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Paws for Action

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Required

Printable worksheet (PDF)

Paws for Action is about being a good citizen. You'll learn the story of the U.S. flag, explore national symbols, and see how nonprofits help people. Then you'll lend a hand with a service project.

Why it's worth it

Paws for Action shows you how to be a citizen who helps. You'll learn the story of the American flag and how to raise, fold, and honor it. You'll discover the symbols that stand for our country, and you'll see how a nonprofit turns volunteers' time into meals, homes for pets, or cleaner parks. Then you'll roll up your sleeves and help.

Start this week

  1. Look for U.S. symbols this week, like the eagle on the back of a dollar bill or the flag at school.
  2. Practice folding a flag, or a big towel, into a triangle with a partner.
  3. With your adult, look up a food bank, animal shelter, or other nonprofit near you.
  4. Ask your den leader what service project the den has planned.

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 U.S. flag's history and etiquette, and show how to raise, lower, fold, and display it properly

    Tip: Practice raising, lowering, and folding a flag with a partner, and learn how to show respect for it.

    For example: The flag has 13 stripes for the first colonies and 50 stars for the states. Practice raising it quickly, lowering it slowly, and folding it without letting it touch the ground.

  2. Requirement 2

    Name three symbols of the United States; make a model, artwork, or other craft of your favorite

    Tip: Think of symbols like the bald eagle or the Statue of Liberty, then draw or build your favorite.

    For example: Your three symbols might be the bald eagle, the Statue of Liberty, and the Liberty Bell. Shape the Liberty Bell from clay, crack and all, or draw the eagle with its wings spread.

  3. Requirement 3

    Learn about the mission of a nonprofit, how it pays for its activities, and how it uses volunteers

    Tip: Visit or look up a food bank or animal shelter. Ask how they get money and use volunteers.

    For example: At a food bank you might learn its mission (helping people who don't have enough food), where its money comes from (donations and grants), and how volunteers sort food and pack boxes.

  4. Requirement 4

    Take part in a service project

    Tip: Help at a food drive, park cleanup, or shelter with your den.

    For example: Your den might collect canned food at a pack meeting, help plant flowers at a school, or make cards for a senior center. Then talk about who your project helped.

Places to visit

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

  • A food bank, animal shelter, or other nonprofit

    Seeing the work up close helps you understand the mission, and you may be able to do your service project there.

    How: Have your den leader call and ask for a short tour for a Cub Scout den, and whether there's a job kids can help with.

Talk about it together

  • Which U.S. symbol means the most to you, and why?
  • What surprised you about how the nonprofit works?
  • How did it feel to help with a service project?
  • What's a need in your community you'd like to help with next?

Good questions to ask a volunteer at a nonprofit

  • What does your organization do to help people?
  • How do you get the money and supplies you need?
  • What can kids my age do to help?

Helpful reads

For leaders & parents

  • Invite a veteran to help teach flag history and etiquette.
  • Pair the nonprofit visit with the service project at the same place.

People & places that can help

Pairs well with

Counts toward

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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.