Wolf Footsteps Den Meeting Plan

The Wolf Footsteps Adventure helps Scouts learn about their family’s faith traditions, the importance of kindness, and the value of honesty. This Wolf Footsteps den meeting plan makes these lessons fun and engaging. It mixes hands-on activities, simple discussions, and a little creativity to help Scouts understand these big ideas in a way that makes sense to them.

This adventure is all about connection. Scouts connect with their families by talking about traditions. They connect with their community by showing kindness. They connect with each other by learning and sharing together. These experiences help build character and reinforce the values of Scouting.

This Wolf Footsteps den meeting plan plan keeps Scouts active and interested. It includes a fun craft, an interactive game, and a kindness project they can do right away. It also gives them a chance to reflect on honesty through a classic fable. There’s even a snack that ties into the theme.

By the end of the den meeting, Scouts will have completed all the requirements for the adventure. More importantly, they will leave with a better understanding of how faith, kindness, and honesty shape their lives. They’ll also have some great memories of a fun and meaningful time with their den.

Total Time: 60 Minutes

Welcome and Gathering Activity (10 minutes)
As Scouts arrive, have them decorate a “kindness jar” with stickers and markers. This will be used later in the den meeting. Greet everyone and give a quick overview of the adventure.

Discussing Family Faith Traditions and Craft Activity (10 minutes)
Talk briefly about different family faith traditions. Each Scout shares one holiday or celebration from their family (if they are comfortable). Then, they make a simple sun catcher craft using black paper, tissue paper, and contact paper to represent a symbol from their tradition.

Discussion on Attending a Religious Service or Gathering (5 minutes)
Ask Scouts who have attended a religious service or gathering to describe what they saw and how people showed reverence. For those who haven’t, discuss other ways families show respect, such as moments of silence, nature walks, or quiet reflection.

Act of Kindness Activity (10 minutes)
Each Scout pulls a random act of kindness idea from the kindness jar they decorated earlier. They discuss how and when they will complete their act of kindness.

Learning About Honesty Through “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” (10 minutes)
Read the fable aloud. Lead a short discussion about why honesty is important. To reinforce the lesson, play a quick game: Scouts sit in a circle, and one Scout pretends to “call for help” like the boy in the story. If they tell the truth, the group responds quickly. If they pretend but nothing is wrong, the group delays responding. This helps them understand the impact of lying.

Snack Time (5 minutes)
Serve a simple snack related to a faith tradition, such as challah bread (Jewish tradition), moon-shaped cookies (Islamic tradition), or fruit (common in many traditions). While eating, briefly discuss how different faiths use food in celebrations.

Closing and Scout Law Connection (10 minutes)
Talk about how today’s activities relate to the Scout Law, focusing on “a Scout is reverent” and “a Scout is kind.” Ask each Scout to share one thing they learned. End with a simple closing, like the Scout Law Prayer.

Materials Needed for the Den Meeting

• small containers (one per Scout) for kindness jars
• large popsicle sticks (five or six per Scout)
• markers, stickers, and other decorations for the kindness jars
• list of kindness ideas for Scouts to choose from
• black construction paper (one sheet per Scout)
• scissors
• colored tissue paper (variety of colors)
• clear contact paper (enough for each Scout to have two small pieces)
• pencils for drawing shapes on paper
• printed copy of “The Boy Who Cried Wolf”
• simple snack related to a faith tradition
• napkins and small plates (if needed for snack)

Things to Do Before the Den Meeting

• gather all craft materials and prepare a sample sun catcher to show Scouts
• cut tissue paper into small squares for easy use
• print or write out “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” to read aloud
• choose and bring a snack related to a faith tradition
• prepare a simple explanation about how different faiths use food in celebrations
• print or write the Scout Law Prayer for closing

Things to Ask Parents to Provide or Help With

• a small container for their Scout’s kindness jar (if not providing them as a den)
• any extra decorations or stickers for the kindness jar craft
• a snack if a parent has a special food from their tradition they’d like to share
• help with cutting tissue paper or supervising crafts during the den meeting
• encouraging their Scout to complete acts of kindness before the next den meeting

As Scouts arrive, give each one a small container. This will be their kindness jar. Set out markers, stickers, and other craft supplies for them to decorate their jars. Let them get creative and have fun with it. While they decorate, talk to them about kindness. Ask them why being kind is important and how small acts can make a big difference.

Once their jars are decorated, give each Scout five or six large popsicle sticks. Explain that they will write one kind job on each stick. Use the prepared list to give them ideas.

• Draw a picture and give it to someone to brighten their day.
• Hold the door open for someone.
• Help set the table for a meal.
• Pick up trash in your neighborhood or at a park.
• Read a book to a younger sibling or family member.
• Let someone else go first in a game or activity.
• Write a thank-you note to a teacher or coach.
• Help carry groceries inside.
• Call or video chat with a grandparent or relative just to say hi.
• Share a toy or favorite snack with a friend.

Some might already have ideas of their own, and that’s great too. The goal is to have at least five acts of kindness ready to go.

After writing the kind jobs, they place the sticks inside their jar. Let them know they can pull a stick out whenever they want to do something nice for someone. It could be for a family member, a friend, a teacher, or even a stranger. Encourage them to try and complete all of their kind jobs before the next den meeting.

This activity helps Scouts think about kindness in a real way. It gives them a simple way to take action and make kindness a habit. By pulling a stick from their jar, they have an easy reminder to do something good for others.

Shining a Light on Traditions

This activity helps Scouts think about their family’s faith traditions. Some families celebrate holidays with special meals, decorations, or gatherings. Others may have quiet ways of showing reverence, like lighting candles or saying prayers. This is a chance for Scouts to share what is important to their family.

After a short discussion, Scouts will make a simple sun catcher craft. The sun catcher will represent a symbol from their family’s traditions. If a Scout is unsure what to choose, they can make something that represents kindness or honesty instead. The goal is for them to think about what is meaningful in their family and express it through art.

1. Give each Scout a piece of black construction paper. Have them draw a simple shape related to their family’s tradition. Examples: a star, a candle, a heart, a cross, a crescent moon.
2. Help them cut out the shape, leaving an outline like a frame.
3. Have them tear small pieces of colored tissue paper. They can pick colors that are special to their family’s tradition.
4. Give each Scout a piece of clear contact paper. Have them stick the tissue paper onto it, covering the space inside their black paper frame.
5. Once finished, place another piece of contact paper on top to seal it. Trim the edges if needed.
6. Let the Scouts hold their sun catchers up to the light and see how the colors shine.

When the crafts are done, invite Scouts to share what they made. If they are comfortable, they can explain the meaning behind their design. If they don’t want to share, that’s okay too.

This activity helps Scouts connect with their family’s beliefs in a creative way. It also shows them that everyone has different traditions, and that’s something to respect and appreciate. The sun catchers will be a reminder of what they learned and shared.

Ways We Show Reverence

This short discussion helps Scouts think about how people show respect and reverence. Some families go to a church, temple, mosque, or other place of worship. Others may have special ways of showing respect at home. Every family is different, and that is okay.

Ask Scouts if they have ever been to a religious service or gathering. If they have, invite them to share what they saw. Did people pray, sing, or listen to a leader speak? Did they light candles, bow, or sit quietly? Encourage them to describe what the experience was like. They do not have to share personal beliefs, just what they observed.

If a Scout has never attended a religious service, talk about other ways people show reverence. Some families take quiet walks in nature to feel connected to something bigger than themselves. Others might have moments of silence at home or say kind words before a meal. Some people show respect by caring for others or doing good deeds.

Let Scouts know that reverence is about showing respect for something important. It can look different for each person. The most important thing is to respect other people’s beliefs, just as we want them to respect ours.

Kindness in Action

Now that the kindness jars are ready, it’s time for the Scouts to start using them. Have each Scout pull one stick from their jar. This will be their first act of kindness to complete during the week. Give them a minute to read it and think about how and when they will do it.

Go around the group and ask each Scout to share what their act of kindness is. If a Scout doesn’t want to share, that’s okay. Encourage them to think about who will benefit from their kind action and how it might make that person feel. This helps them understand that even small acts can make a big difference.

After everyone has shared, remind them that they should try to complete all of their kind acts before the next den meeting. They can pull a new stick from their jar whenever they are ready to do another kind job. Encourage them to tell their family about the kindness jar and ask for help if they need it.

End the activity by asking a simple question: How does it feel when someone is kind to you? Let a few Scouts share their thoughts. This helps them see that kindness not only helps others but also makes them feel good inside.

The Truth Matters

Gather the Scouts and let them know you are going to read a story. Tell them it is an old fable called “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.” (See the story here.) Ask if anyone has heard it before. If some Scouts already know it, let them share what they remember. Then, read the story aloud. Use a fun, expressive voice to keep them engaged.

After reading, ask the Scouts what happened to the boy in the story. Guide them to understand that because he lied too many times, no one believed him when he told the truth. Ask them why they think honesty is important. Let a few Scouts share their thoughts.

Talk about how trust is built by being honest. Ask what happens when people tell lies, even small ones. Discuss how it feels when someone lies to them. Then, ask how it feels when someone is always honest. Help them see that telling the truth helps people trust and respect each other.

End the discussion by asking each Scout to think of a time when they told the truth, even when it was hard. They do not have to share, but they should think about it. Remind them that being honest is part of being a good Scout and a good friend.

Snack time is a great way to keep Scouts engaged while helping them learn about different traditions. Before the den meeting, choose a simple snack that connects to a faith tradition. As the Scouts eat, talk briefly about how food is often part of celebrations and special occasions.

Ask the Scouts if their families have any special foods for holidays or gatherings. Some might mention birthday cakes, Thanksgiving dinners, or other special meals. Explain that different faiths also have foods that are part of their traditions. These foods often have meaning, just like the celebrations themselves.

Give a simple example. If you serve challah bread, explain that it is part of Jewish Sabbath meals. If you serve moon-shaped cookies, mention that the moon is important in the Islamic calendar, including during Ramadan. If you serve fruit, talk about how many cultures use fruit in celebrations, like oranges for the Lunar New Year. Keep it simple and let the Scouts share their thoughts.

Encourage Scouts to try new foods when they get the chance. Learning about other traditions helps us understand and respect different cultures and beliefs. Once snack time is over, move on to the closing activity.

Here are some ideas for simple snacks related to celebrations:

• Matzo crackers (Jewish Passover tradition)
• Dates (often eaten to break fasts in Islamic traditions)
• Hot cross buns (Christian Easter tradition)
• Pita bread (common in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions)
• Rice cakes (used in many Asian celebrations)
• Cornbread (important in some Native American traditions)
• Pretzels (historically linked to Christian Lenten traditions)
• Sweet bread or pastries (common in many cultures for special events)
• Cheese cubes (served at some religious feasts)
• Honey or jam on bread (symbolizing sweetness in the New Year for some traditions)

Pick something easy and enjoyable, and keep the discussion light and fun.

Gather the Scouts together and remind them of everything they did today. They learned about their family’s faith traditions, created a craft, talked about reverence, planned acts of kindness, and learned why honesty is important. Now, it’s time to reflect on how these activities connect to the Scout Law.

Start by asking the Scouts how today’s den meeting showed that “a Scout is reverent.” Guide them to see that reverence means showing respect for different beliefs and traditions. It also means thinking about things that are bigger than ourselves, like faith, nature, or the values we live by.

Next, ask them how today’s den meeting showed that “a Scout is kind.” Help them see that kindness isn’t just about big actions—it’s also about small things, like helping at home, telling the truth, and treating others with respect. Their kindness jars will remind them to practice kindness every day.

Go around the group and ask each Scout to share one thing they learned today. It can be something about their own family’s traditions, a new way to be kind, or why honesty matters. After everyone has shared, close the Wolf Footsteps den meeting plan with a simple reflection, like the Scout Law Prayer.

Thank the Scouts for a great den meeting and remind them to work on their kindness jar before the next gathering.

Wolf Footsteps Adventure

The Wolf Footsteps Adventure helps Scouts learn about their family’s faith traditions, the importance of kindness, and the value of honesty. Scouts talk with their families about special holidays or celebrations and create a craft to represent a tradition. This helps them understand and appreciate their heritage. They also attend a religious service or other gathering that shows how their family expresses reverence.

Scouts practice kindness by completing good deeds for family, friends, or neighbors. They also read and discuss “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” to learn why honesty is important. This adventure teaches them to respect different beliefs, be kind to others, and always tell the truth.

See more resources for the Wolf Footsteps Adventure here.

What if a Scout does not want to share about their family’s faith traditions?

That is okay. Some Scouts may not feel comfortable sharing. They can listen and learn from others. If they prefer, they can make a sun catcher with a symbol of kindness or honesty instead of a faith tradition.

What if a Scout has never attended a religious service?

Not all families attend religious services, and that is fine. Talk about other ways people show reverence, like moments of silence, nature walks, or quiet reflection. The goal is to help Scouts understand that reverence can take different forms.

What if a Scout struggles with writing kind acts on their popsicle sticks?

Provide a list of ideas they can choose from. Some Scouts may also benefit from help spelling words. If needed, let them draw small pictures instead of writing full sentences. The important thing is that they understand the act of kindness they are choosing.

Can I change the snack if I can’t find one related to a faith tradition?

Yes. Any simple snack will work. If possible, pick something that could be part of a celebration, like fruit, bread, or cookies. The discussion about how food connects to traditions is more important than the specific snack.

What if the Wolf Footsteps den meeting plan runs long?

Keep an eye on the time and adjust if needed. If discussions take too long, gently move Scouts along to the next activity. If needed, send the kindness jars home unfinished and encourage Scouts to complete them with their families.

How can I help Scouts remember to do their kind acts?

Remind them at the end of the den meeting to use their kindness jars during the week. You can also send a quick reminder to parents before the next den meeting. Encourage parents to ask their Scout about their kind acts.

This Wolf Footsteps den meeting plan helps Scouts learn about their family’s faith traditions, practice kindness, and understand the importance of honesty. It gives them a chance to share, create, and reflect. Through simple activities, they build character in a way that feels natural and fun.

Scouts leave the den meeting with a kindness jar to remind them to do good deeds. They also gain a better understanding of reverence and why respect for different beliefs is important. By hearing “The Boy Who Cried Wolf,” they learn that honesty builds trust. These lessons will stay with them beyond the den meeting.

As a den leader, your role is to guide discussions, keep things moving, and make sure every Scout feels included. Some may share a lot, while others prefer to listen. Either way, they are learning. Keep things simple and fun, and the Scouts will walk away with valuable life lessons.

By the end of the Wolf Footsteps den meeting plan, the Scouts will have completed all the requirements for the Wolf Footsteps Adventure. More importantly, they will have taken steps toward becoming kinder, more respectful, and more honest. And that is what Scouting is all about.