Webelos Walkabout Adventure for 2024

The Webelos Walkabout Adventure is a great way for Webelos Scouts to explore the outdoors. This adventure teaches them how to plan and safely go on a two-mile walk. They learn important skills like checking the weather, preparing their gear, and understanding basic first aid. This experience helps Scouts become more aware of their surroundings and how to take care of themselves and others.

During the walk, Webelos practice the Leave No Trace Principles and the Outdoor Code. These principles teach them to respect nature and minimize their impact on the environment. They learn why it’s important to keep the outdoors clean and how their actions can affect wildlife and plants.

This adventure also helps Webelos work together as a team. They plan their route and make decisions together. This teamwork builds strong friendships and teaches them how to cooperate with others. It also helps them build confidence in their abilities to lead and make choices.

Overall, the Webelos Walkabout Adventure is not just about walking. It’s about learning skills that will help Scouts enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly. They learn to appreciate nature and understand the importance of being prepared. These are valuable lessons that will help them in other Scouting adventures and in life.

Webelos Walkabout Adventure Requirements

1. Prepare for a 2-mile walk outside.  Gather your Cub Scout Six Essentials and weather appropriate clothing and shoes.
2. Plan a 2-mile route for your walk.
3. Check the weather forecast for the time of your planned 2-mile walk.
4. Review the 4 points of BSA SAFE Checklist and how you will apply them on your 2-mile walk.
5. Demonstrate first aid for each of the following events that could occur on your 2-mile walk: blister, sprained ankle, sunburn, dehydration and heat related illness.
6. Go on your 2-mile walk while practicing your Leave No Trace Principles for Kids and Outdoor Code.
7. After your 2-mile walk, discuss with your den what went well and what you would do differently next time.   

Printable requirements for the Webelos Walkabout Adventure

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

Webelos Adventures Check Off Sheet

Getting Ready

Prepare for a 2-mile walk outside.  Gather your Cub Scout Six Essentials and weather appropriate clothing and shoes.

Before heading out on the Webelos Walkabout Adventure, Cub Scouts need to prepare. This means gathering the right tools and clothes for a safe and enjoyable walk. The first step is to collect the Cub Scout Six Essentials. These items are important for any outdoor activity because they help Scouts stay prepared for different situations.

Cub Scout Six Essentials

1. Water bottle – To stay hydrated.
2. Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses) – To protect from sunburn.
3. Flashlight – In case it gets dark.
4. Trail food – To keep energy levels up. See some ideas here.
5. First aid kit – To handle any minor injuries.
6. Whistle – To signal for help if needed.

To make preparation engaging, here are some fun activities:

• Essential Relay Race: Create a relay race where Scouts rush to gather all Six Essentials from a starting point to their backpacks at the finish line.
• Dress for the Weather Challenge: Scouts can compete to dress appropriately for different weather conditions laid out on cards (sunny, rainy, cold).
• Pack It Right: Have Scouts practice packing and unpacking their backpacks with the Six Essentials, explaining why each item is important as they do so.

See more ideas for game and activities, and get a handout to send home, on my Cub Scout Six Essentials page.

Here is another option for fulfilling Webelos Walkabout Adventure requirement 1:

• Cub Scout Essential Six Review
  • Cub Scouts will review Cub Scout Six Essentials and appropriate clothing.  
  • Supplies: backpack, Cub Scout Six Essentials
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

Mapping the Path

Plan a 2-mile route for your walk.

Planning a route for the Webelos Walkabout Adventure teaches Scouts about navigation and the importance of knowing where they are going. This skill helps them understand how to use maps and identify landmarks. It also prepares them to think ahead about the terrain and distances they will travel.

• Map Making: Have each Scout draw their own map of a potential route, including landmarks and interesting spots they might see along the way.
• Scout Navigator: Turn the route planning into a game where Scouts use a compass and a map to lead their team through a short course, marking checkpoints along the way.
• Distance Estimation Game: Teach Scouts how to estimate distances by marking out a known length and having them guess the distance of different parts of the route using their strides or another method.

Here are some options for fulfilling Webelos Walkabout Adventure requirement 2:

• Digital Map
  • Cub Scouts plan a route for a two-mile walk.
  • Supplies: electronic device with map software, Webelos Walkabout Plan
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
• Plan A Route
  • Cub Scouts will plan a route for the 2-mile walk.  
  • Supplies: printed map, highlighter, Webelos Walkabout Plan
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

Weather Watchers

Check the weather forecast for the time of your planned 2-mile walk.

Understanding the weather is crucial for any outdoor activity, especially a planned walk. Checking the weather forecast helps Webelos Scouts prepare for the conditions they might face. This requirement teaches Scouts to be proactive and adaptable, adjusting their plans based on weather conditions to ensure safety and enjoyment during their outdoor adventures.

• Weather Role-Play: Scouts can take turns being the weather reporter, giving a forecast based on information from a weather app or website. They can use props and create a mini weather station.
• Forecast Comparison: Have Scouts check different weather sources and compare the forecasts. Discuss why different sources might give slightly different information.
• Weather Charting: Lead Scouts in creating a weather chart for the week of their planned walk. Each day, they can log the forecasted weather, then check and compare it to the actual weather, discussing any differences.

Here is an option for fulfilling Webelos Walkabout Adventure requirement 3:

• What’s The Forecast?
  • Cub Scouts check the weather forecast for the 2-mile walk. 
  • Supplies: smart device with weather app
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

Safety First on the Trail

Review the four points of BSA SAFE Checklist and how you will apply them on your 2-mile walk.

Reviewing the BSA SAFE Checklist is vital for ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience during the Webelos Walkabout Adventure. This checklist guides Scouts in assessing potential risks and making informed decisions to manage those risks effectively. By understanding and applying these safety measures, Scouts not only ensure their well-being but also gain valuable skills in risk management and preventive planning.

Here are the four points of the SAFE Checklist:

1. Supervision: Ensure qualified and responsible adults are present.
2. Assessment: Check for risks associated with the activity and environment.
3. Fitness and Skill: Make sure all participants are fit and skilled enough for the activity.
4. Equipment and Environment: Use safe and appropriate equipment, and be mindful of environmental conditions.

Here is an option for fulfilling Webelos Walkabout Adventure requirement 4:

• Safety First
  • Cub Scouts review the four points of the BSA SAFE checklist. 
  • Supplies: SAFE Checklist
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

First Aid on the Go

Demonstrate first aid for each of the following events that could occur on your 2-mile walk: blister, sprained ankle, sunburn, dehydration and heat related illness.

Knowing first aid is essential for any outdoor adventure, including the Webelos Walkabout. Scouts learn how to handle common injuries and health issues that might occur during their walk. This requirement not only boosts their confidence in dealing with emergencies but also emphasizes the importance of prevention and prompt response. Here are the first aid treatments for some typical issues that could arise:

• Blister: Clean the area and cover the blister with a sterile bandage to protect it from further irritation.
• Sprained Ankle: Rest the ankle, apply ice to reduce swelling, compress with a bandage, and elevate it.
• Sunburn: Stay out of the sun, cool the skin with damp cloths, and apply aloe vera or a soothing lotion.
• Dehydration and Heat-Related Illness: Move to a cool place, rest, and slowly drink plenty of water or a sports drink.

To make learning first aid engaging, consider these activities:

• First Aid Baseball: Play a first aid game where players advance around the bases when they answer questions correctly. See details here.
• First Aid Relay: Set up stations for each condition (blister, sprained ankle, sunburn, dehydration). Scouts race to each station and perform the correct first aid steps before moving on.
• Quiz Game: Create a quiz with questions about first aid responses. Use a fun format like a buzzer game where Scouts compete to answer first. This can help reinforce their knowledge in an exciting way.

Here are some options for fulfilling Webelos Walkabout Adventure requirement 5:

• First Aid Demonstration
  • Cub Scouts invite members from a Scouts BSA troop, Venturing crew, or Sea Scouts ship to a den meeting and allow them to demonstrate first aid. 
  • Supplies: none
  • indoor, moderate energy, one week prep
• First Responder Visit
  • Cub Scouts visit a first responder to learn about first aid.  
  • Supplies: Activity Consent Form 
  • requires travel, moderate energy, one week prep
• Trail First Aid
  • Cub Scouts learn first aid for blisters, sprained ankles, sunburns, and dehydration.  
  • Supplies: moleskin, band aid, ace bandage, aloe vera, sunscreen, water, gatorade, small bag for supplies
  • indoor, high energy, 3 to 5 days prep

Exploring Responsibly

With your den, pack, or family, go on your 2-mile walk while practicing the Leave No Trace Principles for Kids and Outdoor Code.

Going on a 2-mile walk is a fantastic way for Webelos Scouts to practice being responsible outdoors. During the walk, they focus on the Leave No Trace Principles for Kids and the Outdoor Code, which teach them how to enjoy the natural world without harming it. These guidelines help Scouts understand the impact of their actions on the environment and encourage them to make better choices to preserve nature.

Leave No Trace Principles for Kids

1. Know Before You Go
2. Choose the Right Path
3. Trash Your Trash
4. Leave What You Find
5. Be Careful With Fire
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Kind to Other Visitors

Read more about Leave No Trace here.

The Outdoor Code

As an American I will

• Be clean in my outdoor manners.
• Be careful with fire.
• Be considerate in the outdoors.
• Be conservation minded.

Read more about the Outdoor Code here.

Fun Outdoor Activities

To make the walk more engaging and educational, consider these activities:

• Nature Bingo: Create bingo cards with items or actions that align with the Leave No Trace Principles and the Outdoor Code. Scouts try to complete a row during their walk.
• Trail Tales: Have each Scout take turns leading the group and sharing what they know about an aspect of the Leave No Trace Principles as they walk.
• Eco-Scavenger Hunt: Set up a scavenger hunt that encourages Scouts to observe and not disturb. They could look for types of leaves, animal tracks, or listen for bird sounds, tying back to respecting wildlife and leaving what they find.

See more fun hiking activities here.

Here is an option for fulfilling Webelos Walkabout Adventure requirement 6:

• The Two-Mile Walk
  • Cub Scouts go on a two-mile walk. 
  • Supplies: Cub Scout Six Essentials, closed toed shoes, Activity Consent Form , map of walk, Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace Principles for Kids reference sheet
  • requires travel, very high energy, 3to 5 days prep

Reflecting on the Journey

After your 2-mile walk, discuss with your den what went well and what you would do differently next time.

After completing their 2-mile walk, it’s important for Webelos Scouts to take time to reflect on the experience. This discussion helps them understand what they did well and what could be improved next time. Reflecting on their adventure encourages critical thinking and helps Scouts learn from their experiences. This process of reflection is a key part of growing and developing as a Scout.

• Rose, Thorn, and Bud: Each Scout shares one “Rose” (something that went well), one “Thorn” (something that was challenging), and one “Bud” (something they want to try or improve next time).
• Walk Memory Map: Have Scouts draw a map of their walk route and mark spots where memorable or significant events occurred. Discuss what happened at these points and why they were important.

Here is an option for fulfilling Webelos Walkabout Adventure requirement 7:

• Stop-Start-Continue
  • Cub Scouts assess their two-mile walk. 
  • Supplies: none
  • requires travel, very high energy, 3 to 5 days prep

Planning a Cub Scout Hike: Planning a hike or outdoor activity with Webelos Cub Scouts is a fantastic way to combine adventure, learning, and leadership. See are some tips to help den leaders organize a successful and enjoyable outing for the Webelos Walkabout adventure.

The Outdoor Code: The Outdoor Code is an essential element of Scouting’s commitment to responsible outdoor behavior and environmental stewardship. It serves as a guide for Scouts of all ages, including Webelos, to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful and considerate of the natural world during all outdoor activities, including the Walkabout adventure.

Leave No Trace: The Leave No Trace Principles for Kids are a cornerstone of outdoor ethics, promoting conservation and respect for the environment. These principles guide Webelos Cub Scouts, especially during the Webelos Walkabout adventure, teaching them how to explore and enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

Trail Food: For the Webelos Walkabout adventure, bringing a snack helps maintain energy, hydration, and enthusiasm throughout the walk. The best trail foods are nutritious, lightweight, and non-perishable. Here are some suggestions that are both scout-friendly and easy to pack.

Hiking Safety (Front Country): The article outlines essential outdoor gear for Cub Scouts embarking on the Webelos Walkabout adventure, emphasizing the importance of preparation and safety.

What to Do When Lost or Separated from Your Group (STOP Acronym): The STOP acronym provides crucial guidance for Cub Scouts, especially during the Webelos Walkabout adventure, on what to do if they get lost or separated from their group: Stay put, Think, Observe, and Plan.

Hiking Activities: To enrich the experience of the Webelos Walkabout adventure, consider incorporating additional activities that encourage Scouts to engage more deeply with their surroundings while walking.

How to Plan a Hike for Cub Scouts

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.
• Complete the online “Hazardous Weather” training module on my.scouting. If you have already finished den leader, Cubmaster, or pack committee chair training online, you have completed this module.
• Watch the Weather Related Safety Moment video.
• Check the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record for all Cub Scouts and adults going on the walk for any safety concerns.
• If someone in the den, youth, or adults, carries an EpiPen for severe allergies, ensure at least one other adult knows how to use it. Review the Safety Moment on anaphylaxis to learn more.
• Review Digital Safety and Online Scouting Activities.

During the Adventure:

• Use the buddy system.
• All adults should provide active supervision.

More information

What should a Scout bring on the Walkabout?

A Scout should bring the Cub Scout Six Essentials: water bottle, sun protection, flashlight, trail food, first aid kit, and a whistle. Learn more about the Cub Scout Six Essentials here.

How do we choose a route for our walk for the Webelos Walkabout adventure?

Plan a route that is safe and interesting. Make sure it is the right length (2 miles) and check that it’s suitable for the group’s age and fitness level.

What do we do if the weather is bad on the day of our walk?

Always check the weather before you go. If it looks like bad weather, reschedule the walk for a safer time.

Why is it important to practice the Leave No Trace Principles?

These principles help protect nature and make sure everyone can enjoy the outdoors now and in the future. They teach Scouts to be responsible and caring towards the environment.

How do we apply the BSA SAFE Checklist on our walk?

Before you go, make sure you have responsible adults, check the area for safety, ensure everyone is prepared in terms of fitness and skills, and have the right equipment and clothing for the weather and activities.

ow can we make our walk discussion useful after we finish?

Talk about what went well and what could be improved. Listen to everyone’s thoughts and use their feedback to plan better activities in the future.

The Webelos Walkabout Adventure is a key activity for Webelos Scouts, focusing on outdoor skills and teamwork. Scouts prepare for and undertake a 2-mile walk, which helps them learn practical skills like route planning and weather assessment. They gather essential items needed for the trip, which includes water, sun protection, and first aid supplies.

During the walk, Scouts practice the Leave No Trace Principles and the Outdoor Code, promoting respect and care for the environment. They also apply first aid knowledge to hypothetical situations, enhancing their readiness for actual emergencies. The adventure is not just about walking but about preparing Scouts to handle various outdoor challenges responsibly.

After the walk, Scouts reflect on their experiences. They discuss what went well and identify areas for improvement. This reflection helps them learn from their experiences and grow in their Scouting journey. Overall, the Webelos Walkabout Adventure is designed to develop a Scout’s self-sufficiency and environmental awareness, key components of the Scouting philosophy.