Wolf Pedal with the Pack Adventure
Adventure Type: Elective
Number of Requirements: 6
Typical Time to Complete: 1–2 meetings, plus a bike ride
Parent Involvement: Help provide bikes and helmets, assist with the ride
Preparation Needed: Choose a safe riding area, plan the route, gather bike pictures
Activity Level: Moderate to high
Indoor or Outdoor: Both, outdoor space needed for riding
Special Requirements: Use the buddy system on the bike ride
Supplies Snapshot: Bikes, helmets, closed-toe shoes, bike pictures, cones
The Wolf Pedal with the Pack Adventure helps Scouts build biking skills and learn safe riding habits. Wolves practice skills they can use on rides with their friends and family while enjoying time outdoors.
Scouts learn how to put on and take off a helmet, choose clothing for riding, and explore different types of bikes. They also practice starting and stopping on their own and using hand signals to let others know what they plan to do.
The adventure ends with a bike ride with their den, pack, or family. By following the buddy system, Wolves practice looking out for one another and put their new skills to use.
Requirements for the Wolf Pedal with the Pack Adventure
Pedal with the Pack Adventure Requirements
- Show how to properly wear a bicycle helmet. Show you can take off and put on without help.
- Decide what you should wear when riding a bike.
- Learn about different types of bikes and when/where you might ride these different types.
- Demonstrate you can start and stop your bicycle without help.
- Demonstrate proper hand signals.
- With your den, pack, or family, follow the buddy system and take a bike ride.
Wolf Pedal with the Pack Adventure Requirements
Wolf Pedal with the Pack Adventure Check Off Sheet
Printable checkoff sheet for the Wolf Badge (for den or individual use)
Resources for the Wolf Pedal with the Pack Adventure
Requirement 1: Helmet
Show how to properly wear a bicycle helmet. Show you can take off and put on without help.
Help Scouts check that their helmets sit level and fit snugly without sliding around. Allow time for each Scout to practice buckling and unbuckling independently, since the clasp may take a few tries.
Easy Option: Have Scouts bring their helmets to a meeting. Check each Scout’s fit, then have them take the helmet off and put it back on without help. See helmet fitting tips.
Requirement 2: What to Wear
Decide what you should wear when riding a bike.
Help Scouts choose clothes that let them move comfortably and shoes that stay securely on their feet. Point out bright colors for visibility and explain why loose shoelaces or clothing can get caught in moving bike parts.
Easy Option: Ask Scouts to arrive dressed for a bike ride. Do a quick gear check together and discuss any changes they need before riding.
Resources:
- Bike Gear Relay Race: Play a game to learn about bike gear and safety.
- Gear Check: Cub Scouts demonstrate what clothes to wear when going for a bike ride.
- Gear Classification: Cub Scouts choose proper clothes and gear for a safe bike ride.
Requirement 3: Types of Bikes
Learn about different types of bikes and when/where you might ride these different types.
Use pictures or actual bikes to compare features such as tires, handlebars, and frames. Ask Scouts which bike they would choose for a paved path or a rough trail, and have them explain their choices.
Easy Option: Show pictures of a road bike, mountain bike, and BMX bike. Have Scouts match each one with a place or activity it is designed for. See Types of Bikes.
Requirement 4: Starting and Stopping
Demonstrate you can start and stop your bicycle without help.
Choose a flat, open area away from traffic so Scouts can focus on controlling their bikes. Give each Scout room to practice at their own pace, with the goal of steady starts and controlled stops.
Easy Option: Mark a starting point and a stopping area with cones. Have Scouts take turns starting without help, riding a short distance, and stopping within the marked area.
More ideas:
- Red light, Green light: Cub Scouts demonstrate starting and stopping a bike.
Requirement 5: Hand Signals
Demonstrate proper hand signals.
Teach the signals while Scouts are standing beside their bikes so they can focus on the arm movements first. Once they know the signals, let them practice while riding slowly in an open area, keeping control of their bikes.
Easy Option: Play a short round of Hand Signal Simon Says. Then have each Scout demonstrate the signals during a short practice ride.
More resources:
- Show Me A Sign: Cub Scouts demonstrate hand signals while riding a bike.
Requirement 6: Go for a Ride
With your den, pack, or family, follow the buddy system and take a bike ride.
Choose a short, easy route that suits the least experienced rider in the group. Pair Scouts with buddies, explain how to stay together, and have adults lead and follow the group.
Easy Option: Take a short buddy ride around a paved loop in a park with adult supervision. Keep the pace comfortable and stop together to check that everyone is keeping up.
See lots more ideas for a Cub Scout cycling event.
More resources:
- Bike Rodeo Ideas: Hold a fun cycling event.
- Let’s Go Ride A Bike: Cub Scouts go for a bike ride with their buddy.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Wolf Pedal with the Pack Adventure
What do I need to bring for the Pedal with the Pack adventure?
Bring a bicycle that fits you, a properly fitting helmet, water bottle, and wear comfortable clothes suitable for biking.
Do I need a special type of bike for the Pedal with the Pack adventure?
No, any bike that is safe and fits you well is fine. You could use a road bike, mountain bike, or any other bike you have.
Can I complete the Pedal with the Pack adventure in one day?
Yes, most groups can complete it in one day. Plan the bike ride and activities with your den or family to fit into a single day.
What if I don’t know the hand signals?
Your den leader or another adult can teach you the hand signals during a meeting or before the bike ride. It’s easy to learn them.
Is it okay to ride on the sidewalk?
This depends on local laws. Some places allow bicycles on sidewalks, while others do not. Always check the rules in your area and follow them.
What should I do if my bike breaks down during the ride for the Pedal with the Pack adventure?
Stay with your buddy and ask an adult for help. It’s good to carry basic tools or have an adult who knows how to fix bikes.
Why do we use the buddy system for the Pedal with the Pack adventure?
The buddy system keeps you safe. You look out for each other and help each other if there’s a problem.
Wolves on Wheels!
The Wolf Pedal with the Pack adventure focuses on teaching Scouts how to ride bicycles safely and responsibly. Throughout this adventure, Wolves learn important skills such as wearing a helmet correctly, choosing appropriate clothing for cycling, and understanding different types of bikes.
The Pedal with the Pack adventure starts with Wolves learning how to properly wear a bicycle helmet and the importance of using it every time they ride. They practice putting on and taking off the helmet without help, ensuring it fits snugly and provides maximum protection. Scouts also discuss what types of clothing are best for biking, emphasizing the need for visibility and comfort.
Scouts then explore different types of bicycles and learn which are best suited for various terrains and activities. They also practice starting and stopping their bikes on their own, a crucial skill for safe riding.
Hand signals are another key focus. Wolves learn how to signal their turns and stops to others, which is important for preventing accidents. The big event for the Pedal with the Pack adventure is a group bike ride using the buddy system. This not only reinforces safety practices but also promotes teamwork and friendship among the Scouts.
The Pedal with the Pack adventure is an exciting way for Wolf Scouts to gain confidence and independence while enjoying the outdoors. It teaches them valuable life skills that include responsibility, safety awareness, and the importance of physical fitness.
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