The Wolf Running with the Pack Adventure is designed to instill in Wolf Cub Scouts the values of good nutrition and regular physical activity. Through a series of engaging and educational activities, Scouts learn about the building blocks of a healthy lifestyle. This adventure encourages them to make informed choices about what they eat and to recognize the benefits of staying active.
The focus on nutrition is highlighted through an activity where Scouts sample foods of different colors, each representing a key food group. This not only makes learning about healthy eating fun but also broadens their understanding of dietary diversity and the importance of including various nutrients in their meals. It’s an interactive way to teach Scouts about the food groups and why each is vital for their growth and health.
Physical activity is another cornerstone of this adventure. Scouts are required to engage in both structured and personal exercises, promoting the idea that regular movement is crucial for maintaining a healthy body. These activities are designed to be enjoyable and achievable, ensuring that Scouts feel motivated and capable of incorporating exercise into their daily routines.
Additionally, the Running with the Pack adventure includes a component of mental well-being. Scouts are guided to participate in a relaxing activity, underscoring the importance of balancing physical exertion with mental relaxation. This holistic approach helps Scouts understand that health encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The Wolf Running with the Pack Adventure equips Wolves with the knowledge and habits necessary to lead a healthy life. By emphasizing good nutrition, regular physical activity, and mental health, this adventure prepares Scouts to make positive health choices that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Requirements for the Running with the Pack Wolf Adventure
Running with the Pack Wolf Adventure Requirements
- Sample 3 different foods that are naturally 3 different colors. The food must be a protein, vegetable, fruit, dairy, or a grain.
- Demonstrate the proper way to brush your teeth.
- Be active for 30 minutes with your den or at least 1 other person that includes both stretching and moving.
- Be active for 10 minutes doing personal exercises.
- Do a relaxing activity for 10 minutes.
Printable requirements for the Running with the Pack Wolf Adventure
Check off sheet to keep track of your den’s progress on the Running with the Pack Wolf Adventure
Resources for the Running with the Pack Wolf Adventure
Exploring Nutrition
Sample 3 different foods that are naturally 3 different colors. The food must be a protein, vegetable, fruit, dairy, or a grain.
Requirement 1 of the Wolf Running with the Pack Adventure introduces Wolf Cub Scouts to the concept of a balanced diet through a fun and educational activity. Scouts are asked to sample three different foods, each representing a different color and belonging to one of the essential food groups: protein, vegetable, fruit, dairy, or grain. This activity not only educates them about diverse food types but also emphasizes the importance of incorporating a variety of nutrients into their diets.
- Colorful Food Chart: Create a chart showing various colorful foods from different food groups. Use this as a guide to help Scouts choose their three foods. For instance, red strawberries (fruit), white yogurt (dairy), and green spinach (vegetable).
- Food Tasting Party: Organize a food tasting party where Scouts can try small portions of different colorful foods. You can set up stations for each food group, allowing Scouts to learn about and taste each food type.
- Cooking Session: If possible, involve Scouts in a simple cooking activity where they prepare a dish using their chosen colorful foods. For example, making a fruit salad with red apples, yellow bananas, and green grapes, or a vegetable stir-fry.
- Nutrition Scavenger Hunt: Set up a scavenger hunt where Scouts need to find foods from different color categories and food groups around a grocery store or within a set of provided images. This can be a playful way to learn about food diversity.
Here is an option for fulfilling Wolf Running with the Pack Adventure requirement 1:
- Tasting Colors
- Experience a burst of deliciousness with natural-colored foods.
- Supplies: plates, napkins, strawberries, bananas, cheddar cheese, sliced avocados with lime juice, cooked brown rice, utensils
- indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
By exploring foods from different color groups and learning about their nutritional values, Wolves develop a better understanding of healthy eating habits. This activity not only makes learning about nutrition engaging but also helps Scouts make informed choices about their diet.
Bright Smiles
Demonstrate the proper way to brush your teeth.
Requirement 2 of the Wolf Running with the Pack Adventure focuses on teaching Wolf Cub Scouts the proper technique for brushing their teeth. Good oral hygiene is essential for overall health, and learning to brush correctly is a fundamental skill that benefits Scouts not just for their dental health but also instills good daily habits.
Steps to Proper Tooth Brushing:
- Choose the Right Tools: Start by selecting a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits comfortably in your hand and mouth. Use fluoride toothpaste to help protect against cavities.
- Apply Toothpaste: Squeeze a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto the brush. This is enough to clean your teeth effectively without wasting toothpaste.
- Proper Angle: Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. This position helps the bristles reach the plaque that accumulates at the gum line.
- Brush Gently: Use gentle, circular motions to brush all surfaces of your teeth: the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces. Avoid scrubbing hard, which can damage gums and enamel.
- Don’t Forget: Brush your teeth for at least two minutes. You can use a timer or hum a song that lasts for two minutes to keep track of time. Also, brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
- Rinse Well: After brushing, spit out the toothpaste and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove any toothpaste residue.
Here are some options for fulfilling Wolf Running with the Pack Adventure requirement 2:
- A Giant’s Toothbrush
- Draw a giant a mouth and use a broom to practice brushing teeth.
- Supplies: sidewalk chalk, brooms, outdoor surface or large cardboard box, sand or dirt
- outdoor, high energy, 1 to 3 days prep
- Clean Chompers
- Turn daily teeth-brushing routine into a fun and exciting activity.
- Supplies: a way to stream music, toothpaste, toothbrush, sink, water, paper cups, paper towel
- indoor, low energy, minimal prep
- Tooth Experts
- Invite a dental care professional to a Cub Scout den meeting to discuss the importance of oral hygiene.
- Supplies: Tooth Experts worksheet
- indoor, very low energy, a week or more prep
Teaching Scouts about proper tooth brushing techniques not only promotes dental health but also builds personal responsibility and self-care skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Get Moving
Be active for 30 minutes with your den or at least 1 other person that includes both stretching and moving.
Requirement 3 of the Wolf Running with the Pack Adventure emphasizes the importance of physical activity for maintaining health and wellness. Wolf Cub Scouts are encouraged to engage in 30 minutes of active play, which includes both stretching and moving, to help build their strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.
- Warm-Up Stretches: Begin your activity session with a series of simple stretches to warm up the muscles and prevent injuries. Include stretches like reaching for the sky, touching toes, and arm circles. Explain the importance of each stretch to help Scouts understand how they benefit from them.
- Fun Fitness Games: Organize games that get Scouts moving and their hearts pumping. Classic games like tag, relay races, or Simon Says with added physical movements (jumping jacks, hops, or sprints) are great ways to keep the exercise fun and engaging.
- Obstacle Course: Set up a simple obstacle course using cones, ropes, or other safe items. Challenges can include running around cones, jumping over obstacles, or crawling under a rope. This not only makes physical activity exciting but also develops coordination and agility.
- Dance Party: Have a mini dance party where Scouts can freely dance to their favorite songs. Dancing is a fantastic way to exercise and allows kids to express themselves creatively while staying active.
- Cool Down: End the session with some gentle stretching exercises to cool down. This helps bring the heart rate back to normal and can reduce muscle stiffness.
Here are some options for fulfilling Wolf Running with the Pack Adventure requirement 3:
- Kickball
- Play a game of kickball.
- Supplies: kickball, bases
- outdoor, very high energy, 1 to 3 days prep
- Ride a Bike
- Take a bike ride.
- Supplies: bicycles, helmets, Cub Scout six essentials, closed toed shoes
- outdoor, very high energy, 1 to 3 days prep
- Toss and Catch
- Find a ball and play a game of catch.
- Supplies: soccer balls
- outdoor, very high energy, 1 to 3 days prep
Wolves improve their physical health and also learn the value of maintaining an active lifestyle. These experiences teach them about teamwork, self-discipline, and the joy of moving their bodies in a fun, supportive environment.
Personal Fitness
Be active for 10 minutes doing personal exercises.
Requirement 4 of the Wolf Running with the Pack Adventure encourages Wolf Cub Scouts to focus on individual fitness by engaging in 10 minutes of personal exercises. This activity is designed to promote self-discipline and personal responsibility for maintaining health and fitness on a daily basis.
- Jumping Jacks: A classic exercise that helps improve cardiovascular fitness and muscle tone. It’s simple and can be done almost anywhere.
- Sit-Ups or Crunches: Great for strengthening the abdominal muscles. Start with a small number and gradually increase as strength improves.
- Push-Ups: These can be modified to be done on the knees to accommodate beginners. Push-ups help strengthen the upper body and core.
- Running or Jogging in Place: An excellent way to get the heart rate up in a confined space. It’s also a fun way for kids to burn energy.
- Leg Lifts: Good for core and leg muscle development. These can be done lying down or standing up, depending on the Scout’s comfort level.
Here are some options for fulfilling Wolf Running with the Pack Adventure requirement 4:
- Chat with a Personal Trainer
- Invite a fitness professional to your Cub Scout den meeting to discuss the importance of exercise.
- Supplies: Chat with a Personal Trainer worksheet, pencils
- indoor, very low energy, a week or more prep
- Circuit Exercises
- Create a short workout to explore different exercises.
- Supplies: tennis shoes, water bottle, jump rope, Circuit Exercises cards, timer
- indoor, very high energy, 3 to 5 days prep
- Go for a Walk
- Take a walk outside.
- Supplies: Cub Scout six essentials, appropriate shoes for walking
- outdoor, high energy, minimal prep
By dedicating 10 minutes to personal exercises, Wolves learn the importance of regular physical activity and how it contributes to overall health. These exercises not only improve physical fitness but also teach Scouts about setting and achieving personal goals.
Time to Unwind
Do a relaxing activity for 10 minutes.
Requirement 5 of the Wolf Running with the Pack Adventure encourages Wolf Cub Scouts to engage in a relaxing activity for 10 minutes. This requirement highlights the importance of balancing physical activity with relaxation, helping Scouts learn to manage stress and maintain mental wellness.
- Deep Breathing Exercises: Teach Scouts to focus on their breathing by inhaling slowly through their nose, holding for a few seconds, and exhaling slowly through their mouth. This can help calm the mind and reduce stress.
- Listening to Calming Music: Play soft, soothing music and allow the Scouts to sit back, close their eyes, and listen. Music can have a profoundly calming effect and help reduce feelings of anxiety.
- Reading Quietly: Encourage Scouts to read a favorite book or a short story. Reading can be a great escape and a peaceful activity to relax the mind.
- Drawing or Coloring: Provide coloring sheets or blank paper and some crayons or markers. Drawing and coloring are not only creative but also meditative activities that can help focus the mind and induce relaxation.
- Watching Clouds or Stargazing: If the weather permits, lying on a blanket outdoors and watching the clouds drift by during the day or observing the stars at night can be very peaceful.
Here are some options for fulfilling Wolf Running with the Pack Adventure requirement 5:
- Listen to Music
- Some music can relax us by engaging our senses and creating a calming effect.
- Supplies: a way to listen to music
- indoor, very low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
- Story Time
- Read an article from Scout Life magazine to the Cub Scouts.
- Supplies: reading material, comfortable location
- indoor, very low energy, minimal prep
By incorporating these relaxing activities into their routine, Wolves enjoy a break and also learn valuable techniques for calming themselves. These skills are crucial for emotional and psychological well-being and can help them handle stress more effectively as they grow.
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, do the following:
- Review the Food Allergies safety moment.
- Check each Cub Scout’s BSA Annual Health and Medical Record for any food allergies or restrictions.
- Ask if any member of the den, youth, or adult, has any religious or cultural dietary 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.
- Review the Keep Your Food Safe guide to properly store and prepare food.
- For requirement 2, follow the ADA guide for proper brushing techniques.
For requirement 3, if doing the “Ride a Bike” activity:
- Review the Bicycle Safety guidelines on the BSA Sports and Activities page.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Running with the Pack Wolf Adventure
Can we cook during the food activity for the Running with the Pack Wolf Adventure?
Yes, you can make simple dishes like a fruit salad or a vegetable stir-fry with the Scouts.
What games can we play to get moving?
Play tag, relay races, or set up a simple obstacle course.
What are some personal exercises we can do?
Try jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups, running in place, or leg lifts.
What do I do for the relaxing activity for the Running with the Pack adventure?
You can do any quiet activity that helps you relax, like listening to calming music, reading, or doing simple stretches.
Conclusion
The Wolf Running with the Pack Adventure equips Wolf Cub Scouts with essential skills and knowledge to lead a healthy and active life. This adventure combines learning about nutrition, exercise, oral hygiene, and self-awareness of one’s health conditions to ensure that Scouts are well-prepared for both scouting activities and daily life.
The journey begins with an exploration of nutrition, where Scouts sample foods from various food groups, each a different color, teaching them about balanced diets in a fun and engaging way. This activity not only broadens their taste horizons but also emphasizes the importance of eating a variety of foods to obtain necessary nutrients.
Scouts then learn the correct technique for brushing their teeth, an essential personal hygiene skill that impacts overall health. This routine practice is vital for preventing dental issues and is a great opportunity for Scouts to take responsibility for their personal care.
Physical activity is a major focus of the Running with the Pack adventure, with Scouts engaging in both group exercises and personal workouts. These activities are designed to improve their physical fitness and show them the fun of staying active through games and exercises that they can continue to enjoy.
The Running with the Pack adventure also teaches the importance of relaxation and taking time to unwind, balancing the physical exertion with mental relaxation through activities such as listening to music or reading.
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