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Paws on the Path

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Required

Printable worksheet (PDF)

Paws on the Path is all about getting ready for a nature walk and then taking one. You'll learn what to bring, who to stick with, and how to care for the places you explore. Then you get to see what animals might live nearby.

Why it's worth it

Paws on the Path is your first real nature walk as a Scout. You'll pack your own Six Essentials, pick a buddy, and dress for the weather like an explorer. Then you'll walk quietly, look for clues, and figure out which animals call the place home. Every walk after this one is easier because you'll know how to get ready.

Start this week

  1. Find your Six Essentials around the house: a first-aid kit, a water bottle, a flashlight, sun protection, a whistle, and a trail snack.
  2. With your adult, choose a park or trail near you and look at its map together.
  3. Check the weather for walk day and pick shoes you can walk in for a long time.
  4. Make a guess list of four animals you think live there.

Stay safe

  • Stay with your buddy and your adult the whole time, and watch wild animals from far away without touching or feeding them.
  • Learn your whistle signal before you go: three blasts means you need help.

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

    Name the Cub Scout Six Essentials and show what you do with each one

    Tip: Lay out the Six Essentials on a table and take turns explaining what each one is for.

    For example: Lay out the Six Essentials and give each one a job: the whistle is for if you get separated, the flashlight for when it gets dark early, the snack for when your legs get tired.

  2. Requirement 2

    Learn how the buddy system works outdoors and pick a buddy for your walk

    Tip: Pick a buddy and practice checking in with each other every few minutes during a game.

  3. Requirement 3

    Identify the right clothes and shoes for your walk and do your best to wear them on it

    Tip: Check the weather first, then pick comfy shoes and layers you can take off or add.

    For example: On a chilly morning you might wear a T-shirt, a sweatshirt, and a jacket you can take off as you warm up, plus sneakers or boots you've already worn a lot.

  4. Requirement 4

    Learn the Outdoor Code and the Leave No Trace Principles for Kids

    Tip: Act out each Leave No Trace principle as a skit, or make up hand motions to remember them.

    For example: Pick one Leave No Trace idea to practice on your walk, like "Trash your trash." Bring a small bag and carry out every wrapper, even the tiny corners.

  5. Requirement 5

    With your den, pack, or family, walk outside for at least 30 minutes exploring nature; describe four animals, wild or domestic, you could see

    Tip: Walk slowly and quietly to spot more. Look for tracks, nests, and holes as clues to animals.

    For example: Your four animals might be a squirrel (chewed acorns), a robin (a nest), a deer (hoof prints in mud), and an earthworm (little dirt piles after rain).

Places to visit

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

  • A nature center or park visitor center

    Many have animal tracks, nests, or skulls you can look at up close, so you'll know what to look for on your walk.

    How: Have your adult check the website for a free kids' program, or call and ask if a naturalist can talk with your den before the walk.

Talk about it together

  • Which animal were you hoping to see, and what clues did you find instead?
  • How did you and your buddy help each other on the walk?
  • Which of the Six Essentials did you actually use?
  • What did you do to leave the trail the way you found it?
  • Where would you like to walk next time?

Good questions to ask a park ranger or naturalist

  • Which animals live here that people almost never see?
  • What clues tell you an animal was here a little while ago?
  • What should we do if we meet a wild animal on the trail?

Helpful reads

For leaders & parents

  • Choose an easy, well-marked trail at a local or state park for the walk.
  • Bring a simple animal picture guide so scouts can match what they see.

People & places that can help

Pairs well with

Counts toward

More Wolf adventures

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