Cub Scout Archives: Nature Cub Scout Theme

Nature and conservation is woven into all levels of the Cub Scout program. One of the things we teach our young Scouts is that they should understand and respect the world around them. So there are lots of ways for you to work a nature theme into your den or pack program. The ideas below will help you get started.

A few ideas for this theme are listed below, and more will gradually be added. Organize a pack meeting or den meeting around them. Or plan an overall theme for your Cub Scout year and add an element or two from the theme into your program each month.

Related Articles:

Gardening Ideas for Scouts - Plant a Pizza Garden  Plant a garden based on a pizza theme so you can make pizzas with fresh herbs, tomatoes, and your other favorite ingredients.

Wildlife Conservation Belt Loop for Cub Scouts  Conservation and Scouting have always gone hand in hand. And our young Cub Scouts are fascinated by wildlife and are usually eager to learn how to participate in conservation projects. You can spark that interest with the Wildlife Conservation belt loop from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program.

Leaf Collection Craft  one of the Wolves didn't know what to collect for Wolf Achievement 6 - Start a Collection. I knew he spent a lot of time outdoors and enjoyed nature, so I suggested he make a leaf collection. His mom helped him make a display book for his leaves as described.

Finding Out About Endangered Species in Your Area  Conservation and Scouting go hand in hand. Since getting outdoors is a big part of the Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs, it makes sense that we should teach Scouts about protecting our natural resources. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has an Endangered Species Page where you can look up endangered species in your state or even your county. There is also a Weird and Wonderful Wildlife Page on the site where kids can learn about 14 different endagered species and play some games to find out even more.

My Turtle Swims Sideways  ZM sang this song at Webelos camp and LC sang it at Boy Scout camp and they've continued singing it since. This song is pure boy humor.

Cleanup Treasure Hunt  This time of year, Tiger dens have usually gone through quite a few of the achievements and electives in the program. If you haven't done a cleanup treasure hunt yet, then this is a good simple outdoor activity for your Tigers. They will really enjoy it.

Native American Prayer  Native American lore is an important part of the Boy Scout and Cub Scout programs. This prayer is attributed to Chief Sealth (for whom Seattle is named).

Earth Treats Recipe  In honor of Earth Day, here is an Earth themed snack. Basically these are rice krispie treats shaped like the earth. You can make small "earths" or larger ones, but it seems to set better if you don't make them too big.

The Little Green Frog Song  This is a fun song to do with a Cub Scout pack or den. It is full of boy humor. Make sure you get the parents to sing along also. That makes it really fun for the boys.

Soil Sample Cupcakes Recipe  Scouts always enjoy playing with their food! This would make a nice snack for any den meeting based on one of the ecology lessons.

Hiking Belt Loop for Cub Scouts  Hiking is one of the new additions to the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program. I really like this added incentive to get our Cub Scouts outdoors.

Ticks on a Toilet Seat Song  This song goes along with yesterday's Ticks on a Toilet Seat recipe. Sing while you snack and you can fulfill Tiger Elective 6, Wolf Elective 11f, or Webelos Showman requirement 9.

Ticks on a Toilet Seat Recipe  What's the best way to get a picky eater to have a healthy snack? Make it funny!

Caterpillar Race Game  Here is a fun game for Cub Scouts. They will have to work together to match their movements, so it teaches them teamwork and coordination.

Geology Belt Loop for Cub Scouts  If you know a rockhound, this belt loop would make a great activity for a Pack meeting.

Eraser Prints of Animal Tracks  I received an email a few days ago from a Scouter Mom who was doing a nature station at a day camp and wanted information about making the eraser prints for Bear elective 12b. Here is some information about it in case anyone else wants to do this.

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt  Doing a scavenger hunt while hiking will help scouts really explore the world around them while they are walking. This post includes a suggested list in printable format.

Edible Spiders Recipe  A snack made with crackers and pretzels. This recipe does not require any cooking, so it can be made at a meeting even if you don't have access to a kitchen.

Egg Carton Caterpillar  This springtime craft could serve as a gathering activity at a den meeting. Use it to fulfill Tiger electives, Bear electives, a construction for the Artist activity badge, or for the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program Art pin.

Leaf Print Craft  Make a print using leaves and paint. Cub Scouts can use this to fulfill or enrich Tiger Requirement 5D, Tiger Elective 2, Tiger Elective 12, Wolf Elective 12, Bear Elective 12, Webelos Artist activity badge, or the Art belt loop and pin.

Make a Soda Bottle Terrarium  Making a terrarium is a great springtime activity. Plus - it reuses a plastic soda bottle, which is great for starting a discussion about Earth Day approaching.

Seed Mosaics Craft  Here's a spring craft idea for all of you Tiger leaders. Have the scouts make a seed mosaic to give to mom for Mother's Day. You can even fulfill Tiger elective 2: Make a decoration with your family or den. Display it or give it to someone as a gift.