Webelos Build It Adventure

The Webelos Build It Adventure is a great opportunity for Cub Scouts to learn basic carpentry skills. In this adventure, Webelos explore different tools and learn how to use them safely. They also understand why safety is important when working with tools. This activity helps Webelos become more confident and knowledgeable about handling basic woodworking projects.

During the Build It Adventure, Webelos learn how to check if something is plumb, level, and square. These are key concepts in making sure a project turns out right. Knowing these techniques helps ensure that whatever they build is sturdy and correctly aligned. This part of the adventure introduces them to some fundamentals of engineering and construction.

The adventure also encourages planning and organization. Webelos choose a carpentry project, then they list the materials and tools needed to complete it. This step teaches them to think ahead and prepare. It’s a good way to develop their problem-solving skills and ability to follow detailed steps.

Building the project is the final and most exciting part of the adventure. Webelos put into practice all they have learned by actually creating something. This hands-on experience is very rewarding. It helps them feel proud of what they can accomplish and teaches them the value of hard work and persistence. Overall, the Build It Adventure is not only fun but also educational, giving Webelos practical skills and confidence in their abilities.

Webelos Build It Adventure Requirements

1. Learn about some basic tools and the proper use of each tool. Learn about and understand the need for safety when you work with tools. 
2. Demonstrate how to check for plumb, level, and square when building.
3. With the guidance of your Webelos den leader, parent, or guardian, select a carpentry project that requires it to be either plumb, level, and/or square.  Create a list of materials and tools you will need to complete the project.
4. Build your carpentry project. 

Printable requirements for the Webelos Build It Adventure

Check off sheet to keep track of your den’s progress on the Webelos Build It Adventure

Webelos Adventures Check Off Sheet

Learning the Basics

Learn about some basic tools and the proper use of each tool. Learn about and understand the need for safety when you work with tools.

In the Webelos Build It Adventure, young Cub Scouts start by learning about different hand tools and the importance of safety. They discover the names, uses, and safe handling of basic tools like hammers, screwdrivers, and rulers. This knowledge is crucial for their safety and helps them understand how each tool contributes to building a project. Recognizing the right tool for each task makes their work easier and more effective.

• Tool Matching Game: Create cards with pictures of tools on one set and their uses on another. Have the Scouts match each tool with its correct use, turning it into a fun memory game.
• Build a Mini Tool Box: Using simple materials like popsicle sticks, glue, and markers, have each Scout construct a mini toolbox. Make tools out of cardstock or fun foam.
• Safety Gear Fashion Show: Teach about safety gear like goggles, gloves, and ear protection by having Scouts wear them in a mock fashion show. Explain the importance of each item as they strut on the “runway.”

Here is an option for fulfilling Webelos Build It Adventure requirement 1:

• Tool Safety and Practice
  • Introduce Cub Scouts to basic tools and teach them use the tools safely.
  • Supplies: power drill, drill bits, claw hammers, screwdrivers, hand saws, joint pliers, wrenches, wood chisels, awl, sandpaper, measuring tape, carpenter’s square, level, vice or clamp, nails, wood screws, nuts and bolts, boards, rags, safety glasses, timer, youth sized work gloves, respirator masks, first aid kit
  • indoor, moderate energy, 3 to 5 days prep

These activities make learning about tools and safety both educational and enjoyable, helping Webelos remember these essential skills as they move forward with their projects.

Plumb, Level, and Square

Demonstrate  how to check for plumb, level, and square when building.

In the Webelos Build It Adventure, learning to check for plumb, level, and square is a crucial skill set for any building project. “Plumb” means that something is perfectly vertical, “level” means it’s perfectly horizontal, and “square” means that angles meet at 90 degrees. These concepts are fundamental in ensuring that the structures Webelos build are stable and properly aligned. Teaching these skills can be both fun and educational with the right activities.

• Water Level Challenge: Show the Scouts how to use a water level to find a true horizontal line. Then, challenge them to use this tool to set up a small board so it is level.
• DIY Plumb Line: Help each Scout create their own plumb line using a string and a fishing weight. Have them use their homemade tool to check the vertical alignment of various items around your meeting place.
• Frame a Picture: Provide small frames and have Scouts ensure each side is square using a carpenter’s square. They can then decorate their frame as a take-home project.

Here are some options for fulfilling Webelos Build It Adventure requirement 2:

• Doorway Plumb, Level, and Square
  • Cub Scouts check a door frame for plumb, level, and square.
  • Supplies: door that will stay open, measuring tap, level, Plumb, Level, Square door diagram
  • indoor, moderate energy, 1 to 3 days prep
• Table Plumb, Level, and Square
  • Cub Scouts check a wooden table for plumb, level, and square. 
  • Supplies: levels, carpenter’s square, wooden table, Plumb, Level, Square table diagram
  • indoor, moderate energy, 1 to 3 days prep

These activities not only reinforce practical skills but also make learning about accuracy and precision in building projects engaging and interactive for Webelos.

Choose Your Project

With the guidance of your Webelos den leader, parent, or legal guardian, select a carpentry project that requires it to be either plumb, level, and/or square.  Create a list of materials and tools you will need to complete the project.

For the Webelos Build It Adventure, selecting and completing a carpentry project is a key requirement. This hands-on experience helps Webelos apply what they’ve learned about using tools and checking for plumb, level, and square. Choosing the right project is important because it should challenge them but also be manageable with their current skills. Each project should involve measuring, cutting, and assembling, which reinforces their understanding of how to build structures correctly.

• Birdhouse: Building a birdhouse involves precise cutting and assembling. It’s a great project for practicing how to make parts square. Materials needed include wood panels, nails, wood glue, and paint.
• Toolbox: A simple wooden toolbox teaches Scouts how to measure and cut wood accurately and ensures everything fits together squarely. Materials needed are wooden boards, hinges, a handle, screws, and sandpaper.
• Picture Frame: This project is simpler but requires careful work to make sure the frame is square and the corners fit well. Materials include wood trim, corner brackets, glue, and paint or stain.
• Small Bench: A bench requires careful measurement and cutting to ensure all pieces are the correct length and that the finished product is stable and level. Materials needed are planks of wood, wood screws, and varnish.
• Plant Stand: This is a good project for practicing vertical and horizontal measurements. It can be as simple or complex as the skill level allows. Required materials are wood slats, screws, and waterproof sealant.

Get instructions for easy beginner woodworking projects

Here is an option for fulfilling Webelos Build It Adventure requirement 3:

• Build Project Prep
  • Pick a project from the Webelos handbook and put together a list of materials and tools.
  • Supplies: paper, pencils, Project Supplies and Tools printout, Webelos handbook
  • indoor, very low energy, minimal prep

Each of these projects allows Webelos to develop their carpentry skills further while creating something useful and enjoyable. They learn the importance of planning, measuring twice, and cutting once, and they see the results of their labor in the real world.

Building Time

Build  your carpentry project.

Requirement 4 of the Webelos Build It Adventure is all about taking action and constructing the chosen carpentry project. This phase is where Webelos apply all the skills they’ve learned about tools, materials, and building techniques. It’s an exciting part of the adventure because they get to see their plans come to life through their own efforts. Building projects not only teach practical skills but also boost confidence and foster creativity among the young Scouts.

• Project Showcase: After everyone has completed their projects, hold a showcase where Scouts present their work to the group. They can explain the steps they took, the challenges they faced, and how they overcame them.
• Group Build: For a larger project, like a bench or a community bookshelf, work together as a group. This teaches teamwork and the importance of each person’s role in a larger project.

Get instructions for easy beginner woodworking projects

Here are some options for fulfilling Webelos Build It Adventure requirement 4:

• Project Build – Step Stool
  • Cub Scouts build a step stool.
  • Supplies: wood, nails, wood putty, sandpaper, rag, wood stain, measuring tape, clamp, hand saw, coping saw, stain brushes, youth sized work gloves, non-latex gloves, ear plugs or ear phones, safety glasses, closed toed shoes, respirator masks, first aid kit
  • indoor, moderate energy, one week prep
• Project Build – Paper Towel Holder
  • Cub Scouts build a paper towel holder.
  • Supplies: paper towel holder, round or square base, dowel rod, pencil, felt or cork, glue, decorative piece, paint or stain, measuring tape, screwdriver, sandpaper, paintbrush, power drill with bits, youth sized work gloves, safety glasses, closed toed shoes, respirator masks, first aid kit
  • indoor, moderate energy, one week prep
• Project Build – Wall Shelf
  • Cub Scouts build a wall shelf.
  • Supplies: boards, protractor, pencils, glue, nails, angle brackets, screws, wall anchors, paint or stain, paintbrushes, wall fasteners, coping saw, hammer, sanding block or sandpaper, screwdriver, measuring tape, youth sized work gloves, safety glasses, closed toed shoes, respirator masks, first aid kit
  • indoor, moderate energy, one week prep

These activities not only make building projects fun but also deepen the understanding and skills of Webelos in carpentry and teamwork.

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 starting this Adventure, complete the following:

• Review Age Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities.
• Cub Scouts can use common craft tools like paintbrushes, scissors, hammers, and screwdrivers.
• Ensure all youth and adults know how to properly use the tools for the project.

During the Adventure:

• Allow time to train everyone on proper tool use.
• Provide continuous, qualified adult supervision during the project.
• Follow all manufacturer’s instructions and age or skill restrictions. If there is a conflict, follow the strictest guidelines.

More information

What is the Build It Adventure?

The Build It Adventure is an activity where Webelos Scouts learn to use basic tools, build simple projects, and understand construction basics like making things level and square.

Why do we learn to use tools in this adventure?

Learning to use tools safely helps Scouts build projects correctly and safely. It’s important for doing good work and not getting hurt.

What kind of projects do we build in the Build It Adventure?

Scouts usually build small, simple items like birdhouses, toolboxes, or picture frames. These projects help practice using tools and following construction steps.

Do I need my own tools for this adventure?

No, you usually don’t need your own tools. Your den leader or another adult will provide the tools and show you how to use them safely.

How do I know if my project is plumb, level, and square?

You use tools like a level to check if something is horizontal (level), a plumb line to check if it’s vertical (plumb), and a carpenter’s square to see if corners are right angles (square).

Can I do the Build It Adventure with my friends?

Yes, you often work with your fellow Scouts. You can help each other and learn together. Sometimes you might even build something as a group.

What should I do if I make a mistake on my project?

It’s okay to make mistakes. Ask for help from an adult or a leader, and they can show you how to fix it. Making mistakes is part of learning.

The Webelos Build It Adventure is a hands-on activity where young Scouts learn about tools, safety, and building. First, they start with understanding different tools and the importance of safety when using them. This foundational knowledge is crucial to help prevent injuries and to ensure proper tool use.

Next, Webelos are taught how to check if their projects are plumb, level, and square. These are essential skills in carpentry that ensure the structure is correctly aligned and stable. Learning these skills is not just about building for now; it’s about building skills they can use for life.

After learning the basics, Scouts choose a project to build. They plan it by listing out materials and tools needed, which teaches them to organize and prepare. This step makes them think ahead about what they need to successfully complete their project.

Finally, they build the project. This is where they apply all they’ve learned: using tools correctly, making sure everything is properly aligned, and following safety procedures. Completing a project gives them a sense of achievement and boosts their confidence.