Knife Safety Circle Bear

Before the meeting:

1. Establish an area to safely conduct a knife safety circle. Remove all objects and allow for plenty of room for a Cub Scout to safely turn in a circle while holding their pocketknife.

During the meeting:

1. Explain to Cub Scouts that they are going to practice making a safety circle, one at a time. Tell them that before they pick up their knife to use it, they should stretch their arm out and turn in a circle. They should also raise their hand above their head and move it in a circle to make sure there is nothing above them. If they cannot touch anyone or anything else, it’s safe to use their knife. While using their knife, be sure to watch in case someone walks toward them and gets too close.
2. Have an adult demonstrate the knife safety circle by stretching out their arm and turning in a circle. If you cannot touch anyone or anything else, it’s safe to use the knife.
3. Have each of the Cub Scouts enter the area that was previously set aside as the knife safety circle and practice. As part of the demonstration, have Cub Scouts pretend they are using their knives. Walk toward them to see if they stop. If they don’t, remind them that if someone gets too close to their knife safety circle, they should stop using their knife.