University of Scouting 2007 Mother Nature is Teaching Today

University of Scouting 2007 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 ~ 19 th Century Philosopher & Environmentalist

University of Scouting 2007 Department of Cub Scouting Great Outdoors as Classroom Teaching Nature Programs ~ Hikes, crafts, activities Resources

University of Scouting 2007 The Natural World Science Environment Pollution Conservation Citizenship Outdoor Code

University of Scouting 2007 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 Scouting 2007 Tiger Cubs Go See it! –Nature Center presentations –Field trips –Neighborhood Hikes –Treasure Hunt –Outdoor Adventure

University of Scouting 2007 Wolves Use the Wolf Handbook Hikes Hand-on Activities Crafts Skits Songs

University of Scouting 2007 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 Scouting 2007 Webelos Earn the Outdoor Group –Forester –Geologist –Naturalist –Outdoorsman Cub World Conservation Award Cub ‘Front Country’ LNT Award

University of Scouting 2007 Presentation Methods: Outdoor Field Trips –Zoos, aquariums – Botanical gardens –Nature centers –Parks –Museums Council Conservation Resource Guide

University of Scouting 2007 Presentation Methods: Outdoor All Season Hikes –Get outdoors EVERY Month –Dress Properly for the Season –Create Themes

University of Scouting 2007 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 Scouting 2007 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 Scouting 2007 Presentation Methods: Outdoor Nature Scavenger Hikes –Preparation Required List Objects to Find Include Chronology Questions

University of Scouting 2007 Presentation Methods: Outdoor Collecting Natural Objects –Leaves, cones, nuts –Sea Shells –Stamps (Nature-themed – birds, fish, animals) –Leave what you find

University of Scouting 2007 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 Scouting 2007 Presentation Methods: Indoor The Art of Nature –Vast & far-reaching –Get into it! –Each boy will have unique perspective –Use your imagination

University of Scouting 2007 Presentation Methods: Indoor Nature out the Window –Inclusiveness Physically handicapped Housebound –Tools Telescope, microscope, kaleidescope Bug box, magnifying glass

University of Scouting 2007 Presentation Methods: Indoor Songs, Skits, Presentations –Select –Rehearse –Cue Cards – Poster-size –Build a repertoire

University of Scouting 2007 Presentation Methods: Indoor Nature Crafts –Tie-in to Outdoor activity Arranging collections Identify leaves Pine cone bird-feeders Birdhouse building

University of Scouting 2007 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 Scouting 2007 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 Scouting 2007 Resources Internet –USScouting Service Project ( –Scouting.org ( –Conservation Resource Guide ( –(Environmental Education Resources ( –Government (Forest Service, National Parks & State Parks, Local Parks & Recreation Departments)

University of Scouting 2007 Resources On the Ground –Libraries Public School Other (Nature Centers, Museums) –Nature-oriented Organizations Nature Centers Arboretums

University of Scouting 2007 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 Scouting 2007 Conclusion The Peace of Wild Things When despair for the world grows in me And I wake in the night at the least sound In fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake Rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things Who do not tax their lives with forethought Or grief. I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day-blind stars Waiting with their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free. Wendell Berry