Whether the clouds open up a hail of rain on your hike or someone slips and needs a bandaid, Cub Scouts should carry their six essentials on their outdoor adventures.
Cub Scout Six Essentials
- First Aid Kit
- Filled Water Bottle
- Flashlight
- Trail food
- Sun Protection
- Whistle
I thought there were Ten Essentials
If you are reading this and thinking that, there are “Ten Essentials” and not six you are correct. The term 10 Essentials first appeared in print in the 1974 edition of Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills and has been adapted and changed over the years. The BSA adopted the list and youth in Scouts BSA carry all ten essentials in an effort to fulfill their motto of “Be Prepared.” Webelos and AOLs should begin learning about and carrying the ten essentials.
Why Carry the Six Essentials?
Adults are with their Scouts hiking, right? Why should we have kids carry packs? The thing is, there are times when adults aren’t around. Most Packs allow their Scouts to travel in the buddy system to program areas at camp or on a short hike at the local park. This gives them that sense of perceived independence and helps them grow as they experiment with risk taking. Let them be prepared.
Scouting has always valued self-reliance as a character building trait. Selecting, carrying and using your own gear in a wilderness setting builds this self-reliant character. What lessons are we teaching our Scouts if Mom hands them a bottle of water at every break?
Can Cubs Add an Item to the Six Essentials?
Cubs can add to their six essentials but use caution in having overloaded packs on hikes. The last thing you want to do is discourage kids from hiking because of uncomfortable packs. I would however add two things for certain, that would be rain gear and a garbage bag.
Whether a ninety-nine cent poncho or a waterproof breathable rain jacket, having rain gear in the pack can be a literal lifesaver or at least a hike saver. You might get the question, “but it isn’t rainy today!” However, this is how we teach young Cubs to grow and “Be Preparer.” If anything, that rain jacket is a great layer when the temps drop.
I teach all my Scouts that a garbage bag is an essential item. Though we can always do a trail cleanup the bag is useful in other ways. If you forget or lose your rain gear, a garbage bag makes a great poncho. It also makes a handy bivy sack and vapor barrier for an emergency shelter. Don’t forget to teach them that they need airholes to breath.
I like to teach map reading early; therefore, I think that a map is an essential item. Copy maps for your Scouts and encourage them to carry a compass to orient their map. One of my favorite things to do on a hike is to pause at a trail intersection and ask, where we are.
Activities to Teach Cub Scouts about the Six Essentials
As a den leader the ten essentials can be hard to teach, especially to younger tiger and wolf aged Scouts. I teach the essentials in three ways. I show, I let them play a game and we model in real life.
Showing is easy, I generally demonstrate my son’s daypack and pull items out of it that are essentials. This can be a bit boring but I like to run it like this: I’ll hold up a flashlight and say “We are hiking during the day, why do I have a headlamp with me?” This creates engagement and interaction.
The second is my 10 Essentials Game. I bring in a tote bag full of assorted gear as all Scouters have extra gear in their closets. Then I place laminated sheets on the floor with each of the Six Essentials listed. Scouts then work in a relay placing the gear from the duffel in the appropriate pile. They always have a great time with this.
Lastly, when we are on hikes, I demonstrate how and why we use the gear we carry. Chances are with someone, the first aid kit will be needed and that is a teachable moment. I also like to find a dark area around boulders where we can use our flashlights during the day.
