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Baloo the Builder

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Elective

Printable worksheet (PDF)

Baloo the Builder teaches you to use real tools safely and build something you can be proud of. You'll learn each tool, plan your project, and put it together. Making something with your own hands feels great.

Why it's worth it

Baloo the Builder teaches you to use real tools the safe way and turn a pile of wood into something useful. You'll learn what each tool is for, practice with an adult beside you, and plan and build a project from start to finish. These skills help you fix things at home, build things for camp, and maybe someday build much bigger things.

Start this week

  1. With your adult, look in a toolbox and name each tool you find.
  2. Find safety glasses that fit you.
  3. Pick a simple project idea, like a birdhouse, a pencil box, or a tool caddy.
  4. Ask your den leader whether the den will build together or you'll build at home.

Stay safe

  • Wear safety glasses every time you use a tool, and work with an adult right beside you.
  • Use a clamp to hold wood instead of your hand, and put tools away when you're done.

Requirements · 5

Every official requirement and part, numbered to match Scouting America, in plain language. Sign off against the official wording (opens in a new tab).

  1. Requirement 1

    Learn about some basic tools, how to use each one properly, and why safety matters when working with tools

    Tip: With an adult, look at a hammer, screwdriver, saw, and clamp. Learn what each does and how to use it safely.

    For example: A hammer drives nails, a screwdriver turns screws, a saw cuts wood, a clamp holds pieces still, and a tape measure shows where to cut. Safety glasses go on before any tool comes out.

  2. Requirement 2

    Practice using four of the tools from requirement 1

    Tip: Practice with four tools on scrap wood, wearing safety glasses, with an adult right beside you.

    For example: Practice on scrap wood: tap in three nails, drive a screw, measure and mark a line with a tape measure and pencil, and sand an edge smooth.

  3. Requirement 3

    Choose a project to build

    Tip: Choose something simple, like a birdhouse, toolbox, or bookshelf.

  4. Requirement 4

    Determine the tools and materials you need to build your project from requirement 3

    Tip: Make a list of the tools and materials you need before you start.

    For example: For a birdhouse you might need: a kit or precut wood, nails, a hammer, sandpaper, glue, a ruler, and safety glasses. Check off each one before you start.

  5. Requirement 5

    Build your project

    Tip: Build your project step by step, taking your time with each part.

    For example: Build step by step with an adult beside you: sand the pieces, line them up, clamp them, and nail them together. Then paint or decorate your project.

Places to visit

Ask an adult to set it up, and go with your family, den, patrol, or crew.

  • A hardware or home improvement store kids' workshop

    Some stores host free workshops where kids build a small project with help and tools provided.

    How: Have your adult check local stores' websites for kids' workshop dates, and go together.

Talk about it together

  • Which tool felt most comfortable, and which one was hardest?
  • What went wrong while you were building, and how did you fix it?
  • How did it feel to use something you made yourself?
  • What would you like to build next?

Good questions to ask a carpenter or someone who builds things

  • What tool do you use the most?
  • What's a mistake every new builder makes?
  • How did you learn to build?

Helpful reads

For leaders & parents

  • Keep one adult per small group at the tool station and require safety glasses.
  • Ask a local hardware store if they offer kids' build kits or workshops.

People & places that can help

Pairs well with

Counts toward

More Bear adventures

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Tips, examples, and questions are ideas from experienced leaders, not extra requirements. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.