5

Food Groups and 30-Minute Movement

Focus: Sample healthy foods and complete a full 30 minutes of active movement with the den.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Bear Strong 1 (Sample food from three food groups)
  • Bear Strong 2 (Be active 30 minutes including stretching and moving)
Materials to bring:
  • food samples from 3+ groups
  • napkins
  • allergy list
  • water
  • sample record cards
  • open space
  • cones
  • jump ropes
  • timer
  • painter's tape
Gathering Food Group Toss
  1. Label five buckets or floor spots with the food groups.
  2. Scouts toss beanbags onto the group named by the Den Chief.
  3. Switch to calling a food and let Scouts choose the group.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Three-Group Taste Test
  1. Offer small samples from at least three food groups.
  2. Scouts record which groups they tried and one new food word: crunchy, sweet, salty, creamy.
  3. Review allergies before anyone eats.
Needs: food samples from 3+ groups, napkins, allergy list, water, sample record cards
Activity 30-Minute Bear Strong Circuit
  1. Warm up with 5 minutes of stretching and easy movement.
  2. Rotate through active games: relay, tag, jump rope, cone shuttle, and balance line.
  3. Cool down and notice breathing and heart rate.
Needs: open space, cones, jump ropes, timer, painter's tape
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Review the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record with a parent/guardian before the end of the month.
Den Chief tip: Check allergies early. If food is difficult at your meeting place, use sealed samples and parent permission.
Thu Nov 19

Personal Fitness and Relaxation

Focus: Try short personal exercises that raise heart rate, build strength, and improve flexibility; then relax for 10 minutes.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Bear Strong 3 (Be active 15 minutes with heart, muscle, and flexibility exercises)
  • Bear Strong 4 (Do a relaxing activity for 10 minutes)
Materials to bring:
  • timer
  • exercise cards
  • open space
  • mats or clean floor
  • calm music (optional)
Gathering Pulse Check
  1. Teach Scouts to find pulse at wrist or neck with two fingers.
  2. Count for 15 seconds before activity.
  3. Tell them we will compare after exercises.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity 15-Minute Personal Exercise Set
  1. Do 5 minutes heart-rate moves: jumping jacks, high knees, fast walk laps.
  2. Do 5 minutes muscle moves: wall push-ups, squats, plank holds.
  3. Do 5 minutes flexibility: toe reaches, shoulder stretches, slow lunges.
Needs: timer, exercise cards, open space
Activity 10-Minute Relaxation Practice
  1. Dim lights if possible and have Scouts sit or lie comfortably.
  2. Lead slow breathing: smell the flower, blow out the candle.
  3. Try quiet stretching or a guided nature story for a full 10 minutes.
Needs: mats or clean floor, calm music (optional)
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Bear Strong complete after the health record review is done at home.
Den Chief tip: Some Bears will giggle during relaxation. Keep your voice calm and praise Scouts who settle quickly.
Flex week idea: Nov 12: make-up fitness night, Scouting for Food prep, or a healthy snack planning challenge.

January 2027: Paws for Action

Citizenship in action: learn flag respect, explore American symbols, understand nonprofits, and serve others.

Thu Jan 7Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Jan 21Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Jan 14Flex Week
Thu Jan 28Pack Meeting
Thu Jan 7

Flag Skills and Symbols

Focus: Learn US flag history, etiquette, folding/display, and make an art model of a national symbol.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Paws for Action 1 (US flag history, raise/lower, fold, display, etiquette)
  • Paws for Action 2 (Identify three US symbols; make a model/art of favorite)
Materials to bring:
  • US flag
  • small flag stand or rope
  • flag etiquette cards
  • construction paper
  • markers
  • clay or craft sticks
  • glue
  • scissors
Gathering Symbol Match
  1. Lay out picture cards of US symbols and name cards.
  2. Scouts match pictures to names as they arrive.
  3. Ask each Scout to pick a favorite for tonight's art.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Flag Etiquette Skill Stations
  1. Station 1: practice respectful raising/lowering with a small flag or pretend halyard.
  2. Station 2: fold the flag with a team and say why it never touches the ground.
  3. Station 3: sort display/etiquette scenarios into respectful or not respectful.
Needs: US flag, small flag stand or rope, flag etiquette cards
Activity Favorite USA Symbol Art
  1. Identify at least three symbols: flag, bald eagle, Statue of Liberty, Liberty Bell, White House, or national parks.
  2. Each Scout makes a quick model, poster, or drawing of a favorite symbol.
  3. Share what the symbol represents.
Needs: construction paper, markers, clay or craft sticks, glue, scissors
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Ask families to suggest a simple service project or nonprofit the den could support next meeting.
Den Chief tip: If you have access to a real flagpole, invite the pack flag team or veterans to demonstrate. Indoors, use a tabletop flag and rope demo.
Thu Jan 21

Nonprofits and Service Project

Focus: Learn how a nonprofit serves the community, then complete a hands-on service project.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Paws for Action 3 (Learn a nonprofit mission, funding, and volunteers)
  • Paws for Action 4 (Participate in a service project)
Materials to bring:
  • nonprofit fact sheet or website printout
  • photos if available
  • project supplies
  • boxes or bags
  • labels
  • gloves if cleaning
Gathering Service Brainstorm Wall
  1. Scouts add sticky notes for people, animals, or places that need help.
  2. Group similar ideas together.
  3. Circle the project the den will do tonight.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity How a Nonprofit Works
  1. Introduce the chosen nonprofit: mission, who it helps, and what volunteers do.
  2. Explain funding simply: donations, grants, fundraising, and supplies.
  3. Ask Scouts what job they can do as volunteers tonight.
Needs: nonprofit fact sheet or website printout, photos if available
Activity Bear Service Project
  1. Complete one prepared project: pack hygiene kits, sort food, make shelter pet toys, write thank-you cards, or clean grounds.
  2. Work for 20-30 minutes with clear jobs for every Scout.
  3. Close by naming who was helped and how the project showed Helpful.
Needs: project supplies, boxes or bags, labels, gloves if cleaning
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Paws for Action complete. Encourage Scouts to tell their family the nonprofit's mission.
Den Chief tip: Choose a project where Bears can do real work, not just watch adults. Have all supplies ready before opening.
Flex week idea: Jan 14: extra service-project time, Pinewood Derby car work, or a flag ceremony practice for the pack meeting.

February 2027: Standing Tall

Personal safety: Protect Yourself Rules at home, personal space, family digital-device policy, and activity safety gear.

Thu Feb 4Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Feb 11Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Feb 25Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Standing Tall 1: With parent permission, watch the 'Protect Yourself Rules' video for the Bear rank at home.
  • Standing Tall 3: With parent/guardian, set up a family policy for digital devices at home.
Thu Feb 4

Personal Space Bubble

Focus: Complete the Personal Space Bubble worksheet and practice respectful ways to speak up.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Standing Tall 2 (Complete the Personal Space Bubble worksheet)
Materials to bring:
  • Personal Space Bubble worksheets
  • pencils
  • scenario cards
Gathering Comfort Zone Lines
  1. Tape three lines on the floor: close, okay, too far.
  2. Scouts stand where they would talk to a friend, leader, or stranger.
  3. Briefly compare how boundaries change by situation.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Personal Space Bubble Worksheet
  1. Hand out the Bear worksheet and read directions together.
  2. Scouts fill in safe people, warning feelings, and words they can use.
  3. Pair-share one respectful phrase: 'Please step back' or 'I need space.'
Needs: Personal Space Bubble worksheets, pencils
Activity Speak-Up Role Plays
  1. Den Chief reads simple scenarios about crowding, teasing, or unsafe touch.
  2. Scouts practice: say no, move away, tell a trusted adult.
  3. Keep examples calm and empowering, not scary.
Needs: scenario cards
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Finish the Protect Yourself Rules video and family digital-device policy at home.
Den Chief tip: Use Youth Protection-friendly language and do not ask Scouts to disclose personal experiences. Keep two-deep leadership and visibility.
Thu Feb 11

Safety Gear Lab

Focus: Identify head, eye, mouth/nose, hand, and foot protection and demonstrate proper use for an activity.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Standing Tall 4 (Identify common personal safety gear; list protection; demonstrate proper use)
Materials to bring:
  • helmet
  • safety glasses
  • dust mask
  • gloves
  • closed-toe shoes or boot
  • chart paper
  • markers
  • activity gear samples
  • bike helmet or tool gloves
Gathering Gear Guess Bag
  1. Put safety gear items in a bag or under a towel.
  2. Scouts feel one item without looking and guess what it protects.
  3. Reveal and sort by body part.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Safety Gear Sorting Lab
  1. Sort gear into head, eyes, mouth/nose, hands, and feet.
  2. For each item, Scouts state what injury it helps prevent.
  3. Make a quick chart the den can photograph or take home.
Needs: helmet, safety glasses, dust mask, gloves, closed-toe shoes or boot, chart paper, markers
Activity Proper Use Demo
  1. Choose an activity like biking, woodworking, sports, or cleanup.
  2. Scouts demonstrate fitting/wearing the right gear correctly.
  3. Leader checks fit: straps snug, glasses on eyes, gloves right size, shoes tied.
Needs: activity gear samples, bike helmet or tool gloves, safety glasses
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Standing Tall complete after the home video and digital-device policy are done.
Den Chief tip: February has no separate flex week. If many home tasks are unfinished, send a one-page checklist before Blue & Gold.
Flex week idea: No separate February flex week; use arrival time or the pack meeting reminder to chase home-task completion.

March 2027: Fellowship

Duty to God and reverence: families handle faith-specific requirements; the den practices kindness and respectful sharing.

Thu Mar 4Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Mar 18Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Mar 11Flex Week
Thu Mar 25Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Fellowship 1: With parent/guardian, talk about family faith traditions; identify three holidays/celebrations; make a craft/art/food from your favorite.
  • Fellowship 2: With family, attend a religious service or gathering that shows reverence.
  • Fellowship 4: With parent/guardian, identify a religion/faith different from your own and find two things it has in common with your beliefs.
Thu Mar 4

Kindness in Action

Focus: Plan and carry out a concrete act of kindness while families work on faith requirements at home.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Fellowship 3 (Carry out an act of kindness)
Materials to bring:
  • cards or paper
  • markers
  • stickers
  • envelopes or cleanup supplies
Gathering Kindness Dominoes
  1. Give each Scout a card with a kind action written on it.
  2. Scouts line up actions in an order where one kind act could lead to another.
  3. Read the chain aloud.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Den Kindness Project
  1. Choose one act: thank-you notes, welcome cards for new Scouts, care notes for a shut-in, or cleanup for the meeting place.
  2. Scouts do the project during the meeting and sign their first names only.
  3. Discuss how kindness connects to being Reverent, Kind, and Helpful.
Needs: cards or paper, markers, stickers, envelopes or cleanup supplies
Activity Respectful Sharing Practice
  1. Explain that families believe and celebrate in different ways.
  2. Practice sentence starters: 'In my family...' and 'One thing I respect is...'.
  3. Invite Scouts to bring or describe their home craft next time if their family wants to share.
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Work on Fellowship home requirements 1, 2, and 4 with a parent/guardian. Bring optional craft/art notes next meeting.
Den Chief tip: Do not teach specific beliefs as den content. Your job is to make space for every family's reverence and kindness.
Thu Mar 18

Traditions Gallery and Wrap-Up

Focus: Share optional family tradition projects and confirm home requirements are complete or scheduled.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Fellowship wrap-up (share home learning respectfully; confirm kindness and home tasks)
Materials to bring:
  • home projects or notes
  • table
  • completion checklist
  • pencils
Gathering Gallery Setup
  1. Scouts who brought art or notes place them on a table.
  2. Everyone walks silently and leaves a sticky-note compliment if appropriate.
  3. No one has to share faith details they want private.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Family Traditions Gallery Walk
  1. Invite Scouts to share a holiday, celebration, craft, art, or food story from home.
  2. Ask respectful questions focused on common values: family, service, gratitude, reverence.
  3. Name two similarities people noticed across traditions.
Needs: home projects or notes, table
Activity Fellowship Completion Check
  1. Privately check which families still need service/gathering or different-faith conversation tasks.
  2. Give a simple make-up plan for anything incomplete.
  3. Close with each Scout naming one kind act they can keep doing.
Needs: completion checklist, pencils
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Fellowship complete when home requirements are done. Send any missing items to the leader before April.
Den Chief tip: March is the last required-adventure month. Use the flex week for confidential make-ups, not public pressure.
Flex week idea: Mar 11: Fellowship home-task make-up check, Pinewood Derby tune-up, or a simple kindness service add-on.

April 2027: Baloo the Builder (elective) + Catch-Up

April is a buffer to finish incomplete required adventures before the April 29 End-of-Year Awards, plus a fun elective using basic tools to build a project.

Thu Apr 8Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Apr 22Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Apr 15Flex Week
Thu Apr 29Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Any Bear missing required-adventure home tasks should finish them before the April 29 End-of-Year Awards.
Thu Apr 8

Tool Safety and Practice

Focus: Learn basic tool safety, practice four tools, and choose a simple project to build.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Baloo the Builder 1 (Learn basic tools and safe use)
  • Baloo the Builder 2 (Practice using four tools)
  • Baloo the Builder 3 (Choose a project to build)
  • Baloo the Builder 4 (Determine tools/materials needed)
Materials to bring:
  • tape measures
  • pencils
  • sandpaper
  • scrap wood
  • screwdrivers
  • screws
  • hammers
  • nails
  • safety glasses
  • sample project pictures
  • planning sheets
Gathering Tool ID Match
  1. Lay out tools or pictures with name cards.
  2. Scouts match each tool to its name and safe-use rule.
  3. Review: carry tools pointed down, use only with permission, wear safety gear.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Four-Tool Practice Stations
  1. Station 1: measure and mark a straight line.
  2. Station 2: sand an edge smooth.
  3. Station 3: drive a screw by hand or with a supervised driver.
  4. Station 4: hammer nails into scrap wood with close adult supervision.
Needs: tape measures, pencils, sandpaper, scrap wood, screwdrivers, screws, hammers, nails, safety glasses
Activity Pick the Project and Make a Build List
  1. Offer 2-3 simple projects: toolbox, birdhouse kit, bookend, game board, or pencil holder.
  2. Scouts choose one den project or small individual project.
  3. List tools, wood/kit parts, fasteners, and safety gear needed for s2.
Needs: sample project pictures, planning sheets, pencils
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Ask families to send any missing advancement make-up proof before the April 29 awards.
Den Chief tip: Tool work needs extra adults. Pre-cut wood if you cannot supervise saws safely; Bears can still measure, sand, fasten, and finish.
Thu Apr 22

Build and Celebrate

Focus: Build the project, clean up safely, and finish advancement checks before awards night.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Baloo the Builder 5 (Build your project)
  • April catch-up (finish any incomplete required adventures before awards)
Materials to bring:
  • project kits or pre-cut wood
  • sandpaper
  • screws or nails
  • screwdrivers
  • hammers
  • wood glue
  • markers or paint
  • safety glasses
  • broom
  • dustpan
  • trash bag
  • advancement checklist
Gathering Safety Gear On
  1. Scouts put on safety glasses as they arrive.
  2. Den Chief checks closed-toe shoes and tied laces.
  3. Review the tool stop signal before anyone touches tools.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Build the Project
  1. Set up parts in order and review the plan before starting.
  2. Scouts measure, sand, fasten, and assemble with adult spotters at tool stations.
  3. Add name, simple decoration, or finish if time allows.
Needs: project kits or pre-cut wood, sandpaper, screws or nails, screwdrivers, hammers, wood glue, markers or paint, safety glasses
Activity Clean-Up and Advancement Check
  1. Collect tools first, then sweep scraps and wipe tables.
  2. Each Scout shows the project and names one tool used safely.
  3. Leader checks the required-adventure list and notes any last family follow-up before Apr 29.
Needs: broom, dustpan, trash bag, advancement checklist
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • See you at the April 29 End-of-Year Awards. Bring any final make-up proof before then.
Den Chief tip: Keep projects simple enough to finish in one meeting. If something breaks, praise problem-solving and help the Scout repair it.
Flex week idea: Apr 15: final required-adventure buffer, extra build night, or project finishing before the April 29 End-of-Year Awards.

Webelos Den (4th Grade)

Webelos are 4th graders working toward Scouts BSA, so give them real jobs and expect more independence than the younger dens. Two registered leaders age 21+ must be present at every meeting, and a Den Chief can hand them real responsibility: leading teams, teaching skills, and helping Scouts make decisions.

Adult presence: Scouts operate more independently. Two registered leaders (21+) must be present.

August 2026: Bobcat Kickoff

August is a partial startup month: the Welcome Back Party (Aug 13) and New Scout Night (Aug 20) kick off the year, and the first den meeting (Aug 27) starts Bobcat. Meet everyone, set up how the den runs, and get a first taste of the Scout Oath, Law, and sign. Bobcat is finished in September, so Scouts who join in early fall still catch up.

Thu Aug 27Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Aug 20New Scout Night
Thu Aug 13Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Pick up the family welcome packet and the pack calendar at the Aug 13 Welcome Back Party.
  • Bobcat starts now and is completed in September - new families who join at New Scout Night (Aug 20) jump in then.
Printable helpers for this adventure: Scout Oath card · Scout Law card · Sign, Salute & Handshake
Thu Aug 27

Meet Your Den & Start Bobcat

Focus: Get to know your den, set up how meetings run, and get a first look at the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Cub Scout sign.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Bobcat (start): Get to know the members of your den.
  • Bobcat (start): First look at the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Cub Scout sign - completed in September.
Materials to bring:
  • poster board
  • markers
  • tape
  • printable Scout Oath / Scout Law / Sign cards
Gathering Name Game Mixer
  1. As Scouts arrive, play a quick name game (name + favorite animal, or toss-a-ball name catch).
  2. Den Chief learns and uses every Scout's name right away.
  3. New Scouts and returning Scouts pair up so no one stands alone.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Welcome Circle
  1. Everyone shares their name, grade, and one thing they hope to do in Scouts this year.
  2. Den Chief and leader introduce themselves and how the year works.
  3. Celebrate that this is the start of a fun year together.
Activity Set Up Our Den
  1. Talk about how meetings work: gathering game, opening, activity, closing.
  2. As a den, make a simple Den Code of Conduct (be kind, listen, do your best); everyone adds a handprint or signature.
  3. Pick where the den banner/code will hang each week.
Needs: poster board, markers, tape
Activity First Look: Oath, Law & Sign
  1. Show the Cub Scout sign (two fingers up) and practice it together.
  2. Read the Scout Oath and Scout Law aloud; Scouts repeat a line at a time.
  3. Hand out or display the printable Oath, Law, and Sign cards to take home and practice.
Needs: printable Scout Oath / Scout Law / Sign cards
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Practice the Cub Scout sign and the Scout Oath and Law at home using the printable cards.
  • Watch for the weekly meeting reminder and mark the pack calendar.
Den Chief tip: Keep it warm and easy - August is a soft start and families are still joining. The goal tonight is belonging and excitement, not finishing requirements. Bobcat gets completed in September.
Flex week idea: Aug 13 Welcome Back Party and Aug 20 New Scout Night are pack-run. Use them to recruit, hand out calendars, and welcome new families before the Aug 27 den kickoff.

September 2026: Bobcat

The Webelos getting-started adventure: build the den team, learn the Oath and Law, set expectations, and choose youth leadership roles.

Thu Sep 3Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Sep 17Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Sep 10Flex Week
Thu Sep 24Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Bobcat home: With a parent or guardian, complete the activities in 'How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide' (free at scouting.org).
Printable helpers for this adventure: Scout Oath card · Scout Law card · Sign, Salute & Handshake
Thu Sep 3

Den Team, Oath, and Law

Focus: Get to know den members, practice the Scout Oath and Law, and unpack the three points of the Oath.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Bobcat 1 (Get to know den members)
  • Bobcat 2 (Recite Scout Oath/Law; describe the three points of the Oath)
  • Bobcat 3 (Learn about the Scout Law)
Materials to bring:
  • printed Scout Oath cards
  • scenario cards
  • printed Scout Law cards
Gathering Two Truths and a Scout Goal
  1. As Scouts arrive, each writes two true things about themselves and one Scouting goal on an index card.
  2. Read cards aloud and let the den guess who wrote each one.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Oath Three-Point Challenge
  1. Recite the Scout Oath together, then split it into duty to God/country, helping others, and keeping yourself strong/awake/straight.
  2. Small teams make a 30-second skit showing one point of the Oath.
  3. After each skit, the den names the point and one real-life example.
Needs: printed Scout Oath cards
Activity Scout Law Case Studies
  1. Give teams short scenarios: found money, left-out classmate, messy campsite, or hard truth.
  2. Teams choose which Scout Law points apply and explain their choice.
  3. Close by having each Scout pick one Law point to practice this week.
Needs: scenario cards, printed Scout Law cards
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Finish the Protect Your Children booklet at home if not already complete.
  • Practice the Scout Oath and Scout Law once this week without looking.
Den Chief tip: Webelos can handle discussion, but keep it moving. Let the Den Chief call on teams and coach short answers.
Thu Sep 17

Code of Conduct and Denner Jobs

Focus: Create a den code, learn the denner role, and practice the Cub Scout sign, salute, and handshake.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Bobcat 4 (Create a Den Code of Conduct)
  • Bobcat 5 (Learn denner responsibilities)
  • Bobcat 6 (Demonstrate sign, salute, and handshake; how each is used)
Materials to bring:
  • poster board
  • markers
  • tape
  • denner cord or badge (optional)
  • den code poster
Gathering Silent Line-Up
  1. Without talking, Scouts line up by birthday month, height, or distance from the meeting place.
  2. Debrief what teamwork looked like when no one could dominate the conversation.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Build the Den Code
  1. Brainstorm what helps a den run well: safety, respect, listening, cleanup, and trying hard.
  2. Vote on 5-7 clear rules and write them in the Scouts' own words.
  3. Everyone signs the code; post it at future meetings.
Needs: poster board, markers, tape
Activity Denner Leadership Lab
  1. Explain denner jobs: help set up, lead line-up, check attendance, collect ideas, and help clean up.
  2. Practice a 2-minute denner huddle where the denner gives one instruction and checks that everyone heard it.
  3. Teach and practice the Cub Scout sign, salute, and handshake, including when each is used.
Needs: denner cord or badge (optional), den code poster
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Bobcat is complete when the home booklet is done. Tell families who is first denner and what that Scout should do next meeting.
Den Chief tip: Do not let adults write the code for them. Guide the wording, but make it their agreement.
Flex week idea: Sep 10 (Roundtable): optional welcome hike, patrol-style team games, or make-up Bobcat demonstrations.

October 2026: Webelos Walkabout

Use the fall weather for a real 2-mile walk: plan the route, prepare gear, review safety, practice first aid, and reflect afterward.

Thu Oct 1Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Oct 15Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Oct 22Flex Week
Thu Oct 29Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Before the walk, each family checks shoes, clothing, water bottle, and any personal medications needed for the weather.
Thu Oct 1

Plan the Walk and First Aid

Focus: Prepare gear, plan the route, check weather, apply SAFE, and demonstrate first aid skills before the walk.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Webelos Walkabout 1 (Prepare Six Essentials and clothing/shoes)
  • Webelos Walkabout 2 (Plan a 2-mile route)
  • Webelos Walkabout 3 (Check weather forecast)
  • Webelos Walkabout 4 (Review BSA SAFE Checklist)
  • Webelos Walkabout 5 (First aid demos)
Materials to bring:
  • local map printouts
  • phone or printed forecast
  • pencils
  • highlighters
  • moleskin or bandages
  • elastic wrap
  • sunscreen bottle
  • water bottle
  • first-aid kit
Gathering Gear Dump Sort
  1. Set out real and silly gear items as Scouts arrive.
  2. Teams pack only the Cub Scout Six Essentials plus weather-appropriate clothing.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Route and Weather Brief
  1. Show a local map and have Scouts trace a safe 2-mile loop with road crossings and bailout points.
  2. Check the current forecast and decide shoes, layers, water, and sun/rain gear.
  3. Review SAFE: Supervision, Assessment, Fitness/Skill, Equipment/Environment, and name one action for each.
Needs: local map printouts, phone or printed forecast, pencils, highlighters
Activity Trail First Aid Stations
  1. Rotate teams through blister, sprained ankle, sunburn, and dehydration/heat illness stations.
  2. At each station, a Scout demonstrates what to do and what not to do.
  3. Den Chief checks for calm steps: stop, tell an adult, treat, and monitor.
Needs: moleskin or bandages, elastic wrap, sunscreen bottle, water bottle, first-aid kit
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Bring Six Essentials, comfortable walking shoes, and weather layers for the Oct 15 2-mile walk.
Den Chief tip: October weather is usually great, but have an indoor map-and-laps route ready if storms or darkness make the walk unsafe.
Thu Oct 15

The 2-Mile Walk

Focus: Go on the planned 2-mile walk, practice Leave No Trace and the Outdoor Code, then reflect on improvements.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Webelos Walkabout 6 (Go on the 2-mile walk using Leave No Trace and Outdoor Code)
  • Webelos Walkabout 7 (Discuss what went well and what to do differently)
Materials to bring:
  • Six Essentials
  • route map
  • first-aid kit
  • trash bag
  • notepad
  • pen
Gathering Buddy and Gear Check
  1. Assign buddies and have each pair check water, whistle, first-aid kit, and clothing.
  2. Review the route, turnaround point, and what to do if separated.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity 2-Mile Walk
  1. Walk the planned route with two-deep leadership, buddy checks, and a steady pace.
  2. Pause once to notice Leave No Trace choices: stay on path, pack out trash, respect wildlife.
  3. At the finish, stretch, drink water, and account for every Scout.
Needs: Six Essentials, route map, first-aid kit, trash bag
Activity After-Action Circle
  1. Ask each Scout to name one thing that went well on the walk.
  2. Ask what they would change next time about gear, pace, route, or weather planning.
  3. Record two improvements for the next outdoor activity.
Needs: notepad, pen
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Webelos Walkabout complete! Dry out gear and restock any first-aid supplies used.
Den Chief tip: If the route crosses streets, put one adult in front and one at the back. Use reflective gear if dusk is close.
Flex week idea: Oct 22 (Gold Rush weekend): optional fall service walk to pick up litter, or make up the 2-mile walk with families.

November 2026: Stronger, Faster, Higher

Build healthy habits: balanced food, active movement, personal fitness, relaxation, and family health records.

Thu Nov 5Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Nov 19Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Nov 12Flex Week
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Stronger, Faster, Higher 5: Review your BSA Annual Health and Medical Record with a parent or guardian at home.
Thu Nov 5

Balanced Meal Challenge

Focus: Plan, cook, and eat a simple balanced meal or hearty snack as a den.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Stronger, Faster, Higher 1 (Plan, cook, and eat a balanced meal with den/family)
Materials to bring:
  • menu worksheet
  • pencils
  • food group chart
  • ingredients
  • plates
  • napkins
  • serving utensils
  • handwashing supplies
Gathering MyPlate Speed Sort
  1. Teams sort food cards into fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.
  2. Add one card from each group to build a balanced plate.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Menu Plan
  1. Agree on a no-stove meal like veggie wraps, yogurt parfaits, or trail-mix plus fruit and cheese.
  2. Identify which food groups are covered and what portion sizes make sense.
  3. Assign prep jobs: wash, chop with adult help, assemble, serve, and clean up.
Needs: menu worksheet, pencils, food group chart
Activity Cook and Eat
  1. Wash hands, set up clean work areas, and prepare the meal safely.
  2. Eat together and have each Scout name one healthy choice they helped make.
  3. Clean tables, collect trash, and wash reusable supplies.
Needs: ingredients, plates, napkins, serving utensils, handwashing supplies
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Review the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record with a parent or guardian before the next meeting.
Den Chief tip: Check allergies before buying food. If food is hard at the meeting site, have families complete the meal at home and use this night for planning only.
Thu Nov 19

Move, Train, Relax

Focus: Complete active time, personal exercise, and a 10-minute relaxation activity.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Stronger, Faster, Higher 2 (Be active 30 minutes with den/another person)
  • Stronger, Faster, Higher 3 (Be active 15 minutes with personal exercises)
  • Stronger, Faster, Higher 4 (Do a relaxing activity for 10 minutes)
Materials to bring:
  • open space
  • cones
  • disc or balls
  • water
  • timer
  • exercise station cards
  • mats or clean floor
Gathering Stretch Leader
  1. One Scout leads a safe stretch; then tags the next Scout to lead another.
  2. Keep stretches slow and no bouncing.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity 30-Minute Team Activity
  1. Run a rotation of active games: ultimate disc, relay circuits, or capture the flag.
  2. Keep everyone moving for 30 minutes with water breaks as needed.
  3. Use buddy encouragement, not elimination.
Needs: open space, cones, disc or balls, water
Activity Personal Fitness Circuit
  1. Set a 15-minute circuit: jumping jacks, squats, planks, wall sits, and flexibility reaches.
  2. Scouts track effort, not scores, and modify exercises safely.
  3. Finish with slow breathing and 10 minutes of quiet stretching or guided relaxation.
Needs: timer, exercise station cards, mats or clean floor
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Stronger, Faster, Higher complete when the health record review is done at home.
Den Chief tip: Have a rain backup in a gym, hallway, or large room. Watch for over-competition; the adventure is health, not winning.
Flex week idea: Nov 12 (Roundtable): healthy snack cook-off, family fitness challenge, or Scouting for Food prep.

January 2027: My Family

Faith, family, reverence, and kindness. Most requirements are completed at home with parents or guardians; the den supports respectful sharing and service-minded action.

Thu Jan 7Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Jan 21Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Jan 14Flex Week
Thu Jan 28Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • My Family 1: With a parent or guardian, talk about family faith traditions; identify three holidays or celebrations; make a craft, art, or food from your favorite.
  • My Family 3: With a parent or guardian, identify a religion or faith different from your own and name two things in common with your beliefs.
  • My Family 4: Discuss with a parent or guardian what it means to be reverent and tell how you practice reverence daily.
Thu Jan 7

Kindness in Action

Focus: Plan and carry out a concrete act of kindness while respecting that family faith conversations happen at home.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • My Family 2 (Carry out an act of kindness)
Materials to bring:
  • project choice cards
  • markers
  • task list
  • depends on project: cards, bags, snacks, gloves, or cleanup supplies
Gathering Kindness Scenario Vote
  1. Read quick scenarios: new student, tired parent, lonely neighbor, messy meeting room.
  2. Scouts vote on the most helpful response and explain why.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Choose the Kindness Project
  1. Offer 2-3 doable projects: thank-you cards, snack bags for helpers, or cleanup of the meeting place.
  2. Scouts vote, assign roles, and decide who the project helps.
  3. Denner keeps the team on task while the Den Chief supports materials.
Needs: project choice cards, markers, task list
Activity Do the Kindness
  1. Complete the chosen project during the meeting.
  2. Deliver it if possible, or package it for a leader to deliver.
  3. Each Scout names how the act connected to Helpful, Kind, or Courteous.
Needs: depends on project: cards, bags, snacks, gloves, or cleanup supplies
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Complete My Family home conversations and bring or describe the craft/art/food from your favorite family celebration next meeting.
Den Chief tip: Keep faith sharing optional and respectful. Do not compare beliefs; focus on reverence, gratitude, and family traditions.
Thu Jan 21

Family Traditions Gallery

Focus: Share family celebration crafts or stories and connect them to reverence and respect.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • My Family wrap-up (share home work; confirm home requirements)
Materials to bring:
  • home crafts/art/photos
  • gallery labels
  • advancement checklist
  • make-up slips
Gathering Gallery Setup
  1. Scouts place their celebration craft, art, food photo, or short note on a table.
  2. Give each item a simple label: celebration, family tradition, or value shown.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Respectful Gallery Walk
  1. Walk the gallery silently first, then let volunteers explain their item or story.
  2. Ask: What values do you notice across different families?
  3. Close with each Scout naming one way they can practice reverence or respect this week.
Needs: home crafts/art/photos, gallery labels
Activity Home Requirement Check
  1. Privately check which Scouts completed the home conversations with a parent or guardian.
  2. Give make-up slips for any missing items without calling anyone out.
  3. Celebrate the kindness project from session 1.
Needs: advancement checklist, make-up slips
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • My Family is complete when all home conversations and the kindness act are done.
Den Chief tip: Because this adventure is personal, never ask Scouts to disclose private beliefs. Accept parent sign-off for home requirements.
Flex week idea: Jan 14 (Roundtable): Pinewood Derby car build, kindness-project delivery, or My Family make-up conversations at home.

February 2027: My Safety

Practical safety for older Cubs: personal protection video at home, household hazards, safer meeting spaces, and natural-event preparedness.

Thu Feb 4Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Feb 11Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Feb 25Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • My Safety 1: With parent permission, watch 'Protect Yourself Rules' for the Webelos rank at home.
  • My Safety 2: At home, identify hazardous items, store them properly, and find exposure/first-aid information on the package label.
Thu Feb 4

Hazards and Safe Spaces

Focus: Identify hazards and ways families keep homes and meeting spaces safe.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • My Safety 3 (Identify ways your family keeps home/meeting space safe)
Materials to bring:
  • clipboard
  • safety audit checklist
  • pencils
  • empty cleaned containers or printed labels
  • gloves for demo
  • magnifying glasses (optional)
Gathering Safety Photo Hunt
  1. Post pictures of rooms with obvious hazards: cord across floor, candle, cleaner, blocked exit.
  2. Scouts mark hazards with sticky notes as they arrive.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Meeting-Space Safety Audit
  1. Walk the meeting area in teams looking for exits, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, trip hazards, and weather shelter areas.
  2. Teams report one safe thing and one improvement.
  3. Fix simple issues immediately, like moving bags away from walkways.
Needs: clipboard, safety audit checklist, pencils
Activity Label Detectives
  1. Show empty/clean household containers or printed labels and find signal words, first-aid directions, and storage instructions.
  2. Discuss why Scouts should not handle hazardous products without an adult.
  3. Connect this to the home hazard check requirement.
Needs: empty cleaned containers or printed labels, gloves for demo, magnifying glasses (optional)
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Watch the Protect Yourself Rules video and complete the home hazard label check with a parent or guardian.
Den Chief tip: Use empty containers only - no real chemicals at the meeting. Keep the tone practical, not scary.
Thu Feb 11

Natural Events Plan

Focus: Complete preparedness worksheets for at least two likely natural events.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • My Safety 4 (Complete Be Prepared for Natural Events worksheet for at least two likely events)
Materials to bring:
  • Be Prepared for Natural Events worksheets
  • pencils
  • local hazard list
  • sample emergency kit items
  • backpack or bin
  • distractor items
Gathering Event Match
  1. Match natural events to actions: thunderstorm, tornado, flood, winter storm, extreme heat.
  2. Teams explain one match before opening.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Preparedness Worksheet
  1. Choose two likely local events, such as thunderstorm and winter storm or tornado.
  2. For each, fill in warning signs, where to shelter, family communication, supplies, and what not to do.
  3. Share one preparedness tip per Scout.
Needs: Be Prepared for Natural Events worksheets, pencils, local hazard list
Activity Emergency Kit Relay
  1. Teams race to choose useful kit items from a mixed pile.
  2. Discuss why water, flashlight, batteries, first-aid kit, radio, and medicines matter.
  3. Remove silly or unsafe items and explain the choice.
Needs: sample emergency kit items, backpack or bin, distractor items
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • My Safety complete when the home video and hazard check are finished. Review your family emergency plan.
Den Chief tip: No separate flex week in February. Use 2/11 efficiently and reserve Blue & Gold reminders for closing.
Flex week idea: No separate flex week in Feb (2/18 is dark). If make-up is needed, send the worksheet home or finish before Blue & Gold on 2/25.

March 2027: My Community

Citizenship for Webelos: voting types, elected leaders, how federal law moves through government, and service to the community.

Thu Mar 4Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Mar 18Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Mar 11Flex Week
Thu Mar 25Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • My Community 2 option: If an elected guest cannot attend the den, speak with someone elected to a position at school, church, club, local government, or the pack and ask what voting type was used and why.
Thu Mar 4

Voting and Elected Leaders

Focus: Learn majority vs plurality voting and interview someone elected to a position.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • My Community 1 (Learn majority and plurality voting)
  • My Community 2 (Speak with someone elected; discover voting type and why)
Materials to bring:
  • poster ballot
  • markers
  • calculator (optional)
  • guest chair
  • prepared question cards
  • pencils
Gathering Sticker Ballot
  1. Scouts vote with stickers for one of three snack or game choices.
  2. Do not announce the result until the voting lesson.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Majority vs Plurality Election
  1. Count the gathering votes and decide whether any choice has a majority (more than half).
  2. If not, explain plurality: the most votes can win even without more than half.
  3. Run a quick runoff to show how rules can change the outcome.
Needs: poster ballot, markers, calculator (optional)
Activity Elected Guest Interview
  1. Invite an elected official or someone elected by a group, such as a student council member, HOA board member, pack committee chair, or denner.
  2. Scouts ask prepared questions: How were you elected? Majority or plurality? Why use that method?
  3. Each Scout writes one thing they learned.
Needs: guest chair, prepared question cards, pencils
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • If no elected guest was available, complete the elected-person interview before session 2.
Den Chief tip: Have a backup elected person: the pack committee chair or a denner elected tonight works if a civic official cancels.
Thu Mar 18

Law Timeline and Service

Focus: Create a federal law timeline using the three branches of government and complete a service project.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • My Community 3 (Federal law timeline with three branches)
  • My Community 4 (Participate in a service project)
Materials to bring:
  • timeline cards
  • poster paper
  • markers
  • tape
  • depends on project: gloves, trash bags, cards, markers, boxes, or donated goods
Gathering Branch Sort
  1. Teams sort cards into Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches.
  2. Add one job for each branch: makes laws, carries out laws, interprets laws.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Federal Law Timeline
  1. Pick one federal law that Scouts can understand, such as the National Park Service Organic Act or Clean Water Act.
  2. Build a timeline from idea, Congress, President, agencies enforcing it, and courts interpreting disputes.
  3. Each Scout adds one card and explains which branch is involved.
Needs: timeline cards, poster paper, markers, tape
Activity Community Service Project
  1. Do a planned service project: meeting-place cleanup, cards for veterans, food pantry sorting, or park litter pickup.
  2. Work for 20-30 minutes with clear youth jobs and adult safety supervision.
  3. Debrief who benefited and how service connects to citizenship.
Needs: depends on project: gloves, trash bags, cards, markers, boxes, or donated goods
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • My Community complete! Turn in any elected-person interview notes if done at home.
Den Chief tip: For an outdoor service project, bring gloves and a rain backup such as cards or sorting donations indoors.
Flex week idea: Mar 11 (Roundtable): invite a local elected official, finish service project delivery, or do Pinewood Derby tune-up.

April 2027: Earth Rocks! (elective) + Catch-Up

April is a buffer to finish incomplete required adventures before the April 29 End-of-Year Awards, plus a fun Earth Rocks! elective with rocks, minerals, and crystal growing.

Thu Apr 8Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Apr 22Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Apr 15Flex Week
Thu Apr 29Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • If crystals need more time to grow after session 2, finish observing them at home and bring results or a photo to the April 29 awards.
Thu Apr 8

Rock Types and Break-Apart Lab

Focus: Examine sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks, then safely break and inspect a found rock.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Earth Rocks! 1 (Examine sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic rocks)
  • Earth Rocks! 2 (Find a rock, safely break it apart, examine it)
Materials to bring:
  • labeled rock samples
  • sorting trays
  • hand lenses
  • found rocks
  • safety glasses
  • cloth or towel
  • hammer
  • paper
  • pencils
Gathering Mystery Rock Table
  1. Scouts handle rock samples and write guesses: sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic.
  2. They may use hand lenses but no testing until the activity starts.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Three Rock Types
  1. Show examples of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks and how each forms.
  2. Teams sort samples and defend their choices using layers, crystals, bubbles, or banding.
  3. Correct the sort and let Scouts update labels.
Needs: labeled rock samples, sorting trays, hand lenses
Activity Safe Break-Apart Lab
  1. Outside or on a protected floor, wrap a found rock in cloth and have an adult or supervised Scout tap it with a hammer.
  2. Everyone wears eye protection and stands back until called forward.
  3. Examine fresh surfaces with hand lenses and sketch what changed.
Needs: found rocks, safety glasses, cloth or towel, hammer, hand lenses, paper, pencils
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Bring any missing required-adventure work next meeting so April can close advancement before awards.
Den Chief tip: Safety first: do the breaking outside if possible. If rules do not allow hammers, use pre-broken samples instead.
Thu Apr 22

Mohs Tests and Crystal Growing

Focus: Build a mineral test kit, test hardness on the Mohs scale, and start a crystal-growing experiment.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Earth Rocks! 3 (Make mineral test kit and test Mohs hardness)
  • Earth Rocks! 4 (Grow a crystal)
  • April catch-up (finish incomplete required adventures before awards)
Materials to bring:
  • mineral samples
  • pennies
  • steel nails
  • glass tiles
  • record sheets
  • pencils
  • Epsom salt or borax
  • hot water
  • jars
  • pipe cleaners or string
  • labels
  • advancement checklist
  • make-up slips
  • pen
Gathering Harder or Softer
  1. Show a fingernail, penny, steel nail, and glass tile.
  2. Scouts predict which items can scratch which surfaces.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Mohs Hardness Test Kit
  1. Assemble a kit with fingernail, penny, steel nail, glass tile, and labeled mineral samples.
  2. Test one mineral at a time: try to scratch, record yes/no, and estimate hardness range.
  3. Compare results and talk about why careful testing matters.
Needs: mineral samples, pennies, steel nails, glass tiles, record sheets, pencils
Activity Grow a Crystal
  1. Mix a safe crystal solution such as Epsom salt or borax in hot water with adult handling of hot water.
  2. Suspend a pipe-cleaner shape or string in the solution and label each jar.
  3. Explain that crystals may need overnight growth; send jars home carefully or store them for pickup.
Needs: Epsom salt or borax, hot water, jars, pipe cleaners or string, pencils, labels
Activity Advancement Catch-Up
  1. Use the last 10 minutes to check each Scout's missing required adventures.
  2. Assign quick make-ups or parent sign-offs before April 29.
  3. Confirm awards information is ready for Scoutbook.
Needs: advancement checklist, make-up slips, pen
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Bring crystal results or photos and any final make-up sign-offs to the April 29 End-of-Year Awards.
Den Chief tip: April is the safety net. Do not let the elective crowd out required-adventure make-ups needed for rank badges.
Flex week idea: Apr 15 (Roundtable): final required-adventure make-up, crystal observation check, or extra rock-hounding walk before the 4/29 awards.

Arrow of Light Den (5th Grade)

Arrow of Light Scouts are 5th graders earning the final Cub Scout rank and crossing over into a Scouts BSA troop at the pack Crossover (about Feb 28). Because of that early exit, their adventures are COMPRESSED to finish by mid-February - all six required adventures are done before crossover. AOL uses the PATROL METHOD: Scouts pick a patrol name, elect a patrol leader, and practice real youth leadership, so a Den Chief should coach from the side and hand pieces of the meeting to the patrol leader.

Adult presence: AOL uses the PATROL METHOD - Scouts pick a patrol name and elect a patrol leader. Prepares them for a Scouts BSA troop.

August 2026: Bobcat Kickoff

August is a partial startup month: the Welcome Back Party (Aug 13) and New Scout Night (Aug 20) kick off the year, and the first patrol meeting (Aug 27) starts Bobcat. Meet everyone, set up how the patrol runs, and get a first taste of the Scout Oath, Law, and sign. Bobcat is finished in September, so Scouts who join in early fall still catch up.

Thu Aug 27Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Aug 20New Scout Night
Thu Aug 13Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Pick up the family welcome packet and the pack calendar at the Aug 13 Welcome Back Party.
  • Bobcat starts now and is completed in September - new families who join at New Scout Night (Aug 20) jump in then.
Printable helpers for this adventure: Scout Oath card · Scout Law card · Sign, Salute & Handshake
Thu Aug 27

Form the Patrol & Start Bobcat

Focus: Get to know your patrol, set up how meetings run, and get a first look at the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Cub Scout sign.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Bobcat (start): Get to know the members of your patrol.
  • Bobcat (start): First look at the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Cub Scout sign - completed in September.
Materials to bring:
  • whiteboard or chart paper
  • markers
  • slips of paper for voting
  • printable Scout Oath / Scout Law / Sign cards
Gathering Name Game Mixer
  1. As Scouts arrive, play a quick name game (name + favorite animal, or toss-a-ball name catch).
  2. Den Chief learns and uses every Scout's name right away.
  3. New Scouts and returning Scouts pair up so no one stands alone.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Welcome Circle
  1. Everyone shares their name, grade, and one thing they hope to do in Scouts this year.
  2. Den Chief and leader introduce themselves and how the year works.
  3. Celebrate that this is the start of a fun year together.
Activity Form Your Patrol
  1. Explain the patrol method: Scouts plan and lead while adults coach from the side.
  2. Vote on a patrol name and elect a patrol leader for the startup weeks.
  3. Draft a quick patrol Code of Conduct using Scout Law words; everyone signs it.
Needs: whiteboard or chart paper, markers, slips of paper for voting
Activity First Look: Oath, Law & Sign
  1. Show the Cub Scout sign (two fingers up) and practice it together.
  2. Read the Scout Oath and Scout Law aloud; Scouts repeat a line at a time.
  3. Hand out or display the printable Oath, Law, and Sign cards to take home and practice.
Needs: printable Scout Oath / Scout Law / Sign cards
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Practice the Cub Scout sign and the Scout Oath and Law at home using the printable cards.
  • Watch for the weekly meeting reminder and mark the pack calendar.
Den Chief tip: Keep it warm and easy - August is a soft start and families are still joining. The goal tonight is belonging and excitement, not finishing requirements. Bobcat gets completed in September.
Flex week idea: Aug 13 Welcome Back Party and Aug 20 New Scout Night are pack-run. Use them to recruit, hand out calendars, and welcome new families before the Aug 27 patrol kickoff.

September 2026: Bobcat

Start AOL as a patrol: choose a patrol identity, practice Scouts BSA basics, and visit a troop so crossover feels real.

Thu Sep 3Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Sep 17Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Sep 10Flex Week
Thu Sep 24Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Bobcat req 8: At home, parent/guardian + Scout complete the exercises in 'How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide' (free at scouting.org).
  • Bobcat req 7: Visit a Scouts BSA troop with your patrol or parent/guardian if you cannot attend the den's planned visit.
Printable helpers for this adventure: Scout Oath card · Scout Law card · Sign, Salute & Handshake
Thu Sep 3

Form the Patrol

Focus: Choose a patrol name, elect a patrol leader, and start working like a Scouts BSA patrol.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Bobcat 1 (Patrol method: name, patrol leader, benefits)
  • Bobcat 2 (Get to know patrol members)
  • Bobcat 4 (Create a Code of Conduct)
Materials to bring:
  • ballots or slips of paper
  • pencils
  • poster board
  • markers
  • tape
  • index cards
Gathering Patrol Name Pitch Board
  1. As Scouts arrive, each writes or sketches one patrol-name idea on the board.
  2. Den Chief groups similar ideas and asks Scouts to add one symbol or cheer idea.
  3. Patrol leader candidates prepare a 20-second pitch for how they would help the patrol.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Patrol Method Mini-Council
  1. Den Chief explains that patrols plan, lead, and take care of each other - adults coach from the side.
  2. Scouts vote on a patrol name and elect a patrol leader for the month.
  3. Discuss benefits: everyone has a job, decisions are shared, and leadership rotates.
Needs: ballots or slips of paper, pencils
Activity Patrol Code of Conduct
  1. Patrol leader runs a quick brainstorm: what makes meetings safe, respectful, and fun?
  2. Turn the best ideas into 5-7 clear rules using Scout Law words.
  3. Every Scout signs the code; post it at future meetings.
Needs: poster board, markers, tape
Activity Know Your Patrol
  1. Pair Scouts for 2-minute interviews: school, hobby, favorite camp food, one skill they can teach.
  2. Each Scout introduces their partner to the patrol.
  3. Patrol leader notes skills that can help future meetings.
Needs: index cards, pencils
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Give families the Protect Your Children booklet link (Bobcat req 8).
  • Share the planned troop-visit date and ask families to RSVP.
Den Chief tip: Let the elected patrol leader actually lead small pieces tonight. Coach quietly; do not take the job back unless safety requires it.
Thu Sep 17

Scouts BSA Basics & Troop Visit

Focus: Practice the Oath, Law, sign, salute, handshake, motto, and slogan; connect with a troop.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Bobcat 3 (Recite Scout Oath and Scout Law with patrol)
  • Bobcat 5 (Scouts BSA sign, salute, handshake)
  • Bobcat 6 (Scouts BSA slogan and motto)
  • Bobcat 7 (Visit a Scouts BSA troop - outing if scheduled this night)
Materials to bring:
  • small flag for salute practice
  • troop visit details
  • question cards
  • permission/contact info as needed
Gathering Oath and Law Line-Up
  1. Give teams mixed-up strips of the Scout Oath or Scout Law.
  2. They race to put the words in order, then recite together.
  3. Older Scouts explain one Law point they used during the game.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Scout Skills Protocol
  1. Den Chief demonstrates Scouts BSA sign, salute, and handshake, explaining when each is used.
  2. Scouts practice in pairs, then teach it back to another pair.
  3. Patrol recites the Scout motto 'Be Prepared' and slogan 'Do a Good Turn Daily.'
Needs: small flag for salute practice
Activity Troop Visit Plan or Visit
  1. If the troop is meeting tonight, attend as a patrol, observe youth leadership, and ask prepared questions.
  2. If the visit is on another night, plan who is going, what to wear, and three questions to ask the SPL or patrol leaders.
  3. Afterward, each Scout names one troop practice the AOL patrol could try.
Needs: troop visit details, question cards, permission/contact info as needed
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Complete the troop visit if not done tonight.
  • Finish the Protect Your Children booklet to complete Bobcat.
Den Chief tip: This is the first big bridge to Scouts BSA. Ask the troop to showcase youth leaders, not adult lectures.
Flex week idea: Sep 10 (Roundtable): patrol flag or patrol yell workshop; use it to finish the Code of Conduct or troop-visit logistics.

October 2026: First Aid

Build confidence to respond: assess the scene, get help, handle hurry cases, and make a personal first-aid kit.

Thu Oct 1Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Oct 15Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Oct 22Flex Week
Thu Oct 29Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • First Aid req 1: With parent permission, watch the 'Protect Yourself Rules' video for the AOL rank at home before or during October.
Thu Oct 1

Hurry Cases and Getting Help

Focus: Learn what to do first and practice the life-threatening hurry cases.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • First Aid 2 (What to do if someone needs first aid)
  • First Aid 3 (Hurry cases: bleeding, heart attack/sudden cardiac arrest, stopped breathing, stroke, poisoning)
  • First Aid 4 (Choking victim)
Materials to bring:
  • scenario cards
  • disposable gloves
  • gauze pads
  • roller bandages
  • CPR face shield trainer or picture
  • poison control number card
  • station signs
  • choking trainer vest or manikin if available
  • diagram handout
Gathering Emergency or Not?
  1. Den Chief reads scenario cards as Scouts arrive.
  2. Scouts sort them into 'call 911 now,' 'get an adult/first-aid kit,' or 'not first aid.'
  3. Patrol leader asks one Scout to defend each choice.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity First Aid Action Plan
  1. Teach: check the scene, call for help, do not move the person unless unsafe, use gloves/barriers if available.
  2. Scouts run short scenarios and say exactly who they would tell and what they would do first.
  3. Emphasize staying calm and getting trained adult help fast.
Needs: scenario cards, disposable gloves
Activity Hurry Case Stations
  1. Rotate through stations for serious bleeding, heart attack/sudden cardiac arrest, stopped breathing, stroke, and poisoning.
  2. At each station, Scouts identify warning signs and practice the safe first response or call script.
  3. Den Chief uses EDGE, then lets Scouts coach the next pair.
Needs: gauze pads, roller bandages, CPR face shield trainer or picture, poison control number card, station signs
Activity Choking Response Practice
  1. Demonstrate asking 'Are you choking?' and calling for help.
  2. Use a training vest/manikin or careful air-only practice to show abdominal thrust positioning.
  3. Scouts explain when to stop and when to call 911.
Needs: choking trainer vest or manikin if available, diagram handout
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Watch the Protect Yourself Rules video with parent permission if not already done.
Den Chief tip: Keep practice serious but not scary. Do not allow rough horseplay during choking or CPR demonstrations.
Thu Oct 15

Treat, Bandage, and Build a Kit

Focus: Practice common first-aid treatments and assemble a personal first-aid kit.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • First Aid 5 (Treat shock)
  • First Aid 6 (Cuts/scratches, burns/scalds, bites/stings, nosebleeds)
  • First Aid 7 (Make and explain a personal first-aid kit)
Materials to bring:
  • adhesive bandages
  • gauze
  • medical tape
  • clean cloths
  • cold pack
  • blanket
  • zip bags or small pouches
  • gauze pads
  • antiseptic wipes
  • disposable gloves
  • emergency info cards
  • markers
Gathering Bandage Relay
  1. Pairs practice wrapping a pretend forearm injury with a roller bandage.
  2. Quality counts: snug, not too tight, and the patient can wiggle fingers.
  3. Den Chief checks technique before they switch roles.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Common Injury Skill Lab
  1. Run quick stations for cuts/scratches, burns/scalds, bites/stings, and nosebleeds.
  2. Scouts demonstrate clean, cover, cool, remove from danger, or pinch/lean-forward actions as appropriate.
  3. End with shock: lay person down, keep warm, call for help, no food or drink.
Needs: adhesive bandages, gauze, medical tape, clean cloths, cold pack, blanket
Activity Personal First-Aid Kit Build
  1. Each Scout builds a small kit with bandages, gauze, wipes, gloves, tape, and emergency info.
  2. Scouts label the kit and explain the proper use of each item to a partner.
  3. Patrol leader checks that every kit has the essentials.
Needs: zip bags or small pouches, adhesive bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, medical tape, disposable gloves, emergency info cards, markers
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Put the first-aid kit in your day pack and show a parent how each item is used.
Den Chief tip: Invite a troop first-aid instructor or nurse if available, but keep Scouts doing the skills, not just watching.
Flex week idea: Oct 22 (Gold Rush weekend): optional make-up first-aid kit build or a short first-aid scenario challenge.

November 2026: Outdoor Adventurer

Moved EARLY to the AOL Adventure Weekend campout (Nov 20-22, 2026) so the required overnight is done well before crossover. The two den nights are prep; the campout itself completes the outing requirements.

Thu Nov 5Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Nov 19Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Nov 12Flex Week
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Outdoor Adventurer req 5-8: Participate in the AOL Adventure Weekend campout (Nov 20-22). Help set up patrol gear before your own tent, keep the kitchen sanitary, and join the Sunday-morning patrol debrief (what went well / what to change, Outdoor Code, Leave No Trace).
  • If you cannot attend Nov 20-22, arrange a make-up overnight with your patrol, pack, family, or new troop before crossover.
Thu Nov 5

Campout Prep and Patrol Plan

Focus: Get ready for the Nov 20-22 campout: essentials, overnight gear, SAFE checklist, and map.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Outdoor Adventurer 1 (Scout Basic Essentials)
  • Outdoor Adventurer 2 (What to bring and how to carry it)
  • Outdoor Adventurer 3 (BSA SAFE Checklist)
  • Outdoor Adventurer 4 (Locate camp and campsite on a map)
Materials to bring:
  • packing checklist
  • pencils
  • sample gear
  • BSA SAFE Checklist
  • chart paper
  • markers
  • camp map
  • printed site map or blank paper
Gathering Pack Shakedown
  1. Lay out real gear plus a few silly extras.
  2. Scouts sort what belongs in a day pack, overnight bag, patrol gear, or leave at home.
  3. Patrol leader asks each Scout to explain one choice.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Essentials and Overnight Gear
  1. Review the Scout Basic Essentials and why each matters on a campout.
  2. Scouts build a personal packing list including tent/sleeping gear and how they will carry it.
  3. Discuss what is personal gear versus patrol gear.
Needs: packing checklist, pencils, sample gear
Activity SAFE Campout Plan
  1. Review the four points of the BSA SAFE Checklist and apply each to the Nov 20-22 AOL Adventure Weekend.
  2. Identify weather (cold-weather layers!), buddy system, adult supervision, medical forms, cooking, and fire boundaries.
  3. Patrol leader records questions to ask the campout coordinator.
Needs: BSA SAFE Checklist, chart paper, markers
Activity Map and Campsite Layout
  1. Locate the camp and campsite on a map or printed camp map.
  2. Sketch where kitchen, eating area, tents, firepit, handwash, and trash should go.
  3. Agree that patrol gear setup comes before personal tents on arrival.
Needs: camp map, printed site map or blank paper, markers
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Start gathering cold-weather layers and sleeping gear for Nov 20-22.
  • Turn in any required medical forms/permission for the campout.
Den Chief tip: November nights are cold - hammer on warm layers, dry socks, and a sleeping bag rated for the weather. Confirm every Scout has a ride to the campout.
Thu Nov 19

Final Prep: Camp Kitchen & Setup Skills

Focus: Last den night before the campout: practice campsite setup, patrol gear, and kitchen sanitation so you can demonstrate them on Nov 20-22.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Outdoor Adventurer 6 prep (Campsite setup and patrol-gear-first plan - demonstrated at the campout)
  • Outdoor Adventurer 7 prep (Food safety and kitchen sanitation - demonstrated at the campout)
Materials to bring:
  • a tent or two
  • ground cloth
  • cones or rope to mark areas
  • 3 wash bins
  • biodegradable soap
  • sanitizer
  • dish towels
  • food storage bins
Gathering Job Draft
  1. Patrol leader posts campout jobs: gearmaster, grubmaster, cook, water/sanitation, cleanup, fire helper.
  2. Scouts sign up for a job and a backup.
  3. Den Chief reviews what each job does on arrival day.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Set-Up Rehearsal
  1. Practice pitching a tent and laying out a patrol campsite in the meeting space or outside.
  2. Rehearse the rule: patrol gear (kitchen, dining fly, water) goes up before personal tents.
  3. Walk the arrival sequence the patrol will follow at camp.
Needs: a tent or two, ground cloth, cones or rope to mark areas
Activity Camp Kitchen Sanitation
  1. Teach the 3-pot wash line (wash, rinse, sanitize) and safe food storage.
  2. Scouts practice handwashing timing, keeping raw/ready foods separate, and trash/critter control.
  3. Each Scout states one thing they will do to keep the kitchen safe at camp.
Needs: 3 wash bins, biodegradable soap, sanitizer, dish towels, food storage bins
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Finish packing for Nov 20-22 using your checklist.
  • At the campout: set patrol gear first, keep the kitchen sanitary, and join the Sunday-morning debrief to finish the adventure.
Den Chief tip: Reqs 5-8 are completed AT the campout. Ask an adult to run a 10-minute Sunday debrief (went well / change next time, Outdoor Code, Leave No Trace) so the adventure is signed off on-site.
Flex week idea: Nov 12 (Roundtable): campout gear swap, tent-pitching race, or cold-weather layering demo before the Nov 20-22 weekend.

January 2027: Personal Fitness

Connect fitness to camping and everyday health: plan and cook a balanced meal with camp gear, track activity, and move as a patrol.

Thu Jan 7Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Jan 21Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Jan 14Flex Week
Thu Jan 28Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Personal Fitness req 2: Track the times you are active for 30+ minutes over a 14-day period; be ready to share whether you are living up to being physically fit.
  • Personal Fitness req 4: Review your BSA Annual Health and Medical Record with a parent/guardian at home.
Thu Jan 7

Camp Meal Plan and Cook

Focus: Plan a balanced camping meal and prepare it using camp gear.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Personal Fitness 1 (Plan a balanced meal for camping; prepare it using camp gear)
Materials to bring:
  • menu planning sheets
  • pencils
  • sample camp gear list
  • camp stove or backpacking stove
  • fuel handled by adults
  • cook pot or skillet
  • utensils
  • wash station
  • meal ingredients
Gathering Camp Menu Sort
  1. Scouts sort food cards into protein, grain, fruit/vegetable, dairy, and treats.
  2. Patrol leader challenges them to build one balanced camp dinner from the cards.
  3. Discuss what packs well and what needs a cooler.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Patrol Meal Planning
  1. In patrol teams, choose a realistic camp meal with protein, grain, fruit/vegetable, and drink.
  2. Make a gear list, food list, and sanitation plan.
  3. Patrol leader assigns cook, cleanup, safety, and timekeeper jobs.
Needs: menu planning sheets, pencils, sample camp gear list
Activity Cook with Camp Gear
  1. Prepare a simple balanced meal or trail-cooking sample using camp gear under adult stove supervision.
  2. Scouts practice handwashing, safe knife-free prep as needed, and cleanup.
  3. Eat a small sample and judge: balanced, packable, and worth cooking again?
Needs: camp stove or backpacking stove, fuel handled by adults, cook pot or skillet, utensils, wash station, meal ingredients
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Start or continue the 14-day activity tracker.
  • Ask parents to review the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record with you.
Den Chief tip: Follow site rules for cooking indoors/outdoors. If stoves are not allowed, use a no-cook camp meal and demonstrate gear setup.
Thu Jan 21

Patrol Fitness Challenge

Focus: Be active for 30 minutes, stretch safely, and reflect on the activity tracker.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Personal Fitness 2 (Share 14-day activity tracking - if completed)
  • Personal Fitness 3 (Active 30 minutes with patrol/another person including stretching and moving)
Materials to bring:
  • open space
  • cones
  • stopwatch
  • water access
  • activity trackers
  • pencils
Gathering Stretch Leader Warm-Up
  1. Patrol leader picks two Scouts to lead easy dynamic stretches.
  2. Den Chief checks form: slow, no bouncing, no pain.
  3. Everyone names one activity they did this week.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity 30-Minute Patrol Movement Block
  1. Run a 30-minute rotation: brisk walk/jog, relay, bodyweight circuit, and cooperative game.
  2. Scouts take turns leading stations and encouraging the group.
  3. Cool down with slow stretches and water.
Needs: open space, cones, stopwatch, water access
Activity Fitness Reflection Circle
  1. Scouts who finished trackers share patterns they noticed; others commit to finishing at home.
  2. Discuss how being physically fit helps on hikes, campouts, and in Scouts BSA.
  3. Patrol leader records who still needs the 14-day tracker.
Needs: activity trackers, pencils
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Finish the 14-day tracker if needed and share it with the den leader.
  • Confirm the health record review is complete.
Den Chief tip: Oldest Cubs can handle real leadership: let them lead stations, but keep adult eyes on safety and hydration.
Flex week idea: Jan 14 (Roundtable): make-up camp meal, extra fitness game night, or finish the 14-day tracker as a patrol check-in.

February 2027: Citizenship & Duty to God

The compression month: AOL does TWO short adventures - Citizenship (Feb 4) and Duty to God (Feb 11) - so all six required adventures are complete by Feb 11, ahead of the Feb 28 crossover. Both are service- and discussion-based, a good fit for one focused session each.

Thu Feb 4Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Feb 11Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Feb 25Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Citizenship req 2: If the pack service day does not reach two hours, complete additional approved service so your total is at least two hours before crossover.
  • Duty to God req 1: With parent/guardian, discuss your family's faith traditions (or one of your choosing), choose a view/value related to the Scout Law, and discuss how family members demonstrate it.
  • Duty to God req 3: With parent/guardian or an adult leader, discuss what 'Duty to God' means to you and tell how you practice it daily.
Thu Feb 4

Citizenship: Plan & Serve

Focus: Plan a service project with the BSA SAFE Checklist and complete two hours of service - tie it to Scouting for Food (Feb 6 & 13).

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Citizenship 1 (Identify a service project and use the BSA SAFE Checklist to plan it safely)
  • Citizenship 2 (Two hours of service total - completed at Scouting for Food Feb 6 & 13 or another approved project)
Materials to bring:
  • BSA SAFE Checklist copy
  • project idea list
  • planning worksheet
  • pencils
  • service hour log
  • work gloves
  • collection bags or boxes
Gathering Community Needs Map
  1. Scouts put sticky notes on a local map or chart: parks, schools, food pantry, veterans, animal shelter, meeting place.
  2. For each note, add one way a patrol could help.
  3. Patrol leader groups ideas into indoor, outdoor, collection, and hands-on service.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Service Project Decision & SAFE Plan
  1. Confirm the patrol's service: Scouting for Food (Feb 6 collection tags, Feb 13 pickup) is the easy two-hour project - or choose another approved project.
  2. Define who is helped, what jobs Scouts will own, and what success looks like.
  3. Walk through SAFE (Supervision, Assessment, Fitness/skill, Equipment/environment): hazards, adults, gear, weather, transportation.
Needs: BSA SAFE Checklist copy, project idea list, planning worksheet, pencils
Activity Serve & Reflect
  1. Carry out (or lock in the plan for) the two-hour service - track start/stop time so every Scout reaches the full total.
  2. Clean up better than you found it and thank the partner organization.
  3. Each Scout names who was helped and how citizens keep serving after the project.
Needs: service hour log, work gloves, collection bags or boxes, pencils
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Protect the Scouting for Food dates (Feb 6 & 13) so everyone reaches two service hours.
  • Log service hours in Scoutbook right away.
Den Chief tip: Scouting for Food is a ready-made two-hour service project - lean on it. Let the patrol leader run the job list, not the adults.
Thu Feb 11

Duty to God: Reverence & Service

Focus: Meet a faith-based crisis helper and connect reverence to daily action - the last required adventure before crossover.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Duty to God 2 (Meet a representative of a faith-based organization that assists people in crisis regardless of faith - guest or visit)
  • Duty to God 1 & 3 wrap-up (family faith/value discussion and daily-practice discussion - completed with parent/guardian or adult leader)
Materials to bring:
  • index cards
  • pencils
  • guest/visit confirmation
  • thank-you card
  • question cards
Gathering Scout Law Values Match
  1. Lay out Scout Law cards and crisis-helper scenarios.
  2. Scouts match Law points to actions like feeding, sheltering, counseling, or welcoming people.
  3. Patrol leader asks: which Law point do you want people to see in our patrol?
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Respectful Question Prep
  1. Review that families believe and practice differently; the goal is respect and learning.
  2. Scouts write 4-5 questions for a faith-based organization: who do you help, how, and why serve everyone?
  3. Assign Scouts to ask the questions.
Needs: index cards, pencils
Activity Guest or Visit: Helping in Crisis
  1. Meet a representative from a faith-based organization that assists people in crisis regardless of faith (guest or short visit).
  2. Scouts ask prepared questions and identify who the organization helps and how.
  3. Connect the work to Scout Law points (Helpful, Kind, Brave, Reverent) and thank the guest.
Needs: guest/visit confirmation, thank-you card, question cards
Activity Daily Practice Circle
  1. Scouts may share one value or practice from home if their family is comfortable.
  2. Each Scout states one respectful daily action: prayer, reflection, gratitude, service, kindness, or learning.
  3. Leader confirms who still needs the parent/guardian discussion (reqs 1 & 3) at home.
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Finish the family faith/value discussion (req 1) and the daily-practice discussion (req 3) at home if not done.
  • This is the LAST required adventure - confirm all six are recorded in Scoutbook so the Scout is ready to cross over.
Den Chief tip: Keep this inclusive: focus on reverence, service, and respect - never compare whose beliefs are right. With this done, the patrol has finished all six required adventures before crossover.
Flex week idea: No separate flex week in Feb (2/18 is dark). Blue & Gold on 2/25 celebrates AOL; the Crossover ceremony (about Feb 28) sends the patrol into their troop with all six adventures complete.

March 2027: Complete - Optional: Knife Safety

All six required adventures are DONE and the patrol has crossed over (about Feb 28). These den slots are optional enrichment. Knife Safety is a great bridge skill toward the Scouts BSA Totin' Chip - run it for any AOL Scouts who stay engaged with the pack through spring.

Thu Mar 4Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Mar 18Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Mar 11Flex Week
Thu Mar 25Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • No required adventures remain. Anyone who missed a required item should finish the make-up with their new troop or the den leader as soon as possible.
Thu Mar 4

Knife Rules and Safety Circle (optional)

Focus: Read and promise to follow the Cub Scout Knife Safety Rules; practice the safety circle, care, and handling.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Optional elective - Knife Safety 1 (Rules and promise)
  • Knife Safety 2 (Safety circle)
  • Knife Safety 3 (Care for and use a knife safely)
Materials to bring:
  • printed Cub Scout Knife Safety Rules
  • pencils
  • trainer knives or approved pocketknives
  • work gloves if desired
  • clean cloth
  • small sharpening stone for demo only
Gathering Safety Circle Setup
  1. Scouts use arm's-length spacing to find safe work spots as they arrive.
  2. Den Chief checks each circle before any knife or trainer comes out.
  3. Patrol leader posts the stop signal and cleanup command.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Cub Scout Knife Safety Rules
  1. Read the rules together and have Scouts explain each one in their own words.
  2. Each Scout makes the promise to follow the rules before handling a knife.
  3. Review when a knife is a tool, not a toy, and when it must be closed and put away.
Needs: printed Cub Scout Knife Safety Rules, pencils
Activity Knife Care and Handling Lab
  1. Demonstrate opening, closing, passing, carrying, and storing a pocketknife safely using EDGE.
  2. Scouts practice first with trainer knives or closed knives, then with approved knives under close supervision.
  3. Show basic care: clean, dry, sharp enough to be safe, and stored closed.
Needs: trainer knives or approved pocketknives, work gloves if desired, clean cloth, small sharpening stone for demo only
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Tell families whether Scouts may bring an approved pocketknife next time and what supervision rules apply.
  • This is enrichment - it also front-loads the Scouts BSA Totin' Chip.
Den Chief tip: Follow pack policy, Guide to Safe Scouting, and local rules. Maintain tight supervision and stop immediately for unsafe behavior. Purely optional after crossover.
Thu Mar 18

Whittle a Useful Object (optional)

Focus: Use a pocketknife to make a useful object and choose the correct cooking knife for slice, chop, and mince.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • Optional elective - Knife Safety 4 (Make a useful object)
  • Knife Safety 5 (Correct cooking knife; slice, chop, mince)
Materials to bring:
  • approved pocketknives
  • soft wood blanks or sticks
  • cut-resistant gloves if available
  • drop cloth
  • first-aid kit
  • cutting boards
  • paring knife
  • chef's knife
  • serrated knife
  • soft foods such as bananas, cucumbers, or herbs
  • sanitizer and paper towels
Gathering Edge-Away Review
  1. Scouts demonstrate their safety circle with closed knives or trainers.
  2. Patrol leader asks the group to name the top three rules before work begins.
  3. Anyone who cannot state the rules observes until coached.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Whittle a Useful Object
  1. Choose a simple useful object: tent stake, fuzz stick, pot scraper, or labeled garden marker.
  2. Scouts whittle away from themselves inside safety circles with adult/Den Chief coaching.
  3. Stop, close knives, clean the area, and have each Scout explain what they made.
Needs: approved pocketknives, soft wood blanks or sticks, cut-resistant gloves if available, drop cloth, first-aid kit
Activity Camp Kitchen Knife Skills
  1. Show which cooking knife fits each job: paring, chef's knife, or serrated knife.
  2. Scouts demonstrate slice, chop, and mince on soft foods using claw-hand technique.
  3. Use the cut food in a simple camp snack if time allows.
Needs: cutting boards, paring knife, chef's knife, serrated knife, soft foods such as bananas, cucumbers, or herbs, sanitizer and paper towels
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Keep practicing safe knife habits in your new Scouts BSA troop.
  • Ask your troop about earning the Totin' Chip.
Den Chief tip: Optional enrichment only. If most Scouts have moved fully to their troop, run this as a combined bridging activity or skip it.
Flex week idea: Mar 11 (Roundtable): optional - AOL alumni help lead a Webelos or younger-den activity, or hold a patrol reunion cookout.

April 2027: Crossed Over - Mentor & Celebrate

AOL Scouts have crossed over into their Scouts BSA troop. No required work remains. If they stay connected to the pack through the school year, use these slots to mentor younger dens and celebrate at the End-of-Year Awards on April 29.

Thu Apr 8Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Apr 22Aligned Den Meeting
Thu Apr 15Flex Week
Thu Apr 29Pack Meeting
Family / at-home requirements this month:
  • Nothing required. New Scouts should be attending their troop meetings; returning to help the pack is a bonus Good Turn.
Thu Apr 8

Mentor a Younger Den (optional)

Focus: Give back: crossed-over Scouts return to lead a game or skill for a younger den.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • No required adventure - leadership/service bonus
Materials to bring:
  • chosen station supplies
Gathering Leader's Huddle
  1. Returning Scouts pick which younger den they will help and what they will teach.
  2. Plan a 10-minute game or skill (knots, first aid, an active game).
  3. Assign who leads, who demos, and who encourages.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Lead a Station
  1. Run the planned game or skill for a Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos den using EDGE.
  2. Model the Scout Oath and Law for the younger Scouts who look up to you.
  3. Debrief: what went well leading younger kids, and how does it feel to be the example?
Needs: chosen station supplies
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Keep showing up for your troop first; help the pack when you can.
  • Invite your family to the April 29 End-of-Year Awards.
Den Chief tip: Purely optional. This is a beautiful way for new Scouts to stay connected and for the pack to see where Cub Scouting leads.
Thu Apr 22

End-of-Year Send-Off (optional)

Focus: Celebrate the crossover class at the April 29 pack awards and campfire.

Requirements completed tonight:

  • No required adventure - celebration
Materials to bring:
  • awards/certificates from the pack
  • campfire program
Gathering Memory Wall
  1. Scouts and families post favorite Cub Scout photos or memories.
  2. Each new Scout writes one hope for their Scouts BSA journey.
  3. Share a few aloud to open the celebration.
Opening Opening Ceremony
  1. Form up in a horseshoe or circle. Ask a Scout to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
  2. Everyone gives the Cub Scout sign and recites the Scout Oath together.
  3. Recite the Scout Law together. Younger dens may say it line-by-line after the Den Chief.
Activity Recognition & Campfire
  1. Recognize the AOL crossover class in front of the pack at the April 29 awards.
  2. New Scouts lead a cheer, skit, or song to model Scout spirit for younger dens.
  3. Close with the Scout Oath and Law led by the crossover class.
Needs: awards/certificates from the pack, campfire program
Closing Closing Ceremony - the Living Circle
  1. Form a circle. Everyone puts their left hand toward the center, little fingers linked to the next Scout.
  2. Den Chief shares a 1-sentence thought tied to tonight (e.g., 'Tonight we practiced being Helpful.').
  3. On the Den Chief's signal, everyone raises the circle and gives a quiet 'Do Your Best!' Dismiss.
Send home / follow-up:
  • Congratulations - you finished Cub Scouting and crossed over! Be Prepared and Do a Good Turn Daily.
Den Chief tip: The April 29 awards are the pack's send-off. Let the new Scouts lead the ceremony pieces - they are the role models now.
Flex week idea: Apr 15 (Roundtable): optional - final Scoutbook cleanup for any late records, or plan the crossover class's role at the April 29 awards.

Den Chief Playbook

You're the Den Chief - a Scouts BSA youth leader helping run a Cub Scout den. You are the coolest person in the room to these kids; they will copy everything you do. Your job is to help the adult den leader run a fun, on-time meeting and to be a role model.

Before the meeting

  • Show up 10-15 minutes early in your field uniform (Class A).
  • Ask the den leader what the plan is and which parts they want YOU to run.
  • Set out materials and get the gathering game ready before Scouts arrive.

During the meeting

  • Run the gathering game and lead the ceremonies (Oath/Law) with energy.
  • Demonstrate activities using EDGE: Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, Enable.
  • Keep the pace up. If an activity is done, move on. Bored Cubs get wiggly.
  • Use praise, not scolding. Catch kids doing the right thing and call it out.
  • Never be alone one-on-one with a Cub Scout (Youth Protection - stay in sight of others).

After the meeting

  • Get the Cubs to help clean up - make it a race.
  • Ask the leader how it went and what's next week.
  • Log your service hours - this counts toward your rank and the Den Chief Service Award.

Your toolkit

  • A few extra pencils and sharpies
  • A whistle (one blast = freeze and look at me)
  • 2-3 backup games in your pocket for when you finish early
  • A positive attitude - your energy sets the room

The 6-part meeting flow (every week)

  1. Before (10 min): Den Chief + adult leader set up. Lay out materials. Write tonight's plan on a board or paper so everyone can see it.
  2. Gathering (10 min): As Scouts arrive they jump straight into the gathering game so no one is standing around. The host adult/Den Chief runs it while the leader takes attendance and collects any dues.
  3. Opening (5 min): Everyone stands. Do the flag/opening ceremony: Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Oath, and Scout Law. Keep it crisp.
  4. Activities (25-30 min): The main event - the adventure activities for tonight. This is where the requirements get done.
  5. Closing (5 min): Leader gives reminders (next meeting date, what to bring). Den Chief leads a short closing thought and the Living Circle.
  6. After (5 min): Scouts help put the room back in order. Leader + Den Chief quickly preview next week.

Say-it-from-memory

Scout Oath: On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

Scout Law: A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.

Cub Scout Motto: Do Your Best.

Cub Scout Six Essentials: 1) Water bottle, 2) Flashlight, 3) First-aid kit, 4) Trail food/snack, 5) Sun protection, 6) Whistle. (A jacket/rain gear is a smart 'plus one.')

Printable cards: Scout Oath card · Scout Law card · Sign, Salute & Handshake

Downloads

Printable Word guides (one per den + a master) and an Excel planning grid with a completion tracker. Same content as this site - handy for printing and handing to Den Chiefs.

Den guides & planning documents

DOCXMaster plan (all dens) - Word XLSXPlanning grid + completion tracker - Excel DOCXLion den guide - Word DOCXTiger den guide - Word DOCXWolf den guide - Word DOCXBear den guide - Word DOCXWebelos den guide - Word DOCXArrow of Light den guide - Word

Printable Scout resources

Colorful, kid-friendly cards for the Bobcat adventure, den walls, and take-home packets. Open one and use its Print / Save as PDF button.

PRINTScout Oath cardPrintable Oath card with emblem and the three duties PRINTScout Law cardAll 12 points with icons and kid-friendly meanings PRINTSign, Salute & HandshakeHow to do each and when to use them