I recently organized a field day and camp out for our Cub Scout Pack. We held it in our nearby Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit. I think that the event was a success and all of the scouts that attended seemed to have a good time. Reflecting back on the event, I think that it was successful because while I over-planned with programming, we were flexible in execution and readily cut portions of the programming out in favor of free play and relaxation. That being said, I think that the programming materials that I’ll provide below helped the kids to all really learn something and even knock out some requirements.
The attendance was bi-modal in that it was mostly Arrow of Light (5th graders) and Wolves (2nd graders). While this also happens to be the two largest cohorts in our Pack, it is interesting to see how the more and more active scouts attract more and more active scouts. That’s important for me to remember when planning programming during the rest of the year, that a quality program will keep the kids coming back, helping with retention and recruiting.
In the morning we talked about the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace, then we went on a hike. Again with the bi-modal distribution of kids, we split up into a short hike and a long hike based upon age/rank. Each group of kids had a worksheet to complete on their own.
Field Day Webelos Hike Activity Page
Field Day Wolf Hike Activity Page (v2)
The Webelos Hike Activity Page is longer and more complex. By completing it, Webelos/AOL scouts complete many of the requirements of the Earth Rocks!, Into the Wild, and Into the Woods Adventures.
The Wolf Hike Activity Page is laid out in the appearance of a tic-tac-toe board that is more accessible for younger scouts. The requirements are all related to identifying or finding things while outdoors. This worksheet covers requirements from the Wolf Call and Paws on the Path Adventures.
After lunch, there was a knot tying station, where scouts could practice their knots. The scouts also could learn the basics of orienteering, map reading, and navigation. The scouts practiced these skills by following a worksheet.
After completing the worksheet, we put our newfound skills to the test in an orienteering map around the campground. (We were in campsite #3)
Some other parents and myself helped the younger scouts to follow the instructions, but I was proud of the Arrow of Light scouts as I saw them run past me finding their own way.
I think that it was a successful field day and hope that we have other successful ones in the future.