Wolf Paws on the Path Adventure for 2024

Printable requirements for the Wolf Paws on the Path Adventure

Check off sheet to keep track of your den’s progress on the Wolf Paws on the Path Adventure

Wolf Adventures Check Off Sheet

The Buddy System

Learn about the buddy system and how it works in the outdoors. Pick a buddy for your walk. 

Requirement 2 of the Wolf Paws on the Path Adventure focuses on teaching Wolf Cub Scouts about the buddy system and its importance during outdoor activities. The buddy system is a simple but effective safety measure that ensures no Scout is ever alone while exploring or engaging in activities, enhancing both safety and enjoyment.

The buddy system pairs Scouts together to keep an eye on each other. This partnership helps prevent anyone from getting lost and ensures that help is quickly available if one of them encounters trouble, such as an injury or unexpected wildlife.

• Buddy Selection: Allow Scouts to choose their own buddies, or assign them buddies, mixing pairs so that Scouts can get to know each other better. Discuss what makes a good buddy, such as reliability, attentiveness, and a positive attitude.
• Buddy Responsibilities: Teach Scouts about the responsibilities of being a good buddy, such as staying together at all times, communicating clearly, and supporting each other during activities.
• Buddy Checks: Regularly conduct buddy checks during your outdoor activities. At random intervals, call out “buddy check,” and each Scout must quickly find and raise a hand with their buddy. This practice ensures that no one is missing or left behind.
• Role-Playing Scenarios: Create scenarios where buddies must solve a problem together, such as finding a way back to camp using a map or helping a buddy who has tripped and scraped a knee. This helps them understand the practical applications of the buddy system.
• Buddy Walks: Organize a short hike or walk where Scouts must stay with their buddies from start to finish. Encourage them to talk and work together to navigate the route, look for wildlife, or identify plants.

Here are some options for fulfilling Wolf Paws on the Path Adventure requirement 2:

• 1-2 Buddies
  • ​​Arrange Cub Scouts in alphabetical order and give them numbers 1-2 in sequence to quickly select buddies.​​​​​ 
  • Supplies: none
  • indoor, very low energy, minimal prep
• Buddy Circle Game
  • Cub Scouts find their buddy in this enjoyable circle game.
  • Supplies: none
  • indoor, moderate energy, minimal prep
• Popsicle Stick Buddies
  • Popsicle sticks are used to pair buddies.
  • Supplies: popsicle sticks, markers, bag
  • indoor, very low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

By learning and practicing the buddy system, Wolf Scouts not only enhance their safety during outdoor adventures but also build teamwork and communication skills that are valuable in all areas of life. This system teaches Scouts the importance of mutual support and responsibility for one another.

Dress Right

Identify appropriate clothes and shoes for your walk outside.  Do your best to wear them on your walk. 

Requirement 3 of the Wolf Paws on the Path Adventure emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor activities. Dressing appropriately is crucial for comfort, protection, and safety during any outdoor adventure.

Appropriate Outdoor Gear

• Weather-Wise Clothing: Teach Scouts to consider the weather conditions when choosing what to wear. For cool weather, layers are essential as they can be added or removed based on temperature changes. For hot weather, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing helps keep Scouts cool.
• Durable Footwear: Stress the importance of wearing sturdy shoes or boots that are suitable for walking on uneven surfaces. Footwear should provide good support and protection against sharp objects and rough terrain.
• Rain Gear: If there’s a chance of rain, remind Scouts to bring a waterproof jacket or poncho. Staying dry is key to staying comfortable.
• Sun Protection: Encourage wearing a hat and sunglasses to protect against sunburn and reduce glare. This is especially important during summer or in areas with high sun exposure.

Games and activities for Wolf Paws on the Path Adventure requirement 3:

• Fashion Show: Organize a “Scout Fashion Show” where each Scout demonstrates their outdoor outfit and explains why they chose each item. This can be a fun way for Scouts to learn from each other.
• Packing Challenge: Have Scouts pack a small backpack with essential clothing for different weather conditions. Discuss each item’s purpose and when it would be necessary.
• Clothing Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt that requires Scouts to find and put together a suitable outfit for a hypothetical outdoor adventure. Include various weather scenarios to make it challenging.

Here are some options for fulfilling Wolf Paws on the Path Adventure requirement 3:

• Clothing Store Visit
  • Visit an outdoor clothing store to understand the importance of selecting appropriate attire for different outdoor occasions and weather conditions.
  • Supplies: Activity Consent Form​ 
  • requires travel, low energy, a week or more prep
• Seasonal Clothing Relay
  • Play a relay game to identify the right clothes and shoes to wear on a walk during different seasons. 
  • Supplies: outdoor clothing for different seasons, shoes for seasons, accessories for seasons
  • indoor, very high energy, 3 to 5 days prep
• Sketchy Weather Wardrobe
  • Cub Scouts draw picture​s​ of clothes they would wear when it: rains, snows, sunny or windy. 
  • Supplies: Sketchy Weather Wardrobe worksheet, colored pencils, crayons, markers
  • indoor, very low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

By learning to identify and choose appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor activities, Wolf Scouts become better prepared to face the elements, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience.

Respect Nature

Learn about the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace Principle for Kids. 

Requirement 4 of the Wolf Paws on the Path Adventure focuses on teaching Wolf Cub Scouts about the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace Principles. These guidelines help Scouts understand how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, ensuring that natural spaces are preserved and respected for future generations.

The Outdoor Code

As an American, I will do my best to
Be clean in my outdoor manners
Be careful with fire
Be considerate in the outdoors
Be conservation-minded

Learn more about the Outdoor Code

Leave No Trace Principles for Kids

• Plan Ahead and Prepare: Understand and prepare for the conditions you might face.
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to trails and camp overnight only at established sites.
• Dispose of Waste Properly: Always pack out trash, leftover food, and litter.
• Leave What You Find: Avoid picking plants or moving rocks.
• Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use a camp stove for cooking and enjoy campfires responsibly.
• Respect Wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance and never feed animals.
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Respect other users of the outdoors.

Learn more about Leave No Trace

• Role-Playing: Set up scenarios where Scouts might need to decide how to best follow the Leave No Trace principles. For example, what to do if they find a beautiful rock or how to behave if they encounter wildlife.
• Art Project: Have Scouts create posters or bookmarks that feature tips from the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace principles. These can serve as handy reminders for future trips.
• Trail Outing: Organize a short hike where Scouts can practice what they’ve learned. During the hike, point out examples of both good and poor practices regarding outdoor ethics.

Here are some options for fulfilling Wolf Paws on the Path Adventure requirement 4:

• Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace Booklet
  • Create a booklet that illustrates the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace ​Principles for Kids​. 
  • Supplies: paper, markers, crayons, stickers, hole punch, string, Wolf handbook
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
• Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace Emoji
  • Use emojis to learn the ​​Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace ​Principles for Kids​. 
  • Supplies: Outdoor Code Emoji​​ ​worksheet, Leave No Trace Principles for Kids Emoji worksheet, pencils, Wolf handbook
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
• Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace Song
  • Use music and hand signals to learn the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace ​Principles for Kids​. 
  • Supplies: phone/laptop/tablet and Bluetooth speakers
  • indoor, moderate energy, 1 to 3 days prep

Teaching Wolf Scouts about the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace principles instills a sense of environmental stewardship and respect for nature. These lessons for the Wolf Paws on the Path Adventure are crucial for developing responsible behaviors that will help Scouts enjoy and protect the outdoors throughout their lives.

Nature Walk

Take a walk outside for at least 30 minutes to explore nature in your surroundings. Describe 4 different animals, domestic or wild, that you could see on your walk.   

Requirement 5 of the Wolf Paws on the Path Adventure invites Wolf Cub Scouts to connect directly with nature by taking a 30-minute walk outside with their den, pack, or family. This activity not only encourages physical exercise but also sharpens observational skills as Scouts are tasked with describing different animals they might encounter.

• Wildlife Checklist: Create a checklist of common local animals that Scouts might see during their walk, such as birds, squirrels, rabbits, or even deer. Include pictures for younger Scouts who may not be familiar with all the animal names.
• Quiet Observation: Teach Scouts the importance of being quiet and still to increase the chances of seeing wildlife. Explain how sudden movements or loud noises can scare animals away.
• Use of Binoculars: If available, bring binoculars and teach Scouts how to use them. This can enhance their ability to spot animals from a distance without disturbing them.
• Nature Journaling: Encourage Scouts to bring a small notebook and pencil to jot down or sketch the animals they see. They can note the animal’s behavior, appearance, and anything unique about the sighting.

Here is an option for fulfilling Wolf Paws on the Path Adventure requirement 5:

• Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
  • Take a 30 minute​ or more​ walk. Describe four animals that you might see on your walk. 
  • Supplies: ​​​Outdoor Scavenger Hunt​ card, pencils, Cub Scout Six Essentials
  • indoor, very high energy, 1 to 3 days prep

By exploring nature and observing wildlife, Wolf Scouts develop a greater appreciation for their local environment and learn valuable lessons about the diversity of animal life around them. This Wolf Paws on the Path Adventure requirement not only enriches their scouting experience but also fosters a lifelong interest in nature and wildlife conservation.

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 completed den leader, Cubmaster, or pack committee chair training online, you have finished this module.
• Watch the Weather Related Safety Moment video.
• Review the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record for all Cub Scouts and adults going on the walk and check for any safety concerns.
• If someone has an EpiPen for severe allergies, make sure at least one other adult knows how to use it. Review the Safety Moment on anaphylaxis to learn more.

During the Adventure:

• Use the buddy system.
• All adults should actively supervise.

More information about Wolf Paws on the Path

The Wolf Paws on the Path Adventure is designed to immerse Wolf Cub Scouts in the wonders of the natural world, teaching them essential outdoor skills and deepening their appreciation for the environment. Starting with the basics, Scouts learn to prepare by packing the Cub Scout Six Essentials, ensuring they are ready for any outdoor activity. This practical preparation sets the stage for safe and enjoyable adventures.

Scouts also learn the importance of the buddy system, a safety practice for all outdoor activities. This not only enhances safety but also fosters teamwork and cooperation among Scouts. As they venture outdoors, choosing the right attire and footwear becomes crucial, and Scouts are guided on how to select appropriate gear based on weather and terrain.

Understanding and respecting the environment is emphasized through education on the Outdoor Code and the Leave No Trace Principles for Kids. These guidelines teach Scouts to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, ensuring that natural spaces are preserved for future generations. The Wolf Paws on the Path Adventure culminates in a nature walk, where Scouts are encouraged to observe and describe local wildlife, applying their newfound knowledge in a real-world setting.

By participating in the Wolf Paws on the Path Adventure, Scouts gain valuable outdoor skills and also develop a lasting respect and reverence for nature. This adventure is about crafting responsible, knowledgeable young stewards of the environment.