Lion Let’s Camp Adventure
Adventure Type: Elective
Number of Requirements: 4
Typical Time to Complete: 1–2 meetings, plus an overnight campout
Parent Involvement: Help with packing, accompany Lion on campout
Preparation Needed: Arrange campout, check forecast, review packing list
Activity Level: Moderate, varies with camp activities
Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor preparation, outdoor camping
Special Requirements: Adult partner required, pack or council/district overnight camp
Supplies Snapshot: Cub Scout Six Essentials, weather-appropriate clothing, tent, sleeping gear
The Lion Let’s Camp Adventure introduces young Cub Scouts to overnight camping. Lions learn how to use the buddy system, choose clothing for the weather, and pack their Cub Scout Six Essentials. These simple steps help them feel ready for a night outdoors.
Preparing for the campout gives Lions a chance to take part in planning. With help from their adult partners, they check the forecast and gather their gear. They begin to understand how a little preparation can make camping more comfortable and fun.
Then Lions put their preparation into practice at a pack campout or a council or district overnight camp. Camping with family and fellow Scouts gives them time to explore, try new things, and enjoy being outside. This adventure can be the start of many happy camping memories.
Requirements for the Lion Let’s Camp Adventure
Lion Let’s Camp Adventure Requirements
- Learn about the buddy system and how it works in the outdoors.
- Before going on the overnight campout, discuss what type of weather is expected and what type of clothes you should wear.
- Pack up your Cub Scout Six Essentials for the campout.
- Attend a Council or District Cub Scout overnight camp or attend a campout with your Pack.
Printable requirements for the Lion Let's Camp Adventure
Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den's progress on the Lion Let's Camp Adventure
Printable checkoff sheet for the Lion Badge (for den or individual use)
Resources
Requirement 1: Buddy System
Learn about the buddy system and how it works in the outdoors.
Help Lions understand that buddies stay together and tell an adult if someone needs help. Use a simple example, such as walking to the campsite restroom, and practice buddy checks during your meeting.
Easy Option: Pair up Lions for a short walk around the meeting area. Stop twice for a buddy check so they can practice finding and checking on each other.
More resources:
- The Buddy System: See more resources and ideas for teaching about the buddy system.
- Buddy or No Buddy? Using the Lion handbook, Cub Scouts learn the buddy system.
- Buddy Tic Tac Toe: Ask the Cub Scouts to “buddy up,” with a fellow scout of their choosing. Play tic-tac-toe.
Requirement 2: Prepare for the Weather
Before going on the overnight campout, discuss what type of weather is expected and what type of clothes you should wear.
Look at the campout forecast with Lions and their adult partners, including the overnight low. Let Lions suggest clothing, then help them think about layers, rain gear, and dry clothes for bedtime.
Easy Option: Ask each Lion to bring a jacket and one other clothing item for the expected weather. Have them explain when they would wear each item.
More ideas:
- Adult Partner Dress Up: Adult partners wear different clothes for different seasons and Cub Scouts identify the season.
- What Should Cat Wear? Identify proper clothing for the weather with a cut out activity
- What to Wear Relay: Cub Scouts pick out clothes that are appropriate for different types of weather.
Requirement 3: Pack the Six Essentials
Pack up your Cub Scout Six Essentials for the campout.
Let Lions handle each of the Cub Scout Six Essentials and talk briefly about when they might need it. Have adult partners help Lions pack their own bags so the Scouts know where to find their supplies.
Easy Option: Send families a Six Essentials checklist before the campout. Have each Lion pack a small day bag with their adult partner and show you the contents at camp.
More resources:
- The Cub Scout Six Essentials: Learn what the six essentials are and why they are important.
- Packing for the Campout: This is an at-home activity. Adult partners will help their Cub Scouts pack their Cub Scout Six Essentials.
Requirement 4: Go Camping
Attend a Council or District Cub Scout overnight camp or attend a campout with your Pack.
Attending an overnight camp is a big adventure for Lion Scouts. It’s a chance for them to use what they’ve learned about camping and enjoy time outdoors. They can go to a big Cub Scout event with lots of other Scouts or camp just with their own pack.
Here are some options for Lion Let’s Camp requirement 4:
- Packing List: See a list of suggested items for your overnight adventure.
- Scouting America Guidelines for Overnight Camping: Lions must be accompanied by an adult partner when camping. This is usually a parent.
- Lion Council Camping: Outing with travel
- Lion Pack Camping: Go camping with your pack.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Lion Let’s Camp Adventure
How can I help my Lion prepare for the campout?
Talk about the buddy system, help them pack their backpack, and discuss what clothes to wear depending on the weather forecast.
What should my Lion bring to the campout?
Your Lion should pack the Cub Scout Six Essentials: a first aid kit, filled water bottle, flashlight, trail food, sun protection, and a whistle. Also bring clothes for any weather, and your personal items. Your leader will give you a full list. See here for a suggested packing list.
What if my Lion has never camped before?
It’s okay! The Lion Let’s Camp Adventure is designed for beginners. The den leaders and other helpers will make sure your Lion feels safe and has fun.
Do parents attend the campout too?
Yes, according to BSA regulations, Lions must be accompanied by their adult partner. This is usually a parent.
What activities will Lions do at the campout?
Lions will participate in activities like games that teach them about camping and nature, a nature walk, and possibly learning some basic outdoor skills.
What happens if it rains during the campout?
The leaders will have a plan for rain. It might include moving activities under shelter or using rain gear to continue the fun safely.
Camp Like a Lion!
The Lion Let’s Camp Adventure is an exciting introduction to camping for Lion Scouts. It helps them start learning the basics of outdoor safety, teamwork, and camping skills. This adventure is not just about sleeping in tents; it’s about building confidence and a love for the outdoors.
Lions start by learning the buddy system. This teaches them to look out for one another and stay safe while outside. They practice this by pairing up and keeping track of each other during all camping activities.
Next, Lions prepare for the campout by discussing the expected weather and what clothes to bring. This helps them understand how to dress right for different outdoor conditions. They also pack their Cub Scout Six Essentials, which includes items like a water bottle, flashlight, and first aid kit. These essentials ensure they are prepared for most situations they might encounter.
The Lion Let’s Camp adventure culminates in attending an actual overnight camp. Lions can choose to go on a campout with their pack or join a larger Cub Scout event. Here, they apply what they’ve learned and enjoy various fun and educational activities. They participate in nature walks, campfire stories, and skill-building games.
Through the Lion Let’s Camp Adventure, young Scouts gain valuable outdoor experiences that spark their curiosity and enthusiasm for more adventures. It’s a wonderful way for them to connect with nature and start their journey in Scouting with excitement and knowledge.
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