Day Camp suggestions

[bears2 10]

We are having our own Cub Scout Day Camp and the theme is Pioneer Days. Any ideas for activities other than the BB & bow/arrow, which we have a qualified person/s for this one? One of the things I would like to do is something that the boys could craft and at the end of the day possible compete with. Thanks so much!

[SSScout 1624]

Pioneer Possibilities we have used....

 

Search around for a trick roper, who might also teach the boys some tricks.

 

Park Police in our area have a mounted unit. Do yours? Have them come visit the camp.

 

Do you have a local museum? Check for their outreach, education section.

 

Farmers in the area may have old time equipment to poke around in/on. Check with your local County Extention service.

 

See if the local County Fair folks have any connections with "Old Timers Clubs"

 

One year, we adjusted the theme to Lewis and Clark, and every day we "progressed" some hundreds of miles, and adjusted our activities accordingly.

 

Find the local Antique Car club. Old cars? We have a Model T club that does a take apart and rebuild demonstration that really caught the boys attention.

 

KiSMiF!

[Lisabob 13]

How about:

 

"panning for gold" - really about geology. Rocks and minerals are exciting to a lot of boys and there can be some tie-ins to some advancement options for geology belt loop (for any rank) and/or geology activity pin requirements (for Webelos)

 

pioneer cooking (keeping it very simple) - make johnny cakes (corn bread) in a cast iron pan with the kids. Corn bread muffin mix is cheap and takes about 20 minutes to cook

 

pioneer trail - do something with a compass or maps or even just following clues along a trail, to simulate the westward movement (raging rivers, bears, etc. to make it more interesting)

 

covered wagons - I am not a huge fan of arts/crafts but if you can find a way to have each kid "make" covered wagons to take home, hey that could be fun

 

knots - there must have been plenty of things that pioneers needed knots and lashings for! Keeping in mind that many kids are pretty clueless about how to tie even a square knot and your littlest guys might still struggle with left hand/right hand - so KISMIF really applies - you could have some fun with this. Maybe younger kids make a tripod to hang a cooking pot from, older kids lash together poles for a simple shelter?

 

Pioneer Toys - Here's a set of directions for making a "buzz saw" which is basically a button or round disk on a string (with handles on the string). When you twist it, the button spins and makes a noise. Apple dolls and corn husk dolls would be period-specific too but maybe wouldn't go over so well with boys!

http://library.thinkquest.org/6400/buzz%20saw.htm

 

Camp Fire with pioneer songs (lots to choose from - find somebody who plays guitar)

 

 

Hope this helps!

 

 

 

 

[Lisabob 13]

dratted double post - sorry!(This message has been edited by lisabob)

[jhankins 10]

A pioneering demonstration with boy scouts helping them build a few gadgets?

[JoeBob 606]

Pioneering. Build a simple bridge from saplings and bailing twine.

Day 1 - Plan and demonstrate - Work on Knots - Show 'em knotches for log cabin building.

Day 2 - Work on trimming trees (Watch the blades - breaking small ilmbs might be better for the Tigers...) and sawing to length. Knot practice

Day 3 - Start assembly - of 1 foot high bridge with up-ramps at each end.

Day 4 - Finish assembly - Add rope Handrail

Day 5 - Walk over their bridge.

 

 

[shortridge 184]

- Dan'l Boone, Lewis & Clark, Davy Crockett ... tap into the history of any of the great pioneers, adventurers, explorers, trappers and hunters, and have your staff garb up & take on the personas. That'll add a huge sense of realism and excitement. Also check with your council or district to get contact info for local Venturing re-enactment crews, who might be able to offer advice or staff.

 

- Corn Husk Action Figures (like corn husk dolls, only for boys )

 

- Set up a log cabin (use those local Boy Scouts).

 

- Don't forget Native Americans. The European pioneers interacted with the Indians as they journeyed west. Plenty of crafty things to do in that area.

 

- Soap- or candle-making (with very close adult supervision)

 

- For Cubs who have their Whittlin' Chip, make a whimmydiddle (one variation with pencils here: http://bobscrafts.com/bobstuff/geehaw.htm)

 

- Simple gardening/plant care - works well with a nature program talking about life cycles. Kids can plant seeds in disposable cups and take them back home.