All Dens Update 02/10/2020

While we wait for the cold rainy days to pass and the sun to shine again, all dens began to prepare for the outdoor adventures that lie ahead!

First and foremost the scouts learned the buddy system and it’s importance through a series of games and challenges. The buddy system calls for Scouts to pair up with a friend or two for all activities. This helps ensure safety and accountability, and teaches Scouts to have responsibility for others. They are taught that they should always be with a buddy and that the two primary rules of the buddy system are 1) always know where your buddy is, and 2) make sure your buddy always knows where you are. Thus, if they simply stay with their buddy at all times, then both rules will automatically be followed.

The scouts learned what first aid is all about, the importance of first aid while in the outdoors, and what makes up a first aid kit.  They then proceeded to put together a simple pocket first aid kit that they should bring hiking and camping or keep with them at all times. They even learned what they can add to their kits to make them better and took a look into a bigger first aid kit made for larger groups. Finally they learned how to take care of a minor injury, including the important steps and what to use for each step while the Webelos got to touch on the basics of slings and splints.

Lastly, the scouts moved on to camping and hiking essentials. In the cub scout program there are six essentials for the cub scouts to take along with them whenever they are in the outdoors.

• First Aid Kit
• Filled Water Bottle
• Flashlight
• Trail Food
• Sun Protection
• Whistle

A sample backpack with the essentials and a few other items was displayed so the scouts so see the essentials and how they were packed. They discussed why they needed each of the essentials and what else may be good to bring along. The importance of hydration was stressed, and how to properly call for help with a whistle was demonstrated. They also touched on some extra items that they would bring camping with them.

They also tossed in a square knot to tie it all together.

Over the next few weeks all scouts will be learning the seven principles of Leave No Trace. We started with principles one and two on Monday.

Requirements Completed

Tigers

• Tigers In the Wild: 1
• Games Tigers Play: 1a, 1b
• Floats and Boats: 2
• Tiger Tag: 2
• Tiger-iffic: 3, 6

Wolves

• Call of the Wild: 5 (partial)
• Paws on the Path: 2
• Running with the Pack: 4

Bears

• Bear Necessities: 2, 3
• Salmon Run: 1 (partial)

Webelos

• First Responder: 1, 5a
• Webelos Walkabout: 2
• Scouting: 5a (partial)