The Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award is a badge of honor earned by Cub Scouts for completing certain outdoor activities. The reward is available to Cub Scouts of all ages, and when achieved, provides a tangible sense of accomplishment and pride. This article will cover the requirements for achieving the award and provide some helpful tips on activities that count towards it.
Requirements of the Award
In order to achieve the Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award, a Cub Scout must complete at least five of eight specified activities. These activities must be completed throughout the entire program year, and each activity must be documented and submitted for approval. The activities required to earn the award include:
- Camping for at least 3 days/2 nights
- Cooking at least two meals outdoors
- Participating in a service project
- Visiting a local fish and game department
- Conducting a guided nature tour
- Identifying at least six types of wild animals
- Identifying at least six types of plants
- Completing an outdoor skills specialty course
The five activities the Cub Scout completes for the award do not necessarily need to be the same activities each year. He or she may combine activities from the list for a year’s worth of activities.
Activities That Count Towards the Award
When performing activities for the Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award, it is important to choose activities that allow the Cub Scout to demonstrate outdoor skills and knowledge, such as camping, fishing, and more. Here are some helpful tips on activities that count towards the award:
- Go on an overnight camping trip – Camping is an easy way to make progress towards the award, and can be a ton of fun! Be sure to bring any necessary camping gear, and plan out an agenda for activities during the camping trip.
- Take a guided nature tour – Go on a guided nature tour of a local park or nature preserve. Doing so will allow the Cub Scout to learn more about the outdoors and make progress towards the award.
- Cook outdoor meals – Cook outdoor meals, such as hot dogs or tacos, on a campfire. Doing so will help the Cub Scout to become more comfortable with outdoor cooking.
- Complete a service project – Have the Cub Scout complete a service project in a local park or nature preserve. This will help to teach the values of conservation and community service, while still counting towards the award.
- Visit a fish and game department – Encourage the Cub Scout to visit a local fish and game department, such as a state park or national forest, to learn more about the outdoors. Doing so will also help the Cub Scout to make progress towards the award.
By choosing activities that allow the Cub Scout to explore the outdoors and hone their outdoor skills, they will be able to demonstrate the knowledge they have gained and make progress towards achieving the award.
Conclusion
The Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award is an excellent way for Cub Scouts to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the outdoors. By following the requirements and choosing activities that count towards the award, the Cub Scout can achieve the Outdoor Activity Award and gain a sense of pride and accomplishment.