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Computing Wolves

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Elective

Printable worksheet (PDF)

Computing Wolves teaches you how computers work and how to use them safely. You'll learn the parts, make a digital story, and set up rules with your family. Being smart about technology is a skill you'll use forever.

Why it's worth it

Computers are everywhere, from a phone in a grown-up's pocket to the car you ride in. Computing Wolves helps you understand what's inside them, what to do with old ones, and how to use them to make something creative. You'll also sit down with your family and agree on rules that help you stay safe and smart with devices.

Start this week

  1. Point to five parts of a computer or tablet at home and say what each one does.
  2. Ask your adult what your family did with its last old phone or computer.
  3. With your adult, pick a kid-friendly app for making a story with pictures.
  4. Write down three questions about screen time to talk about with your family.

Stay safe

  • Never share your full name, school, address, or photos online. If someone you don't know sends you a message, tell a trusted adult right away.

Requirements · 4

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 the basic parts of a computer

    Tip: Point to the screen, keyboard, mouse, and other parts, and say what each one does.

    For example: Inputs let you tell the computer what to do: keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, microphone. Outputs show you the answer: screen, speakers, printer. The processor inside is like its brain.

  2. Requirement 2

    Find out how to properly dispose of computer parts

    Tip: Ask an adult where old computers go in your town. Many places have special e-waste drop-offs.

    For example: Old computers have metals and batteries that shouldn't go in the trash. Your family might take them to an e-waste drop-off day, a recycling center, or a take-back program.

  3. Requirement 3

    Use a digital device app of your choice to create a story you can share with others

    Tip: With an adult, use a kid-safe app to make a short story with pictures, then share it.

    For example: Make a five-page story about a real or pretend pet using an app like ScratchJr. Share it at a den meeting or with your family instead of posting it online.

  4. Requirement 4

    Work with your parent or legal guardian to create a safe digital device policy

    Tip: Sit with your grown-up and agree on screen time, where devices stay, and what to do if something feels wrong.

    For example: Your family device policy might say: devices sleep in the kitchen at night, ask before downloading anything, never share your name or school online, and tell a grown-up if something feels weird.

Talk about it together

  • Which part of a computer do you think is most important, and why?
  • What was the hardest part of making your digital story?
  • Which rule in your family's device policy do you think will help you most?
  • What would you do if something online made you feel uncomfortable?

Good questions to ask someone who fixes or builds computers

  • What's inside a computer that most people never see?
  • What happens to old computers when they're recycled?
  • How did you first learn about computers?

Helpful reads

For leaders & parents

  • Bring an old computer or keyboard scouts can safely look at up close.
  • Send a simple device-policy template home for families to fill out.

People & places that can help

Pairs well with

Counts toward

More Wolf adventures

Into this? Explore more

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