Wolf Paws of Skill Adventure
Adventure Type: Elective
Number of Requirements: 3
Typical Time to Complete: 1–2 meetings, plus watching a sporting event
Parent Involvement: Help watch a sporting event if done with family
Preparation Needed: Choose a sport, review rules, arrange game space and event viewing
Activity Level: High during play, low during discussion and viewing
Indoor or Outdoor: Either, depending on the sport and event
Special Requirements: Play a team sport for 30 minutes, watch a team sporting event
Supplies Snapshot: Sports equipment, field or court markers, TV or event access
The Wolf Paws of Skill Adventure helps Cub Scouts practice teamwork and good sportsmanship. Wolves learn what it means to play fair, follow the rules, and treat others with respect. They also connect these habits to the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
Wolves learn the rules of a team sport and play it together for 30 minutes. The game gives them a chance to encourage teammates, include everyone, and practice being good sports whether they win or lose.
Wolves also watch a team sporting event with their family or den. They look for ways players communicate and help each other, then share what they noticed. These activities help Scouts see how working together makes sports more enjoyable for everyone.
Requirements for the Wolf Paws of Skill Adventure
Wolf Paws of Skill Adventure Requirements
- With your den, discuss sportsmanship and what it means to be a good sport. Make the connection between sportsmanship and the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.
- Learn the rules of a team sport that you can play with your den, pack, family, or friends. After learning the rules, play the game for 30 minutes.
- Visit or watch a team sporting event with your family or den. Look for ways the team works together and share with your family or den.
Printable requirements for the Wolf Paws of Skill Adventure
Check off sheet to keep track of your den's progress on the Wolf Paws of Skill Adventure
Printable checkoff sheet for the Wolf Badge (for den or individual use)
Resources for the Wolf Paws of Skill Adventure
Requirement 1: Learn About Sportsmanship
With your den, discuss sportsmanship and what it means to be a good sport. Make the connection between sportsmanship and the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.
Use everyday examples to help Wolves talk about fairness, handling disappointment, and encouraging others. Ask how being trustworthy, friendly, courteous, and kind can guide their behavior during a game.
Easy Option: Act out two situations: losing a game and seeing a teammate make a mistake. Have Wolves suggest a helpful response to each.
See some reflection questions and talking points about good sportsmanship here. These will help you lead a discussion about sportsmanship which engages the Wolves.
More resources
- What is Good Sportsmanship? Five aspects of good sportsmanship for Cub Scouts to focus on when they are playing together.
- Playing with Honor: Discuss sportsmanship and the connection to the Scout Oath and Law.
- The Graceful Competitor: Share with den an example of a sports celebrity with good sportsmanship.
Requirement 2: Play a Team Sport
Learn the rules of a team sport that you can play with your den, pack, family, or friends. After learning the rules, play the game for 30 minutes.
Choose a sport that works for your group’s size, space, and abilities. Explain a few basic rules, show how to play, and rotate positions so everyone can participate during the 30 minutes of play.
Easy Option: Play kickball with a soft playground ball and four marked bases. Use simple rules and give everyone a turn to kick. See Kickball.
More options:
- Soccer: Play fun soccer themed games.
- Basketball: Cub Scouts learn about the rules of basketball and play a game.
- Coach and Cubs: Invite a sports coach to your Cub Scout den meeting to teach the rules and basic skills of a sport.
Requirement 3: Watch a Team Sporting Event
Visit or watch a team sporting event with your family or den. Look for ways the team works together and share with your family or den.
Give Wolves something specific to watch for, such as players passing, communicating, or encouraging a teammate. Afterward, ask each Scout to share an example of how the players helped their team.
Easy Option: Attend a local grade school or high school soccer, basketball, or baseball game. These are often accessible, community-oriented, and provide a great environment for learning about teamwork.
More ideas:
- Scouting in the Stands: Attend a sporting event and watch a live game.
- Tuning into Team Spirit: Watch a team sporting event on the television.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Wolf Paws of Skill Adventure
What is the Wolf Paws of Skill Adventure?
It’s an activity for Wolf Cub Scouts where they learn about sportsmanship, play sports, and watch how teams work together.
Why do we discuss sportsmanship in this adventure?
Discussing sportsmanship helps Scouts understand how to be fair and kind while playing games. It connects to the values in the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
What kind of sports can we play for this adventure?
You can play any team sport that you and your den enjoy. Examples include soccer, basketball, kickball, or ultimate frisbee.
Do we need to watch a professional sports game for Requirement 3?
No, any team sporting event will work, whether it’s a local, school, or community game, or even a recorded match.
What should we look for when watching a sporting event?
Look for how players work together, communicate, and support each other during the game. Discuss these aspects with your den or family.
Can we choose a sport that’s not popular?
Yes, you can choose any sport, as long as it involves teamwork and everyone can participate. Learning something new can be fun for the whole den.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
The Wolf Paws of Skill Adventure is a great way for Wolf Cub Scouts to learn important life skills through sports. This adventure is all about understanding sportsmanship, playing team sports, and watching how teams work together. It starts with a discussion on what it means to be a good sport, linking these ideas to the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
Wolves then choose a team sport to learn and play. This part of the adventure is fun and active, helping Scouts practice fairness and teamwork. They also get a chance to play the game they learned with their den, family, or friends.
Finally, the adventure involves watching a sporting event. This can be any team sport, from local school games to community league matches. The goal is to observe how teamwork happens in real games. Scouts discuss how the players cooperate and support each other, which reinforces the values they’ve learned.
Overall, the Wolf Paws of Skill Adventure is not just about sports. It’s about building character, understanding others, and learning to work together. These are skills that will help Scouts in every area of their lives.
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