Arrow of Light First Aid Den Meeting Plan

First aid is an important skill for every Scout to learn. In this Arrow of Light adventure, Scouts will practice how to handle emergencies and help others. They will learn how to stay calm, think quickly, and take action when someone is hurt. These skills are useful in Scouting activities and everyday life.

This den meeting will be active and engaging. Scouts won’t just listen—they will practice real first aid techniques. They will work together to treat pretend injuries, respond to emergency situations, and build their own first aid kits. Learning by doing helps Scouts remember these important skills.

This adventure also helps Scouts feel more confident. When they know what to do, they are less likely to panic in an emergency. They learn to take responsibility and help others when needed. These lessons go beyond first aid. They build character and prepare Scouts for the future.

By the end of the meeting, Scouts will have the knowledge and skills to respond to common first aid situations. They will also have fun along the way! This adventure is a great way to practice being “Helpful” and “Prepared” while building teamwork and leadership skills.

90 Minutes Total (You might need to explore some topics more in depth at another meeting or field trip. )

Gathering Activity (10 minutes) – First Aid Relay
As Scouts arrive, they participate in a relay where they match first aid items with their correct uses. Each Scout picks a card with a type of injury and finds the correct first aid supply. This builds engagement and introduces key first aid concepts in a fun way.

Opening and Discussion (10 minutes) – What to Do in a First Aid Situation
Gather Scouts and discuss the basic steps to follow when someone needs first aid. Use a simple role-play scenario where Scouts decide what to do in different emergency situations. Emphasize staying safe, calling for help, and giving appropriate first aid if trained.

Hurry Cases Stations (20 minutes) – Hands-On Demonstrations
Set up stations where Scouts practice responding to serious bleeding, heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest, stopped breathing, stroke, and poisoning. Use simple props like red-dyed gauze for bleeding and role-play with adults to simulate medical emergencies. Scouts rotate through the stations to practice skills.

Choking Rescue (10 minutes) – Heimlich Maneuver Practice
Demonstrate how to help a choking person, then have Scouts practice using foam dummies or backpacks filled with soft items. Discuss what to do if they are alone or if the choking person becomes unconscious.

Shock and Minor Injuries (15 minutes) – Hands-On Learning
Pair Scouts up and guide them through treating shock with one Scout acting as the victim. Then, demonstrate and practice treating cuts, burns, bites, and nosebleeds using real first aid supplies. Scouts take turns bandaging each other to reinforce learning.

Building a First Aid Kit (10 minutes) – Personal Preparedness
Each Scout assembles a small first aid kit using quart-sized bags and basic supplies like bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and gloves. Discuss when and how to use each item.

Snack Break (5 minutes) – Bandage Wraps & Juice
Provide simple tortilla roll-ups that resemble bandages and juice boxes for a themed snack. Scouts can chat about what they’ve learned while eating.

Closing (10 minutes) – Tying It to the Scout Law
Discuss how learning first aid relates to being “Helpful” and “Brave.” Ask Scouts to share how they can use these skills in everyday life. Thank everyone for their participation and encourage them to review their new skills at home.

Materials Needed for the Den Meeting

For the Gathering Activity (First Aid Relay):

• Index cards with different injuries written on them
• First aid supplies (real or printed pictures) such as:
  • Adhesive bandages
  • Gauze pads
  • Adhesive tape
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Cold packs
  • Tweezers
  • Gloves
  • Moleskin
  • Calamine lotion
  • Small soap bar or hand sanitizer

For Hurry Cases Stations:

• Red-dyed gauze or fabric to simulate bleeding
• CPR dummy (if available) or pillow for chest compressions practice
• Printed poison symbol for the poisoning station
• Blanket for shock treatment demonstration
• Index cards with emergency symptoms (heart attack, stroke, etc.)

For Choking Rescue Practice:

• Foam dummies or backpacks filled with soft items for Heimlich maneuver practice

For Shock and Minor Injuries Practice:

• Bandages, gauze, and adhesive tape for wrapping injuries
• Antiseptic wipes
• Aloe vera or cooling lotion for burns
• Tweezers for splinter removal practice
• Cotton balls or tissues for nosebleed practice
• Small bowls of water and soap for washing pretend injuries

For First Aid Kit Building:

• Quart-sized resealable plastic bags (one per Scout)
• First aid supplies for each kit:
  • Adhesive bandages
  • Gauze pads
  • Adhesive tape
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Disposable gloves
  • Tweezers
  • Optional: antibiotic ointment, moleskin, emergency contact card

For Snack Break:

• Soft tortillas
• Cream cheese, peanut butter, or another spread
• Fruit leather or cheese strips (optional, for decoration)
• Juice boxes or water bottles
• Napkins

Pre-Meeting Preparation for the Den Leader

• Gather all supplies ahead of time and set up stations before the meeting starts.
• Print and prepare index cards for the First Aid Relay and Hurry Cases stations.
• Check internet access if planning to stream the Protect Yourself Rules video at home.
• Make sure there is enough space for Scouts to move during hands-on activities.

What to Ask Parents to Provide or Help With

• First aid supplies for the kits (if possible, ask parents to donate items like bandages and wipes).
• Snack ingredients (some parents may be willing to bring tortillas, spreads, or juice).
• Extra hands (ask one or two parents to help at the stations, especially for hurry cases practice).
• At-home video (remind parents to make sure their Scout watches the Protect Yourself Rules video before the meeting).

Final Notes for a Smooth Meeting

• Keep the energy up by making the activities engaging.
• Remind Scouts that first aid is about staying calm and helping others.
• End on a positive note by reinforcing the importance of being Helpful and Brave.

This gathering activity helps Scouts get ready for the First Aid adventure in a fun way. It gets them moving and thinking about first aid before we start the main lesson. They will match injuries to the correct first aid supplies in a relay-style game. This activity also helps them work together and builds confidence in recognizing first aid tools. It should take about 10 minutes.

Setup

1. Gather a set of first aid supplies, such as bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, cold packs, and gloves. You can use real supplies or printed pictures.
2. Write different injuries on index cards. Each card should have a simple description of an injury.
3. Place the first aid supplies on one side of the room. Shuffle the injury cards and place them on the other side.
4. Divide the Scouts into two or three teams, depending on group size.

Suggested Injury and Supply Matches

Here are 12 possible injuries and the correct first aid supplies:

• Cut on finger – Adhesive bandage
• Scraped knee – Antiseptic wipe and bandage
• Burn on hand – Cool water and sterile gauze
• Bee sting – Tweezers (for stinger) and cold pack
• Nosebleed – Tissue or gauze, and instructions to pinch nose
• Splinter in finger – Tweezers and antiseptic wipe
• Blister on foot – Moleskin
• Bug bite – Antihistamine cream or calamine lotion
• Sprained ankle – Cold pack and elastic bandage
• Poison ivy rash – Soap and water, calamine lotion
• Large bleeding wound – Gauze pad and adhesive tape
• Choking – No supply, just the Heimlich maneuver (this can be a discussion card)

1. Call one Scout from each team to start. They take an injury card and run to the supplies.
2. The Scout picks the best first aid supply for the injury. If they are unsure, they can ask their team for help.
3. Once they choose a supply, they run back and tag the next teammate.
4. The next Scout picks a new injury card and repeats the process.
5. Keep playing until all the cards are matched with supplies.

After the relay, go through each injury card and talk about the correct first aid supplies. If Scouts made mistakes, explain why and give them a chance to correct them. This helps them remember what to use in real situations. Keep it light and fun—learning first aid should feel exciting, not stressful. This activity sets a great tone for the rest of the meeting!

Emergency Action Stations

This activity helps Scouts practice what to do in life-threatening emergencies. They will go through different stations to learn how to handle serious bleeding, heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest, stopped breathing, stroke, and poisoning. Instead of just talking about these emergencies, they will practice what to do. This keeps them engaged and helps them remember the steps. This activity should take about 20 minutes.

1. Choose five areas in the room for the stations. Each one will focus on a different emergency.
2. Have an adult or older Scout at each station to guide the Scouts through the steps.
3. Use simple props to make it more realistic. Red-dyed gauze can represent bleeding, a dummy or pillow can be used for CPR practice, and a printed poison symbol can represent a poisoning emergency.
4. Split the Scouts into small groups. They will rotate through the stations, spending a few minutes at each.

How to Run the Stations

1. Serious Bleeding: Scouts practice pressing firmly on a “wound” (a piece of red-dyed gauze) with their hands or a bandage. The adult explains the importance of keeping pressure on the wound and raising the injured area if possible.
2. Heart Attack or Sudden Cardiac Arrest: The adult describes heart attack symptoms and what to do. Scouts practice calling 911 and acting out how to help someone stay calm. If a CPR dummy is available, Scouts can practice chest compressions.
3. Stopped Breathing: Scouts learn how to check if someone is breathing. If not, they practice calling for help and pretending to start CPR (if trained). The adult explains that real CPR should only be done if absolutely necessary.
4. Stroke: The adult teaches the FAST method (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911). Scouts take turns pretending to check for signs of a stroke. They practice acting quickly and calling for help.
5. Poisoning: The adult shows a poison symbol and explains common household poisons. Scouts act out calling Poison Control and telling an adult. They learn not to make a person throw up unless a doctor or poison expert says to.

After Scouts finish all stations, bring them together for a quick review. Ask them what they learned and what they found most interesting. Remind them that acting fast in an emergency can help save lives. This activity helps them feel more prepared and confident in handling serious situations.

Helping a Choking Friend

This activity teaches Scouts how to help someone who is choking. Choking can happen anytime, so it is important to know what to do. Scouts will learn the Heimlich maneuver and practice it in a safe way. They will also learn what to do if they are alone or if the choking person becomes unconscious. This activity should take about 10 minutes.

1. Explain that choking happens when something blocks a person’s airway. Signs of choking include not being able to talk, cough, or breathe. A person may also grab their throat.
2. Tell Scouts to always ask, “Are you choking?” If the person can’t speak, they need help right away.
3. Demonstrate the Heimlich maneuver. Stand behind the person, place your arms around their waist, make a fist just above the belly button, grab your fist with the other hand, and push inward and upward quickly. Repeat until the object comes out.
4. Explain what to do if the person becomes unconscious. Scouts should lay the person down and call 911. If they are trained in CPR, they should start chest compressions.

How to Practice the Heimlich Maneuver

1. Give each Scout a foam dummy or a backpack filled with soft items.
2. Have them practice standing behind the dummy and doing the correct hand placement.
3. Guide them as they practice inward and upward thrusts. Remind them to be firm but careful.
4. Ask Scouts what they would do if they were alone and choking. Explain they can press their stomach against a chair or counter to force the object out.

After practice, review the key steps with the Scouts. Remind them to stay calm and act quickly in a choking emergency. Ask them to explain the steps in their own words. Knowing how to help can make a big difference in an emergency.

Helping in Small Emergencies

This activity teaches Scouts how to treat shock and minor injuries. They will practice helping someone in shock and learn how to care for cuts, burns, bites, and nosebleeds. Scouts will take turns playing the injured person and the helper. This hands-on practice helps them feel more confident in using first aid. This activity should take about 15 minutes.

How to Teach First Aid for Shock

1. Explain that shock happens when the body is not getting enough blood flow. It can happen after an injury, allergic reaction, or extreme fright.
2. Have one Scout act as the injured person. They should lie down and pretend to be weak or dizzy.
3. The other Scout should practice helping by keeping them calm, raising their feet if there are no injuries, and covering them with a blanket.
4. Remind Scouts not to give food or water to someone in shock. They should call for help and stay with the person.

How to Treat Minor Injuries

1. Cuts and Scratches: Show Scouts how to clean a cut with water and an antiseptic wipe. Then, they put on a bandage. Have them practice on each other using pretend injuries.
2. Burns: Explain that cool water should be used right away. Have them practice gently covering a pretend burn with a sterile gauze pad.
3. Bites and Stings: Teach them to wash a bite or sting with soap and water, apply a cold pack, and use tweezers to remove a stinger if needed.
4. Nosebleeds: Have one Scout pretend to have a nosebleed. The helper should guide them to sit, lean forward, and pinch their nose for several minutes.

After practicing, review each type of injury and the correct way to treat it. Ask Scouts to explain what they learned. Remind them that staying calm and acting quickly can help someone feel better and heal faster. These small skills can make a big difference in an emergency.

Be Ready: Make Your Own First Aid Kit

A good Scout is always prepared. In this activity, Scouts will make their own first aid kits. This kit will help them be ready for small injuries at home, on a hike, or at a campout. They will also learn what each item is for and how to use it. This activity should take about 10 minutes.

1. Give each Scout a quart-sized resealable bag to hold their supplies.
2. Provide basic first aid items such as adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, adhesive tape, disposable gloves, and tweezers.
3. If possible, include optional items like antibiotic ointment, moleskin for blisters, or a small card with emergency phone numbers.

How to Build the First Aid Kit

1. Lay out all the supplies so Scouts can see what they will include in their kits.
2. Explain each item one at a time. Show them how to use it and when it might be needed.
3. Have each Scout pick up the item and place it in their bag as you go through the list.
4. Once all the supplies are in the bags, ask Scouts to check their kits and make sure they have everything.

Ask Scouts where they plan to keep their first aid kits. A backpack, a camping bag, or a car are good places. Remind them that knowing how to use the supplies is just as important as having them. Encourage them to show their kits to their families and explain what each item is for. Being prepared is an important part of being a Scout!

After all the hands-on learning, it’s a great time for a quick snack break. This is a chance for Scouts to relax, talk about what they’ve learned, and enjoy a fun, themed snack. Bandage wraps and juice boxes are simple to prepare and fit the first aid theme. This snack break should take about five minutes.

1. Make the Bandage Wraps ahead of time: Use soft tortillas and spread a thin layer of cream cheese, peanut butter, or another favorite filling. Roll them up tightly and cut them into small sections to look like rolled bandages. If you want, you can add a thin strip of fruit leather or cheese.
2. Serve with Juice Boxes: Any kind of juice box works. They are easy to hand out and don’t create a mess. Water bottles are also a good option.
3. Set Up a Snack Area: Have a small table or a clean space where Scouts can grab their food and sit together.

How to Make the Most of the Break

• Encourage Scouts to talk about what they learned. Ask them which first aid skill they think is the most important.
• Let them share any personal stories about times they needed first aid or helped someone else.
• Keep the atmosphere light and fun. This is a great time for them to connect and feel more confident about their new skills.

After snacks, remind Scouts to clean up their trash and get ready for the last part of the meeting. A short snack break helps keep energy up and gives everyone a moment to relax before finishing the adventure. Plus, the bandage wraps add a fun touch to the first aid theme!

First aid is an important skill that helps Scouts be ready for emergencies. It also connects to the Scout Law. A Scout is Helpful because they care for others in need. A Scout is Brave because they stay calm and take action in an emergency. This closing activity helps Scouts think about how first aid fits into their everyday lives. It should take about 10 minutes.

How to Lead the Discussion

• Gather the Scouts in a circle and ask, “How does learning first aid help us follow the Scout Law?” Give them a moment to think before answering.
• Guide the conversation toward being Helpful. A Scout helps others, and knowing first aid allows them to give real help in an emergency.
• Talk about being Brave. It can be scary to see someone hurt, but a Scout does their best to stay calm and take action.
• Ask, “Can you think of a time when you or someone you know needed first aid?” Let a few Scouts share their experiences.
• Ask, “Where do you think you might use these skills in the future?” Guide them toward answers like home, school, sports, or camping.
• Remind them that knowing first aid isn’t just for big emergencies. Even small skills, like cleaning a cut or helping with a nosebleed, make a difference.

Thank the Scouts for their participation. Encourage them to share what they learned with their families. Remind them that first aid is not just about treating injuries—it is about being ready to help others. End with a simple reminder: A Scout is Helpful. A Scout is Brave. A Scout knows what to do.

Follow Up

Remind parents and Scouts that the Scouts still need to watch the Protect Yourself Rules video at home if they haven’t done it already.

Arrow of Light First Aid Adventure

The Arrow of Light First Aid adventure helps Scouts learn how to handle emergencies and help others in need. They practice skills like treating cuts, burns, and bites, and they learn how to respond to choking and serious medical situations. By making their own first aid kits and practicing how to use each item, Scouts become more confident and ready to help in real-life situations.

This adventure also teaches personal safety and awareness. Scouts learn how to protect themselves and recognize dangerous situations. These lessons prepare them to act calmly and responsibly in emergencies. The First Aid adventure builds skills that are useful in Scouting and everyday life.

See more resources for the Arrow of Light First Aid adventure here.

How long should this den meeting take?

This meeting should take about 90 minutes. This includes the gathering activity, hands-on first aid practice, snack break, and closing discussion. You might need to explore some topics more in depth at another meeting or field trip.

Do Scouts need to watch the Protect Yourself Rules video before the meeting?

Yes. Ask parents to make sure their Scout watches the video at home before the meeting. This keeps the meeting focused on first aid skills.

What if I don’t have all the first aid supplies for the activities?

You can use printed pictures for some supplies if needed. You can also ask parents to donate supplies for the first aid kits.

How many adults should help with this meeting?

At least two adults should assist. More adults make it easier to manage the stations and give Scouts hands-on practice.

What if a Scout is nervous about practicing first aid?

Remind them that this is just practice. Keep the activities light and fun. Let them watch before trying if they feel unsure.

Can I change the activities if needed?

Yes. You can adjust the activities to fit your group. Just make sure all requirements are covered.

What if a Scout misses this meeting?

Give them a worksheet to review at home. They can also build a first aid kit on their own and practice some skills with a parent.

Do I need a CPR dummy for this meeting?

No. A pillow or cushion works for chest compression practice. The goal is to teach the idea, not full CPR training.

What if Scouts get too silly during the activities?

Remind them that first aid is serious but still fun to learn. Keep things hands-on to keep their attention.

How do I wrap up the meeting in a meaningful way?

Use the closing discussion to connect first aid to the Scout Law. Ask how these skills can help them be Helpful and Brave. Remind them that being prepared makes a difference in emergencies.

This den meeting is more than just a lesson—it is a hands-on adventure. Scouts get to practice real skills that they can use in everyday life. They learn how to help in emergencies, stay calm under pressure, and take action when needed. These skills build confidence and responsibility.

By the end of the meeting, Scouts will know how to handle cuts, burns, bites, choking, and more. They will also understand how to respond to serious situations like heart attacks, stroke, and poisoning. Making their own first aid kits helps them be ready for small emergencies at home or on outings.

First aid is an important part of Scouting. It teaches Scouts to be Helpful by caring for others and Brave by taking action when someone needs help. This meeting makes learning first aid fun and memorable. It also helps Scouts feel proud of what they can do.

Encourage Scouts to share what they learned with their families. Remind them to keep practicing their skills so they feel ready if an emergency happens. First aid is not just something they learn once—it is a skill they will use for life!