May cubs and bugs galoreWebelos activity badges: outdoorsman/artist

This month explore creepy crawly critters and discover the world of insects. Take a walk or hike and see how many insects—or their signs—you can spot. Learn the

stages of an insect’s life and how some insects change inside a cocoon or chrysalis. Make a model of an insect home or build an ant farm. How does an insect survive the winter? Learn to treat bug bites and stings. Visit a beekeeper and taste fresh honey. Talk to a farmer, county extension agent, or biologist about the helpful and harmful things that insects do.

PACk PlAnningThis pack meeting will provide a venue for boys and adults to share in a special

aspect of the natural world around us, as boys have been learning this month about bugs and insect critters.

Appoint the following committees and share the efforts to have a great pack activity:Decorations Committee. Indoor decorations could be artificial trees and vines scat-

tered throughout the room. If your meeting place will be outside, be sure that direc-tions and signs are available to ensure that all pack members can easily find the site.

Program Committee. Prepare the preliminary materials for the awards ceremo-nies and supplies for the pack games. Additionally, if you choose to use it, prepare for the Neckerchief Ceremony (Cub Scout Ceremonies for Dens and Packs) to signify rank level advancement for all boys.

Hospitality Committee. Prepare name tags in the shape of various bugs for every pack member and guest. The greeters may dress in costume or have headpieces that look like bugs.

Some of the purposes of Cub Scouting developed through this month’s theme include:

• Preparation for Boy Scouts. As Cub Scouts move into Boy Scouts, they will be experiencing the wonderful world outdoors. This theme will help introduce them to a part of this world.

• Character Development. Learning new things about the natural world exposes boys to new character-building activities.

This theme is designed to pro-mote character development by emphasizing these core values:

• Compassion. Boys develop compassion for all creatures of the world by learning about the multitude of living things in the world around them.

• Responsibility. Cub Scouts will see that taking responsibility for the well-being of living things around us is a rewarding task.

Pack Meeting

before the MeetingThis is a fun outdoor meeting theme,

so if your meeting place will be indoors, bring the outdoor atmosphere inside. The decorations committee will arrive early to set the stage for a “natural” event. Use artificial trees and vines or prepare leaf shapes from construction paper. Hang them around the room and secure them to the walls.

The program committee will set up the props for the various ceremo-nies ahead of time. Preparing these in advance sets the stage for the Cub Scouts to be surprised when the awards appear unexpectedly from the objects used.

The hospitality committee will pre-pare name tags and set up for the Bug ID Game (2 MAY).

Prepare display areas for all Cub Scout and Webelos Scout projects boys brought to show and share.

gAtheringAs pack families arrive, greeters wear-

ing Bug Headbands (3 MAY) give each one a warm welcome and prepare a name tag for them. Direct them to tables where they can place their display items. Hand every member a Bug ID game sheet and explain the activity (2 MAY).

MAin PArt of the Meeting

Opening CeremonyConduct the Bugs Opening Ceremony

(2 MAY) or choose another from Cub Scout Ceremonies for Dens and Packs.

PrayerA Cub Scout steps forward to deliver

the Living Nature Thank You Prayer (2 MAY).

IcebreakerGive an appropriate cheer or applause

(3 MAY) for those who found a certain

number of the answers of the Bug ID Game. Start by asking how many found half, and then raise the number.

Welcome and IntroductionsThe Cubmaster, wearing a Beekeeper

Costume (3 MAY), welcomes everyone to the pack meeting. Recognize any new families and introduce any special guests. Give a cheer for all the par-ents who helped their sons prepare for today’s event.

SongSong leader leads “The Tiger Way”

(Cub Scout Songbook) in honor of the new Tiger Cubs and their adult partners.

Den DemonstrationsDens share skits, songs, or games that

they have prepared about bugs.

GamePlay the Centipedes Game (3 MAY).

1 MAY 07

RecognitionConduct the Just Like a Caterpil-

lar Advancement Ceremony (below) or choose another from Cub Scout Cer-emonies for Dens and Packs.

AnnouncementsRemind pack families about summer

day camp plans, plans for other sum-mertime pack activities, and the time, date, and plans for next month’s pack meeting.

Cubmaster’s MinuteThe Cubmaster shares the Work and

Play Cubmaster’s Minute (3 MAY).

Closing The Cubmaster or assistant Cubmaster

reminds the pack to take care of nature and then introduces the den that will perform the Parents Closing from Cub Scout Ceremonies for Dens and Packs.

using the gAthering ACtivity/iCebreAkerUse the gathering activity to encourage people to mingle; help your commit-

tee members by encouraging participation in the activity. For instance, in Bug ID Game (below), there may be 14 answers. When the time comes to share the answers, you want everyone to feel good about the effort they have made. Make sure you have circulated to identify whether people are finding answers or not. As you do that, get a feeling for how many answers is the average. Then when the icebreaker answer time comes, start with the average correct answers, and then raise the number.

Have everyone stand. Then say: “All those who found seven answers please remain standing. (All others sit.) All those who found 10 answers, please remain standing.” (Continue with 11, 12, 13, etc.)

Give an applause or cheer for all those who participated, with a congratula-tions for those who found the most correct answers.

Concluding the activity this way encourages everyone to participate because they will be involved; it also provides recognition for those who did very well. Plus it’s fun for everyone—you, too, Cubmaster!

Ceremonies, Games, Songs, Stunts

gAthering ACtivity: bug id gAMe

Materials: Prepared sheet with bug names listed

Preparation: Cut out pictures (or print them from a computer) of different insects and mount onto construction paper. Assign a number to each insect and write it next to the picture. Hang these around the walls or if possible from the ceiling of your meeting room.

As pack members arrive, hand out the prepared sheet of paper with the insect names on them. The names should be in random order. The object is to match the picture numbers with the names.

oPening CereMony: bugs Props: Large cards to spell out B-U-

G-S, with the words to be read on the back. As boys read each line, they hold the cards up high:

CUB SCOUT 1: B stands for best. A Cub Scout promises to do his best

CUB SCOUT 2: U stands for under-stands. A Cub Scout understands his duty to God and his country.

CUB SCOUT 3: G stands for good-will. A Cub Scout gives goodwill.

CUB SCOUT 4: S stands for spirit—the Cub Scout spirit.

DEN LEADER: The letters on the cards spell BUGS. We share our world with bugs and many other creatures. Let us learn to live in harmony with every living thing around us.

PrAyer: living nAture thAnk you

We give thanks for the living nature around us. We hope to take care of all living things and keep them safe. Amen.

AdvAnCeMent CereMony: Just like A CAterPillAr

Props: Paper circle (about 15 in. across) for each boy who is receiving either the Tiger Cub, Wolf, or Bear rank; one paper circle is decorated like a caterpillar’s head for each of the boys to stand behind who are receiving Bobcat; a roll of batting for the boys receiving the Webelos badge to hold; a large poster or cutout of a butter-fly for the boys who are receiving Arrow of Light to hold.

CUBMASTER: In the spring of the year many things are unfolding. One of these great events is the caterpillar that wants to grow up and be something beautiful. She seals herself up in a cocoon and awaits the change into the beautiful butterfly. Tonight we want to remember,

like the caterpillar, our boys are also changing and growing. And so they, too, represent the coming of spring.

This month the dens have been learning about nature. Things in nature change and grow, but the differences aren’t always noticeable. But there is one insect that we can watch change right before our eyes! The caterpil-lar is a simple animal, starting with a head and big eyes to take in the entire world around her. Our Bobcats have big eyes, too, as they take in all of the new adventures waiting for them! (Calls up Bobcats and parents, present rank, par-ents sit back down, then give the Bobcats the caterpillar head to hold.)

The caterpillar is made up of seg-ments that all work together to get her where she wants to go. Our Tiger Cubs have worked their way through their rank with an adult partner. They have worked in the den and in the family, and they have had Go See It adventures. Let’s now recognize them with the help of their adult partners. (Calls up Tiger Cubs and adult partners. Present the badges; adult partners return to their seats; give each boy a circle [body seg-ment] to hold up. They line up next to the “head.”)

2 MAY 07

Cubmaster Corner

Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts have learned to work together as a den, with their leader, and with their families to reach their goal. (Calls up Wolf Cub Scouts and parents, present badges; par-ents sit down, each boy gets a circle [body segment] to hold up. Repeat the same for Bear Cub Scouts.)

As the caterpillar matures, some changes begin to take place. She spins a cocoon and closes herself within. Our Webelos Scouts don’t spin cocoons, but they have learned to work more inde-pendently of their families and closer with their leader and activity badge counselors. (Calls up boys receiving the Webelos badge and their parents; present badges, then parents sit down. Webelos Scouts stand alongside Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts and hold the batting. If you have a small number of Webelos Scouts, they could even wrap themselves up in the batting.)

The end result of the caterpillar’s life is the new life form that it takes on—a butterfly. The boys who are receiving the Arrow of Light tonight are ending the Cub Scout portion of their Scouting adventure, and are now ready to move on to Boy Scouts. (Calls up boys who are receiving the Arrow of Light and their parents; present their rank, parents sit down; boys hold up butterfly cutout.)

Just like the caterpillar grew and changed, so did the Cub Scouts in our pack. It just took a little bit longer and maybe wasn’t quite as noticeable, but nature came through once again with another spectacular show. Let’s con-gratulate all these Cub Scouts.

AdditionAl AdvAnCeMent CereMony stArters• Using a big net, drag the “insect” Cub

Scout up for award presentation. • Attach awards to plastic bugs and

pull them out of an aquarium that is set up like you were going to keep bugs in it.

• Attach awards to a large bug chart. (Bugs could be made of dark sand-wich cookies with licorice string legs.)

• Create a beehive to pull awards from and present. Materials: Jar, layers of polyester batting or material. Circle the jar with layers of batting or fabric.

Build up the fabric to make a beehive shape. Play “The Flight of the Bum-blebee” while presenting the awards.

gAMes

CentipedesMark start and finish lines. Play this

game in teams. All boys get down on their hands and knees. The second in line grasps the first by the ankles; the third grabs the ankles of the second, and so on. At a signal, the “centipedes” try to move across the playing area as quickly as they can without breaking hand–ankle hold.

Critter Toss Toss a ball from player to player. Each

person who catches the ball must name an insect or bug; if he can’t he’s out of the game.

Centipede Rope RaceDivide the den into two equal teams.

Give each team a long rope. On a signal, each boy in turn ties the rope around his waist with an overhand knot and then sits down. The first team to be tied together and completely seated wins.

Spider LegsMaterials: Eight black chenille stems

per boyTuck eight black chenille stems into

the back of the boy’s belts so that part of each chenille stem is sticking out. Boys snatch these “spider legs” from each others’ belts. Play in a large area with designated boundaries. See who can snatch the most legs.

CubMAster’s Minute: Work And PlAy

You can learn a lot about life by watching insects. Have you ever watched a colony of ants? They are always busy, working together, doing what needs to be done without complaining. The Greek writer Aesop told a story about the ants and the grasshopper. All sum-mer long the ants worked hard to gather and store food for the winter. Mean-while, the grasshopper wasted its time, playing and singing in the long grass. In the fall, when the rain came and the cold wind blew, the grasshopper became hungry and asked the ants for some-thing to eat, but by that time the ants only had enough food for themselves.

There is an important lesson in this critter story for us. Work is a good thing. It brings a sense of purpose and accomplishment to our lives, and we all need that. And working together with others, like the ants do, makes it pos-sible for us to get more done than we could do by ourselves. There is a time for playing and singing, but there is also a time for working. Always make time in your life for both.

Adult reCognitionMay is a good time to recognize those

adults who have been helpful for the var-ious events in the pack. Present a special award such as this: Attach a candy worm to a card saying: “BEE-cause of your hard work, you are a most excell-ANT dude. WORMest congratulations.”

APPlAusesFlea Clap. Everyone raises hands

above the head. Applaud by clicking the nails of the thumb and forefinger on each hand.

Butterfly with Hiccups. Snap finger as hands flutter around.

Bee Applause. Put arms out to sides pretending to fly, while saying “Buzz, buzz, buzz.”

CostuMe ideAs

Bug HeadbandsMaterials: Plastic headband (found in

hair supply sec-tion of stores), wooden skewers, wiggle eyes, large pom-poms

Glue eyes onto the pom-poms and insert them on the skewer sticks. Glue to the sides of the headband.

Beekeeper CostumeCreate a beekeeper costume by pur-

chasing 3 ft. of inexpensive nylon net-ting or cheesecloth. Individual wears a hat such as a safari hat. Place the netting over the hat so it flows to the waist. Also wear long garden gloves and carry a butterfly net.

3 MAY 07

May Pack Program Page: Cubs and Bugs Galore

ACAdeMiCs And sPorts ProgrAM

AcademicsScience. The end of school doesn’t

mean the end of learning and question-ing. Cub Scouts can continue some of the science lessons learned during the school year as they explore the scientific method and set up their own experi-ments for the months to come.

SportsFishing. With a line and a pole, boys

can learn a skill that has been around for centuries. Explore the art of the right way to set out a fishing line for great success.

Ultimate. Tossing a disk and learning ultimate will provide plenty of chal-lenging entertainment for Cub Scouts.

fAMily ACtivityWith Mother’s Day this month, what

better time to review the section “Show-ing Love” from Cub Scouting’s BSA Family Activity Book? Secret buddies is a way to show love to family members and have extra fun in the process.

did you knoW?Safe Swim Defense

Before a group within the Boy Scouts of America may engage in any aquatics activity, a minimum of one adult leader must complete Safe Swim Defense train-ing, have a commitment card with him or her, and agree to use the eight defenses in the safe swim plan. Check with your local council service center and training coordinator for the dates and times of training opportunities. The training is also available via the Internet.

good turn for AMeriCAConduct service proj-

ects to build healthier environments for bugs and boys and every other living thing:

Tree-planting and revegetation projects Park or camp trail maintenance and

repair Projects to enhance wildlife habitats Conservation and recycling projects Beautification and litter cleanup

projects

bsA resourCes highlight

Scouting maga-zine. This regular publication is sent to all registered adults. Articles include informa-tion about pro-gram changes, ideas for enhancing special pack events, upcoming events of interest, and suc-cess stories from packs all over the country. Watch for it—arriving soon in a mailbox with your name on it.

PACk leAders’ PlAnning Meeting

Pack leaders will meet one to two weeks before the pack meeting to check final details for this month’s meeting and plan for the June pack meeting.

Try to find an entomologist at a nearby school or university who would be willing to come and share a bug col-lection and other information.

Review plans for a meaningful cer-emony to mark boys’ advancement (Tiger Cub to Wolf, Wolf to Bear, Bear to Webelos) should be planned. See Cub Scout Ceremonies for Dens and Packs for suggestions.

Memorial Day is in May. Cub Scouts may have the opportunity to participate in a local religious service or parade or help at a cemetery in pre–Memorial Day cleanup such as raking leaves. Also, boys may be able to help place flags at the facility.

Discuss upcoming summertime meetings and activities; finalize com-mittee assignments.

For all the new Tiger Cubs recruited at your spring roundup, plan a spe-cial “Tigers Only” pack event for each month of the summer to keep them participating. (Remember that boys in kindergarten recruited in the spring will not become Tiger Cubs until June 1.)

The pack trainer leads unit leader-ship enhancement 2, “Annual Program Planning,” in anticipation of the plan-ning meeting to come. Consult the Cub Scout Leader Book for an outline. Choose another topic for the next pack leaders’ meeting.

looking AheAdThis is the time to ensure that all boys

have had the opportunity to register for local summer day camp and resident camp opportunities.

Webelos dens have graduated, and many leadership positions become vacant. Recruit adults to fill all pack positions.

Reinforce training opportunities for all Cub Scout leaders, particularly those who will be taking a new position for the next Scouting year.

outdoor ideAs for everyone

Tiger Cubs. Go to a zoo or museum to see an insect collection.

Wolf Cub Scouts. Go on a nature hike to see insects in their natural habitat.

Bear Cub Scouts. Visit a beekeeper to see how bees are used in agriculture, where honey comes from, and how their keepers stay safe.

Webelos Scouts. Talk to a biologist about the harmful and helpful things that insects do.

4 MAY 07

Cubs and Bugs Galore: Tiger Cub Den MeetingsEach Tiger Cub and his adult partner should attend all meetings as a team.

Dens may meet in the evenings or on weekends.

WHEN FIRST WEEK SECOND WEEK THIRD WEEK FOURTH WEEK

The Tiger Cub den leader shares leadership with a Tiger Cub adult partner.This team should review plans before each meeting and check equipment needed.

BEFORE THE MEETING STARTS

Have U.S. flag, materials for Create a Caterpillar, Cocoon Models, and Butterfly Mag-nets (all 6 MAY); have books and articles about butterflies.

Have U.S. flag, clear plastic cups to catch bugs. Bring directions for next week’s Go See It.

Call the Go See It destina-tion, if appropriate, to con-firm arrangements, times, fees, etc.

If needed, host team writes a thank-you note to the destination of last week’s Go See It.

Den leader may collect dues.Den leader checks boys’ books for completed advancement requirements and records them on

Den Advancement Chart. Boys record own advancement on den doodle, if den has one.

GATHERING Each Tiger Cub and his adult partner go outside to do the Square Foot Claim (6 MAY).

Play a game of soccer out-doors with the den (Elective 35).

GO SEE IT: Take a hike outdoors (Achievement 5G).

Have a picnic along the way (Elective 22).

At the end of the trip, lead a reflecting discussion with

boys and adult partners about their outing.

A totem bead may be presented for participation

in and completion of Achievement 5G.

Participate in the monthly pack meeting by sharing the

Bugs Opening Ceremony (2 MAY) and information about the den’s Go See It.

Tiger Cubs and adult part-ners sign the thank-you note.

OPENING Say the Pledge of Allegiance. Say the Pledge of Allegiance. Recite the Cub Scout Promise.

SHARE Boys compare what they found in their Square Foot Claim. Tiger Cubs and adult partners read about butter-flies together (Elective 14).

Each Tiger Cub shares his thoughts about the soccer game.

DISCOVER Make Create a Caterpillar, Cocoon Models, and But-terfly Magnets. Conduct the Character Connection on Compassion (6 MAY). Dis-cuss why we should help out other people and animals by not harming their environ-ment.

Give each boy two clear plastic cups to catch bugs in. Bring the cups together around the bug, and then watch your specimen. Remind boys to release all bugs after they have watched them for a while.

SEARCH Discuss plans for the Go See It in two weeks.

Discuss what to do if a Tiger Cub becomes lost in a strange place. Cover different places, such as a store or the outdoors (Achievement 3Fb).

CLOSING Form a Living Circle and recite the Cub Scout Promise.

Recite the Cub Scout motto and then give a big tiger roar.

This month’s shared leadership team reviews the meeting.The den leader should meet briefly with the Tiger Cub and adult partner who will share leadership at the next den meeting.

AFTER THE MEETING

Den leader files tour permit with local council service center for Go See It.

Talk to the Tiger Cub team in charge of next month. Offer resources or ideas as needed.

Den leader fills out den advancement report for the pack leaders’ meeting.

Den leader mails the thank-you note.

CHECK WITH YOUR PACK TRAINER OR CUBMASTER FOR ROUNDTABLE DATES AND OTHER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES.

5 MAY 07

This month’s “Cubs and Bugs Galore” theme is an excellent opportunity to get out and enjoy nature. Use this as a time to learn about animals (bugs) (Elective 31), plant a seed (Elective 30), or make a bird feeder (Elective 32). Also use your time outdoors to talk about the importance of conservation (Elective 34), recycling (Elective 47), and the concept of Leave No Trace (Tiger Cub Handbook). In addition to your Tiger Cub advancement, consider working on Cub Scouting’s Leave No Trace Awareness Award and the belt loops for Weather and Wildlife Conservation.

Tiger Cub Den Activities

CreAte A CAterPillAr(Elective 2)

Materials: Section of a paper egg car-ton (three cups long so you can get four per dozen eggs), craft paints, paint-brushes, chenille stems, small pom-poms, wiggle eyes, craft glue, pencil

Give each Tiger Cub a section of egg carton (the caterpillar). Allow him to decorate it. Give each boy two 1½-in. pieces of chenille stem. Glue a small pom-pom to one end of each of the chenille stems. Have adult partners use the pencil to poke a small hole in each side of the caterpillar head for the che-nille stem antennas. Glue the wiggle eyes to the front of the caterpillar.

CoCoon Model(Elective 2)

Materials: Small twig, lots of yarn or string (depending on thickness—at least 10 ft. per boy), small piece of card-board (1 by 3 in.), scissors, tape

Curve the corners of cardboard so that it is roughly oval shaped. Use a small piece of tape to secure one end of the yarn to the cardboard. Have the Tiger Cub wrap the rest of the yarn around the cardboard to form a cocoon. Be sure to cover all of the card-board. Use the end of the yarn to tie it around a twig.

squAre foot ClAiMEach Tiger Cub and his adult partner

finds a section of ground for them-selves. With sticks and string, mark off a claim that is 1 ft. on a side. Each team identifies as many life forms as possible in their claim.

butterfly MAgnet(Elective 2)

Materials: Round coffee filters, water-color paints or markers, black chenille stem, spray water bottle, magnetic strip (optional)

Lay the coffee filter flat. Use water-color paints or water-soluble markers to draw designs on it. Spritz lightly with water until it is slightly damp but not drenched. The colors will bleed some. Let dry for a few minutes. Fold your chenille stem in half. Gather the coffee filter along the center and place it at the bend in your chenille stem. Twist the chenille stem shut and then spread out the ends to form antennas. Add a magnetic strip to the back of the che-nille stem so that you can display your butterfly on the refrigerator.

lAdybug PAPerWeight(Elective 2)

Materials: Smooth oval rock, acrylic paint (red, black, and white), paint-brushes, scis-sors, small piece of black felt (about 2 in. bigger than the rock) Hint: Often a second-hand store will have craft supplies for much less than new at a retailer’s.

Ahead of time, clean rocks well with soap and water and let dry. Paint rocks red. Once dry, paint the head black. Paint a black line from the middle of

the head down the length of the body to form the wings. Paint black spots on the body. Use the white paint to make eyes on the head.

If you want to add legs, cut three ovals from the black felt that are long enough that some of the oval sticks out on both sides of your ladybug (making two legs). Glue the ovals to the back of your ladybug, making six legs.

eggheAdsMaterials: Quick-growing grass seed,

potting soil, markers, glue, stiff card-board, eggshell

Save a large eggshell that is broken only at one end. Carefully wash it out. Put potting soil into the egghead, being careful not to crush the shell. Cut out two feet out of cardboard and glue to the bottom of the egg. This should give your egg enough stability to stand. Use markers to draw a face on the egg. Sprinkle with grass seed and water. In a few days, your egghead should need a haircut.

ChArACter ConneCtion: CoMPAssion

We’ve created three stages of a butterfly—caterpillar, cocoon, and butterfly. • Has this helped you understand this

animal and the challenges it faces in its life cycle?

• Do you want to be careful when you see a caterpillar? That is compassion. How can you show compassion for other things?

• What can you do to practice compas-sion in the week ahead?

6 MAY 07

Second-hand stores often have craft supplies for much

less money than at a retailer’s.

Cubs and Bugs Galore: Wolf Den MeetingsDens may meet after school, in the evenings, or on weekends.

Review the theme pages before planning den meetings.

WHEN FIRST WEEK SECOND WEEK THIRD WEEK FOURTH WEEK

Den leader, den chief, and denner review plans before each meeting and check equipment needed.

BEFORE THE MEETING STARTS

Have materials for Doodle Bug Races (8 MAY), Build a Bug (8 MAY), Scent Mes-sages (8 MAY); ingredients for Ants on a Log (8 MAY).

Have supplies for Scouterpil-lar (8 MAY), U.S. flag,; ingre-dients for Earthworm Snacks (8 MAY), materials for Insect House (Cub Scout Leader How-To-Book).

Call the destination of your field trip to confirm arrange-ments, times, fees, etc.

If needed, denner writes a thank you note to last week’s destination. Have chalk for Bug Races (8 MAY) and materials for Jumping Bugs (8 MAY).

Den leader collects dues

WHILE CUB SCOUTS GATHER

Conduct Doodle Bug Races. Collect permission slips. Make Scouterpillars.

Collect permission slips.

Boys sign thank-you note. Start this meeting outdoors with Bug Races.

OPENING Denner calls roll and boys respond by naming a bug.

Cub Scouts who have not yet completed Achievement 2b lead a flag ceremony.

Sing “Old MacDonald: Bug-Style” (8 MAY).

Den leader checks boys’ books for completed achievements and electives and records them on Den Advancement Charts. Boys record own advancement on den doodle, if den has one.

BUSINESS ITEMS

Introduce the “Cubs and Bugs Galore” theme. Discuss how each boy can participate in the Bug Fair at this month’s pack meeting. Have boys read and report on a book about bugs (Elective 6b).

Talk about which bugs are helpful and which bugs are harmful. Encourage boys to share about the books they read about bugs (Elective 6b).

Visit a beekeeper and taste fresh honey

OR

take a walk around a park and see how many insects

boys can spot.

While on the field trip boys could pick up litter

(Achievement 7d).

At the end of the trip, Cub Scouts thank any drivers for helping with their field trip.

Remind boys about their contribution to the pack meeting. Additional boys share information from the books they read about bugs (Elective 6b).

ACTIVITY Play Build a Bug. How do insects know where they’re going? Boys do the Scent Messages activity. Make Ants on a Log. Ask boys to iden-tify the food groups of each ingredient on the MyPyra-mid Plan (Achievement 8a).

Make Earthworm Snacks. Bugs can be pets for a while until released. Make an Insect House. Wash hands and eat and enjoy the Earth-worm Snacks made earlier.

Boys do Achievements, 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f. What bugs could they be imitating? Example: 1f—jump like a grasshopper. Den chief may lead this activity. Make Jumping Bugs.

CLOSING Sing “Cub Scout Kum Ba Yah” (Cub Scout Songbook). Send home permission slips for field trip during the third week.

Boys shout out the den yell. Remind boys who have not turned in permission slips that they need to do so.

Gather boys in a circle. Den leader shares a closing thought about Memorial Day and asks boys for a moment of silence.

Denner supervises putting away equipment. Den leader, den chief, and denner review the meeting and check details for the next meeting.

AFTER THE MEETING

Den leader files local tour permit with council service center for third week field trip.

Den leader fills out den advancement report for the pack leaders’ meeting.

Den leader mails thank-you note.

CHECK WITH YOUR PACK TRAINER OR CUBMASTER FOR ROUNDTABLE DATES AND OTHER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES.

7 MAY 07

Spring has arrived, and with it, an abundance of new life. This is an excellent time for boys to study nature. They will have a chance to get outside and discover the wonderful world of bugs. Making bugs and playing with bugs will give Cub Scouts the opportunity to become familiar with this part of our living world.

Encourage Cub Scout families to work on additional achievements and electives that support this theme such as:• Achievement 5e, “Tools for Fixing and Building”: Boys can make a birdhouse or something useful for the environment• Achievement 7b, “Your Living World”: Cub Scouts can learn to protect the environment, and thereby help the insect world,

by learning how land, air, and water can get dirty and agreeing to help keep the environment clean.• Elective 18a, “Outdoor Adventure”: Help plan and hold a family picnic—something that ants always enjoy, too!

sCouterPillArMaterials: Pencil, blue chenille stem,

two yellow chenille stems, one ¾ in. pom-pom (white or yellow), twist tie (from bread wrapper), two 7-mm wig-gly eyes, craft glue

Hold chenille stems together. Wrap around pencil at the same time, start-ing at the eraser end. Glue at each end. Cut twist tie to size and glue in place for antennas. Glue eyes in place. Let dry.

snACks

Ants on a LogIngredients: Celery, peanut butter or

cream cheese, raisinsWash celery and cut into 3-in. pieces.

Spread peanut butter or cream cheese onto the celery and top with raisins.

NOTE: Check for peanut allergies among den members before making this snack.

Earthworm SnacksMaterials: One package chocolate

instant pudding, milk, 8-oz. container of frozen whipped topping, chocolate cookies, chewy candy worms

Prepare pudding according to direc-tions. Fold in thawed whipped topping. Place mixture into a cup for each per-son. Crush cookies. Cover the pudding mixture with crumbled cookies. Insert gummy worm into pudding.

gAMes

Doodle Bug RacesMaterials: Jumbo plastic eggs (such as

found at Easter time), permanent mark-ers, golf balls, 3-ft. length of board

Each boy uses half an egg to create his bug. To decorate, use a permanent marker to give it eyes and a face. To play: Raise board about 6 in. on one end. Put a golf ball under the bugs, and watch them race down the board.

Bug RacesPreparation: Draw a large circle on

a driveway with sidewalk chalk. Draw a small circle in the center. Each boy catches a friendly crawling bug (such as a cricket, grasshopper, doodle bug) before the game starts; if necessary pro-vide a bug for each boy.

Each boy, holding his bug, places his hands in the small circle. On a signal, the boys release their bugs. The first bug to crawl or jump out of the large circle is the winner. Be sure boys return the insects safely to their habitats when the races are complete.

Build a BugMaterials: On 1-by-1-

in. wood cube write one of the fol-lowing let-ters on each side: H, T, A, E, F, and L (for Head, Thorax, Abdo-men, Eye, Feeler, and Leg).

Each player gets a pencil and paper. Everyone gets a turn at throwing the cube. If a Cub Scout shakes a T, he draws a thorax on his paper. He may continue as long as he can add to the bug he is drawing. If he shakes a letter for a part that can’t be added yet (such as an eye before the bug has a head) or one he has already completed, he loses the cube to the next player. No one may begin drawing until he shakes a T. The first player to draw a complete bug (one thorax, one head, one abdomen, two eyes, two feelers, and six legs) wins.

sCent MessAgesAn insect’s antennae are its “nose.”

Ants leave odor trails on the main routes around their nests. An ant fol-lows these scent trails with its antennae.

If the antennae are removed or injured, the insect is completely lost, even if it is near to the entrance of its home.

Object: To find a friend the way an ant finds its way around—by smell.

Materials: Film canisters or small jars with lids; cotton balls; food extracts such as vanilla, lemon, and peppermint; blindfolds.

Preparation: Put a cotton ball in each film canister. Put a few drops of one of the extracts onto the cotton ball. Place lids on each film canister and allow them to sit for about 30 minutes.

Remove the lids and pass the canis-ters to half of the den. Give the lids to the other half. Blindfold the boys who are holding the lids. Have the blind-folded group try to find their matching canister by scent only. Remember, no talking!

JuMPing bugsMaterials: Small box with low sides

(small shirt box), construction paper, tissue paper, sheet of acetate (see-through plastic), scissors, masking tape

To make a lid for the box, cut the acetate 2 in. larger than the width and length of the box. Cut the corners of the acetate on an angle. Fold 1 in. down on all sides. Cut spider shapes from construction paper and butterfly shapes from tissue paper. Put spiders and but-terflies in the box and tape the acetate lid over it. Rub the acetate gently with your fingers. The rubbing creates static electricity, which make the bugs jump!

song: old MACdonAld bug-style

Sing “Old MacDonald” (Cub Scout Songbook), substituting bug names and sounds such as bee—“Buzz”; fly—“Zzzzz”; ladybug—“Flutter, flutter.” Boys can make up their own, too!

8 MAY 07

Wolf Den Activities

ThoraxHead Feeler

Leg

Eye

Abdomen

Cubs and Bugs Galore: Bear Den MeetingsDens may meet after school, in the evenings, or on weekends.

Review the theme pages before planning den meetings.

WHEN FIRST WEEK SECOND WEEK THIRD WEEK FOURTH WEEK

Den leader, den chief, and denner review plans before each meeting and check equipment needed.

BEFORE THE MEET-ING STARTS

Have den and U.S. flags; materials for Camouflage Trail and Ant Farm (both Cub Scout Leader How-To Book), Insect Neckerchief Slides (10 MAY), and Bug Buffet (10 MAY).

Have materials for Critter Creations (10 MAY) and Waterscopes (Bear Hand-book); ingredients for trail food (Bear Handbook); den and U.S. flags.

Call the destination of your field trip to confirm arrange-ments, times, fees, etc.

Have towels for Metamor-phosis (10 MAY), materials for Insect Houses (Cub Scout Leader How-To Book), den and U.S. flags.

Den leader collects dues

WHILE CUB SCOUTS GATHER

Den chief starts boys on Camouflage Trail.

Collect permission slips. Den chief helps boys make Critter Creations.

Collect permission slips and remind boys of field

trip etiquette.

Den chief plays Insect Cha-rades with boys (10 MAY) (Achievement 17b).

OPENING Denner leads the Cub Scout Promise. Sing “The Ants Go Marching” (10 MAY).

Denner leads Pledge of Alle-giance.

Denner leads boys in the Law of the Pack.

Den leader checks boys’ books for completed achievements and electives and records them on Den Advancement Charts. Boys record own advancement on den doodle, if den has one.

BUSINESS ITEMS

Introduce the “Cubs and Bugs Galore” theme; explain that boys will explore the world of insects. Discuss this month’s den contribution to the pack meeting.

Boys show their insect and describe it. Ask boys whether they know that some insects live in water. The water strider walks on water. Take a hike and use Water-

scopes to see insects (Elective 25b)

OR

visit an organic garden with your den to learn about how

insects help plants.

Other ideas include visiting a school biologist, farm bureau

or, local farmer.

At the end of the trip, lead a reflecting discussion with

boys about their outing.

If needed, write thank-you notes for field trip (Achieve-ment 18e). Practice Insect Charades to play in front of the pack at the pack meeting.

ACTIVITY Build an Ant Farm. Make Insect Neckerchief Slides. Play Bug Buffet.

Make Waterscopes (Elective 12d). Play Caterpillar Race (10 MAY). Make trail food for next week’s outdoor trip (Achievement 9e).

Make insect houses. Discuss how many insects go through different stages of life. Play Metamorphosis.

CLOSING Form a Living Circle; say the Cub Scout motto. Send home permission slips for the field trip during third week.

Explain that the lives of all creatures on earth are intertwined—even insects! Remind Cub Scouts to respect our environment—even the littlest bugs. Say “Goodnight, Scouts!”

Boys form a circle around the flag and sing “Taps” (Cub Scout Songbook).

Denner supervises putting away equipment. Den leader, den chief, and denner review the meeting and check details for the next meeting.

AFTER THE MEETING

Den leader files local tour permit with council service center for third week field trip.

Den leader fills out den advancement report for the pack leaders’ meeting.

Den leader mails thank-you note.

CHECK WITH YOUR PACK TRAINER OR CUBMASTER FOR ROUNDTABLE DATES AND OTHER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES.

9 MAY 07

10 MAY 07

inseCt neCkerChief slideMaterials: Wooden beads, chenille

stems, wiggle eyes, PVC pipe, glue

Insects have three body parts—head, thorax, and abdomen—and six legs. This is the basis of the insect the boys create for a neckerchief slide. Use wooden beads for body parts. Add wiggle eyes and chenille feelers. Cut 2-in. lengths of 1-in. PVC pipe. Glue your insect to the PVC pipe to create a neckerchief slide.

song: the Ants go MArChing

The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah,The ants go marching one by one, hur-

rah, hurrah,The ants go marching one by one, The first one stops to pick up a crumb,And they all go marching down—in

the ground—to get out—of the rain—boom, boom, boom.Repeat first verse, changing as follows:

Two by two—the second one stops to drink some dew . . .

Three by three—the third one stops to pick up a pea . . .

Four by four—the fourth one chews on an apple core . . .

Five by five—the last one’s happy to be alive . . .

gAMes

Caterpillar Race Divide den into two teams and line

them up relay fashion. The first boy in each line bends at the waist and places his hands on the ground. Each Cub Scout behind him bends forward and grasps the ankles of the boy ahead. On a signal, the team tries to move forward while each boy holds the ankles of the boy ahead of him.

Bug Buffet Materials: Pole for each “bug” head,

strips of cloth for food (five per team)Object: The insect team picks up five

pieces of food and returns to home base. Three boys stand with each one plac-

ing his hands on the waist of the one in front. They form a head, thorax, and abdomen of an insect. The three together have six legs just like an insect! The front boy holds a pole (like a bug’s sucking mouth) to pick up food (strips of cloth).

Without letting go of others on the team, the insect head picks up food with the pole and gives it to the abdo-men (the last boy in line). The abdo-men tucks the food into his waistband. When he has five pieces of food, he sig-nals the head and the team runs home. Boys can take turns being the head, thorax, and abdomen.

Metamorphosis Materials: Towel for each boyMany insects go through four stages

of life: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. When

the leader calls out a name, boys pretend to be in that stage of metamorphosis.• Egg. Curl up like an egg.• Larva. Crawl like a worm.• Pupa. Cover head with towel like a

cocoon.• Adult. Pretend to fly like a butterfly.

See how fast boys can change from one stage to another.

Insect Charades(Achievement 17b)

Each boy takes a turn acting out his favorite insect while the others try to guess what insect he is. Remind boys that they have been learning about bugs this month and to use that informa-tion in this game. Possibilities include sow bug (curls up when touched), bee (flits from flower to flower), fly (buzzes around and lands on things), earwig (scurries under items).

Critter CreAtionMaterials: Beads, chenille stems,

sequins, wiggle eyes, pom-poms, other craft supplies

Boys combine items to create a bug of their own. Encourage their creativity by having them give their bug a name and tell about where it lives and what it eats.

edible sPidersIngredients: Round crackers, low-fat

cream cheese or peanut butter, raisins, mini-pretzel sticks

Spread cream cheese or peanut butter onto a cracker. Put eight pretzel sticks on top of the spread for the eight legs of the spider. Place another cracker on top so that it makes a sandwich. Using the spread as glue, stick two raisins on top of the crackers to form the spider’s eyes. Enjoy your edible spider!

With a buzz and a whine and a flutter of little wings, the late spring brings forth bugs and critters of all kinds. This is the opportunity for Cub Scouts to learn some of the tricks insects use to hide from predators. Play games to emphasize the way insects find food and develop from caterpillars into flying insects. Boys can build their own ant farm and see insect life in ponds and creeks. We’ll make temporary insect houses to study insects and hike to see more of the insect world. The Cub Scout Leader How-To Book has many additional suggestions and ideas to help support this theme. Bring it all together by sharing a lively game of Insect Charades at the pack meeting as the den demonstrates the many things they have learned this month.

Encourage Cub Scout families to work on additional achievements and electives that support this theme such as:• Achievement 17d, “Information, Please”: Parents can help Cub Scouts find information about insects on the Internet.• Achievement 5c, “Sharing Your World with Wildlife”: Boys can spend time exploring what a wildlife conservation officer does.• Elective 12c, “Nature Craft”: Spring is a good time for collecting and pressing leaves. Maybe you’ll find bugs living under

them as you collect them.

Bear Den Activities

Check for peanut or food allergies before serving any snack.