Scouting Fun to get you Out and Scouting

May 2021

• Visit Build an Ark Animal Rescue in Ellijay.  Build an Ark is an interactive farm animal rescue and hospice sanctuary.  Feed the animals while you learn their stories. $7/person: https://www.facebook.com/buildanarksanctuary/
• Cast of an animal track:  https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Make-a-Plaster-Cast-of-an-Animal-Track/
• Make your own walking stick.  All you really have to do is pickup a good stick in the woods; but if you want to jazz it up a little, here are some fun ideas: https://littlepinelearners.com/get-kids-outside-with-these-10-diy-hiking-sticks/
• Find your way among the stars - try stargazing.  Great kids resources: https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/astronomy/a-kid-s-guide-to-stargazing and https://www.atlantaparent.com/stargazing/ - Sky Guide ($3) is a great iPhone app to explore the night sky, as well.  
• Go fishing.  Here are some great spots: https://www.exploregeorgia.org/things-to-do/list/five-kid-friendly-fishing-trips-for-summer-break 
• Go for a nature walk scavenger hunt on your favorite trail: https://scoutermom.com/wp-content/uploads/Outdoor-Scavenger-Hunt.pdf 
• Hey, there’s a cardinal in the backyard!  I wonder what else is out there?  Try birdwatching - https://www.audubon.org/news/easy-ways-get-kids-birding or maybe check out a good book about our local avian friends:  on Amazon
• Is this poison ivy or tulip poplar?  That’s a great question.  The Scouts BSA Handbook has some great info on identifying plants you want to stay away from.  If you want to learn more about the leaves that fall here in Georgia, this is a great field guide: on Amazon
• Backyard Cub Scout Tricks - Bark Boat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuNIrLcdayo

April 2021

• The Rock Garden - Located just an hour north of Atlanta in Calhoun, GA, this gem offers dozens of diminutive buildings, people and animals made from tiny stones, pebbles, shells, odd pieces of broken glass and china, rocks, ceramic tile, cement, wire and other materials, virtual copies of their real-life larger counterparts!  Take a picnic and enjoy the gardens and grounds!  Open daily from dawn to dusk. Free admission. https://www.exploregeorgia.org/calhoun/outdoors-nature/trails-tours/the-rock-garden
• SKY HIGH FUN!  Pack up the family and head to downtown Atlanta for the best view of the city from the SkyView Ferris Wheel!   Ride in climate-controlled gondolas, enjoy breathtaking views and feel taller than a 20 story building!  Advance ticket purchases recommended, COVID and safety restrictions apply.  Before or after, enjoy a picnic in Centennial Park! http://www.skyviewatlanta.com
• Play Cards! Play a classic card game Crazy Eights!  https://bicyclecards.com/how-to-play/crazy-eights/
• Hunt down some painted rocks in the great outdoors: https://www.atlantaparent.com/painted-rocks-atlanta/
• Paint your own Scouting rocks and leave them for others to find.  Not sure what supplies to use?  Grab a rock from the garden and any paint you have; and see how they work.  For some additional suggestions - https://modpodgerocksblog.com/10-painted-rocks/ 
• Share this Scout Card Trick with your family and friends! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfh1yaps09U
• Backyard Cub Scout Tricks - Fire Starters - https://youtu.be/7fm_9E9uW9U
• Easy Cub Scout Cooking - Quick Breakfast - https://youtu.be/L4sPRE3_JLQ

Looking for more ideas? Download the Scouting Fun Archive.

Impromptu Fun

Fight boredom with these fun ideas to get out and about.

Socially Distant Service Work

Help others, be safe.

• Send a special video message to a local nursing home for their residents.
• Help a close neighbor with grocery pick-up/delivery.
• Send "Thank you" messages to local first-responders, healthcare workers, and essential employees.
• Donate blood if you are of age.
• Call your loved ones to check in on them.
• Go to the park with your family and clean up an area while observing social distancing.
• While going for a walk, clean up litter on the side of the road with your family in your neighborhood.
• Send food to local first-responders.