Lion Ready Set Grow Adventure
The Lion Ready Set Grow Adventure introduces Lion Cub Scouts to the world of gardening and where our food comes from. This adventure is a part of the Lion curriculum that combines STEM learning with practical, hands-on activities. It encourages Lions to explore the natural world and understand the basics of food production, which is essential for their development and understanding of the environment.
Throughout this adventure, Lions discover the journey of food from farm to table. They learn about different types of gardens and how fruits and vegetables are grown. This knowledge helps them appreciate the work that goes into producing the food they eat every day. It also sparks curiosity about nature and science, laying a foundation for lifelong learning.
By planting their own small gardens, whether in an outdoor space or a container, Lions get a chance to apply what they’ve learned. This hands-on experience not only teaches them about plant care and growth cycles but also instills a sense of responsibility as they nurture their plants. Gardening activities also promote patience and diligence, as young Scouts watch their plants grow over time.
Additionally, visiting with an experienced gardener expands their understanding and introduces them to various gardening techniques. This interaction provides an excellent opportunity for Lions to ask questions and see different gardening setups, enhancing their learning experience and broadening their perspectives on what is possible even in small spaces.
Overall, the Lion Ready Set Grow Adventure is about more than just growing plants; it’s about cultivating young minds to understand and respect the sources of their food. This adventure teaches valuable life skills, encourages environmental stewardship, and fosters a connection with the natural world.
Requirements for the Lion Ready Set Grow Adventure
Lion Ready Set Grow Adventure Requirements
- Discover where the food we eat comes from.
- Plant a small garden outside or in a container.
- Visit with an individual who can demonstrate different ways to garden (outside, greenhouse, container, etc.) and the basic skills needed to garden.
Printable requirements for the Lion Ready Set Grow Adventure
Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den’s progress on the Lion Ready Set Grow Adventure
Resources for the Lion Ready Set Grow Adventure
Lion Ready Set Grow Requirement 1: From Farm to Table
Discover where the food we eat comes from.
The first requirement of the Lion Ready Set Grow Adventure encourages Lion Cub Scouts to discover where the food we eat comes from. This activity aims to connect young Scouts with the sources of their meals, helping them understand the process behind food production and its journey to their plates.
Many children are unaware of how food is grown or what processes it goes through before arriving at the store. Exploring the origins of food helps them appreciate the hard work that goes into farming and may encourage healthier eating habits.
- Farm Visit: Organize a trip to a local farm where Lions can see crops being grown and animals being raised. This firsthand experience is invaluable and can be a fun, educational outing.
- Farmer Guest Speaker: Invite a farmer to a den meeting to talk about their daily routines and how different foods are produced. They could bring along some farm produce to show.
- Interactive Map: Create a map showing where different foods come from. Lions can place pictures of fruits, vegetables, grains, and meats on the map according to their origins.
- Food Source Matching Game: Make a game where Lions match pictures of food items with their sources like trees, plants, or animals. This can be a playful way to reinforce their learning.
Here are some options for Lion Ready Set Grow requirement 1:
- Ground, Tree, Vine, Farm
- Activity that matches the food and where it comes from the ground, a tree, a vine, or a farm.
- Supplies: Lion handbook, scissors, crayons, glue sticks
- Indoor, low energy, minimal prep
- Supermarket Fun
- Visit a supermarket and arrange a tour of each department to learn where food for that department comes from.
- Supplies: Activity Consent Form
- Requires travel, low energy, a week or more prep
- Where Does That Food Come From?
- Cub Scouts identify where different food comes from in this relay race.
- Supplies: Lion handbook, scissors, crayons, glue sticks, toy foods, baskets, index cards, magic marker, grocery bag, stopwatch
- Indoor, high energy, 3 to 5 days prep
By engaging in these activities, Lions gain a deeper understanding of agriculture and food production. They learn to value the importance of farmers and the agricultural industry, which plays a critical role in everyday nutrition. This knowledge builds a foundation for making informed food choices and fosters respect for nature and our environment.
Lion Ready Set Grow Requirement 2: Planting Our Own Food
Plant a small garden outside or in a container.
The second requirement of the Lion Ready Set Grow Adventure involves planting a small garden. This activity allows Lion Cub Scouts to experience gardening firsthand, either outdoors or in a container, providing a practical understanding of how plants grow and where food comes from.
Planting a garden teaches Lions about the lifecycle of plants and the care they need to thrive, such as watering, sunlight, and soil quality. It also instills a sense of responsibility and pride as they nurture their plants from seeds to harvest.
- Choose Easy Plants: Start with easy-to-grow plants like radishes, carrots, or sunflowers. These are not only simple for beginners but also exciting for kids as they watch them grow quickly.
- Container Gardening: If space is limited, use containers or pots. Containers can be decorated with paint or stickers to make the activity more engaging and personalized.
- Pizza Garden: Plant a themed garden such as a “pizza garden” with tomatoes, basil, and peppers. This can make the activity more relatable and fun, especially when they can use their harvest to make a pizza. Learn more.
- Gardening Diary: Encourage Lions to keep a diary of their gardening progress. They can record what they plant, track how plants grow, and note what care they provide. This can be a great learning tool and a keepsake for their hard work.
- Recycled Planters: Use recycled materials like old boots, yogurt containers, or egg cartons as planters. This teaches sustainability and creativity in reusing materials. Or make a soda bottle terrarium for indoors.
Here are some options for Lion Ready Set Grow requirement 2:
- Alright, Alright, Alright, It’s Avocado Time
- Plant an avocado seed.
- Supplies: mason jars, avocados, toothpicks
- Indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
- From Eggs to Planter
- Use recycled paper egg cartons to make a small herb garden.
- Supplies: recycled paper egg cartons, 1 packet sweet basil seeds, 1 packet cilantro seeds, 1 packed of dill seeds, potting soil, scissors, magic markers
- Indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
- Sunflowers and Sunshine
- Decorate a small pot and plant sunflower seeds.
- Supplies: 1 packet sunflower seeds, mini clay pots, potting soil, paint brushes, acrylic paint, water, paper towels, table covering and floor covering
- Indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
Through these gardening activities, Lions not only learn about plant biology and the environment but also develop a connection to the food they eat. Watching their plants grow can enhance their appreciation for nature and encourage healthier eating habits.
Lion Ready Set Grow Requirement 3: Exploring Gardening Techniques
Visit with an individual who can demonstrate different ways to garden (outside, greenhouse, container, etc.) and the basic skills needed to garden.
The third requirement of the Lion Ready Set Grow Adventure encourages Lion Cub Scouts to visit with an individual who can demonstrate different ways to garden and teach them the basic skills needed. This visit aims to broaden their understanding of various gardening methods and the necessary care different plants need.
Visiting a knowledgeable gardener allows Lions to see a range of gardening techniques in action, from traditional outdoor gardens to innovative methods like container gardening and greenhouse cultivation. This exposure helps them understand that gardening can be adapted to different spaces and conditions.
- Visit a Local Nursery or Garden Center: Arrange a tour with a gardening expert who can show different plant species, discuss soil types, and demonstrate planting techniques. Many nurseries are willing to host educational visits for Scouts.
- Explore a Community Garden: Take a trip to a community garden where Lions can see a variety of garden plots and learn how a community comes together to grow food and flowers.
- Greenhouse Tour: If possible, visit a greenhouse to see how plants can be grown in controlled environments. This can be fascinating for Lions, especially seeing tropical plants or seasonal vegetables being grown out of their usual season.
- Interactive Workshop: Ask a gardener to visit with a simple, hands-on activity, such as potting a plant or creating a mini herb garden in a container. This gives Lions a chance to apply what they learn immediately.
Here is an option for Lion Ready Set Grow requirement 3:
- Lions Garden Like a Pro
- Plan to visit a nursery, garden, community garden, or botanical garden that will allow Cub Scouts to do some planting.
- Supplies: Activity Consent Form
- Requires travel, moderate energy, a week or more prep
These visits are invaluable for giving Lions real-world insights into gardening and helping them appreciate the variety of ways people can grow plants, regardless of their living situation. Such experiences can inspire a lifelong interest in gardening and an appreciation of the natural world.
Before any activity, check the SAFE Checklist to make sure everyone is safe. Everyone involved in Scouting America activities should know the Guide to Safe Scouting and other relevant guides or books. Also follow any state or local rules that are more strict than Scouting America rules and guidelines.
Before doing a craft activity, watch the Craft Tips video (2 minutes 34 seconds).
Frequently Asked Questions for the Lion Ready Set Grow Adventure
What is the Lion Ready Set Grow Adventure?
It’s an activity where Lion Cub Scouts learn about gardening and where food comes from.
What do Lions do in this adventure?
Lions plant a small garden, learn about different gardening methods, and discover how food is grown.
Why is it important for Lions to learn where food comes from?
Understanding where food comes from helps Lions appreciate the work involved in growing it and encourages healthy eating habits.
What kinds of gardens will Lions learn about?
They will learn about outdoor gardens, container gardens, and greenhouses.
Do Lions need a lot of space to participate in the Ready Set Grow adventure?
No, Lions can use small containers to plant their gardens if space is limited.
What should Lions expect to learn from visiting a gardener?
They will see different ways to garden and learn basic gardening skills like planting, watering, and caring for plants.
Growing Knowledge
The Lion Ready Set Grow Adventure offers Lion Cub Scouts an opportunity to delve into the world of gardening. This adventure teaches them about the origins of food and introduces them to the basics of cultivating plants. It’s a hands-on experience that combines learning with active participation, which is perfect for engaging young Scouts.
The adventure starts with Lions discovering where the food they eat comes from. They explore various sources of food, which helps them appreciate the efforts behind agricultural production. This initial step is crucial for understanding the importance of agriculture in everyday life.
Next, Lions take on the task of planting their own small gardens. This can be done either outdoors in a garden bed or indoors using containers, depending on available space. This activity is not just about planting seeds; it’s about responsibility and care. As Lions tend to their plants, they learn about the growth process and what plants need to thrive.
A visit with a gardening expert gives Lions a broader perspective on different gardening methods. Whether it’s a traditional outdoor garden, a high-tech greenhouse, or a simple container garden, they see firsthand the variety of ways people can grow plants. This visit also introduces them to basic gardening skills, enriching their understanding and sparking further interest in horticulture.
Overall, the Lion Ready Set Grow Adventure is a program that nurtures curiosity about nature and helps develop responsible young individuals who appreciate where their food comes from and the effort it takes to produce it.
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