Webelos Walkabout Den Meeting Plan

Webelos love being active and exploring. The Webelos Walkabout adventure gives them a chance to do both. This Webelos Walkabout den meeting plan will help Scouts prepare for and complete a two-mile walk while learning important outdoor skills. They will practice safety, first aid, and planning. They will also learn how to take care of nature and work as a team.

This Webelos Walkabout den meeting is designed to keep Scouts engaged. It combines hands-on activities, games, and discussions. Scouts will not just learn by listening. They will check the weather, pack their gear, and plan their own route. They will also practice first aid and review safety rules. After getting ready, they will go on their walk and use what they have learned.

The adventure does not end when the walk is over. Scouts will reflect on their experience and talk about what went well and what could be better next time. This helps them build confidence and learn from their own experiences.

This Webelos Walkabout den meeting plan makes sure Webelos have fun while learning skills they will use in the future. It is a great way to help them become more prepared and responsible outdoors.

Total time: 120 Minutes

Gathering Activity: Pack It Right (10 minutes)
As Scouts arrive, they practice packing a backpack with the Cub Scout Six Essentials. Use a pile of mixed outdoor gear and have them work together to pick out the correct items. Discuss why each item is important for a hike.

Snack: Trail Mix Station (10 minutes)
Scouts create their own trail mix to take on the walk. Provide a selection of ingredients such as nuts, dried fruit, cereal, and chocolate chips. Discuss the importance of proper nutrition and hydration for outdoor activities.

Opening and Den Meeting Overview (5 minutes)
Gather the den and recite the Outdoor Code together. Briefly explain that today’s adventure will include planning, safety, first aid, a two-mile walk, and reflection.

Mapping the Route (10 minutes)
Scouts use printed maps to plan their 2-mile walk. Have them highlight key landmarks, estimate distance, and identify any possible hazards. Discuss different types of terrain and how to navigate them.

Weather Check and Safety Review (10 minutes)
Scouts use a weather app to check the forecast for their planned walk. Discuss how weather conditions affect what they should wear and bring. Then, review the BSA SAFE Checklist and talk about how to apply it to their walk.

First Aid Relay (15 minutes)
Scouts learn and practice first aid for blisters, sprains, sunburn, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses. Set up a relay where each station represents a different injury. Scouts must demonstrate the correct treatment before moving to the next station.

Leave No Trace Game (10 minutes)
Before heading out, play a Leave No Trace Sorting Game. Have Scouts match Leave No Trace Principles to real-life hiking situations. Discuss how they can follow these principles on their walk, such as staying on the trail, packing out trash, and respecting wildlife.

The Two-Mile Walk (40 minutes)
Scouts go on their planned two-mile walk, following the route they mapped. Along the way, they practice the Leave No Trace Principles for Kids and the Outdoor Code. Assign roles such as trail leader, navigator, and Leave No Trace observer to keep Scouts engaged.

Reflection Activity: Rose, Thorn, and Bud (10 minutes)
After returning, sit in a circle and have each Scout share one “Rose” (something that went well), one “Thorn” (a challenge), and one “Bud” (something they want to try or improve next time). This helps reinforce what they learned.

Closing: Scout Law Connection (5 minutes)
Discuss how the adventure connects to a point of the Scout Law, such as “A Scout is Courteous” (respecting nature and each other) or “A Scout is Brave” (facing challenges). Encourage Scouts to apply these lessons in future adventures.

Materials Needed

• Backpack with the Cub Scout Six Essentials (for demonstration)
• Extra Six Essentials items for Scouts to sort (water bottle, flashlight, whistle, trail food, first aid kit, sun protection)
• Trail mix ingredients (nuts, dried fruit, cereal, chocolate chips, pretzels, etc.)
• Small bags or containers for Scouts to hold their trail mix
• Printed maps of the planned hiking route
• Highlighters or pencils for marking maps
• A smartphone or tablet with a weather app
• Copies of the BSA SAFE Checklist (link)
• First aid supplies: bandages, moleskin, elastic bandages, aloe vera, sunscreen, water, electrolyte drink
• Cards with Leave No Trace Principles and Hiking Scenarios (link)
• A reference sheet with the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace Principles for Kids
• A printed copy of the Scout Law for discussion
• Activity Consent Forms (if required for the walk)

Leader To-Do List Before the Den Meeting

• Plan the two-mile walk route and make sure it is safe and appropriate for Webelos.
• Print enough maps and materials for all Scouts.
• Check the weather forecast in advance. Have a backup plan in case of bad weather.
• Gather and organize the first aid supplies for the relay activity.
• Prepare the Leave No Trace Sorting Game by writing scenarios on index cards.
• Set up the trail mix station with ingredients and small bags.

What to Ask Parents to Provide or Help With

• Ask parents to make sure their Scout wears weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes.
• Request that each Scout bring their own water bottle for the hike.
• Ask if any parents are available to walk with the group as extra supervision.
• If any Scouts have food allergies, ask parents to provide a safe snack option for their child.
• If needed, ask a parent with first aid experience to help supervise the first aid relay.

Other Considerations

• Make sure there is a first aid kit available during the hike.
• Check if any permits are needed for the walk location.
• Let families know the expected end time so they can pick up their Scouts on time.

Packing the right gear is important for any outdoor adventure. This activity helps Scouts learn what they need to bring on a hike. It also teaches them why each item is important. Instead of just telling them, we make it fun by turning it into a hands-on challenge.

Scouts will work together to pack a backpack with the Cub Scout Six Essentials. They will have to sort through a mix of outdoor gear and pick the correct items. Along the way, we will talk about why these items are useful. This keeps them engaged and helps them remember what to bring on future hikes.

1. Gather Supplies – Before the den meeting, collect a variety of outdoor gear. Include the Six Essentials (water bottle, flashlight, trail food, first aid kit, sun protection, whistle). Also, add extra items that are not needed, such as toys, books, or heavy tools.
2. Set Up – Place all the gear in a pile or spread it out on a table. Have an empty backpack ready for each small group.
3. Explain the Challenge – Tell Scouts they need to pack a backpack for a two-mile hike. They should only include the Six Essentials. If they pick something unnecessary, they must explain why they chose it.
4. Let Them Pack – Give Scouts a few minutes to sort through the items and place what they think is essential into their backpack.
5. Review Choices – Go through each group’s backpack. Ask why they chose certain items. If they included something extra, talk about why it might not be useful. If they missed something important, explain why it should be included.
6. Wrap Up – Once all groups have the correct Six Essentials, talk about how these items help on a hike. Ask Scouts to share which item they think is the most important and why.

This activity helps Scouts understand the importance of being prepared. By making it a challenge, they stay focused and have fun while learning. The discussion at the end reinforces what they learned.

Scouts will use this knowledge when they go on their two-mile walk. They will know what to bring and why it matters. This builds confidence and helps them become responsible hikers.

This activity should take about ten minutes. Scouts will make their own trail mix to take on the walk. This gives them a snack to keep their energy up and helps them learn about good food choices for hiking. It is a simple and fun way to talk about nutrition and hydration.

Set up a table with different ingredients. Offer a mix of nuts, dried fruit, cereal, and chocolate chips. If any Scouts have food allergies, be sure to provide safe options. Give each Scout a small bag or container to fill with their own mix. Encourage them to choose a variety of ingredients.

As they make their trail mix, talk about why the right foods matter for hiking. Explain that nuts and dried fruit give long-lasting energy. Cereal adds crunch and helps fill them up. A little chocolate makes it fun, but too much sugar can make them tired later. Also, remind them to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

After everyone has their trail mix, have them pack it in their backpacks. Let them know they will eat it during the walk when they take a break. This small step helps them feel responsible for their own gear and food.

Getting Ready for the Walk

This part of the Webelos Walkabout den meeting should take about five minutes. It will help set the tone for the adventure. Gather the Scouts in a circle and get their attention. This is a good time to remind them of the Scout way of doing things.

Start by reciting the Outdoor Code together. This helps Scouts remember how to respect nature and take care of the outdoors. They should speak loudly and clearly. If they do not know it by heart, have a printed copy to follow. You can also ask a Scout to lead.

Learn more about the Outdoor Code here.

After saying the Outdoor Code, give a short explanation of what the Webelos Walkabout den meeting will include. Tell them they will plan a two-mile walk, check the weather, and go over safety rules. They will also practice first aid for common hiking injuries. Then, they will go on their walk, following their own plan. At the end, they will talk about what went well and what they can improve next time.

Keep this part short and clear. The goal is to help Scouts understand what they will be doing. Make sure they are ready to participate and excited to begin.

Finding the Way

This den meeting activity should take about ten minutes. Scouts will plan their two-mile walk using printed maps. They will look at the route, mark key landmarks, and think about any hazards. This helps them learn how to navigate and be aware of their surroundings.

Give each Scout or small group a printed map of the area where they will walk. Hand out highlighters or pencils so they can mark their planned route. Ask them to find major landmarks like roads, trails, streams, or buildings. Have them estimate the total distance and check if the path is safe.

Talk about different types of terrain. Ask Scouts what might be easy to walk on and what might be harder. Discuss things like steep hills, muddy areas, or places where they might need to watch their step. Also, remind them to stay on the trail and respect private property.

After they have planned their route, have them explain it to the group. Ask questions like, “Why did you choose this path?” or “What do you think will be the most challenging part?” This helps them think ahead and feel more prepared for the walk.

Checking the Skies, Staying Safe

This activity should take about ten minutes. Scouts will check the weather and talk about how it affects their walk. Then, they will review the BSA SAFE Checklist to make sure their walk is safe. This helps them learn how to plan ahead and be prepared for different situations.

Have Scouts use a weather app to look up the forecast for the time of their walk. Ask them questions like, “Will it be hot or cold?” or “Is there a chance of rain?” Talk about how different weather conditions affect what they should wear and bring. If it is hot, they need extra water and sun protection. If it might rain, they should pack a rain jacket.

Next, go over the BSA SAFE Checklist. Explain the four points: Supervision, Assessment, Fitness and Skill, and Equipment and Environment. Ask how each one applies to their walk. Who will be supervising? What risks might they face? Are they dressed properly? Is their gear ready?

End by reminding them that being prepared makes outdoor adventures more fun. When they plan ahead, they can handle changes in weather and stay safe on the trail. This is an important skill they will use in many future adventures.

First Aid in Action

This activity should take about fifteen minutes. Scouts will practice first aid for common hiking injuries in a fun and active way. They will learn how to treat blisters, sprains, sunburn, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses. Instead of just talking about it, they will move from station to station, practicing each skill.

This relay helps Scouts remember first aid by doing it themselves. They will work in teams and take turns treating “injuries” at each station. This keeps them engaged and makes learning fun. By the end, they should feel more confident about handling minor medical problems on the trail.

1. Set up five stations. Each one represents a different injury: blisters, sprains, sunburn, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses. Place simple instructions and supplies at each station.
2. Divide Scouts into small teams. Each team starts at a different station. They must read the instructions and perform the correct first aid treatment before moving to the next station.
3. At the blister station, Scouts clean the area and cover it with a bandage or moleskin. At the sprain station, they wrap an ankle with an elastic bandage. At the sunburn station, they apply aloe or a cool compress. At the dehydration station, they give water and explain the signs of dehydration. At the heat-related illness station, they move the “patient” to the shade and explain how to cool them down.
4. Once all teams have completed every station, gather the group and review what they learned. Ask them questions like, “Which injury do you think happens most often on hikes?” or “Why is it important to treat a blister right away?”

This relay gives Scouts a hands-on way to learn first aid. They see that treating small problems quickly can prevent bigger issues later. Knowing how to help themselves and others makes them more confident and prepared.

Remind them that first aid is not just about knowing what to do. It is also about staying calm and thinking clearly. If they ever face a real injury on a hike, they will be ready to help.

Leave No Trace in Action

This activity should take about ten minutes. Scouts will play a sorting game to match Leave No Trace principles with real-life hiking situations. This helps them understand how their actions affect nature. It also prepares them to follow these rules during their walk.

Learn more about Leave No Trace here.

Instead of just reading the principles, Scouts will think about how to use them. They will decide the best way to act in different situations. This makes the lesson more memorable. It also gives them a chance to talk about why protecting nature is important.

1. Write each of the seven Leave No Trace principles on separate index cards. Then, write real-life hiking situations on other cards. For example, “You see a candy wrapper on the trail” or “You hear a bird’s nest nearby.” (Download some printable cards here.)
2. Spread all the cards on a table or floor. Have Scouts take turns picking a situation card and matching it to the correct Leave No Trace principle. If they are unsure, let the group discuss and decide together.
3. After all matches are made, go through each one as a group. Ask Scouts to explain why they made each choice. Talk about how they can apply these ideas during their walk.
4. End by asking a few questions. “Why is it important to stay on the trail?” “What should you do if you find trash?” “How can we respect wildlife while hiking?” This helps reinforce the lesson.

This game helps Scouts connect Leave No Trace to real decisions they will make on the trail. It makes them think about how small choices can make a big difference in nature.

Remind them that they will be practicing these principles on their walk. Their job is to take care of the outdoors so others can enjoy it too.

Hitting the Trail

This part of the den meeting should take about forty minutes. Scouts will go on their planned two-mile walk, following the route they mapped earlier. This gives them a chance to practice planning, navigation, and teamwork. It also helps them use the Leave No Trace principles and the Outdoor Code in a real outdoor setting.

To keep Scouts engaged, give them different roles. One Scout can be the trail leader, making sure the group stays together. Another can be the navigator, using the map to guide the way. A Leave No Trace observer can watch for ways the group can protect nature. You can rotate roles during the walk so everyone gets a turn.

As you walk, take time to stop and talk about what you see. Point out interesting plants, animals, or landmarks. Ask Scouts questions like, “How do we follow Leave No Trace here?” or “What should we do if we see trash on the trail?” This helps them connect what they learned to real situations.

Make sure everyone is pacing themselves and staying safe. Remind them to drink water and take breaks if needed. Encourage them to enjoy being outside and working together. This walk is not just about reaching the end—it is about learning how to explore the outdoors responsibly.

Looking Back on the Walk

This activity should take about ten minutes. Scouts will sit together and reflect on their two-mile walk. They will share one “Rose” (something that went well), one “Thorn” (something that was difficult), and one “Bud” (something they want to try or improve next time). This helps them think about their experience and what they learned.

Reflection is an important part of Scouting. It helps Scouts appreciate their successes and learn from challenges. It also encourages them to set goals for the future. This activity gives them a chance to speak, listen, and support each other.

1. Have Scouts sit in a circle so everyone can see and hear each other.
2. Explain the “Rose, Thorn, and Bud” method. A “Rose” is something that went well, a “Thorn” is a challenge or difficulty, and a “Bud” is something they want to improve or try next time.
3. Start by sharing your own Rose, Thorn, and Bud as an example. Keep it simple so Scouts understand how to do it.
4. Go around the circle, letting each Scout share. If someone does not want to speak, let them pass and come back to them later. Encourage Scouts to listen and be respectful.

This activity helps Scouts see that every adventure has good moments and challenges. It also helps them learn that mistakes or difficulties can lead to growth.

End by reminding them that every hike is a learning experience. They will get better at planning, navigating, and working as a team each time they go outside.

This closing should take about five minutes. It gives Scouts a chance to think about how the Scout Law connects to their adventure. It also helps them see how these values can guide them in future outdoor activities.

Choose one or two points of the Scout Law that fit well with the walk. “A Scout is Courteous” is a good choice because Scouts showed respect for nature and each other. “A Scout is Brave” also applies because they faced challenges, like walking a long distance or trying something new. You can ask Scouts which points they think fit best.

Talk briefly about how these values help them in other areas of life. Being courteous is important not just on a hike, but at home, school, and with friends. Being brave is useful for Scouting, but also for everyday situations, like speaking up, helping others, or trying something difficult. Encourage Scouts to think about how they can use what they learned today in the future.

End by thanking Scouts for their effort and participation. Remind them that every adventure teaches them something new. Encourage them to keep exploring, learning, and following the Scout Law in everything they do.

Webelos Walkabout Adventure

The Webelos Walkabout Adventure helps Scouts explore the outdoors and learn important skills. They plan a two-mile walk, check the weather, and prepare their gear. Along the way, they practice first aid, teamwork, and safety. These skills help them feel more confident in outdoor activities.

Scouts also follow the Leave No Trace Principles and the Outdoor Code. They learn how to respect nature, stay on the trail, and take care of the environment. This adventure teaches responsibility and awareness. It helps Scouts understand how their actions affect the outdoors and prepares them for future adventures.

See more resources for the Webelos Walkabout adventure here.

How long should this Webelos Walkabout den meeting take?

The Webelos Walkabout den meeting should take about two hours. This includes time for planning, activities, the walk, and reflection. You can also split into two shorter meetings, with one covering the preparation, and the other the walk and reflection.

What if the weather is bad on the day of the walk?

Check the forecast before the den meeting. If heavy rain, extreme heat, or unsafe conditions are expected, plan an indoor meeting. You can still teach planning, safety, and first aid indoors. Then schedule the walk for another day.

What if a Scout cannot walk the full two miles?

Encourage Scouts to do their best. Plan an easy route with rest breaks. If a Scout has physical limitations, talk to their parent ahead of time. They may need an alternate way to complete the requirement.

Can we do this at a local park instead of hiking trails?

Yes. A park with walking paths is a good option. Just make sure it is safe and meets the two-mile requirement.

Do we need a first aid kit?

Yes. Always bring a first aid kit on outdoor activities. Scouts will also practice first aid skills during the den meeting.

What if a Scout forgets to bring water or the right gear?

Have extra water and supplies available. This is a learning experience. Use it as a chance to teach why being prepared is important.

How do I keep Scouts engaged during the walk?

Give them roles like trail leader, navigator, or Leave No Trace observer. Ask questions along the way about what they see and how to follow Leave No Trace.

Should parents stay for the Webelos Walkabout den meeting?

It depends on your den. If you need extra adults for supervision, ask parents to stay and help.

What if some Scouts miss the Webelos Walkabout den meeting?

They can complete the two-mile walk with their family. Send home a worksheet or checklist so they cover the key requirements.

How do I make sure Scouts are following Leave No Trace?

Talk about it before the walk. Assign a Scout to be the Leave No Trace observer. Stop along the way to discuss real examples of how to protect nature.

This Webelos Walkabout den meeting is more than just a hike. It teaches Webelos Scouts how to plan, stay safe, and respect nature. They learn by doing—checking the weather, packing the right gear, practicing first aid, and following Leave No Trace. These skills help them become more confident in the outdoors.

The walk itself is a great adventure. Scouts get to explore, work as a team, and take on different roles. They see firsthand why preparation and responsibility matter. Along the way, they build friendships and grow as leaders.

At the end of the Webelos Walkabout den meeting, they reflect on what went well and what they can do better next time. This helps them learn from their experiences and feel proud of their accomplishments. Every outdoor adventure makes them stronger and more prepared for future challenges.

This Webelos Walkabout den meeting is a fun and active way to teach real skills. It helps Scouts get ready for more outdoor adventures in Scouts BSA and beyond. With each step, they are learning to be safe, responsible, and ready for whatever comes next.