July - Program Highlights

The Cub Scout Academics and Sports program is a great way to help fulfill the aims of Scouting -- building character, developing citizenship, and encouraging mental and physical fitness.  This month, take the opportunity to learn more about the following belt loops and pins:

Astronomy:  The boys will learn about binoculars, telescopes, and the solar system as they earn the Astronomy belt loop and pin.

Cub Scout Astronomy requirements

Belt Loop Requirements Complete these three requirements: Set up and demonstrate how to focus a simple telescope or binoculars. Draw a diagram of our solar system--identify the planets and other objects. Explain the following terms: planet, star, solar system, galaxy, the Milky Way, black hole, red giant, white dwarf, comet, meteor, moon, asteroid, and universe. Academics Pin Requirements Earn the Astronomy belt loop, and complete five of the following requirements: Draw a diagram of a telescope and explain how it works. Locate and identify five constellations. You may use a telescope. Using a telescope, find at least one planet and identify it. Find the North Star. Explain its importance. Interview an astronomer. Learn about careers that relate to Astronomy. What school subjects will help you get a job in astronomy? Visit an observatory or a planetarium. Give a report on what you learned to your den. Make a poster illustrating the different kinds of stars. Include a diagram showing the life cycle of a star. Learn about some of the early space missions. Tell your den or family about one of them. Find a current event about a recent happening related to space. Tell your den or family about this event. Make a chart to show the phases of the moon over a two-month period. Define a blue moon. Write a report on two famous astronomers. Locate three major observatories on a map. Explain why these locations are good for astronomy.

Hiking:  You may have to do a very early hike, or remember you can earn this if you're vacationing in a cooler location!  Cub Scouts will explain the hiking safety rules to their den leader or parent, demonstrate proper hiking attire and equipment, and take a hike as they earn the Hiking belt loop and pin.    

Cub Scout Hiking requirements

Belt Loop Requirements Complete these three requirements: Explain the hiking safety rules to your den leader or adult partner. Practice these rules while on a hike. Demonstrate proper hiking attire and equipment. Hike at least 30 minutes with your adult partner, family, or den. Sports Pin Requirements Earn the Hiking belt loop, and complete five of the following requirements: Make a chart and record at least five hours of hiking. Help plan a den, pack, or family hike. Earn Cub Scouting’s Leave No Trace Awareness Award. Earn the Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award. Learn seven trail signs and tell your den leader or adult partner what they are. Be able to identify five different trees and five different birds on your hike. (These can be of the same species if multiple species are hard to find.) Using pictures or photographs, identify three poisonous plants. (Examples are poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak; oleander, etc.). Watch for these plants while on a hike. Take two different hikes for different purposes, for example, a nature hike, neighborhood hike, historical hike, city hike, stop-look-and-listen hike, and so on. Explain to your den leader or adult partner what a compass is and show how to use one on a hike. Explain to your den leader or adult partner what a global positioning system is and demonstrate how to use one on a hike. With visuals such as pictures or maps, report about one of your hikes to your den. Tell about how you prepared for your hike, who went with you, and what you saw.

Remember, as you earn belt loops over the summer:  Complete the worksheets for the corresponding belt loops and turn them in to the Cub Master.  The link for the worksheets is posted on the right of this page.