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Cub Scout Leader How-To Book
SucceSSful IdeaS to add fun and excItement
to den and Pack actIvItIeS

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33832A
ISBN 0-8395-3832-4
© 2001 Boy Scouts of America
2007 Printing

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C
ConTenTS
Introduction
1. Accentuate the Positive
How to celebrate achievements, special
events, and boys’ good behavior.
2. Crafts
How to make anything and everything.
3. Games
How to choose and play games of every
shape and kind.
4. Outdoors
How to enjoy the outdoors, from hiking to
campfires.
5. Razzle Dazzle
How to jazz up any meeting.
6. Special Pack Activities
How to organize and host everything from a
blue and gold banquet to a pinewood derby.
7. Cub Scouts With Special Needs
How to help Cub Scouts with special needs
succeed.
Resources
Index

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Introduction
• How do I plan a skit for next month’s pack
meeting?
• How do I find a new game—that can be played
indoors?
• How do I make papier-mâché?
• How do I make a hike interesting to my den?
• How do I plan the blue and gold banquet?
• How do I help make my Cub Scout with spe-
cial needs more successful?
• How do I make pack meetings more upbeat?
You’ll find the answers to these questions and
countless others within the covers of this book.
The Cub Scout Leader How-To Book has been
written for den leaders and Cubmasters across
the country. The tested suggestions you’ll find
for games, crafts, skits, applauses, songs, and
more will add fun and sparkle to all your Cub
Scout meetings and adventures.
Used with Cub Scout Program Helps, the
Webelos Leader Guide, and the Cub Scout Leader
Book, this book will enable you to plan den and
pack programs that will be fun for everyone.
And while boys are having fun, they will be
learning, advancing in rank, and strengthening
relationships with one another. That’s what Cub
Scouting is all about.

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1
ACCenTuATe
THe PoSITIve
The Purposes and Methods
of Cub Scouting and
Ideals of Scouting 1-1
Highlighting Advancement 1-2
Den Doodles and Flags 1-3
Special Awards 1-4
Capture the Memories 1-8
In the Public Eye 1-9
Boy Behavior 1-12

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This chapter deals with everything that is positive in Cub Scouting: Cub Scout ideals,
advancement, awards, and good behavior. The goal of the chapter is to suggest ways for
you to recognize and reward these things. Rewarding the positive encourages boys and will
ensure the success of the program for both boys and adults.
the PurPoSeS of cub ScoutIng the methodS of cub ScoutIng
Since 1930, the Boy Scouts of America has helped Cub Scouting uses seven specific methods to
younger boys through Cub Scouting. Cub Scouting achieve Scouting’s purpose of helping boys and
is a year-round family-oriented part of the BSA pro- young adults build character, train in the respon-
gram designed for boys who are in first through fifth sibilities of citizenship, and develop personal
grade (or are 7, 8, 9, and 10 years of age). Families, fitness. These methods are incorporated into all
leaders, and organizations work together to achieve aspects of the program. Through these methods,
the 10 purposes of Cub Scouting: Cub Scouting happens in the lives of boys and
1. Character Development their families.
2. Spiritual Growth 1. The Ideals
3. Good Citizenship 2. The Den
4. Sportsmanship and Fitness 3. Advancement
5. Family Understanding 4. Family Involvement
6. Respectful Relationships 5. Activities
7. Personal Achievement 6. Home and Neighborhood Centered
8. Friendly Service 7. The Uniform
9. Fun and Adventure
10. Preparation for Boy Scouts
The Purposes and Cub Scout Program Helps and the Webelos Leader
Guide have suggestions for closings that fit the month-
Methods of Cub Scouting
ly theme. Here are some additional suggestions:
and Ideals of Scouting 1. Take one line from the Cub Scout Promise or Law
of the Pack and ask one of the boys to explain
what it means. Help him along as needed, and
Every pack and den activity should reflect the 10
then ask another boy how that portion of the Cub
purposes of Cub Scouting, which also reflect the ide-
Scout Promise or Law of the Pack was used in the
als and purpose of the overall Scouting movement.
den meeting that day.
Note that the fifth method of Cub Scouting used to
2. Talk about what it means to “Do Your Best.”
achieve Scouting’s purpose is “Activities”—which is
what this book is all about. 3. Talk about the fact that every day we have two
choices: We can choose to do things that are
To emphasize the purposes of Cub Scouting, use
right and help other people; or we can choose
them during the cubmaster’s minute at the end of
to do things that are selfish and serve only us.
the monthly pack meeting or during the den leader’s
Our character and what other people think of
minute at the end of the den meeting.
us are based on these choices. In the Cub Scout
The den leader’s minute introduces the formal Promise, we promise to help other people. Ask
closing of the meeting. To begin, ask the boys to boys whether they will keep that promise.
arrange themselves in a formation, such as a circle or 4. Talk about one of our country’s heroes or what
a horseshoe, that will signal to them that it is time to makes our country strong. Here’s an example:
listen. Say something like, “It’s time for us to close “Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were two
our meeting for today. But before we go, I’d like for of our country’s great leaders. In the early 1800s,
us to think about something important.” This “min- they and their company, called the Corps of
ute” is to be truly that—it should take only a minute Discovery, forged the path that linked the east
or two. Then close the meeting with the Cub Scout and west coasts of this land. When they arrived
Promise, the Law of the Pack, the Cub Scout motto, in what would become Washington State, deci-
or another appropriate closing. sions had to be made about their return. Rather
Accentuate the Positive 1–1

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than just deciding themselves and telling their Materials: ladder, badge shapes cut from wood
companions what to do, Lewis and Clark let the or foam board, candleholders, candles
members of the corps vote. It would be nearly
You can use over and over a pack ceremony ladder
70 years before a black man could vote in the
like the one shown. The ladder folds for easy storage.
United States, and yet York, a black slave who
You can make a ladder from pine and finish it with
had made the difficult trip, cast his vote with the
varnish or shellac, but any ladder will do. Cut badge
others. The Constitution wouldn’t guarantee the
shapes from wood or foam board and fasten them to
right of women to vote until 1919, but Sacajawea,
the rungs. Burn the badge designs into the wood or
an American Indian woman, voted with the men
use large Cub Scout insignia stickers adhered to foam
that day. America has been blessed with many
board. Fasten candleholders to each rung and light
great leaders like Lewis and Clark. Who will be
each candle as that particular badge is represented in
next? Will it be you?”
the ceremony. Be sure the candle flames will not be
5. Talk about incidents at school or in the com- under the rungs above them.
munity that showed good citizenship or bravery,
courage, or compassion.
akela’S totem
6. Pick out a familiar saying or song and tie the
Materials:
meaning into the purposes of Cub Scouting. For
Insignia posters
example, Johnny Mercer wrote in his song: “You
Wood or foam board
got to accentuate the positive, and eliminate the
1-by-2-inch wood
negative.” Another way to say this might be to
nails
make the most of your blessings and make the
coffee can
least of your troubles.
Plaster
7. Give the boys an opportunity to tell one good
thing that happened to them that day or week. This totem can be either
floor- or tabletop-sized. Use
8. As a group, talk about what it means to be a
the Cub Scout Insignia Poster
friend, respect others, or share.
Set that may be purchased from your
Scouting distributor or local council
Highlighting Advancement service center. Mount them on the
foam board and attach to the main post
of the totem. Nail the crosspieces to
ceremony ladder the main post and hammer nails into
them, one for each boy. Hang from these nails small
Make ladder of pine and diamond-shaped posterboard pieces with each boy’s
White candles finish in a natural color.
name on it. A small coffee can filled with plaster can
hold the totem if it is inserted into the plaster just
before it sets.
tWo-Way ceremony board
Materials:
1-by-2-inch board
hardboard
Cord Paint
or chain
drill
1⁄-inch plywood
4
glue
This ceremony board is
Ranks (bottom to top) easy to make and can be
Tiger used in many ceremonies.
Bobcat Cover the 1-by-2-inch board with hardboard. Paint
Wolf it blue. Drill holes in the top for gold candles. The
Bear front and back sides are identical, with storage space
Webelos inside. Cut the Arrow of Light from 1⁄-inch plywood,
4
Arrow of Light
paint it gold, and glue it to the board.
Boy Scout
1– 2 Accentuate the Positive

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Pack advancement board With the boys’ help, choose a design that “fits” the
den. Den doodles can be made from wood, cardboard,
Cub Scout 1-by-8-by-24-inch wood
insignia stickers foam board, or other materials; they can be a tabletop
or floor design; or they can hang on the wall or from
the ceiling. Include the den’s number and a place for
each boy’s name and advancement record or accom-
plishment. Add something to the den doodle at each
meeting, recognizing attendance, proper uniforming,
Cup
and behavior as well as completed achievements
hooks
towards rank. Colored beads and shells slipped onto
leather lacing are common items for symbols of prog-
1⁄ 2 -inch ress. Identify each symbol with an achievement or
wood
elective number or activity badge name.
Painted or
wood-burned name Eye
Wooden coat
screws
hanger
Materials:
Broomstick
1-by-8-by-24-inch wood
cub Scout insignia stickers
1⁄-inch wood for name boards—one per boy
2
two cup hooks per name board
Spools
two eye screws per name board
10 additional eye screws
Beads
Boys will look forward to adding their names to
an advancement board. As Cub Scouts earn a rank One for
each boy
and receive their badge, they hang small name boards
in den
under the appropriate rank as a part of the advance-
ment ceremony. Ice cream
container or
oatmeal
An alternative to this advancement board is to use
box
PVC pipe to build the frame. PVC pipes and joints
create a frame that is inexpensive, lightweight, and
easy to assemble and transport as well as durable.
Dens may earn simple awards (sometimes called
den advancement chart dingle dangles) for a variety of things, such as perfect
attendance, good behavior, participation in service
You can purchase Cub Scout and Webelos Scout projects, or responsibilities at the pack meeting. For
den advancement charts from your Scouting dis- example, the den leading the flag ceremony at the
tributor or local council service center. Or create one pack meeting or at school might earn a small flag to
from posterboard. Place each boy’s name on the chart hang on their den doodle; the den that leads a song
and add a sticker to the chart for each achievement as might earn a musical note made of felt.
he completes them. Give the responsibility for updat-
You can find more examples of den doodles in
ing the chart to the denner or the boy who has earned
Cub Scout Ceremonies for Dens and Packs.
the achievement.
den flagS
Den Doodles and Flags
Den flags are simple flags that represent each den
and give den members a sense of camaraderie and
den doodleS identification. The flag is blue and yellow with the
den number on it. Den flags are available from the
A den doodle is a clever way to record advance-
BSA Supply Division.
ment progress and other accomplishments of the boys
as well as a colorful decoration for the den meeting The flag may go home with a different boy after
place. It can be something as simple as a chart, much each meeting or may be the responsibility of the
like the den advancement chart, or it can be a simple denner for the month. The flag should be brought
structure consisting of a cutout mounted on a stand. to each pack meeting and mark the place where the
No two den doodles are alike. den sits.
Accentuate the Positive 1–3

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baSeS for den doodle or den flag This Cubby is approximately 27 inches tall. His size
depends on the tin cans used. (See the “Crafts” chap-
ter of this book for suggestions on working with tin.)
to assemble the cubby:
1. Cut holes in the bottom of the head and the top of
the body for the neck can. Flange both ends of the
neck can. Insert the neck in the head and body,
and solder in place. If you don’t have a soldering
Nail four boards iron, you can use special contact glues that bond
to make the base. metal to metal.
Two-pound coffee can
filled with plaster. While 2. Assemble the leg parts. Flange to the ends of the
wet, insert flagpole. thigh cans. Solder the closed ends of the thigh and
Make bases from wood or from a two-pound cof- lower leg cans together. Trim to fit the foot cans.
fee can filled with plaster, as shown. Cover the end Remove both ends from the foot cans and flatten
of the flagpole with aluminum foil and grease with a to about 2 inches. Solder to the lower legs.
thick layer of petroleum jelly so it will slip out easily
3. Cut holes in the bottom of the body can close
after the plaster hardens. Or use a piece of PVC pipe
to the outer rim to hold the thighs. Insert thigh
that has an opening slightly larger than the diameter
flanges in the body, and solder in place.
of the flagpole. Cover the bottom end of the PVC with
4. Cut ears from can tops so the ridges of the tops
foil and set it into the wet plaster. It should stick sev-
form the edges of the ears. Cut flanges and spread
eral inches out of the plaster. When dry, the pole will
them to fit the head. Solder in place.
slip easily into the PVC pipe.
5. To make the arms, remove the rims from the cans.
Cut the upper arm cans to fit the body, flatten
Special Awards
slightly, and solder to the body. Remove both
ends from the lower arm cans. Cut off the lower
rims, flatten slightly, and solder to the hands.
cubby
Then push the lower arms over the upper arms
and solder.
The Cubby is a pack trophy awarded each month
for a variety of reasons. Award it to the den with
Head
the largest percentage of parents or guardians at a
pack meeting. Or award the “best-uniformed den” or
“best-behaved den.” The pack committee determines
Ears
the award category and keeps it secret until the pack
meeting. Cubby is a “traveling” trophy and should
be returned to the pack meeting each month to be
presented again. The pack might keep a scrapbook
of photographs showing Cubby with the members of
Body
each den and at the various den activities.
Tin Man Cubby
Materials:
a variety of cans for the cubby parts— Arms
hat: 59⁄ -inch funnel
16
head: 411⁄ -inch-tall can
16
neck: 23⁄-inch-tall can
8
ears: two 21⁄-inch pieces cut from can
8
body: 12-inch-tall can Legs
upper and lower arms: four 33⁄-inch-tall cans
4
hands: two 27⁄-inch-tall cans
8
thighs: two 415⁄ -inch-tall cans
16
lower legs: two 33⁄-inch-tall cans
4
feet: two 33⁄-inch-tall cans
4
fabric for neckerchief
Solder
tin snips
1– 4 Accentuate the Positive

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6. Tilt the funnel and solder it to the head. aWardS from the heart
7. Sand all rough spots and sharp edges.
Everyone needs a pat on the back to feel appreci-
8. Paint the Cubby to resemble a Cub Scout, and ated! These awards, suitable for both boys and adults,
add a neckerchief made of fabric. are quick and easy. Remember to reward den chiefs,
pack leaders, and family members, too. Be sure to
Bowling Pin Cubby mention specifically what the person is being recog-
nized for.
Materials: bowling pin, acrylic
• monu-mInt-al award: Attach a mint to a note
paint
or certificate stating that the person has made a
Paint an old bowling pin to look monu-mint-al contribution to Scouting.
like a Cub Scout. It can be as sim-
• chalk It up to another great Job: Glue pieces
ple as a head, a painted-on necker-
of chalk to wood or foam board that state “Great
chief, and a blue body. Or you can
Job!”
make a cap and neckerchief from
• you have been the link to Success: Award links
fabric and glue them on.
of a chain.
WISe old oWl aWard • We are not StretchIng It—We appreciate
you: Mount rubber bands on foam board or
Wise is the pack that encourages the boys, the
mat board.
dens, and the pack to earn the National Summertime
• Smooth Sailing award: Award a small toy sail-
Pack Award. The pack must earn the National
boat.
Summertime Pack Award in order for individual
boys and dens to be eligible to earn this award also. • good Sport award: Write “Good Sport” on a
To emphasize this award, a pack might offer the baseball.
Wise Old Owl Award to dens and individual boys. • What a catch: Award a certificate with a fish pic-
The pack committee sets the criteria for winning ture or plastic fish.
the award. Each den leader keeps track of the den’s
• you are tops: Award a toy top.
activities and each boy’s participation during the
• you are the best of the bunch: Award fresh or
summer. The records are turned in to the pack com-
artificial grapes or bananas.
mittee at the end of the summer, and the awards are
presented at the first fall meeting to each den meeting • you rose to the occasion: Award a fresh or artifi-
the criteria. Awards become more elaborate as the cial rose.
dens and boys exceed the basic criteria. • appreciation from your Scouting fans: Award a
handmade paper fan.
Wise Old Owl for Dens • you are Worth a million: Award play money or
gold-covered candy coins.
Materials: 3-inch leather rounder (round piece of
leather), hole punch, permanent markers or owl leath- • for the Person Who can’t be licked: Award a
er stamp, leather lacing, colored beads or feathers lollipop.
• top dog award: Award a dog chew toy.
Punch two holes in the leather rounder at the edges,
across from one another. Draw an owl on the rounder • thanks…
with permanent markers or use a leather stamp. —for leading us in the right direction:
Attach leather lacing at both holes. One is for hanging A compass
on the den flag, the other, for adding beads, feathers,
—for Sticking to It: Tape or glue
etc., to indicate the involvement of the den during the
—for lighting up our meeting: A light bulb
summer. The more boys involved, the more den meet-
ings held, the more elaborate the award. —for tying up loose ends: Shoelaces
Wise Old Owl for Boys
Materials: candy mold of owl, ring for necker-
chief slide, plaster, acrylic paint
Make plaster owls for neckerchief slides. As the
plaster hardens, place a ring in it for the neckerchief
to go through. When hard, remove from the mold and
paint with acrylic paint.
Accentuate the Positive 1–5

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troPhIeS cardboard medal
Materials: Materials: thick cardboard; silver, gold, and
two cans of different sizes bronze wrapping paper; glue; permanent marker;
Spray paint ribbon
coat hangers
Cut two rounds from the cardboard 21⁄ inches
Pipe cleaners or plaster figure 2
in diameter. Glue them together and wrap with the
Small square of wood
wrapping paper, gluing the edges to the back. Punch
Stain or paint
a hole at the edge of the circle and thread the ribbon
foam board
through it for the necklace. Label the medal first, sec-
Glue the smaller can to the top of ond, or third place with the permanent marker.
the larger can. Make two handles out
of coat hanger wire and glue them on the top can. brIdgeS
Spray-paint the trophy. Glue a plaster figure to the
Bridges are often used in advancement ceremonies
top, or if desired, make a small figure out of pipe
when boys move from one rank to another or from
cleaners. Glue the whole thing to a square of wood
one level of the Scouting family to another. Use the
that has been stained or painted and sealed. Attach
Family Talent Survey to find someone in your pack
an appropriate “plate” made from foam board.
who likes to build things. You will want the bridge
to be sturdy and safe. Diagrams for three possibilities
Wood medal
are shown here.
Materials: 3-inch square of wood; stain or paint; Bridge #1
markers; ribbon, leather lacing, or yarn
3´ x 6´
Drill a hole in the corner of a wood square. Stain
and seal or paint the square. Use markers to decorate,
indicating first, second, or third place. Attach ribbon,
leather lacing, or yarn to hang around the neck.
Slotted
metal lId medal Rope
Bridge #2 Framework
Materials: canning jar or frozen juice lid, nail
and hammer, yarn or 1⁄-inch ribbon, paint
8
Canning jars or frozen juice lids make good medals.
Begin by making evenly spaced holes around the lid
24˝
edge with a nail and hammer. Paint the lids differ-
ent colors and indicate first, second, or third place.
Weave yarn or ribbon in and out of the holes, making
the yarn long enough to hang around the neck. 24˝ 24˝
7˝ 7˝
48˝
Post
2˝ x 4˝ x 38˝
1˝ x 6˝
planking Lock frames
together.
Make evenly spaced
Weave yarn in and holes around edge.
out of holes.
2˝ x 4˝ or 2˝ x 6˝
Paint lids different colors
for first, second, and third. Self-contained storage
1– 6 Accentuate the Positive

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Bridge #3
Hinges
Side pieces
Materials for Bridge #3
• 3⁄ inch Plywood 4 feet by
4
4 feet Grade A or B
• Hinges
Ramp Deck
• Paint
Hinge ramps to deck.
To store, pull hinge pins.
Sides and rails slot together
to form a basic bridge
Right Side Left Side
structure. 48˝
32˝
Ramp 28˝
24˝
8˝
All Slots: 4˝
3⁄4˝ wide by 3˝ long
4˝
10˝
2˝ 13˝
24˝
48˝
Accentuate the Positive 1–7

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Capture the Memories Bind the four sticks or dowels together with bell
wire to form a rectangle. Be sure to make these joints
as rigid and tight as possible. Cut the piece of vinyl
Scouting is a series of steps aimed at the highest in the shape of a skin. Punch holes around the edges.
achievement: the Eagle Scout Award. The sugges- Tie the four corners in place with the four 12-inch
tions below are designed to help boys celebrate how pieces of twine, and then lace around the skin with
far they have gotten on the road to the Eagle Scout the 90-inch piece of twine. Sew, staple, or glue badg-
rank and to capture their Cub Scouting memories. es to the “skin.”
Patch blanket WalkIng StIck
Materials: blanket, patches the cub Scout has Materials: large dowel stick long enough and
earned thick enough for a suitable walking stick, 12 inches
of leather lacing, piece of rope or yarn
Patch blankets can display extra badges a Cub
Scout has earned. Use any size of blanket that will fit Drill a hole through the dowel about 4 inches from
on the Cub Scout’s bed, and stitch the patches on it. the top. Thread the leather lacing through the hole
and secure with a square knot. Encourage boys to
ScraPbook attach something of significance to this loop for each
milestone they wish to remember. These “dingle dan-
Materials:
gles” can be, for instance, a branded piece of leather,
Scrapbook, three-ring binder, or cardboard
feathers, or beads and other trinkets. Paint the walk-
pieces wrapped in fabric
ing stick, or carve it or wood-burn it.
acid-free paper
hole punch
career arroW
markers, stickers, rubber stamps, etc.
Pictures, advancement award cards, etc. What better way to recognize the Arrow of Light,
double-stick tape Cub Scouting’s highest honor, than with a decorated
arrow? Purchase arrows at sporting goods stores that
Punch holes in the paper to fit your scrapbook. If
sell archery equipment.
using cardboard, tie it all together with ribbon, string,
or leather lacing. Use double-stick tape to adhere the
pictures, awards, etc. Decorate the pages and encour-
age the boys to write something in the book about the
event or award. This is a good project to show off at
the blue and gold banquet.
troPhy SkIn Materials:
28-inch hunting arrow with broadhead point
and blue and yellow feathers
acrylic paint or auto detailing tape
1-by-2-inch wooden board 30 inches long
Wood stain
two cup hooks
Picture hanger
Paint or use auto detailing tape to make 3-inch-
18˝
wide stripes on the arrow for each rank the boy has
achieved. Use orange for Tiger Cubs, black for the
Bobcat badge, yellow for the Wolf badge, light blue
for the Bear badge, and red for the Webelos badge.
Add a 1⁄-inch stripe of gold or silver for each arrow
4
point or Webelos compass point the boy has earned
on top of the stripe that represents that rank.
15˝
Stain the 30-inch wood board and attach two cup
Materials: two 18-inch and two 15-inch sticks or
hooks on the front to hold the arrow. Add the boy’s
dowels, four 12-inch pieces and one 90-inch piece
name using permanent markers. Attach a hanger on
of hemp twine, four 12-inch pieces of bell wire, one
the back.
12-by-15-inch piece of thin vinyl
1– 8 Accentuate the Positive

--- PAGE 17 ---
graduatIon Plaque Feathers, eagle talons, and bear claws can have spe-
cial significance, such as rank advancement. The Cub
Scout can pick up the beads at the pack meeting to
add to his necklace.
Add-a-bead necklaces work well for adults and
den chiefs, too. Use the different colors of beads to
represent attendance at pack activities, participation
in training, awards earned in Scouting, tenure, the
den advancing in rank, participation in service proj-
ects, leadership for district and council events, etc.
In the Public eye
A strong, active Cub Scout pack has a story to tell,
both within the pack family and to the larger commu-
11⁄4˝ 2˝ nity it serves. And if the pack hopes to remain strong
and active, it’s important that its story be told.
11⁄4˝
Good communication with the pack’s families is
12˝
obviously essential because without their help the
pack is bound to flounder. And telling the pack’s
story to the community—thus keeping it in the public
eye—is an excellent method of attracting recruits.
2˝
Pack neWSletter
3˝
18˝
Ideally, all the pack’s parents and guardians will
attend every pack meeting and keep abreast of what’s
Materials: going on and what’s planned. But this isn’t always
1⁄-inch plywood, 12 by 18 inches the case, so monthly a pack newsletter is a good way
2
1⁄-inch plywood, 5 by 5 inches to keep all pack families informed about activities
4
Stain and plans. You can also use the pack newsletter as
gold paint an opportunity for giving boys who have advanced or
black paint or permanent marker done special Good Turns an extra measure of recogni-
fine steel wool tion by listing their names.
Picture hanger
A pack newsletter doesn’t have to be an elaborate,
Cut a plaque from the 1⁄-inch plywood using the printed production—although with computers and
2
pattern shown. Stain and seal with clear lacquer or desktop publishing, this is easier than it once was.
varnish. Cut the fleur-de-lis from the 1⁄-inch plywood But it also may be nothing more than a single type-
4
and paint it gold. Tone down with fine steel wool. written sheet that has been photocopied. Every issue
Drill or nail small holes for each activity badge the should include short articles covering coming events
boy has earned. Glue on only the badges of rank and and names of boys who have advanced.
arrow points a boy has earned. Glue in the holes the
You may want to have dens contribute short
activity badges the boy has earned. Add the boy’s
articles on their activities for the month. Assign a
name, pack number, and date using black paint or
different den member with the job of reporting each
permanent markers. Attach a hanger on the back.
month.
add-a-bead necklace Choose a pack committee member or parent/
guardian to be newsletter editor, another to be typ-
Materials: 30 inches of leather lacing, colored
ist, and a third to be the production person. Mail the
beads
newsletter to homes, or distribute it to families at
Give each Cub Scout an add-a-bead necklace to pack or den meetings. (It may not be a good idea to
wear to the pack meeting as a special and immedi- give copies to boys to take home because they may
ate recognition to take home with him. Use different lose, misplace, or forget them.)
colors of beads to symbolize attendance, advance-
ment, participation in pack and council events, etc.
Accentuate the Positive 1–9

--- PAGE 18 ---
Individual dens may want to have their own occa- tion should be at the end of the story, so it may be
sional newsletter, with all articles and production in cut if necessary for space.
the hands of the boys. • terminology. Use correct titles, with capital let-
ters as indicated: Cub Scout, Webelos Scout, den
dISPlayS chief, Cubmaster, assistant Cubmaster, den leader,
Webelos den leader. Always capitalize the word
Schools, religious institutions, local historical
Scouting. (Note, however, that some publications
societies, libraries, and even some businesses will
will have their own style and may change your
often allow temporary exhibits and displays. To help
capitalization.)
publicize the pack, dens could exhibit pinewood
derby cars, crafts, and photographs of pack activities. • When mentioning the pack for the first time in
This is also a useful recruiting tool, especially when the story, identify it as Cub Scout Pack [number],
displays are shown where other boys can see them followed by the name of your chartered organiza-
and get excited about Cub Scouting. tion. In other paragraphs, refer to “the pack” (low-
ercase) or “Pack 10” (uppercase).
neWS releaSeS • always use the full names of any individuals the
first time they are mentioned in the news release.
Pack activities are newsworthy. Newspaper edi-
When only one or two Cub Scouts are men-
tors and news directors of radio and television sta-
tioned (as for important awards), add the names
tions are interested in stories about unusual pack
of the parents/guardians. It is usually best not
activities. Most newspapers don’t have the resources
to include addresses, but if more than one town
to cover every event in every community, but they do
is involved, name them. Names of adult should
appreciate getting factual information about especial-
include Scouting titles, if applicable.
ly interesting events. Neighborhood and small-town
• check with the editor to find out whether you can
newspapers are more likely to print a story of this
use photographs, and if so, what the specifications
type than large city newspapers. But in either case, a
are (size and type, etc.). If you furnish photos, try
news release, typewritten in the proper form, stands
to get “action” shots, which are much more inter-
a better chance of being used than if you merely call
esting than “head” shots or shots of people shak-
the paper or turn in some haphazard notes.
ing hands. Identify all the people in the photo (left
Community-access cable TV offers another way to to right), giving their full names.
get your pack’s story before the public. Some cable
TV stations will also schedule dens or packs to pro- ScoutIng ShoWS
duce their own TV shows.
Your pack will want to be part of your council’s (or
Your pack event must compete with all the other
district’s) Scouting show, Scoutorama, or other expo-
activities that are going on in the community at the
sition featuring Scouting. Getting involved will help
same time. If your activity has a unique angle, it is
pack families understand that they are part of the
more likely that your event/news release will catch an
entire Scouting family—which includes Tiger Cubs,
editor’s attention. Consider writing releases on such
Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers.
things as special service projects, special anniversa-
ries, visits by well-known individuals, or unusual Your Cub Scouts will have a wonderful time par-
outdoor activities. But many newspapers will also ticipating. Scouting shows demonstrate to the public
use stories about recruiting drives and monthly pack how Scouting serves youth and the community.
meetings, with lists of boys who received awards. Some councils hold Scouting shows each year, and
others, every other year. Your pack will be informed
First, check with an editor or broadcast news
in plenty of time and will probably be asked to pro-
director to see whether the paper or station has a spe-
vide a demonstration or exhibit. You may be assigned
cial format for news releases that you should follow.
a booth or asked to make one.
If not, follow these guidelines:
The council will provide you with guidelines and
• timing is essential. Deliver the news release well
suggestions. Here are some general tips as you pre-
before the deadline. If the story is about an event
pare for a Scouting show:
that has already happened, it isn’t news after a day
or two. • Boys should be well-trained and thoroughly famil-
iar with the booth subject.
• the first paragraph of a news release should catch
the reader’s attention. It should tell who did what, • They should be able to explain what they are
when, and where. Subsequent paragraphs should doing, how, and why.
give further details. The least important informa- • Boys should be courteous and well-behaved.
1– 10 Accentuate the Positive

--- PAGE 19 ---
• Boys should be in proper uniform (except when
the subject of the booth calls for costumes).
• One boy can act as a barker to attract attention to Fold
your booth and help tell the story. 4˝
Diamond Fold and
• Colorful, eye-catching backgrounds and decora- staple
tions will draw people to your booth.
• Displays on the booth subject made by the boys
add to its appeal and are sometimes an important
factor in judging.
• Giveaways attract interest and attention. Give
inexpensive prizes for participation in booth activ-
ities or games. Boys might also make craft items to
give away.
• Don’t sell anything at booths. The pack will earn
profits from ticket sales.
• Action in the booth is important. If the boys are
making a craft item, it should be simple and quick-
ly made while spectators look on. Consider involv-
ing spectators in games and other activities.
• Each den is usually assigned a time to cover the Use colorful crepe paper twists, ruffles, or streamers
booth. Be sure to let them know when, and what to trim the booth.
they are supposed to do.
Brown wrapping paper is also good for covering
• The den chief can help Cub Scouts in the booth frames. Decorate it with paint, crayons, or mark-
while the den leader or other adults are nearby. ers before tacking or stapling it to the booth frame.
Burlap or other inexpensive fabric is another type of
Types of Booth Activities frame covering. Lightweight posters and displays can
be pinned to the fabric.
The type of booth activity will depend on the
theme of the Scouting show, the criteria for judging, If sheet cardboard is available, use it to make sturdy
and the resources you have. A continuous demonstra- booth sides. It is easily fastened to wooden booth
tion, staffed by the boys and with plenty of action, is frames with tacks or a staple gun. It can be painted
better than a static display. Here are some examples with leftover latex wall paint, which adds both color
for booth demonstrations and activities: and strength. Use a roller for painting large pieces. Add
details over the latex with tempera or wide-line felt-tip
Pinewood derby Puppet show
markers. Attach signs and other lightweight displays to
Space derby Kites
cardboard with tape, staples, or straight pins.
Bicycle safety Skits
Costumes Paper airplanes Foam board is another lightweight, strong siding
Obstacle course Physical fitness for booths. Although more expensive than cardboard,
Musical instruments Soap carving it comes in many bright colors and has all the ease
Beanbag toss Turtle race of cardboard. It can be cut into smaller sizes and
Woodworking Bird feeders mounted for booth signs, etc. Because it has a smooth
American Indian crafts Neckerchief slides surface and bright color, it may be better to use where
Model building Block printing there will be writing—the name of the booth or other
Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Tossing games display material.
advancement projects Masks
Another alternative to wood for booth construc-
Cub Scout Academics Leatherwork
tion is PVC pipe, which has the advantage of being
and Sports
lightweight and easily portable. The joints and poles
eliminate the need for hammer and nails, and the
Decorating the Booth
parts can be reused for other projects fairly easily.
Crepe paper is one of the best materials for booth PVC can be painted just like wood, and siding can be
decoration. (Always use flameproof crepe paper!) It glued or taped to the frame.
comes in many colors and can be stretched, twisted,
Be sure to include a large sign showing your pack
fringed, crushed, scalloped, fluted, or ruffled. You
number and the name of your chartered organization
can cover booth frames with sheets of crepe paper.
in bold letters. You may wish to post a chart showing
Accentuate the Positive 1–11

--- PAGE 20 ---
the names of pack leaders and a duty roster of times Den leaders should be sure to wear their uniforms to
when various dens staff the booth. strengthen a visual connection between the leader
and the boy. The uniform serves as a reminder for
A Simple Booth boys to be on their best behavior.
This quick-and-easy booth can be used for a pack
Code of Conduct
circus or fair as well as a Scouting show.
A code of conduct is a list of behavioral expecta-
Materials: table, four sturdy posts or poles (6 to 7
tions and consequences if the code is broken. Boys,
feet long), wire or cord, crepe paper, stapler or tape
with the den leader’s guidance, usually create it
Tie or wire a pole to each table leg. Wind crepe themselves. Three or four points will be sufficient,
paper strips around the poles. Tie a cord from pole to and they should be positive; the words no or don’t
pole around the tops and decorate with paper flags or have no place in a code of conduct. Include a final
drapes. Balloons add color and can be tied together rule such as “Have fun!” Also consider including the
at the tops of the poles. Cover the lower part of the 3 R’s: Respect for others, Responsibility for yourself
booth with crepe paper fringes or gathered fabric and your things, and Reasonable behavior. Boys
(such as an old sheet). should sign the code of conduct, and it should be
displayed at every den meeting.
Boy Behavior
Two-Deep Leadership
A minimum of two registered adult leaders, or one
Positive behavior is a great responsibility and, adult and a parent or guardian of a participating Cub
sometimes, challenge for the den leader. It isn’t Scout—one of whom must be at least 21 years old or
easy—but it isn’t impossible, either. Remember that older—is required for all trips and outings. Two-deep
each boy (just like all of us) has emotional needs leadership can also be invaluable in managing boys
that need to be fulfilled. These needs include being and their activities during den meetings. With two
accepted, getting noticed, belonging, receiving praise leaders, an energetic den can be divided into two
and encouraement, feeling safe and sound, letting off groups, or one leader can work with a boy who is
steam, expressing himself, experimenting (and mak- having difficulty keeping up or managing his behav-
ing some mistakes in the process), and having fun. ior. Furthermore, a second adult provides another
pair of hands when projects require adult help.
How each boy tries to fulfill these needs is what
makes him unique. One boy may be timid and quiet,
The Den Chief
and another, loud and rowdy; but both are afraid they
won’t be accepted. Den leaders must plan ahead and
The den chief is a wonderful resource for the suc-
be prepared to make Cub Scouting a positive experi-
cess of a den. Although the den chief is not part of
ence for every boy and his family.
the two-deep leadership because he is not an adult,
he can help manage the den by being prepared with
hoW to achIeve PoSItIve behavIor
a game, story, stunt, song, or other brief activity that
provides some variety in the den program. See the
The den meeting is a time when the den leader and
Cub Scout Leader Book and Den Chief Handbook for
Cub Scouts socialize, practice what they’ve learned
more information on den chiefs.
at home, and plan for future activities. For the den
meeting to be productive for everyone, it must run
Den Meeting Structure
smoothly. A good atmosphere is essential to manag-
ing boys’ behavior. Many times, that simply means
Following the den meeting structure as outlined in
recognizing and rewarding good behavior. Here are
the Cub Scout Leader Book and Webelos Leader Guide
some suggestions for encouraging good behavior.
will go a long way to making a meeting run smoothly.
Also, Cub Scout Program Helps and the Webelos
Expectations
Leader Guide both have detailed meeting plans for
each month. Every part of the den meeting structure
Be sure that every boy and his parent or guard-
plays a vital role in the success of the meeting.
ian understand the purposes of Cub Scouting, the
advancement system, the structure of the den and
Leader/Boy Relationship
pack, and the expectations of both boy and parent in
the program. A letter to parents and guardians with
The relationship between a leader and the boys is
a follow-up face-to-face meeting within a couple of
central to managing the boys’ behavior. For instance,
days of their son joining Cub Scouts will ensure this.
if the den leader enjoys the den meeting, the boys
1– 12 Accentuate the Positive

--- PAGE 21 ---
will, too. The boys model what they see, so be a good Conduct Candle
model by having a positive attitude.
Use the same candle each week. The denner lights
be consistent and fair in all your dealings with the candle at the beginning of the den meeting, and
boys. Treat them the same when they break any rules. the candle is allowed to burn as long as all den mem-
But do this in a manner that allows a boy to keep his bers show good behavior. But if a boy misbehaves or
dignity. Give him a chance to tell his side of the story. breaks the code of conduct, the candle must be blown
Allow him the opportunity to apologize. He will be out for the rest of the meeting. As soon as the candle
aware of and remember your kindness and caring. burns down, the den is entitled to a special outing or
Your example of fairness will carry over into other special treat.
aspects of the boys’ lives.
Tickets
be a good listener. When a boy wants your atten-
tion, look him in the eye. If you are busy, look him
Buy tickets at teacher or party supply stores, or
in the eye and ask him to wait a minute. Honor his
make them yourself by hand or with the use of a
patient waiting by turning to him with your full
computer. Give boys a ticket when they do something
attention as soon as possible.
good. (Try to give each boy an opportunity to receive
give each boy a chance to participate in discus- a ticket during a meeting.) They write their names on
sions. To encourage boys to speak one at a time and the back of their tickets. The tickets are placed in a
to listen carefully, you might try a “talking stick,” an jar, and a drawing is held at the end of the den meet-
American Indian tradition. Only the person holding ing for a small treat (gum, candy, stickers, small toy,
the talking stick is allowed to speak, and everyone etc.). At the end of the month, hold a drawing for a
else must listen respectfully without interrupting. “big” winner.
A talking stick can be a dead branch from a tree, a
dowel rod, or even a shortened broomstick handle. Marble Jar
Let the den members decorate the talking stick so
Use a glass jar so it makes lots of noise when you
that it represents them and they value it. Use mark-
put a marble in. Draw a line on the jar high enough
ers, paints, or stickers to enhance the stick. Boys may
so that it will take the boys six weeks or so to earn
want to hang feathers, beads, or shells on leather
enough marbles to fill it to that point. Explain that
strips from their talking stick.
when marbles reach the line, the den will get a treat.
Drop a marble in the jar when someone in the den
Talking Stick does something good. Make a production out of it.
Celebrate with the den when they reach their goal.
Stickers and Certificates
Give big flashy stickers to boys for good behavior.
Use them only occasionally, or they lose their appeal.
Make certificates by hand or with a computer. Use
gold seals or other decorative stickers. You can also
purchase certificates at teacher supply stores.
Super Star Pins
When you notice a boy’s good behavior, comment
on it! Let him and the others in the den know exactly Decorate clothespins, one for each boy, with stars.
what you liked. Soon, you’ll have all the den mem- As you notice a boy’s good behavior, pin one on him.
bers copying that behavior. Comments such as “I like At the end of the meeting, boys with pins on can pick
the way you did that,” or “Good thinking,” or “Now something from a “treat bag” filled with food items
you have the hang of it” encourage and build self- (candy, granola bars, popcorn, bags of chips or cook-
esteem. The more specific you are, the more likely ies, etc.) or inexpensive items that appeal to boys
the communication has been effective and the activ- (baseball cards, small toys, pencils). Vary the items
ity will be repeated. in the treat bag often.
trackIng behavIor
Keeping track of behavior helps a boy and his leader
know how he is doing. Here are some suggestions.
Accentuate the Positive 1–13

--- PAGE 22 ---
Super Star Notes for the meeting have been exhausted, or the den just
needs a change of pace. Your survival kit will grow
These notes to parents and guardians are good for
as you and your den work together and discover the
praising the boy when he gets back home. You can
things the boys like best—you will base your survival
make your own by hand or with a computer or buy
kit on those activities. The goal is to pack your bag
them at a teacher supply store. The boy will know
with lightweight, multiple-use objects—and take it to
you really appreciate it if you tell his family how
every den meeting.
well he did.
Here are some suggestions for your leader survival
Coup Stick kit. Remember that each item should have multiple
uses. Newspapers, for example, can be rolled and
taped to become bats or batons to pass during a relay;
left flat, they can become a “base” for use during a
game; opened, they can act as a dropcloth for messy
projects; folded, they can become hats. Newspapers
can also be torn and taped and shaped into instant
costumes. Your imagination is the only limit.
• Balls—a couple of tennis balls and at least one
soccer ball
• Blindfolds—at least two
• Safety pins
• Duct tape
Some American Indian tribes used coup sticks
• Newspapers
(“coo sticks”) as a way to display accomplishments.
• Markers, pens, pencils, chalk
Items such as beads, feathers, bear claws, or eagle
claws were awarded at tribal meetings for deeds of • Blank paper, various colors
note (not unlike badges Cub Scouts earn!). These • Lightweight rope
were attached to the coup stick for display, bringing
• Scissors
honor to the coup stick owner.
• Balloons
Make a den coup stick by drilling a hole through
• Empty 16-oz. drink bottles with caps—at least six
a wooden dowel at the top and bottom. Loop a long
• Magic tricks
piece of heavy-duty string or leather cord through the
holes so it runs the length of the dowel. Award small • Puzzles
items at den meetings for good behavior. Use beads, • Cub Scout Leader How-To Book
feathers, stamped leather pieces, stamps on poster-
board pieces, etc., and attach them to the string on
concluSIon
the coup stick. Take the coup stick to pack meetings
to bring honor to your den! A den leader who can effectively manage the
boys in the den is better prepared to help them to
leader “SurvIval” kIt do their best. Every boy gets the opportunity to have
a rewarding Cub Scouting experience filled with
At times, even the best plans go awry. A bag adventure, success, and lots of fun in a safe, positive
packed as a leader “survival” kit comes in handy environment.
when chaos has erupted, all your planned activities
1– 14 Accentuate the Positive

--- PAGE 23 ---
2
CrAFTS
Why We Use Crafts 2-1
Teaching Crafts to Cub Scouts 2-1
Resources for Craft Materials 2-2
How-To Tips 2-4
Theme Crafts 2-5
Safety Rules for the Use of Tools 2-6
Enlarging Patterns 2-6
Managing Den Supplies 2-7
Paper Crafts 2-8
Papier-Mâché 2-13
Printing 2-14
Wire, Bead, and Plastic Crafts 2-16
Clay Crafts and Modeling 2-20
Candle Making 2-23
Plaster Crafts 2-25
Metal and Tin Craft 2-27
Leather Craft 2-30
Wood Craft 2-32
Neckerchief Slides 2-36

--- PAGE 25 ---
This chapter is filled with hours of craft fun for you and your Cub Scouts. Besides craft
ideas and tips, you will find out how crafts can be used to build a boy’s self-esteem, stretch
a boy’s creativity and imagination, and incorporate the purposes of Cub Scouting. These
“boy-tested” crafts have been used successfully by dens and packs across the country.
Why We use Crafts The Cub Scout Leader Book provides some excel-
lent tips for leaders working with boys on craft
projects. In addition, the following steps will help
As Cub Scouts work on craft projects, they not only leaders teach crafts:
learn to make useful items but also get valuable expe-
1. Choose a project with the help of the boys. Make
rience in using and caring for basic tools and materi-
sure the project is something that has a purpose
als, learning to follow directions, using their imagina-
and that they will enjoy making.
tions, and developing coordination and dexterity.
2. Make a pattern, if needed. Have enough pattern
Crafts can help leaders develop the monthly theme pieces available so that boys don’t have to wait to
in den and pack meetings and tie the activities of the trace them.
whole month together. Craft projects can be used for
3. Make a sample to show the boys, but remember:
advancement requirements or just for fun.
These are age-appropriate crafts for boys, so don’t
Making his own craft project calls for creativity in go overboard and make your sample too elaborate.
each boy. As he embarks on his project, he may need 4. Gather enough materials and tools so everyone
to measure, trace a pattern, cut or saw, sand, and can work at the same time.
assemble a project with nails, screws, or glue. Crafts
5. Teach the craft step by step:
develop boys’ ability to understand and satisfy their
• Cut out parts, as required.
urge to experiment. Furthermore, physical develop-
ment and mental growth are by-products of the craft • Put them together.
program. Muscle coordination comes from lifting, • Finish it (sand, polish, paint, etc.).
moving, sawing, drilling, hammering, and pound-
• Clean up.
ing. Painting helps improve arm and hand control.
6. Whenever possible, start a craft in a den meeting
Folding, cutting, shaping, filing, and sanding craft
that boys can finish at home with family help.
materials help develop eye and hand coordination.
Be sure, however, that the family is aware of the
As boys work with crafts, they learn to shape responsibility and has any instructions and mate-
materials into useful articles. While decorating them, rials necessary.
they also learn that useful things can be beautiful art.
7. Display the craft projects at a pack meeting.
They gain confidence to experiment with materials
and tools and learn new ways to do things. A com- Leaders should guard against crafts that are sim-
pleted craft project enables each boy to shout out “I ply “busywork” of the “cut-and-paste” type that are
did my best!” below the boys’ abilities and interests. Crafts should
be more than mere handwork: They should be a
creative outlet and a form of expression, as well as a
Teaching Crafts way to learn skills. By relating crafts to the monthly
theme, you give each boy a chance to live a new
to Cub Scouts
dream each month and to create the costumes, props,
and other items to help make that dream a reality.
The leader’s job is to stimulate each boy’s inter-
Sometimes, leaders think they need to have a craft
est and curiosity and to encourage him to try. It is
project at every den meeting. But remember that crafts
important to allow the boy to create and be proud of
are only one of many activities used to accomplish
his creation. He is making more than just “things”; he
the purposes of Cub Scouting. Overemphasizing crafts
is building his mind, body, and future.
may discourage boys whose interests and abilities
All Cub Scout leaders have different backgrounds lean in other directions.
and experiences, so their knowledge of craft tech-
niques and tools will vary. Those with limited expe-
rience may enlist parents and other adults to teach
specific techniques or to provide materials and tools.
Crafts 2–1

--- PAGE 26 ---
meaSurIng reSultS resources for
Adults judge their own projects differently from Craft Materials
boys. Adults judge the excellence of the workmanship
and the quality of the project. This is because adults
Materials for crafts should be simple and inexpen-
have had more time to develop skills, manual dexter-
sive. In most cases, you can find scrap materials for
ity, and knowledge. A boy does handicrafts for fun.
crafts around the home.
His effort should be measured by his own standards.
Leaders and family members need to see the boys’ Most communities have many resources for craft
efforts through the eyes of a Cub Scout–age boy. This materials. Although you may have to purchase some
requires understanding, patience, and a willingness to specialized items at craft and hobby stores, you can
invest time in working with boys. Each boy is expect- acquire most through salvage and surplus or dona-
ed to do his best, and each boy’s best is different. tion. Check telephone directories and begin looking
for places where you might be able to obtain alumi-
To help measure the value and success of den and
num foil, burlap, canvas, clay, cord, floor covering,
pack craft projects, ask yourself the following ques-
leather and vinyl scraps, nails, paper bags, plastic
tions:
rope, sandpaper, spools, etc.
• Are the boys learning things that will be helpful to
Here’s a “starter” list of possible resources for
them later?
craft materials. Most of the sources listed have scrap
• Do the craft projects reflect the interests and abili-
that is available for the asking, or at minimal cost.
ties of Cub Scout–age boys?
Keep your eyes and ears open for the endless list
• Do the den and pack craft projects help create the of “beautiful junk” available for recycling into Cub
opportunity for more family activity? Scout crafts.
• Do the boys enjoy working on crafts? • lumber company: Wood scraps, sawdust, and
• Do they have adequate working space, tools, and curls of planed wood may be given away by the
materials? boxload. Make your contact and request, and then
leave a marked box to come back for later.
• Are the boys given an opportunity to use their own
initiative and imagination in planning and making • grocery Stores: Check grocery stores for boxes of
projects? all sizes and shapes. Discarded soft drink cartons
are excellent for holding paint cans.
helPIng the boy • telephone company: Empty cable spools make
great tables; use old telephones as props for skits;
• Encourage the natural creative urge in each boy. If
use colorful telephone wire for many different
you don’t, the urge may disappear and be replaced
projects.
by lack of confidence in his own abilities.
• Soft drink company: Plastic soft drink crates may
• Through praise, you can help the boy build self-
be available at a minimal charge. Use them for
confidence in his abilities.
storage or for projects. Also, use plastic six-pack
• Learning by doing is important.
rings for various projects.
• Show enthusiasm for the boy’s progress. Don’t be
• Ice cream Stores: Use empty 3-gallon cardboard
overly critical.
containers for wastebaskets and storage.
• Show him how—but don’t lose patience and take
• medical laboratories: Ask for clean paraffin and
a tool away from him because you can do it better
tongue depressors.
or faster. This will discourage him and destroy his
• gas Stations and garages: Tires and bike tubes are
self-confidence.
great for games and obstacle courses.
• Be patient. Remember: Boys may have to be shown
• Wallpaper Stores: You’ll find wallpaper sample
over and over how to use a tool.
books of discontinued patterns.
• Be tactful. Offer your help during difficult parts of
• carpet Stores or outlets: Discontinued rug sam-
a job by saying, “Let’s work on this part together.”
ples and soft foam underpadding can add to craft
projects.
2– 2 Crafts

--- PAGE 27 ---
• tile Stores: Use broken mosaic tiles for many craft • Corrugated cardboard—for stage props and scen-
projects. ery, bulletin board, shields, swords
• appliance Stores and furniture Stores: Large • Ice cream cartons (3-gallon)—for trash cans, drums,
packing crates are handy for skit props and puppet masks
theaters. • Ice cream spoons—for mixing paint, spreading
• newspaper companies: Ask about end rolls of paste, figures
newsprint. • Jars—for containers for paint, paste, and brushes;
• Printing companies: You can never have too much decorate them for gifts.
scrap paper and cardstock. • Juice-can lids—for tin punch projects, awards
• Pizza restaurants: Cardboard circles are good for • Leather or vinyl scraps—for key chains, book-
making shields and other craft projects. marks, neckerchief slides, coin purses
• upholstery Shops and drapery Shops: You’ll find • Macaroni—for stringing for jewelry, pictures, and
a wide variety of fabric and vinyl scraps. frames
• Picture framing Shops: Leftover mat boards make • Margarine tubs—for storing small objects (lids can
great awards or bases for other projects. be used like flying saucers in games)
• Newsprint—for covering tables, papier-mâché, flip
uSIng Salvage
chart, growth charts, large backgrounds and scenery
Many items that are destined for the trash can be • Old shirts or pajama tops—for paint smocks (cut
used for Cub Scout craft projects. Ask families to be off the sleeves), costumes
on the lookout for scrap materials. If you live in a
• Paper bags and old socks—for hand puppets
community that has a manufacturing company near-
• Paper plates—for plaques, masks, games
by, you may be surprised at the scrap wood, plywood
cutoffs, and odd pieces of metal, cardboard, leather, • Paper towels—for papier-mâché, clean up
and plastics that you can get just by asking. Ask • Pipe cleaners—for simple sculptures
families to save things such as tin cans; the cardboard
• Plastic water bottles and milk jugs—for planters,
rolls inside paper towels, toilet paper, and wrapping
games, costumes
paper; boxes; tree branches; plastic bottles; buttons;
• Shelf paper—for finger painting
cloth; pinecones; and wire hangers.
• Soap bars—for carving
Here’s a partial list of useable scrap materials:
• Sponges—for painting, printing, clean up
• Bottle caps—for Christmas tree ornaments, foot
• Straws—for holiday decorations, party favors,
scrapers, wheels, construction projects, markers
games
for games
• Tin cans—for metal work, storage containers,
• Bottles—for musical instruments, containers
planters
• Broom handles—as dowels for projects
• Tongue depressors and craft sticks—for mixing
• Cardboard cartons—for construction projects,
paint, modeling tools
stage props, puppet stages, storage
• Wallpaper—for book covers, paper for painting
• Catalogs—for decorations, designs, cutouts
• Wrapping paper—for murals, painting
• Clothespins—for human figures, fastening items
• Yarn—for hair for wigs and puppets, holiday
together, games
ornaments
• Coat hangers—for wires for mobiles and other con-
structions, skeletons for papier-mâché work
• Coffee/juice cans—for storage, planters, games
• Coloring books—for patterns for name tags, etc.
Patterns can be enlarged for craft projects.
Crafts 2–3

--- PAGE 28 ---
How-To Tips Painting Wood: It is best to give raw wood a coat of
wood sealer or thin shellac before painting to prevent
the paint from soaking into the wood.
tIPS for PaIntIng
Spray Painting: A spray bottle works well for
acrylics: Jar acrylic is more economical, but acryl- spray-painting large items. Use diluted tempera or
ic paint is also available in tubes. It can be thinned poster paint. If using commercial spray paints, be
with water. Brushes clean easily with water. Acrylics sure to read the label and follow any instructions.
are nontoxic, good for painting almost anything, and
don’t need a finishing coat. tIPS for adheSIveS
tempera: Water-based paints such as tempera are • To save money, buy white glue in quart sizes and
great for Cub Scouts. Powdered paint is more eco- pour into small glue containers for the boys.
nomical but messier. Mix powdered tempera with • To make heavy-duty glue, mix cornstarch with
water and add a little liquid starch, which helps the white glue until the mixture is as thick as
paint go further and not run. desired.
cleaning brushes: Different paints need different • For small glue jobs, put glue in bottle caps and let
cleaners. For tempera, poster paint, or acrylics, use boys use toothpicks or cotton swabs.
water. The boys can clean up after using these paints; • Clear silicone is the best glue for plastic bottles
adults should supervise cleanup for other media. To and milk containers. It is available at hardware
clean varnishes, oils, or enamels, use turpentine, stores and requires adult supervision.
mineral spirits, or kerosene. For shellac, use shellac
• Egg white is a good adhesive for gluing kite paper.
thinner. For model paint, use the recommended thin-
It is strong and weightless.
ner. For lacquer, use lacquer thinner. These solvents
• Tacky white glue is the best adhesive for plastic
are flammable and should be used outside and well
foam. A little goes a long way.
away from sparks and flames. Adequate ventilation
is required when working with any of these paints or • Wheat paste (wallpaper paste) is a good paste for
solvents. papier-mâché. Flour and water make a good paste
too.
finishing coats: Objects painted with tempera or
• Masking tape and cellophane tape can be used
poster paint will have a dull finish and will not resist
successfully in many projects.
moisture. For a shiny finish and for protection, spray
with clear plastic or clear varnish, or finish with a
more tIPS
coat of diluted white glue. Acrylic paint does not
need a finishing coat. • Stuffing for Puppets: Use plastic bags or old nylon
stockings.
Paintbrush Substitutes: For large items such as
• cutting Plastic foam: Some types can be cut with
scenery, use a sponge dipped in tempera. For small
a serrated knife or an electric carving knife. Please
objects, use cotton swabs.
note that adults should perform this procedure.
Painting Plastics: For painting plastic milk con- On heavier types, adults might use a coping saw
tainers or bottles, mix powdered tempera with liquid or jigsaw.
detergent instead of water or starch. The paint will
• Punching holes in Plastic: Use an awl or hole
adhere better.
punch. A leather punch will work on most vinyl.
Painting Plastic foam: Some types of paint will Adult supervision is mandatory.
dissolve plastic foam, so only use one that is recom-
mended. Test it first on a scrap.
2– 4 Crafts

--- PAGE 29 ---
Theme Crafts with lots of good ideas. And boys will have more fun
making something they thought of themselves.
During some months, all boys in the den and pack
Consider each monthly theme for its craft possi-
may be working on the same things, such as when
bilities. In addition to the ideas found in this book,
the pack is preparing for a pinewood derby, raing-
Cub Scout Program Helps, the Webelos Leader Guide,
utter regatta, or space derby. The cars, boats, and
and monthly roundtables are loaded with ideas. If
rockets for those events, however, are youth-adult
the projects are fun, the boys will want to do them.
projects, and boys don’t work on them during den
A leader may suggest wide project areas and give meetings. During these times, boys could work on
the boys greater freedom of choice and an oppor- decorations for the event.
tunity to use their imaginations. For example, the
Theme crafts may include costumes, ceremony
theme “Things That Fly” might produce kites, glid-
boards, game equipment, props for skits, gifts, dec-
ers, planes, boomerangs, or even flying insects. Ask
orations, toys, inventions, conservation projects,
a boy what knights remind him of and you’ll have
nature items, and more. The following list will give
everything from slaying dragons to building castles.
you some ideas on general theme topics. You’ll find
If boys have an opportunity to talk about a theme
details for many of the ideas throughout this book.
and what they would like to make, they will come up
fItneSS Water/boatS PIoneerS nature
• Fitness equipment • Model boats • Costumes • Birdhouses
• Beanbag toss • Water wheel • Homemade soap • Bird feeders
• Puddle jumpers • Waterscope • Homemade butter • Insect net
• Fitness chart • Raft churn • Terrariums
• Stilts • Puppets • Bird treats
health/Safety • Quill pen and ink • Box garden
SPace/future • Posters • Model fort • Collection boxes
• Rockets • Home fire escape plan • Old-time games • Plaster casts
• Space shuttle model • Emergency road signal
• Leaf prints
faIr/cIrcuS
• Flying saucer • Traffic signs
• Ant farm
• Launching pad • First aid kit • Midway games
• Robot • Nutrition chart or • Performer costumes ScIence
• Radarscope Food Guide Pyramid • Animal costumes • Inventions
• Space station model • Musical instruments • Electric games
knIghtS
• Star map • Masks • Barometer
• Costumes
• Puppets • Rain gauge
tranSPortatIon • Family crest • Noisemakers • Science projects
• Pinewood derby car • Banners/flags • Prizes • Telegraph
• Pushmobile • Castle model • Banner/flags • Electric buzzers
• Airport • Teeterboard jousting
• Weather vane
• Glider • Dragon
• Model train communIcatIonS
• Cubmobile • Tin can telephone
• Model cars • Secret codes
• Model planes • Telephone directory
• Helicopter cover
• Telegraph
• E-mail directories
Crafts 2–5

--- PAGE 30 ---
Safety rules for • Adults should unplug all electrical tools when
they are finished and put them out of reach of chil-
the use of Tools
dren. Don’t leave any tool unattended. Remember:
Power tools are not to be used by Cub Scout–age
What is safe for one Cub Scout may be unsafe boys.
when two or more Cub Scouts are around. Any work-
• Adults who choose to use power tools should
shop must have rules governing the use of tools. Den
always unplug electrical tools when changing saw
tools include scissors, markers, low-temperature glue
blades, drill bits, or other attachments.
guns, and other craft items—not just hammers and
• Keep tools sharp, clean, and oiled.
saws.
Because accidents are usually caused by the
enlarging Patterns
improper use of tools, take time to teach each boy
the right way to use a tool and how to take care of it.
Remind him that cleaning up and putting away tools You can enlarge the patterns found in this book
and materials are part of the job. Make sure tools and and elsewhere as needed. The easiest way to enlarge
materials are easy to reach and replace. patterns is to make a copy on a commercial copy
• An adult should be present when a Cub Scout uses machine and enlarge by the desired percentage.
any type of tool.
Several types of projectors also will make enlarge-
• Use each tool for the job it is made for and the way ments. To use an overhead projector, trace over the
it was intended to be used. (So, for instance, never design you wish to enlarge, using thin plastic (such
use a screwdriver to pry or pound.) as notebook page protectors) and the special marking
• Never use a tool with a dull cutting edge, dull bit, pens designed for use on plastic. Place the plastic
or loose part. sheet on the overhead projector “bed,” and you can
enlarge it to almost any size. This is especially help-
• Most accidents occur to the hands, face, or feet.
ful in making posters and other wall hanging–sized
Protect the eyes. Keep fingers and hands away
drawings.
from the cutting edges of tools. Secure or clamp
down wood that is being worked on. Tracing of original small
drawing on 1-by-1-inch grid
• Be patient and never use force. Don’t work with
tools when you are tired; you need to be alert.
• Don’t wear loose clothing or jewelry, which can be
caught in moving parts.
• Keep the work area clean, dry, and well-lit.
• Never use electrical tools (such as a low-tempera-
ture glue gun) in damp or wet locations. Note: It
is best to use only simple hand tools and avoid
power equipment when working with Cub Scout–
2-by-2-inch block
age boys. Adults, however, might wish to use a
in larger grid
power tool to precut pieces of a project for younger
Cub Scouts.
• Use only heavy-duty extension cords. Don’t use
the type of extension cord that is intended for
small appliances.
• If an electrical cord has a plug with three prongs,
you should plug it into a three-hole receptacle
(outlet). If you use an adapter on a two-hole out-
let, you must attach the adapter wire to a known
ground (the screw in the middle of the outlet cov-
erplate).
• Don’t abuse tool cords by carrying tools by the
cord or by pulling a plug by yanking on the cord. If
the cord is frayed, don’t use the tool until the cord
is repaired.
Copy smaller drawing onto
larger grid block by block.
2– 6 Crafts

--- PAGE 31 ---
You can make craft storage boxes out of any mate-
rial as long as they meet your needs. Sort craft mate-
rials by using an egg carton. A heavy-duty cardboard
box that 10 reams of paper come in is also excel-
lent for storage. Cut handholds, and then paint or
cover with colorful adhesive-backed paper if desired.
Another favorite is a plastic fishing tackle box.
handy tote box
This sturdy box will carry a lot of weight. Make it
from two identical cardboard cartons.
Cut one box in half, along
sides and bottom. Turn
Portion of larger grid showing pieces so that open sides
how to sketch block by block are on the outside and
uncut sides are touching.
enlargIng PatternS by hand
Tape together.
Here’s a good method for enlarging patterns by
hand. Use a ruler, tracing paper, pencil, and these
simple directions:
1. Place tracing paper over the design you want to
enlarge. Mark the design’s outer limits.
2. Using these limits as guides, draw parallel hori-
zontal and vertical lines on the paper to create a
grid. With a ruler, make the lines the same dis-
tance apart (depending on the size and detail of
Cut out an opening
the pattern).
for handle through
3. Letter each top square; number them down the both sections.
left side.
Place inside of second
4. Tape the grid over the original design and trace
carton. (It will be a tight
the pattern onto the grid.
fit and may need trim-
5. Decide how much of an enlargement you need.
ming.) Cut as shown to
Draw another grid with larger squares to the total
shape the sides.
width and length of the new pattern. Letter and
number the new grid in the same manner.
6. Copy the lines of the pattern into their exact posi-
tions in each square of the larger grid.
Managing Den Supplies
Boys will take pride in a meeting place that is con-
Finish cut edges where the two
sistently well-organized. You’ll find that craft tools
boxes meet and around handle
and items can easily get out of hand, so a den craft
hole by covering with masking or
storage box is a good idea—both for organization and
duct tape. Paint or otherwise
so that needed craft items are always available. Fill
decorate as desired.
it with feathers, paper plates, puzzles, table tennis
balls, tennis balls, balloons, assorted buckets and
jars, paper bags, straws, and string. Also keep glue,
scissors, markers, beads, and other craft items on
hand. Make pencil cans from frozen orange juice or
other similarly sized cans and keep them in the den
craft storage box.
Crafts 2–7

--- PAGE 32 ---
PerSonal Storage bench 4. Put the following on the heavy pin (or a thin nail)
in this order: plastic disk, wooden bead, the pin-
Each boy could have his own storage bench for
wheel corners in the order they are numbered,
pencils and crayons, incomplete projects, etc. Make
center of pinwheel, plastic disk, and wooden
from 1-inch shelving as shown in the illustration.
bead.
Each boy and an adult can build and decorate one
5. Push or tap the pin through the dowel or pencil.
in their own style. This can be the boy’s seat at den
meetings as well as holding his tools and materials.
baloo and kaa PaPer ProJectS
And these benches will stack for easy storage.
Make the Baloo finger puppet and Kaa hanger from
71⁄2˝ 20˝ heavy cardstock. Enlarge the patterns as needed, and
run off one pattern per boy on a copy machine or
End Top
9˝
(make (make one) trace on posterboard. Boys can cut out and color and
two)
18˝ 2˝ decorate as they want. Decorate Kaa with stripes,
2˝ 20˝ spots, and diamond patterns. Cut out finger holes for
Sides Baloo’s “legs” (younger boys may need help cutting
71⁄2˝ (make two)
out the finger holes).
2 strap hinges 24˝
221⁄2˝
Bottom
71⁄2˝ (make one)
1˝ x 1˝ x 9˝ braces
Paper Crafts
Paper can be a great medium for simple craft proj-
ects. These can be used for gathering times or filler
time, or as a den craft project. They are easy and
inexpensive, and boys will enjoy them.
PInWheel
Materials: 5-inch square of heavy paper, long
heavy pin, two wooden beads, two plastic disks,
dowel or pencil
1. On a 5-inch square of heavy paper, draw diagonal
lines from corner to corner as shown.
2. Cut on the lines to within 1⁄-inch of the center.
4
3. Punch holes in the center and the corners.
Disk
Disk
Bead Bead
5˝
1⁄4˝ uncut
5˝
2– 8 Crafts

--- PAGE 33 ---
WIndSock 6. Cover the front and back of the mat with clear
contact paper.
PaPer aIrPlane ProJectS
Paper airplanes are simple and always fun. An
excellent resource for flying crafts that use no glue
or cutting is The Gliding Flight: 20 Excellent Fold
and Fly Paper Airplanes, by John Collins (Ten Speed
Press, 1989).
Decorate this windsock to fit any theme. Use blue A Catapult Glider
streamers on gold paper for the blue and gold ban-
quet, or red and white streamers on blue paper for a Stabilizer
patriotic theme.
111⁄16˝
11⁄4˝ Score on
17⁄8˝
Materials: 4-by-16-inch paper, crepe paper bottom.
s s t t
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stickers, leaving a 1⁄ 4 -inch edge. ⁄3 8˝ 5⁄16˝ Aileron
2. Make a cylinder with the paper, securing with Cut
43⁄4˝
transparent tape.
Eraser
Fuselage: Use a
3. Tape, glue, or staple streamers around the bottom 23⁄4˝ six-sided pencil
edge of the cylinder. with an eraser top.
4. Punch four evenly spaced holes around the top.
5. Tie one end of the strings through each hole, and
tie the other ends together to make a hanger for
the windsock.
m. u t
o C
kWanzaa mkeka t t Wing Pattern
Kwanzaa is a nonreligious holiday celebrated at ore o
n
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ties. One of the symbols of Kwanzaa is the mkeka, 11⁄16˝
or mat. Although preferably made out of straw, this Add nose weight: Wrap
six turns of wire solder.
woven paper mat will also fulfill its purpose. Rear view
Wing Notch
Materials: 10 strips of black construction paper,
2 by 24 inches; four strips each of dark yellow, deep Launching Pin: 1⁄2˝-20 wire nail
red, and forest green construction paper, 2 by 22
inches; transparent tape; clear contact paper This glider will take some time to make, but it will
be lots of fun and worth the effort.
1. Lay the black paper strips next to each other on a
flat work surface. Materials:
2. Run a piece of tape along the edge of the right new six-sided pencil with eraser
side to tape the strips together. Stiff cardboard (cereal box sides or posterboard)
1⁄-inch wire nail
3. Using the colored strips (the traditional colors 2
7 inches of 3⁄ -inch-diameter wire solder
of Kwanzaa), weave back and forth through the 32
model cement or craft glue
black base, one color at a time, alternating colors
5-inch length of another pencil or piece of
in any order.
dowel
4. Pull the ends of the color weaves to make the
one or two heavy rubber bands
edges straight.
1. Enlarge the pattern to the size indicated and trace
5. Run a second piece of tape along the left side to
onto the cardboard.
hold the strips in place.
Crafts 2–9

--- PAGE 34 ---
2. Cut out the wing and stabilizer. For more accu- 4. Make a pattern for the wing and trace its shape
rate cutting, use a modeler’s knife. Guide the cuts onto the tissue paper. Cut it out.
using a metal ruler as a straight edge. 5. To fly the helicopter wing, slide a paper clip
3. Notch the pencil 2 inches from the end. Score onto the wing. You may hand-launch the wing or
the bottom of the stabilizer on the centerline shoot it into the sky with a rubber band.
and bend up. Insert the stabilizer into the notch.
Check that the tips of the stabilizer wings are 13⁄ kIte ProJectS
16
inches from the bottom edge of the pencil.
Besides being fun, successful kite building and
4. Insert the launching pin (the 1⁄-inch wire nail) on
2 kite flying give boys a feeling of competence. Don’t
the bottom of the pencil about 11⁄ inches from the
2 worry about flaws in workmanship; in a simple kite,
eraser end.
they won’t make much difference. Refer to Elective
5. To add weight to the nose, wrap it with about six 5, “Spare-Time Fun,” in the Wolf Cub Scout Book for
turns of wire solder. more information about kites. Also see the chapter
6. Cut and score the ailerons at both ends of the “Special Pack Activities” in this book for kite derby
wing. Glue the wing to the top of the fuselage ideas and kite safety rules.
(pencil).
Two-Stick Flat Kite
7. To make a launching rig, notch the small pencil
or piece of dowel to hold the rubber band or
Materials: Wrapping
bands.
paper, strong plastic, or 30˝
8. To fly the glider, attach to the launching rig, aim cloth; 1⁄-by-3⁄-inch stick,
8 8
high, and let it go! If the glider dives out of its 36 inches long; 1⁄-by-
2
glide, remove some solder. If it stalls (repeatedly 3⁄-inch stick, 30 inches
8
swoops up, dives, and then swoops up again), long; white glue or rub-
add solder. Hold a glider contest to see whose ber cement; at least 100
glider goes the farthest! feet of kite string
1. Notch the sticks in
Helicopter Wing
the ends for fram- 36˝
Strut ing strings. Tie the
Pattern sticks together at right
angles.
2. Run the framing string
Wing
17⁄8˝ around the kite, through
the notches, and tie the
ends together to complete your frame.
3. Measure and cut the frame cover (wrapping
47⁄8˝ paper, plastic, or cloth) with a 1-inch overlap all
Paper clip around, except at the sticks, as shown.
Materials: thin card-
4. Lay the frame over the “skin” and fold all the
board (from file folder
flaps over the frame. Check for fit. Glue down
or posterboard), tis-
one flap at a time.
sue paper, paper
5. The lengthwise bridle string should be about 40
clip, 3⁄-inch-wide
4
inches long; the crosswise string, about 34 inches
transparent sticky
long.
tape, rubber band
6. For a tail, tie 4-by-6-inch tissue paper bows about
1. Enlarge the
6 inches apart on an 8-foot string.
pattern to the
size indicated. 7. If the kite dances too much or is too sluggish,
add or reduce the length of the tail to correct the
2. Trace the wing strut on the thin cardboard and
kite’s flight.
cut it out.
3. Place the strut on the tissue paper. Cover com-
pletely with 6-inch strips of sticky tape, over-
lapping them by 1⁄ inch. Be sure to press down
16
firmly to ensure a good bond.
2– 10 Crafts

--- PAGE 35 ---
Tissue Paper Kite other side, holding it taut until it dries. Glue
paper reinforcements over the intersections of
Fold to 2 the reeds midway between the center and corners
1 Back front.
(illustration 4). Then turn over kite.
Paper
strips 6. Tie the bridle string over the intersection of the
12˝
bamboo reeds and then over the center reed 2
5˝ inches up from the base of the kite. Set the angle
of the bridle by tying a loop in the string, as
2˝ shown (illustration 5).
7. To find the correct flying angle, hold the kite by
Center
12˝ reed the bridle over a table. The center reed (spine) of
2˝ the kite should be tilted upward at about a 15-
Fold up.
Paper degree angle from the horizontal. Add the four
reinforcements crepe paper tails as shown.
3 4
Arch
reed
Star Kite
A
Two-Stick
5 Three-Stick B
Front
Bridle
Broken lines
indicate strings.
C
Materials:
12-by-12-inch tissue paper square and scraps
four 2-inch-by-5-foot strips of crepe paper
rubber cement (or egg white)
matchstick-thick bamboo reed
Scissors, pencil, ruler
22-inch lightweight string (bridle)
1. Cut the bamboo reed into two pieces, one 22
inches long and the other 15 inches long.
2. Crease the 12-by-12-inch square of tissue paper
on the broken lines as shown in illustration 1.
Equal length of
bridle legs
3. Glue the 15-inch center reed in place by covering
fastened at
with a strip of scrap tissue paper. Trim the reed if A, B, C come together at kite string.
necessary. Glue the bottom flap up over the cen-
ter reed and a narrow strip of paper over the tip,
folding the corners of this strip to the front to act
You can make two- and three-stick kites in a star
as reinforcement (see illustration 2).
shape as shown. The sticks are the same length. Tie
4. Measure and cut the reed for the arch to fit
them together and use string as shown. Glue on a
as shown in illustration 3. Be sure the reed is
paper cover. A tail, attached to one of the star points,
strong, with a good natural curve.
is needed to balance these designs. Use a three-leg
5. Glue the left and right corner flaps over the bridle and attach the kite line.
arched reed (illustration 4). For best results, glue
on one side first and let it dry, and then glue the
Crafts 2–11

--- PAGE 36 ---
Kite Messenger 3. Make tape ringlets by folding a 2-inch piece of
sticky tape lengthwise, sticky side out. Cut into
1⁄-inch rings.
4
4. Place two ringlets on each of the straws and one
ringlet on the nose piece, as shown. Place the
straws, ringlets down, onto the plastic food wrap.
Tape Cut around the straws as shown using a straight
edge and blade, allowing about 3⁄ inch extra on
4
all sides. Fold the extra width over the straws
and tape down.
5. Attach the pilot to the center straw about 2 inch-
es from the nose piece. Fly your kite and watch
Cut your hang glider fly!
Cut a small hole in the center of a square of paper,
with a slit to one edge, as shown. Slip the paper over
Nose piece pattern
the kite flying line and tape the slit shut. The wind
will blow the messenger up the kite. To have a kite
messenger race, all players send their kites up to a
specific length of line—perhaps 50 yards. The mes- Pilot pattern
senger is then attached to the flying line and allowed
to move up to the kite. The boy whose messenger
reaches his kite first wins.
Hang Glider
This hang-gliding guy is easy to make, and boys
will enjoy his antics in the wind.
Nose piece
Straw
Folded pilot
Straws Tape ringlets
Straws
Materials: transparent cellophane tape; thin
plastic food wrap; three plastic soda straws, 1⁄-inch
8
in diameter; plastic lid from margarine tub; card-
stock or heavy paper
1. Trace the shape of the nose piece on the plastic Cutline
lid. Cut out the nose piece and insert into three
straws of equal length. The nose piece should fit
tightly for better wing support and better flight.
Plastic
2. Trace the pattern for the pilot onto heavy paper food
wrap
and cut it out. Fold the feet forward and the top
down on the dotted lines as shown.
2– 12 Crafts

--- PAGE 37 ---
Papier-Mâché 1. Mix wallpaper paste according to package direc-
tions. (It should be the consistency of pea soup.)
Papier-mâché is a modeling material made by 2. Tear (don’t cut!) newspaper strips about 1 to
mixing wallpaper paste with absorbent paper, such 11⁄ 2 inches wide. The frayed edges will blend
as newspaper, paper towels, paper napkins, or tis- smoothly. Use wider strips for larger objects.
sue. Cub Scouts love the messiness of papier-mâché, 3. Dip the strips into the paste and run them
and you shouldn’t hesitate to tackle it because boys through your fingers to remove excess paste.
can make some useful items—such as trays, bowls,
4. Lay them over the framework, overlapping and in
animals, figures, relief maps, napkin rings, masks,
different directions. It is usually best to let each
candleholders, and wastebaskets. Just spread around
layer dry before applying another. You can use
lots of newspapers for protection and cover the boys’
alternate layers of regular newspaper and colored
uniforms with old shirts.
comic strip paper so missed spots will show eas-
ily. The number of layers needed will depend on
what you are making and how strong you need it
to be. A final coat of torn paper towel strips will
hoW-to tIPS for PaPIer-mâché
give an even textured surface for painting.
• When using papier-mâché on an object that
5. Place the object in a room where warm air circu-
needs to be removed after the papier-mâché
lates to let it dry.
dries (bowl, vase, etc.), first oil or grease the
object so the dried papier-mâché shell will slip
WaStebaSket
off easily. Petroleum jelly works very well.
• Count on a papier-mâché project lasting Materials: 3-gallon cardboard ice cream carton,
through several den meetings. waxed paper, newspaper and paste for strip papier-
mâché, gesso (for undercoat if using tempera paint),
• Let objects air-dry when possible. Heat tends
paint
to make papier-mâché shrink and buckle.
• Sand objects for a smooth finish before
painting. A final finish can also be made
by covering with papier-mâché made from
paper toweling.
• Painting papier-mâché: If using tempera
paint, give the project an undercoat of gesso
or thinned white latex paint first. Tempera-
painted objects should be sprayed with a
clear plastic finish or clear varnish for a
protective overcoat. Acrylic paint does not
require a base coat. You can also use house-
hold enamel or latex paint.
Set the carton on waxed paper. Completely cover
it with papier-mâché strips, as described above. Also
cover the inside of the carton. Only one or two coats
are needed because the carton itself is sturdy. Let
frameWork for PaPIer-mâché
it dry completely. Sand any rough edges. Paint and
You will need some type of framework—such as decorate as desired.
chicken wire, cardboard tubes or cartons, coat hang-
ers, or balloons—for working with papier-mâché. votIve candle holder
Make a small animal figure from a framework of
Here’s a simpler version of papier-mâché.
newspaper rolls or cardboard rolls taped together. Use
various sizes of balloons to make planets for a model Materials: Small glass jar, pieces of colored tissue
solar system. Mold larger items over a framework of paper, thin paste
chicken wire bent and crushed to the desired shape.
Cover the jar with a thin layer of paste. Press layers
of different colored tissue paper to cover the outside
StrIP PaPIer-mâché
of the jar. Take care to keep the jar translucent so light
This method is good for making large masks and can filter through when the candle is lit. Let the jar
stage props. dry. Then place a votive candle inside and light it for
soft, colorful light.
Crafts 2–13

--- PAGE 38 ---
maSkS 3. Insert a bent clothes hanger as a hanger for the
piñata. Cover with additional layers of papier-
Simple masks can dress up any skit.
mâché to hold it in place, and then let it dry.
Materials: 16-inch balloon, 36-inch-long heavy 4. After the piñata is completely dry, cut a hole in
string, newspaper and paper towel strips, wallpaper the back to remove the balloon and add wrapped
paste candy or party favors.
1. Inflate the balloon. Tie a knot in the end and 5. If desired, you can add a finishing touch of tis-
attach a string. Suspend the balloon by tying the sue paper curls. Fold 3-inch strips of colored
string to an object inside or outside. Be sure it tissue paper lengthwise and fringe as shown in
isn’t near anything that will cause it to burst. the illustration. Hold several strips together and
2. Cover the balloon with several layers of newspa- cut all at once. Turn the strips wrong side out so
per papier-mâché strips. Let it dry. they will fluff up. Wrap these around the piñata,
overlapping each row as you glue it on.
3. For an animal mask, add a framework for nose or
ears at this time. Use a paper cup or cardboard
roll for the nose, heavy cardboard for the ears.
Use masking tape to fasten these to the papier-
mâché–covered balloon, and then cover them
with paper towel papier-mâché strips.
4. When the mask is dry, cut out a hole large enough
so the mask fits over the head and remove the bal-
loon. Cut eye holes in the proper position. Cut out To use the piñata, hang it
a mouth or nose hole as needed. Also punch some from a tree or other object so
smaller holes in the back for air. it swings freely. Blindfolded boys take turns hitting
at the hanging piñata with a stick until it breaks and
5. Paint as desired. Add additional decorations,
the goodies fall out. For an added challenge, hang
such as yarn hair, a hat, etc.
the piñata from a cord or rope that someone can pull
on so that the piñata moves up and down, making it
PIñata
harder to hit!
Printing
With some simple printing methods, boys can
print holiday cards, party invitations, blue and gold
banquet program covers, flags and banners, T-shirts,
shields, table covers, and pictures. Only a few tools
and materials are required.
Printing can be done on paper, paper bags, fabric,
wood, and canvas using linoleum blocks, wood, wax,
sponges, vegetables and fruits, stencils, silkscreen,
crayons, and other items.
Piñatas are usually colorful animal shapes filled
with candy or toys and broken open at holiday or
birthday parties. For an entertaining awards ceremo- hoW-to tIPS for PrIntIng
ny, make an individual piñata from a 10-inch balloon
• If the design is to be permanent, such as on a
for each boy. Put his award inside and let him break
T-shirt or other fabric that will be laundered,
it open.
use a fabric paint, oil-based paint, or ink.
1. For the basic body, inflate a balloon and follow Acrylic paint will also work. Otherwise, use
the directions above for making a mask. The type tempera paint or water-based inks.
of animal or figure you are making will determine
• When printing T-shirts or other fabrics, be
the size and shape of the balloons. Two or three
sure to place a newspaper pad between the
layers of papier-mâché are adequate. Let dry.
front and back so the paint won’t run to
2. Tape on additional balloons and cardboard piec- other parts of the fabric.
es for head, legs, ears, wings, etc. Cover with two
layers of papier-mâché.
2– 14 Crafts

--- PAGE 39 ---
StamP Pad 3. Cut out the design and glue it to the
wood block. The design will print
Make your own stamp pad by gluing felt to the
the reverse of what you see on
bottom of a plastic foam tray (such as the kind cuts
the block, so if
of meat are on when wrapped at the grocery store) the design has Glue to wood block.
and soaking the felt with vegetable dye or food color-
lettering or a
ing. Be sure to cover your clothing and work area, as
specific right
Cut from craft
some dyes stain.
and left, glue foam or felt.
it to the block
rubbIngS
backwards. Let
the glue dry.
4. Press the block
firmly onto an
ink pad. Then press it firmly on paper or fabric.
Potato PrIntS
You can also use carrots, turnips, lemons, oranges,
and other vegetables and fruits for this simple print-
ing method.
Materials: large potato, scratching tool (pencil,
nail, toothpick), sharp-edged cutting tool (paring
knife or pocketknife), paper for printing, tempera
paint and paintbrush
1. Cover the work area with newspapers.
2. Cut the potato in half so that each surface is flat.
3. Use the scratching tool to scratch a design on the
potato or the cutting tool to cut out a design. Cut
This is one of the simplest printing methods. All away all parts that you don’t want to print. Blot the
you need is dark crayons, chalk, or pencil and thin surface of the potato to remove excess moisture.
paper 4. Brush the design with tempera paint. Stamp on
1. Find a surface with an interesting texture, such a newspaper or paper towel to remove
as leaves, tombstones, carved monuments, man- excess paint. If ragged edges appear
hole covers, or tree stumps. on the first imprint, cut away any
uneven parts of the potato that
2. Hold or tape the paper over the surface and
cause this.
rub hard with the side of the pencil, crayon, or
chalk. 5. Print the design on paper until
it begins to fade, then add
3. Frame your rubbing with a piece of posterboard
more paint and repeat.
or construction paper, or put it in a scrapbook.
Another good rubbing material is a heavy, black,
waxy mixture called heelball, available from shoe
repair shops.
block PrIntIng
Cub Scouts will enjoy making their own brands or
family crests from these simple materials.
Materials: Piece of craft foam or felt, printing ink
or paint, block of wood, white glue, paper or fabric
to print on
1. Cover the work area with newspapers.
2. Draw a design on paper and trace it on craft foam
or a piece of felt. Be sure that it will fit on the
block of wood.
Crafts 2–15

--- PAGE 40 ---
SPonge PrIntIng 3. The paper or fabric surface to be stenciled should
lie flat. The stencil should also lie flat so the
Materials: flat sponge about 1⁄ inch thick, felt-tip
2 paint won’t spread under the edges. Fasten the
marker, scissors, tempera paint, paper for printing
stencil to the printing surface with tape or pins
1. Draw a simple design on the sponge with the so it won’t move.
marker. Cut the sponge into this shape.
4. Beginning on the stencil near the cutout edge,
2. Wet the sponge and then squeeze the water out brush the paint, using a stiff brush, onto the fab-
thoroughly. ric or paper. Brush away from the stencil edges so
3. Dip the damp sponge in thin tempera paint and the paint won’t run underneath.
press it gently on the paper. The tiny holes on the
surface of the sponge will not print, but the areas
Wire, Bead, and
between the holes will leave an unusual design.
Plastic Crafts
StencIlS
Experiment with your stencils on scrap paper
frayed nerve
before trying your finished project.
Use this as a neckerchief slide
or pencil topper.
Materials: old telephone wire, wire strippers/
cutters, pencil
1. Strip off the wire cover from the telephone wire
so that you have small wires of different colors.
Cut 12 pieces of 30-inch-long colored wire.
2. Hold the wires together and twist them in the
middle.
3. Wrap the twisted part around your finger and
twist the ends together.
Materials: cardboard, sharp hobby knife or scis- 4. Wrap each wire end around a pencil in a tight
sors, thick paint (acrylic, latex, heavy tempera, or coil, and then gently slide the pencil out. Repeat
tube oil paint), stiff bristle brush, paper or fabric to until all wires are coiled.
be stenciled
1. To make the stencil more durable, give the card-
board three coats of shellac before using. Or
hoW-to tIP for WIre craftS
make your own stencil paper by dipping bond
paper in melted paraffin several times. • Telephone wire comes in many colors. By
stripping off the outer plastic covering,
2. Trace a design on the cardboard or stencil paper.
you’ll find a pliable wire rainbow inside for
Cut it out with a sharp knife or scissors.
your projects.
2– 16 Crafts

--- PAGE 41 ---
traSh bag aPron bead craft flag
This is one of those “Why-didn’t-I-think-of-that?” Plastic beads of all kinds have been used in Cub
crafts. Any time boys are working with messy materi- Scout crafts for years. Many patterns for bead ani-
als, they can keep their uniforms clean with this easy mals and various shapes can be found commercially
apron and still have fun. Use heavy-duty trash bags, and on the Internet. Boys can wear this flag pin with
and you can reuse the aprons. pride.
Materials: trash bag, scissors
1. Fold the trash bag in half.
2. Cut a J shape from the closed end of the bag with
the approximate dimensions shown.
3. Make two more cuts in the bag as shown, cutting
from the bottom to make apron ties, and cutting
around the J shape for the arms.
4. Wrap around the Cub Scout to help protect him
from those messy, but fun, projects!
Closed edge
Materials: 11 no. 2 safety pins, one gold chenille
stem, 27 blue 3-mm “e” beads, 34 white 3-mm “e”
beads, 29 red 3-mm “e” beads
1. Open 10 safety pins and place the beads on them
in the order shown. Close each pin once the
Open edge
beads are in place.
2. Put the chenille stem through the end loop of the
remaining safety pin. Fold it in half and twist the
tip to lock in place.
3. Feed the end loop of the beaded safety pins onto
the chenille stem in the order shown. Make sure
that the pins are all facing the same direction.
4. Feed the other end of the chenille stem through
the top loop of the single pin as shown, and twist
to lock in place. Pin your bead flag to your shirt
and wear it with pride.
R = red bead; B = blue bead; W = white bead
Pin Pin Pin Pin Pin Pin Pin Pin Pin Pin
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
B B B B B B B R R R
B W B W B W B W W W
B B W B W B B R R R
B W B W B W B W W W
B B B B B B B R R R
W W W W W W W W W W
R R R R R R R R R R
W W W W W W W W W W
R R R R R R R R R R
Crafts 2–17
dloF
Beads
Chenille
stem
4˝
Cut
6˝
2˝
Cut
4˝
Cut

--- PAGE 42 ---
StaIned “glaSS” Sun catcher 6. To assemble the arms, hang the S hook on the
ceiling attachment from which the mobile will
Materials: clear plastic lid and length of ribbon
be hung. Hang arm B on the S hook. Then hang
for each boy, black permanent marker, colored per-
arms C on the ends of B. Hold the C arms steady
manent markers
while hanging arms D as shown.
1. Clean and dry the plastic lid.
7. Tie loops of thread or fishing line to the objects to
2. Outline the desired drawing on the lid with the be hung from the mobile. Make the loops various
black marker. lengths, from 2 to 6 inches to give an interesting
3. On the opposite side, color with colored markers. effect.
4. Punch a hole in the top and attach the ribbon as 8. Hook the loops on the arm ends, one at a time.
a hanger. Hang about the same weight on each end so the
arm will balance.
mobIleS
StraW WeavIng
A mobile is a sculpture that moves. They are often
made of balanced parts, wires, and cords connected Use straw weaving to make neckerchief slides,
such they move in the slightest breeze. belts, or shoulder sashes, depending on the amount
of yarn used. Sucking the yarn through the straw will
Cutout objects to hang on the mobile can fit the
be the boys’ favorite part, especially if you use clear
theme of the month, or use keepsakes, toy cars, table
plastic straws.
favors, driftwood, fishing lures, sports emblems,
badges, or other items.
Tape
A
B
C
D
Yarn ball
Materials: three wire coat hangers; cutouts
(metal, cardboard, foil, wood, plastic) or other
objects to be hung on the mobile; carpet thread,
strong string, or fishing line; pliers; yardstick
1. Open the coat hangers with pliers. Cut off the
hook part of one hanger and use the pliers to Materials: Plastic straws; pieces of yarn, 1 yard
form an S-shaped hanger (A). Boys will need long; small pieces of tape; ball of yarn about 6 yards
adult help for this step. long
2. Straighten all the coat hangers and cut a 36-inch 1. Tie the ends of five pieces of 1-yard-long yarn
length of wire from each. together in a knot.
3. Make arm B from one 36-inch length. Bend it in 2. Put the other end of each piece of yarn through
the middle as shown, and curve the ends up. To a straw by inserting it into the straw and sucking
get both sides even, draw an outline of one bent gently. The yarn will slide through. Fold 1⁄ inch
2
side on a sheet of paper and use it as a pattern for of yarn over the end of the straw and tape it to
the other side. hold.
4. Cut a second length of wire into equal pieces and 3. Hold the straws in one hand as shown, with the
make arms C. end of the yarn ball tied to the straw on the out-
5. Cut a third length of wire into four equal parts side edge.
and form arms D.
2– 18 Crafts

--- PAGE 43 ---
4. Weave the ball of yarn back and forth through the
A
straws. When you reach the edge, wrap the yarn
Fold
around the last straw and weave back the other
direction. Repeat until the weaving is as long
as you wish. (You can make longer weavings by C C
tying on additional yarn.)
5. To finish, tie off the weaving yarn to the last
straw. Slide the weaving onto the yarn below the
straws. Cut the yarn and tie the ends in a knot.
1 2
SummertIme craftS
5
Summertime is fun time, and these cool summer
C 6
crafts will add just the right cool touch. C
7
Visor
B Fold
Slit for elastic or glasses yarn through the plastic holder rings and tying
the ends together so that the open rings are
linked.
2. Fold pieces A and B in half along the dotted lines
as shown and loop yarn through both plastic
rings and tie to the bag at the points indicated by
the lines.
3. Fold up the sides to make a basket shape, tying
rings 2 and 3 into ring 6 at the four points C of
the diagram, as well as rings 4 and 7 and rings 1
and 5.
4. Tie all four corners of the bag together, looping
the yarn through the plastic rings and tying the
Materials: heavy craft foam or cardstock, scissors
ends together with either a square knot or an
Enlarge the visor pattern as needed and cut out of overhand knot. Ties should be on the outside of
craft foam or heavy cardstock. Decorate as desired. the bag.
Make small slits as marked. For regular visors, insert 5. Decorate as desired, such as by attaching an art
narrow elastic through the slits and tie the ends foam cutout of a yellow sun wearing orange sun-
together. Boys with glasses can slide the visor direct- glasses.
ly onto the arms of the glasses.
Cup Holder
Beach Bag
Materials: art foam, low-temperature glue gun
Materials: 15 plastic six-pack holders, 4-inch
1. Cut a 4-by-10-inch piece of art foam. Roll in a cyl-
pieces of yarn
inder shape, overlapping the edges 1⁄ inch. Glue
2
1. Lay out the plastic six-pack holders as shown. together using a low-temperature glue gun.
The three six-pack holders in the center will
2. Place the end of the cylinder you just made on
make the bottom of the bag. The three holders
the art foam and draw around it. Cut out the
above and below the center will make two sides,
circle and glue to the bottom of the cylinder.
and the two holders to the right and left of the
3. Decorate as desired. (Decorate with the same
center will make two other sides. Attach yarn
art foam cutout you use on your beach bag for a
pieces as shown by the solid lines, looping the
matching pair.)
Crafts 2–19

--- PAGE 44 ---
Clay Crafts and Modeling modelIng “clay” recIPeS
Salt/Cornstarch Clay
It’s a thrilling experience for young or old to twist
and mold a pliable mass into a useful and decorative
Ingredients: 2 c. salt, 2⁄ c. water, 1 c. cornstarch,
3
object. Modeling with clay or other materials gives
1⁄ c. water
2
Cub Scouts a chance to develop self-expression in
three dimensions. They become aware of symmetry, Mix the table salt with the water in a saucepan.
texture, curve, and line; they develop a sense of Simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until
form and increase their ability to shape and reshape the mixture is well-heated (3 to 4 minutes). Remove
objects by working with modeling clay. from the heat. Mix the cornstarch with the 1⁄ 2 C. cold
water and add. This will make a thick, stiff dough.
The modeling “clay” recipes included here have
been used successfully by leaders around the country
Salt/Flour Clay
and can be used to make bowls, vases, ornaments,
animals, figures, candleholders, paperweights, door- Ingredients: 1⁄ c. salt, 1 c. flour, water
2
stops, napkin rings, and many other useful items.
Combine the salt and flour. Add water, a little at a
You’ll find most of the ingredients for these recipes
time, and with your hands, mix and knead until it is
in the kitchen. You can obtain sawdust from any saw-
a stiff dough. (By adding 1⁄ C. water, you can make a
mill or woodworking shop. 3
soft clay that is good for making a relief map.)
Basic Clay
hoW-to tIPS for modelIng
Ingredients:
• When making ornaments or beads, be sure 1 c. flour 1⁄ c. salt
2
to make a hole in the object before it dries 2 t. cream of tartar 1 c. water
or is baked so that a hanger can be added. 2 t. vegetable oil 8 drops food coloring
• If the clay begins to dry and crack as you are
Mix the flour, salt, and cream of tartar and set
working with it, try wetting the cracks with
aside. In a saucepan, bring to a boil the water, vegeta-
a finger or sponge and rubbing them away
ble oil, and food coloring. Remove from the heat and
as they appear.
add the dry ingredients. Stir until well-mixed. Let
• Unless a recipe calls for baking, molded cool and knead a bit to stretch. Stored in an airtight
objects should be allowed to air-dry thor- container, this clay will keep for months.
oughly. Drying can be hastened by punch-
ing tiny pinholes in the object. Sawdust Clay
• Leftover modeling clay can be stored in a
Ingredients: 4 c. clean, sifted sawdust; 1 c. wall-
plastic bag in the refrigerator for later use.
paper paste; 2 c. water
Don’t store for extended periods unless
specified. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to the consistency
• Make a “tool” out of a 1⁄-inch dowel or
of modeling clay. Add 1⁄
2
C. plaster to the basic recipe
4
for added weight to make doorstops or paperweights.
orange stick cut about 6 inches long and
sharpened like a pencil. Note: This mixture must be used right away.
• Mixing regular clay with glycerin and then
Sawdust/Flour Clay
adding petroleum jelly can make perma-
nently elastic clay. The proportion of clay Ingredients: 1 c. flour, 2 c. sawdust, 1 t. salt,
to glycerin and jelly varies according to the water
desired consistency. For a start, try eight
Mix the flour, sawdust, and salt together. Add
parts clay to one part glycerin to one part
water until the dough is thick and pliable.
petroleum jelly. Add more glycerin and
petroleum jelly as needed.
• Powdered alum will keep homemade clays
from getting moldy. Add a tablespoon or
two to your dough.
2– 20 Crafts

--- PAGE 45 ---
Sawdust/Cornstarch Clay
Ingredients: 3 t. cornstarch, 1 c. cold water, 1 to
2 c. sawdust
Slowly add the cornstarch to the water. Cook the
mixture in a double boiler until thickened. Allow to
cool, and then empty into a large bowl. Add the saw-
dust, a little at a time, and knead it thoroughly until
you get pliable dough that is thick enough to handle
without cracking apart.
Cornstarch/Baking Soda Clay
3. Wrap the clay twist around the foil-covered tube,
dab the ends of the twisted ring with water, and
Ingredients: 1 c. cornstarch, 2 c. baking soda,
press to seal.
11⁄ c. water
4
4. Bake or let air-dry, depending on the type of clay
Mix the cornstarch and baking soda. Add the
used.
water and mix. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stir-
5. When dry, slip the rings off the tube. Give napkin
ring constantly. This will thicken to the consistency
rings a coat of clear shellac or varnish, or paint a
of mashed potatoes. Store in the refrigerator. Note:
bright color.
This clay dries white.
buSy handS keePSake
Bread Modeling Clay
This easy project is best for younger boys.
Ingredients: crusts from several slices of white
bread, white glue, lemon juice Materials: 2-pound coffee can lid for each boy,
modeling clay, paint
Break up the bread crusts into small pieces and
mix with white glue. Add a few drops of lemon juice. 1. Smooth out a lump of clay onto the coffee can
Mix until it is the consistency of clay. lid.
2. Boys press their hand into the clay, leaving a dis-
Baker’s Clay tinct impression.
Ingredients: 4 c. flour, 1 c. salt, 11⁄ c. water 3. Let dry. Paint or decorate as desired, including
2
the date made and name of the boy.
Use your fingers to mix the flour, salt, and water
together in a big bowl. If the clay feels too stiff, add
clay menorah
a little more water. Knead for 5 minutes. This recipe
should not be doubled or halved. After objects are Materials: Salt/flour clay, alum, candles, acrylic-
molded, bake them on a cookie sheet in a 350-degree type paint
oven for 1 hour. Test for doneness with a toothpick. 1. Make the salt/flour clay above, adding a teaspoon
of alum to prevent the clay from getting moldy.
Peanut Butter Clay Mold into a base 9 inches long, 2 inches wide,
and 2 inches high.
Ingredients: 11⁄ c. peanut butter, 11⁄ c. powdered
2 2
milk, 3⁄ c. honey 2. Coat the ends of nine candles (one larger than the
4
other eight) lightly with vegetable oil. Insert the
Mix all ingredients together to the desired consis-
largest candle into the center of the base; then
tency.
insert the other eight—four on each side of the
center candle, an equal distance apart. Insert the
tWISted naPkIn rIngS
candles deep enough so they can stand on their
own.
Materials: cardboard roll, aluminum foil, model-
ing clay, water, shellac or varnish, paint 3. Let dry overnight. Remove the candles and con-
tinue to air-dry.
1. Cover a cardboard roll with foil.
4. Once the clay is dry, paint and decorate the clay
2. Roll pieces of modeling clay into ropes, each
base with acrylic-type paint.
about 1⁄ inch thick and 12 inches long. Fold each
4
rope in half and twist as shown.
Crafts 2–21

--- PAGE 46 ---
ornamentS 1. Roll clay into a solid ball about 11⁄ inches in
2
diameter.
Materials:
2. Place the ball in your palm and slowly push your
rolling pin modeling clay
thumb into the center to within 1⁄ inch from the
Waxed paper cookie cutters 4
bottom while rotating the clay ball.
toothpick Paint
Shellac ribbon or string 3. Then with both thumbs in the center hole and
your fingers on the outside of the pot, hold the
1. With a rolling pin, roll out modeling clay flat
pot bottom away from you and press the sides
between two pieces of waxed paper.
out, revolving the pot in a slow circle.
2. Use cookie cutters to cut out stars, bells, or other
4. When the sides have been pressed to about 3⁄
shapes. 8
inch in thickness, place the pot on a piece of
3. Use a toothpick to make a hole in the top of each
waxed paper on a table. Work around the edge in
ornament for a hanger.
a pinching motion with the thumbs and fingers
4. Let the ornaments dry or bake, depending on the until the sides of the pot are smooth and about 1⁄
4
clay recipe used. Paint with tempera and add a inch thick. Be careful not to strain the pot by forc-
topcoat of shellac. ing or pinching too near the bottom.
5. Tie ribbon or string through the hole for hanging. 5. Work from the bottom up, keeping the top edges
thick until the very last.
magnetS
6. When the bowl is as even and round as possible,
you can vary the shape by pushing the edges
Materials: modeling clay, paint, craft magnets,
inward or outward.
glue
7. Bake on a cookie sheet in a 350-degree oven for
1. Mold modeling clay into desired shapes—ani-
about an hour.
mals, flowers, etc. Make the backside as flat as
possible. 8. When the pot has cooled, paint with the designs
of your choice.
2. Let dry. Paint as desired.
3. Glue a craft magnet on the back—and stick them
clay alIenS
to your refrigerator!
Put the boys’ imaginations to work creating a
PInch Pot friend from another planet. Anything goes for an
extraterrestrial! Once the boys make their alien pal,
Use the recipe
they can pick a name and introduce their new friend
for baker’s clay
to the rest of the den.
above for this
small pot. Materials: any type of clay recipe above; mis-
cellaneous craft items and other small materials—
beads, sequins, wiggle eyes, chenille stems, washers,
small screws, wire, etc. each boy will need a clay
working tool made out of a 1⁄-inch dowel cut about 6
4
inches long and sharpened like a pencil.
Make 1-inch balls out of different colors of clay.
Each alien requires at least two or three balls of clay.
Fill egg cartons with different craft materials. Boys
pick assorted colors from the clay balls, take a tool,
and get to work.
2– 22 Crafts

--- PAGE 47 ---
Candle Making dIPPed candleS
In colonial times, every household made a sup-
The first candles were probably made from dried ply of candles in autumn. Candle rods with rows of
rushes soaked in grease. The Romans used candles wicks were repeatedly dipped into big iron kettles of
made out of beeswax. Today, you and your boys can melted tallow. Candle dipping is still a tradition in
make beautiful and useful gifts from inexpensive some towns and villages in Switzerland, where the
materials. public can make candles during a candle dipping
festival at the end of the year.
Safety fIrSt
Melted wax is hot. Follow these rules so that you
and your Cub Scouts will have a safe craft experi-
ence.
• Never leave children alone with melting or melted
wax. Remember: Wax doesn’t boil or steam, so
boys probably won’t realize how hot it is.
• Never leave melting or melted wax alone.
• Use a thermometer. Wax has a flash point of 375
degrees Fahrenheit. There is no need to heat wax
above 200 degrees for any Cub Scout project.
• Don’t let wax have direct contact with a flame.
If an accident occurs, treat it as a grease fire. DO
NOT use water. Smother with baking soda or a pan
lid, or use a dry chemical fire extinguisher.
• Always use a water bath method to melt wax; that
is, use a double boiler or use an old pot filled with
water and brought to a boil, with a second pot or
Materials:
a small coffee can in or over the water in which to
Wick or thick cotton string in 8- to 10-inch
melt the wax. DO NOT use a microwave. The wax
lengths to make a 6-inch candle
can splatter, and it will discolor.
Paraffin or candle wax
• Use pot holders or pliers when handling hot pots
double boiler or large pot with clean empty
or cans.
coffee can
• If wax gets on your skin, run it under cold water long-handled wooden spoon
immediately—then peel off the wax. Second coffee can filled with cold water
• Don’t pour leftover wax down the drain. It will chopsticks, 6-inch lengths of doweling, or
block the drain and require a plumber. unsharpened pencils for dipping sticks
drying rack (a clothes drying rack, a narrow
cardboard box, two chairs back to back)
hoW-to tIPS for Wax ProJectS 1. Heat water in the bottom of the double boiler. If
you are using a coffee can, place the can in the
• Always melt wax in a container over a pot
heated water.
of hot water, such as a double boiler.
2. Break the paraffin into pieces and place it in the
• “Prime” the wick by immersing it in melted
top of the double boiler over the water. Stir until
wax for 2 to 3 minutes. Cool slightly and
the wax is melted and it reaches a temperature of
then pull it straight and lay it flat to dry.
160 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Use crayon pieces or commercial dies to
3. As it melts, you can add crayon or candle dye for
color wax. Water-based dyes and paints will
color. Stir gently to distribute the color evenly.
not work.
4. Remove the upper pan of wax from the water and
• If you want to add scent to your candles,
place it on a flat surface. Boys tie a wick onto a
use commercial scents or oils only. Water-
dipping stick and dip it into the wax. Then lift
based scents will not work.
straight up, holding it for a moment to allow any
large wax drips to fall.
Crafts 2–23

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5. Dip the candle in and out of the cold water and 6. Pour water from the melted ice out of the milk
dry with a cloth. Hang on the drying rack to dry carton. Then tear and peel off the milk carton to
completely between dips. expose the square candle. (Use two den meet-
6. Repeat the process until the candle is the desired ings, if necessary: one to pour the wax and one
thickness. (You can expect about 25 dips for a to remove from the mold.)
candle 1⁄ inch in diameter.)
2
Sand candleS
molded candleS
This candle craft takes a little more work and
You can buy Pour mold a little less than full so requires a lot of adult help, but the finished product
that candle can be easily removed.
many candle molds is worth the effort.
at hobby and craft Materials:
stores. They are easy Sand—natural or colored
to use and come container to hold wet sand
with instructions. Water
Or, make homemade Jar or bottle (It needs to have fairly straight
molds from milk outward sloping sides at the top so it can be
containers, muffin removed from the sand without having the
tins, or boxes from Make wick hole sides cave in.)
bar soap. If using a with hot ice pick. Wicking or cotton twine
homemade mold, double boiler
you can support the Wax (paraffin)
wick by tying it to a Stearine (to harden the wax)
pencil and lying it Wick tabs (available at craft stores)
across the top of the Pencil
Stiffen wick by dipping in
mold. hot wax and then cooling.
1. Put sand in the container and add enough water
Poke stiff wick into hole.
so when mixed it is moist and packs well.
cruShed Ice candle
2. To make the mold, push the jar or bottle into the
This is a candle within a candle. The taper wet sand. Then remove it carefully to complete
includes the wick, and the crushed ice makes a lacy the mold.
decorative candle.
3. Attach a wick tab to one end of the wick. Tie the
Materials: other end of the wick to the pencil and suspend
double boiler over the cavity of the mold with the wick tab
empty clean pint milk carton touching the sand. Make sure that the wick is not
one 4-inch white taper candle too long and hangs straight by wrapping excess
Ice (about 1-inch cubes) around the pencil.
candle wax or paraffin 4. Heat water in the bottom of the double boiler. If
crayon pieces or wax dye for color you are using a coffee can, place the can in the
1. Heat water in the bottom of the double boiler. If heated water.
you are using a coffee can, place the can in the 5. Break paraffin into pieces and place in the top
heated water. of the double boiler over the water. Stir until the
2. Break paraffin into pieces and place in the top wax is melted and it reaches a temperature of 160
of the double boiler over the water. Stir until the degrees Fahrenheit. Add 3 T. stearine for each
wax is melted and it reaches a temperature of 160 pound of wax. As the wax melts, add crayon or
degrees Fahrenheit. candle dye or scents, as desired. Stir gently to
distribute evenly.
3. As it melts, you can add crayon or candle dye for
color. Stir gently to distribute the color evenly. 6. Carefully pour the melted wax into the mold
cavity. (The sand may sizzle a bit, but this is nor-
4. Spread newspaper on the work surface. Place the
mal.) Allow the wax to cool completely.
taper in the center of the milk carton. Surround
the taper with crushed ice to hold it in place. 7. Scoop out the sand from around the candle to
remove the candle. Brush off loose sand. Spray
5. Carefully pour the melted wax up to the top of the
with clear acrylic for a nice finish.
taper, making sure that the candlewick extends
beyond the melted wax. Leave overnight.
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Plaster Crafts PourIng PlaSter
1. To fill small molds, pour plaster immediately
and work into crevices with a toothpick.
Cub Scouts, families, and leaders will enjoy learn-
2. Fill larger molds about three-quarters full; flex
ing to cast and finish plaster projects. Use plaster to
the mold with your hands or gently tap against a
make casts of animal footprints and leaves, picture
table. You may add a layer of gauze to strengthen
frames, neckerchief slides, plaques, and other items.
the cast at this point. Fill to the top and tap again
Casting plaster can be found at most craft or hobby to allow any air bubbles to rise to the surface.
stores. Plaster of paris is the most common type, but
3. If the cast needs a ring, such as for a plaque or
casting plaster is not expensive and is more durable.
neckerchief slide, insert it now.
4. Allow the plaster to set before removing it from
moldS for PlaSter
the mold—15 to 30 minutes for small molds and
Commercial molds are available in many different 1 to 2 hours for larger molds.
sizes and shapes. Plastic candy molds are great for 5. Remove the cast from the mold. It should slip out
neckerchief slides. Plastic or waxed tubs and cartons easily if the mold was properly prepared.
make excellent molds for candleholders. Picture
6. Scrape or sand any rough edges.
frames and plaques can also be molded in plastic
7. Allow the cast to dry completely (a day or more)
or waxed cartons. Scoops from dry beverage mixes
before painting.
make excellent molds for circular objects such as
happy faces or bicycle wheels.
PaIntIng PlaSter
Make a Mold
Most paint will soak into plaster, so it is best to
You can make your own mold by using a commer- seal the cast with a commercial spray sealer, gesso, or
cial latex molding compound available from most thinned latex wall paint. After the sealer is dry, apply
hobby and craft stores. Almost any nonporous object any type of paint—tempera, acrylic, oil, or enamel.
can be covered with several coats of latex, which will Tempera will leave a dull finish unless you give it a
produce a mold. final coat of shellac or varnish.
Preparing the Mold PlaSter WhIttlIng
Molds need to be prepared to prevent sticking and Plaster is an excellent medium to use when teach-
to help the cast slip out easily. Use vegetable oil for ing boys to whittle. Once they have mastered the
all molds except latex. Use a soap solution of 1 C. technique, they can go on to wood.
water to 1 T. liquid detergent for latex molds. Coat
Make small plaster blocks and let them harden.
the inside of the mold lightly, as excess oil or soap
When ready to whittle, soak the plaster in water for 5
solution will cause defects in the cast. You don’t
to 10 minutes. The plaster is porous and will absorb
need to prepare wax carton molds, as the wax already
the water, making it easier to work.
serves that purpose.
PlaSter PaPerWeIghtS
mIxIng PlaSter
1. Fill the mold with water to determine the amount Use your imagination to
of plaster required. Pour this water into a dispos- create novel paperweights
able mixing container, such as a paper cup or that will make great gifts.
small aluminum pan. Carve blocks of hardened
plaster or use molds to make
2. Sprinkle plaster slowly into the water until a
interesting shapes.
peak forms above the surface. Allow it to set for
1 minute. Then, using a wooden or plastic spoon, Materials: mold for paperweight, plaster/water,
stir gently to prevent air bubbles. The mixture container and spoon for mixing, felt scraps, paint
should resemble heavy cream.
1. Use plastic margarine containers as molds for
3. Don’t mix more plaster than you need. It will larger paperweights and paper cups for smaller
harden quickly and can’t be reused. ones. Prepare the mold and plaster as described
4. Discard extra plaster in the disposable container. above.
Don’t pour it down the sink or dump near shrub- 2. For a turtle paperweight, use a margarine tub for
bery. It will clog drains and kill some types of the body and old measuring spoons for the head
shrubbery.
Crafts 2–25

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and feet. When the plaster is set, carve the head 2. Place the leaf, vein side up, in the bottom of the lid.
and feet into desired shapes and glue to the turtle 3. Pour plaster gently over the leaf, without spilling
body. over the top.
3. Glue felt to the bottom of the turtle and paint as 4. If making a hanging, press a hanger into the edge
desired. of the plaster.
5. Let set until hard. Remove the cast from the
PlaSter ScrImShaW
mold. Remove the leaf. Let it dry thoroughly.
Sailors and whalers began the art of scrimshaw
in the 1860s to make the time pass more quickly Plaster Casts of Animal Tracks
at sea. They would scratch a design in whalebone
You’ll find the best tracks for casting near streams,
or polished ivory and
muddy banks, or beaches.
then fill in the lines
with ink. Cub Scouts Materials: Plaster, strip
can use plaster in place of cardboard 11⁄ inches
2
of whalebone to make wide, paper clip, dispos-
carvings that look like able contain-
scrimshaw. Wear them er for mixing
as pendants or use as plaster, dis-
paperweights. posable plas-
tic spoon for
Materials:
stirring
Plaster Waxed paper
dark tempera paint Shellac 1. After you have
nail or sharp tool thong for pendant found the tracks you
for scratching want to cast, brush
away any twigs,
1. Mix plaster as described above.
stones, or dirt from
2. Drop globs of plaster on waxed paper. If neces- around the tracks.
sary you can flatten with your fingers.
2. Surround the tracks with the cardboard strip
3. If you are making a pendant, use the nail or a in the shape of a ring and fasten the ends with
toothpick to make a hole in the plaster for a the paper clip. Push the cardboard into the mud
thong. around the tracks.
4. When the plaster is hard, scratch a design in it 3. Prepare the plaster as described above.
with the nail or sharp tool.
4. Pour the plaster slowly from one side to the other
5. Thin dark tempera and brush one thin coat over over the tracks inside the ring. This way, the plas-
the plaster. Wipe lightly with a paper towel so ter has time to push the air out, and no bubbles
that the dark tempera stays in the scratched will be left.
design but not on the rest of your object. When
5. After about 15 minutes, the plaster should be
the paint is dry, apply a shellac finish.
hard enough for the cast to be removed. While
6. For a pendant, add a thong or heavy cord to tie the cast is still damp, scratch the date and the
around neck. type of animal in the plaster. When it is thor-
oughly dry, remove the cardboard ring.
PlaSter craftS In nature
If you will be doing the plaster casting while on
Plaster crafts can be a great way to keep boys inter- a hike, have each Cub Scout carry a resealable plas-
ested during a nature hike. By seeking out the mate- tic bag with 1⁄ to 1⁄ C. of dry plaster. When you find
3 2
rials and possibilities for casts, they will be paying tracks, boys add a little water from their canteens or
close attention to what’s going on around them. water bottles slowly and gradually into the plastic
bag. Close the bag and knead until smooth. Pour into
Plaster Leaves the ring as described above and dispose of the plastic
bag properly.
Materials: Plastic lid, leaf, vegetable oil, plaster
1. Lightly oil the inside of the lid and the vein side
of the leaf.
2– 26 Crafts
