Scouting and the outdoors go hand-in-hand. The Naturalist Activity Badge makes a WEBELOS aware of all the living things in the outdoors; it is in the Outdoor group. 

OBJECTIVES

To increase boys' awareness of animal behavior. To kindle a love of nature. To teach wildlife conservation. To encourage WEBELOS to visit local animal preserves. To introduce boys to animal kingdom classifications.

WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO

	Visit your local Scout camp or city park..
	Build an ant farm.
	Take a special kind of hike, such as one suggested in the Cub Scout Leader How-To Book.

ACTIVITIES

Collecting Spider Webs

Materials: One can white spray paint, black paper, clear plastic

Spray spider web with while spray paint. Put a sheet of black paper under it, then break the spider support lines. Cover with clear plastic if keeping for any length of time.

 

Leading a Nature Hike

Try a night hike in the woods. Have the boys identify objects in the dark. How do they describe it? Is the tree's bark smooth or rough? Is there any particular odor connected with it? Get to know plants and trees without using eyesight.

The use of all five senses should be emphasized. it is not enough to merely look and listen...but they should taste, feel and smell, too.

 

At the end of the hike, get each boy to describe what he like the most. They usually remember the simple things. Don't worry about knowledge. Get out in the fascinating world of nature and enjoy it!