Backpack Packing Challenge

Before the meeting: 

1. Watch the four-minute video on the Cub Scout Six Essentials.  
2. Review the Cub Scout Six Essentials in the front of the Bear handbook so you can explain the items to the den. 
3. Remind Cub Scouts, parents and legal guardians for Cub Scouts to bring their Cub Scout Six Essentials and a day bag and to wear the clothes they will wear on the walk.
4. Gather your Cub Scout Six Essentials and place them in your day bag. 

During the meeting: 

1. Ask Cub Scouts to line up with their day bags and place the contents in front of them at their feet. 
2. Bear handbook Start with the Cub Scout Six Essentials, one item at a time, as they pick up their item discuss the item and why it is important. After describing the item, the Cub Scouts put the item back into the pack.  
3. Discuss appropriate clothing for the current weather.  
   • Sunshine – hat, light-colored clothing, sunglasses 
   • Rain- rain jacket with hood or hat 
   • Cold – warm jacket, hat, gloves, scarf 
4. Discuss appropriate footwear. 
   • Footwear must always be closed-toed for Scouting activities.  The right shoes depend on where you will be walking.  For a paved path walking shoes or sneakers work fine.  For outdoor or more rugged paths shoes that have a harder sole and provide greater ankle support are best.  Shoes should fit snug and if the shoe has laces, they should be tied appropriately based on the design of the shoe. 
   • Socks are a must for walks.  The best socks will keep your feet dry and pull moisture away from your feet.  This helps to prevent fungus that may cause bad smells and itchy feet. 
   • If your feet get wet during the walk just make sure that when you are finished, you take them off along with your socks and allow your feet to dry.