University of Scouting2007
Why Teach Nature?
• To a person uninstructed in natural history, his country or sea-side stroll is a walk through a gallery filled with wonderful works of art, nine-tenths of which have their faces turned to the wall.
• Thomas Huxley ~ 19th Century Philosopher & Environmentalist
University of Scouting2007
Department of Cub Scouting
• Great Outdoors as Classroom
• Teaching Nature
• Programs ~ Hikes, crafts, activities
• Resources
University of Scouting2007
The Natural World
• Science
• Environment
• Pollution
• Conservation
• Citizenship
• Outdoor Code
University of Scouting2007
It’s a small world after all
• Scoping Activities– Tigers, Wolves, Bears & Webelos
– Outdoors• Hikes, Field Trips, Scavenger Hunts, Collecting
– Indoors• Nature Videos, Games, Skits, Stunts, Songs
University of Scouting2007
Tiger Cubs
• Go See it!– Nature Center presentations– Field trips– Neighborhood Hikes– Treasure Hunt– Outdoor Adventure
University of Scouting2007
Wolves
• Use the Wolf Handbook
• Hikes
• Hand-on Activities
• Crafts
• Skits
• Songs
University of Scouting2007
Bears
• Caring for the Planet
• Conservation
• Visit zoos, nature centers, wildlife preserves
• Share your world with wildlife
• Tie to Advancement with Bear Handbook
University of Scouting2007
Webelos
• Earn the Outdoor Group– Forester– Geologist– Naturalist– Outdoorsman
• Cub World Conservation Award
• Cub ‘Front Country’ LNT Award
University of Scouting2007
Presentation Methods:Outdoor
• Field Trips– Zoos, aquariums – Botanical gardens– Nature centers– Parks– Museums
• Council Conservation Resource Guide
University of Scouting2007
Presentation Methods:Outdoor
• All Season Hikes
– Get outdoors EVERY Month– Dress Properly for the Season– Create Themes
University of Scouting2007
Presentation Methods:Outdoor
• A Hike is a Journey– With a Purpose– With a Route– With a Destination
• Tailor to Cub rank and experience
• Incorporate Activity Badge Work
University of Scouting2007
Presentation Methods:Outdoor
• Adopt an Acre
• Mark out 3 or 4 foot squares
• Visit & Observe Monthly
• Note Changes
• Report & Discuss at Den meetings
University of Scouting2007
Presentation Methods:Outdoor
• Nature Scavenger Hikes
– Preparation Required• List Objects to Find• Include Chronology Questions
University of Scouting2007
Presentation Methods:Outdoor
• Collecting Natural Objects– Leaves, cones, nuts– Sea Shells– Stamps (Nature-themed – birds, fish,
animals)– Leave what you find
University of Scouting2007
Presentation Methods:Outdoor
• Conservation & Ecology Themes– Leave No Trace Organization
• Outdoor Ethics
– Sierra Club– Audobon Society– Environmental Protection Agency– Natural Resources Defense Council
University of Scouting2007
Presentation Methods:Indoor
• The Art of Nature– Vast & far-reaching– Get into it!– Each boy will have unique perspective– Use your imagination
University of Scouting2007
Presentation Methods:Indoor
• Nature out the Window
– Inclusiveness• Physically handicapped• Housebound
– Tools• Telescope, microscope, kaleidescope• Bug box, magnifying glass
University of Scouting2007
Presentation Methods:Indoor
• Songs, Skits, Presentations– Select– Rehearse– Cue Cards – Poster-size– Build a repertoire
University of Scouting2007
Presentation Methods:Indoor
• Nature Crafts– Tie-in to Outdoor activity
• Arranging collections• Identify leaves• Pine cone bird-feeders• Birdhouse building
University of Scouting2007
Presentation Methods:Indoor
• Nature in Theatre
– Puppets (Webelos Showman)– Milk-jug Masks (Bears)– Paper-bag Masks (Wolves)– Costumes (natural elements – grass,
leaves)– Props – from natural items
University of Scouting2007
Presentation Methods:Games
• Use Nature Themes– Go Fish (sea shells, leaves, stones)– Nature Jeopardy – think up questions &
answers– Pick-up Sticks BIG TIME – use 12” – 15”
sticks
University of Scouting2007
Resources• Internet
– USScouting Service Project (http://www.cubbobwhite.net/outdoor/od.htm)
– Scouting.org (http://scouting.org/)– Conservation Resource Guide
(http://wpcbsa.org/Conservation/)– (Environmental Education Resources (
http://www.acornnaturalists.com/store/index.aspx– Government (Forest Service, National Parks &
State Parks, Local Parks & Recreation Departments)
University of Scouting2007
Resources
• On the Ground– Libraries
• Public • School• Other (Nature Centers, Museums)
– Nature-oriented Organizations• Nature Centers• Arboretums
University of Scouting2007
Resources
• Skits– BSA Cub Scout Leader How-to Book– Creative Campfires (BSA Supply)– MacScouter’s Big Book of Skits (on-line)
• Nature– Wilderness with Children: Parent’s Guide
to Family Outings. Michael Hodgson
University of Scouting2007
ConclusionThe Peace of Wild ThingsWhen despair for the world grows in meAnd I wake in the night at the least soundIn fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,I go and lie down where the wood drakeRests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.I come into the peace of wild thingsWho do not tax their lives with forethoughtOr grief. I come into the presence of still water.And I feel above me the day-blind starsWaiting with their light. For a timeI rest in the grace of the world, and am free.Wendell Berry
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