Outdoorsman Activity Badge Outline -- Outdoor Group

The Outdoorsman Activity Badge is recommended to be presented in a one month format, as outlined in the Webelos Program Helps booklet.  This example outline presents the Badge in four weekly meetings.  The goal of this outline is to work on every requirement in four meetings, though it may not be possible to complete every one of the electives in that time.  
This badge lends itself to a field trips, campouts and lots of family outings.  I believe it is best to do this badge during a month when you can plan a Webelos campout, take part in a joint campout with a Boy Scout Troop, Camporee or a Pack Family camp.  Many of the activities can be accomplished on a campout.   There are so many camping requirements that it is really necessary to do it this way.  Camporee or a joint camp with a troop satisfies requirement 8 also.
Many of the requirements can be accomplished in the backyard of the leader -- I've done it that way and it is a lot of fun.  This outline is structured so that all but the camping requirements are worked in the Den setting, assuming that campouts will take place.
With this outline in particular, you will want to move things around so that the proper elements are covered prior to campouts or other outings.
Use the Webelos book in the meeting.  Have the Scouts read sections from the book.  Use all the resources you have available, such as the Program Helps and the Webelos Den Activities Book.  Make sure you sign off their books each meeting.

Week 1

Requirements to be fulfilled:
Do Five of These:
1.	Show your ability to tie the following knots:
	Square Knot
	Bowline
	Clove Hitch
	Two half hitches
	Taut Line Hitch

Discussion :
1.	Read the introduction and requirements on pages 231 - 232.  Discuss the requirements and how they will be worked on in and outside the Den.  
2.	Read pages 233 - 234 on Camp Knots.
	Give each Scout a length of rope, 3 - 4 feet long.  This is their practice rope.  When not in use, it should be tied into their binders.  No horsing around with the rope is ever allowed -- they lose it!  Demonstrate each knot.  Let each scout practice it.  Buddy up for the hitches, so that the buddy's arm or leg can be used.
3.	Read pages 235 - 237 on Camping Out in a Backyard, Homemade Tent and Envelope Bed.

Homework:
1.	Talk to your parents about the camping gear you have.  What kinds of weather conditions are you prepared for?
2.	Practice your knots.

Week 2

Requirements to be fulfilled:
2.	Use two half hitches and a tautline hitch to pitch a tent.  Sleep in your tent for at least one night using a ground bed you have put together.

Discussion :
1.	Drill on knots.
2.	Bring a blanket and safety pins and demonstrate how to make a ground bed.
	Bring one or more pup tents or tarps and poles, and have the Scouts put up the tents using two half hitches and tautline hitches. [This activity can be done at the leader's backyard while waiting for dinner to cook (week 4) or can be done at the campout when the Scouts that set up the tent will sleep in it.]
	Bring two sleeping bags of different construction, and show the Scouts how they are constructed differently and cold they will protect a person to.
2.	Read pages 238 - 241 on Camping away from Home, Packing for a Campout and Activities in Camp.

Homework:
1.	Work on your knots.

Week 3

Requirements to be fulfilled:
7.	Know and practice the rules of outdoor fire safety.

Discussion :
1.	Drill on knots.
2.	Read pages 242 - 246 on Cooking in Camp, Fire Building and Safety, and Cleanup.
	Drill the Scouts on Fire Safety.  Where do you build a fire?  How far do you clear around the fire lay?  What about above the fire?  How big do you build a fire? What equipment do you need when you build a fire?  What do you do with a fire when you are done with it?

Homework:
1.	Work on your knots.
2.	Refresh your memory about Fire Safety.

Week 4

Requirements to be fulfilled:
6.	Help cook your own lunch or supper outdoors with your parents or another grown-up.  Clean up afterwards.

Discussion :
1.	Drill on Fire Safety. 
2.	This meeting should be held at the Leader's home, in the backyard, where you will make a meal.  Foil dinners go over very well with both the Scouts and adults.  You can provide all the fixing's or you can ask the Scouts to bring it.  Have two scouts each bring potatoes, onions, carrots, pound of hamburger.  Have the barbecue ready early.  Have the Scouts cut up the potatoes and onions.  BE VERY CAREFUL AND WATCH THEM CLOSELY.  If it looks like one of the Scouts is about to cut off a finger, help him or take over that task.  Give them foil and show them how to make the dinners.  Liberally season with salt, pepper, garlic, steak sauce, etc.
	You may want to have other things available for this meal to.  Perhaps make pudding for desert, and have something to drink.  
	Heat water using the barbecue if hot enough or your Coleman stove to do the dishes.  Prepare your wash water and rinse water, show them what to do, then have the Scouts do the cleanup.

Requirements not directly worked in this outline:
3.	With your adult partner, take part in a Webelos over-nighter or camp overnight with a Boy Scout Troop.
4.	Help with a campout of 2 nights away from home with your family.  Or go on two campouts of one night with your family.
8.	Visit your Boy Scout camp with your den.

Ideas to satisfy other requirements:

Requirements to be fulfilled:
5.	With your family or Webelos den, plan and take part in an evening outdoor activity that includes a campfire.

Ways to satisfy this Requirement :
1.	This requirement means to do more than just sit around a fire while out camping and talk.  It means to plan a Campfire -- opening, songs, skits, etc., closing.  With the assistance of the Den leader, resources and the campfire planning guide, this can be done easily.  The Campfire can be part of a schedule Pack or Den campout.  The Campfire could be take the place of a normal Pack meeting, also.  This can actually be a lot of fun with the whole Pack, since most Pack meetings are held indoors.  The Pack adult leaders need to be involved in the planning because there will need to be announcements, introductions, awards, etc.  But the fun activities should be planned by the Webelos den.  In fact, the Master of Ceremonies could be a Scout.
	This Campfire activity can also be the first or second night of a Webelos or Pack Family Camp.

Forester Activity Badge Den Leaders Record
	List Boy's Names

Date:  			
	Month/Year

Requirements
Do Five of These:													
1.	Show your ability to tie the following knots:
	Square Knot													
	Bowline													
	Clove Hitch													
	Two half hitches													
	Taut Line Hitch													
2.	Use two half hitches and a tautline hitch to pitch a tent.  Sleep in your tent for at least one night using a ground bed you have put together.													
3.	With your adult partner, take part in a Webelos over-nighter or camp overnight with a Boy Scout Troop.													
4.	Help with a campout of 2 nights away from home with your family.  Or go on two campouts of one night with your family.													
5.	With your family or Webelos den, plan and take part in an evening outdoor activity that includes a campfire.													
6.	Help cook your own lunch or supper outdoors with your parents or another grown-up.  Clean up afterwards.													
7.	Know and practice the rules of outdoor fire safety.													
8.	Visit your Boy Scout camp with your den.													

Date Completed													
Awarded