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Safety in Numbers

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Required

Printable worksheet (PDF)

Safety in Numbers helps you learn how to stay safe and speak up. You'll watch a video with your family, practice the buddy system, and play safely on the playground. Knowing these rules helps you feel brave and ready.

Why it's worth it

Safety in Numbers helps you feel brave and ready. You'll learn simple rules for keeping your body safe and who to tell when something feels wrong. You'll practice the buddy system so nobody gets left behind at the park, on a hike, or at camp. And you'll show your den how to play on a playground so everyone has fun and stays safe.

Start this week

  1. Ask your parent or guardian to pick a cozy time this week to watch the Wolf Protect Yourself Rules video together.
  2. Name three grown-ups you could tell if something ever felt wrong or confusing.
  3. Play buddy check at home: when someone calls it, find your buddy and hold up your joined hands.
  4. Walk around a playground with your adult and point out the safe way to use each piece.

Stay safe

  • On sunny days, touch slides and metal steps with your hand first. They can get hot enough to burn.

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

    With your parent or legal guardian's permission, watch the Wolf Protect Yourself Rules video

    Tip: Watch the video with a parent or guardian in a comfy spot where you can pause and ask questions.

  2. Requirement 2

    Discuss "safe touch" from the Protect Yourself Rules video

    Tip: Talk with your grown-up about safe touch and who you can tell if something feels wrong.

    For example: Talk through the three R's from the video with your adult: recognize when something isn't right, respond by saying no and getting away, and report it to a grown-up you trust.

  3. Requirement 3

    Learn how the buddy system works and show it in action

    Tip: Practice the buddy system in a game. When the leader calls out, find your buddy fast.

    For example: At a park, each Cub Scout picks a buddy. When the leader calls buddy check, buddies grab hands and raise them up. If someone is missing, everyone knows right away.

  4. Requirement 4

    Review common safety rules and show how to use playground equipment properly

    Tip: At a playground, show how to take turns, hold on tight, and slide feet first.

    For example: Show your den: hold the rails on steps, go down the slide feet first one person at a time, and wait for the swing to stop before walking near it.

Talk about it together

  • Who are the grown-ups you would go to if something felt wrong?
  • How does having a buddy help you feel safer?
  • Which playground rule do you think matters most, and why?
  • How did it feel to talk about safety with your family?

Good questions to ask your parent or guardian

  • What should I do if I get separated from you somewhere busy?
  • What kind of secret should I never keep?
  • Who are the safe grown-ups I can go to when you're not there?

Helpful reads

For leaders & parents

  • Send the video information home so families can watch it together first.
  • Turn the buddy system into a game at meetings so it becomes a habit.

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.