The Safety in Numbers adventure is an important part of the Wolf Cub Scouts’ journey. This adventure teaches Wolves about personal safety. It helps them understand how to recognize and avoid unsafe situations. Learning about safety is essential for young Scouts. It gives them confidence and skills to protect themselves in various environments.
During this adventure, Wolf Cub Scouts learn through videos and discussions. They watch the “Protect Yourself Rules” video which introduces them to concepts like “safe touch.” This helps them understand what behavior is appropriate and how to respond to uncomfortable situations. Discussing these topics with their peers and leaders reinforces their understanding.
Another key element of the “Safety in Numbers” adventure is learning about the buddy system. Wolves practice using the buddy system, which teaches them to always have a partner to help keep each other safe. This is a valuable life skill that promotes teamwork and responsibility.
Additionally, Wolves review safety rules related to playing on playground equipment. They learn the correct ways to use playground features safely. This not only ensures their safety but also teaches them to be mindful of others’ safety. By focusing on these areas, Wolf Cub Scouts become more aware of their surroundings and how to navigate them safely.
Requirements for the Wolf Safety in Numbers Adventure
Safety in Numbers Adventure Requirements
- With permission from your parent or legal guardian, watch the Protect Yourself Rules video for the Wolf rank.
- Discuss “safe touch” as seen in the Protect Yourself Rules video.
- Learn about the buddy system and demonstrate how it works.
- Review common safety rules and demonstrate the proper use of playground equipment.
Resources
Protect Yourself Video
With permission from your parent or legal guardian, watch the Protect Yourself Rules video for the Wolf rank.
For requirement 1 of the Safety in Numbers adventure, Cub Scouts need to watch the “Protect Yourself Rules” video for Wolves.
First, make sure each Scout has permission from their parent or legal guardian to watch the video. You can plan to show the video during a den meeting. Make sure the meeting space has the equipment needed to play the video, like a computer and projector or a TV. If you can’t stream the video, you can download it here.
Here is an option for fulfilling Wolf Safety in Numbers Adventure requirement 1:
- Protect Yourself Video Wolf
- Watch the Protect Yourself Rules video with your parent or legal guardian.
- Supplies: Safety in Numbers 1 Parent Notification, a way to view the video
- indoor, very low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
After watching the video, you can talk with the Wolves about what they learned. Ask them questions to make sure they understand the key points about safety. This discussion helps reinforce the safety concepts shown in the video.
Safe Touch
Discuss “safe touch” as seen in the Protect Yourself Rules video.
For requirement 2 of the Safety in Numbers adventure, you’ll need to discuss “safe touch” with your Wolf Cub Scouts. This follows up on what they learned from the “Protect Yourself Rules” video.
Start the discussion by explaining what “safe touch” means. Tell the Scouts that safe touches are kind like hugs from family or high fives from friends. Then explain that unsafe touches are touches to parts of the body that are private, like areas covered by a bathing suit.
Emphasize to the Scouts that it’s okay for doctors to check these parts when they’re giving a check-up, but only if a parent is in the room. Make sure they understand that if anyone touches them in a way that feels wrong or makes them uncomfortable, they should tell a trusted adult immediately. Tell them it’s never their fault if someone touches them inappropriately.
Here are some options for fulfilling Wolf Safety in Numbers Adventure requirement 2:
- Run Shout and Tell Relay
- In this relay, Cub Scouts will practice what they would say to a stranger who is making them feel uncomfortable.
- Supplies: none
- indoor, moderate energy, minimal prep
- Safe Touch Poster
- Create a poster of “safe touches”.
- Supplies: Safe Touches reference, poster board or paper, markers, crayons, colored pencils
- indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
Encourage an open environment where Scouts feel comfortable asking questions. Keep the discussion age-appropriate and ensure each Scout understands the importance of telling a trusted adult about any unsafe touches.
Buddy System
Learn about the buddy system and demonstrate how it works.
For requirement 3 of the Safety in Numbers adventure, you will teach the Wolf Cub Scouts about the buddy system and show them how it works.
Explain the buddy system by telling the Wolves that it means always having a partner, or “buddy,” especially during activities or trips. This helps ensure that everyone is safe because the buddies look out for each other.
Buddy Up
To demonstrate the buddy system, you can play a simple game called “Buddy Up.” Here’s how to play:
- Pair up the Scouts into buddies.
- Give each pair a simple task, like finding a certain object or completing a small challenge.
- Have the buddies decide who will do what part of the task and remind them to stay together the whole time.
- Start the game and watch how they work together. Make sure they understand they should never leave their buddy’s side.
Here are some options for fulfilling Wolf Safety in Numbers Adventure requirement 3:
- Buddy Check Game
- Learn about the buddy system by playing a buddy check game.
- Supplies: none
- indoor, high energy, minimal prep
- Buddy Games
- Play catch with a buddy.
- Supplies: small balls
- indoor, moderate energy, 1 to 3 days prep
- Buddy-legged Race
- Using a buddy, participate in a race.
- Supplies: neckerchiefs
- indoor, high energy, 1 to 3 days prep
After the game, discuss with the Scouts how the buddy system helped them complete the task and how it felt to have someone watching out for them. This will help them understand the importance of sticking together for safety.
Playground Safety
Review common safety rules and demonstrate the proper use of playground equipment.
For requirement 4 of the “Safety in Numbers” adventure, you need to review common safety rules and demonstrate how to use playground equipment properly. Here’s a simple way to do this:
Discuss basic safety rules
- Walk, don’t run around the equipment.
- Use each piece of equipment the way it’s meant to be used.
- Keep a safe distance from other kids to avoid collisions.
Demonstrate on common playground equipment
Adjust this for whatever equipment is at the playground.
- Swings: Sit down properly, hold on with both hands, and stop the swing before getting off.
- Slides: Climb up using the ladder only, sit at the top before sliding down, and make sure the bottom is clear before sliding.
- Monkey Bars: Hold on with both hands, go one bar at a time, and make sure no one is in the way when swinging across.
- Climbing Walls: Encourage Scouts to use both hands and feet when climbing, and remind them to climb only as high as they feel comfortable. Always have a buddy spot them from the ground.
- Seesaws: Teach Scouts to sit facing each other with one on each end, hold on tight, and make sure both feet are on the ground before pushing off. Never jump off while the seesaw is in the air.
- Merry-go-rounds: Instruct Scouts to hold on tightly with both hands, stand firmly, and avoid trying to get on or off while it is moving. Always slow it down gradually to stop.
- Balance Beams: Encourage Scouts to walk across one at a time, focusing on keeping their balance with arms extended. Ensure that the area around the beam is clear.
- Jungle Gyms: Advise Scouts to keep three points of contact (two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand) when climbing. They should also wait their turn and not climb on top of each other or overcrowd the structure.
After demonstrating, talk with the Scouts about why each rule is important for their safety and the safety of others.
Practice and observe
- Let each Scout practice using the equipment while following the rules.
- Watch each Scout and correct any unsafe behavior.
Here is an option for fulfilling Wolf Safety in Numbers Adventure requirement 4:
- Playground Rules
- Review playground safety rules and have Cub Scouts demonstrate the proper use of playground equipment.
- Supplies: a playground
- requires travel, high energy, a week or more prep
By actively engaging the Scouts with each piece of equipment and emphasizing safe practices, you help them understand how to play safely and enjoy their time at the playground.
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:
- Review the BSA Youth Protection content.
- Watch the Protect Yourself Rules – Wolf video.
- Inform parents, legal guardians, and adult partners about the Adventure and its content before the meeting. See the document “Wolf My Safety 1 Parent Notification” in the Additional Resources section for Requirement 1.
During the Adventure:
- A child may disclose something that causes suspicion of abuse. If you suspect abuse, follow the reporting guidelines on the BSA Youth Protection site.
- For requirement 4, follow the posted playground safety rules.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Wolf Safety in Numbers Adventure
What is the goal of the Safety in Numbers adventure?
The goal is to teach Wolf Cub Scouts about personal safety. They learn how to recognize safe and unsafe situations.
Do parents need to be involved in the Wolf Safety in Numbers Adventure?
Yes, parents need to give permission for their child to watch the “Protect Yourself Rules” video. It’s also good for them to know what safety topics their child is learning.
What is the buddy system?
The buddy system is when two Scouts stick together to keep each other safe during activities. This helps ensure that no one is left alone.
How do we teach Scouts to use playground equipment safely for the Wolf Safety in Numbers Adventure?
Review the rules for each piece of equipment and demonstrate how to use it correctly. Watch the Scouts as they play and correct any unsafe behaviors.
What should I do if a Scout doesn’t understand the rules about safe touch?
Take some time to explain it again in a simple way. Use examples of safe and unsafe touches that are easy to understand. Make sure the Scout feels comfortable asking questions.
How can I make the learning process engaging for the Wolf Safety in Numbers Adventure?
Use games and activities like the “Buddy Up” game to teach these important safety rules. This makes learning fun and memorable.
Sticking Together for Safety
The Safety in Numbers adventure is an important part of the Wolf Cub Scouts’ learning journey, focusing on personal safety. This adventure equips Wolves with knowledge and skills to recognize and react appropriately to unsafe situations. It helps young Scouts build confidence and awareness about their environment, making them more secure as they grow.
The adventure begins with the Wolves watching the “Protect Yourself Rules” video. This video introduces important concepts like “safe touch,” teaching Scouts to understand what kinds of physical interactions are appropriate and which are not. After watching, Scouts engage in discussions to reinforce these concepts, ensuring they grasp the lessons on personal boundaries.
Next, the adventure covers the buddy system. Wolves learn that by partnering with a buddy, they can look out for each other, enhancing their safety during Scout activities and daily life. They practice this system through games and real-world applications, learning to always stick together.
The Wolf Safety in Numbers adventure also involves practical learning about the safe use of playground equipment. Wolves review common safety rules for different types of playground apparatus. They learn through direct experience by using swings, slides, seesaws, merry-go-rounds, balance beams, and jungle gyms safely under supervision. This not only teaches them how to play safely but also how to keep play areas safe for others.
Overall, the Safety in Numbers adventure provides Wolf Cub Scouts with foundational safety skills. These lessons are essential for young Scouts, enabling them to enjoy their activities safely and confidently. By sticking together and following the rules, they ensure fun and safety go hand in hand.
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