Scouting at Home

Sometimes you aren't able to make it to regularly scheduled Scouting meetings, but still want to work on Scouting activities from home. In 2020 our Scouting year was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, however that doesn't mean you need to stop your Scouting activities. This page will have a collection of resources that can be used to keep working on activities from Required and Elective Adventures to other fun Scouting activities. These are great for the whole family, not just those in Scouts. So while you're unable to participate in group activities, use these suggestions to stay active!

Coronavirus/COVID-19 Specific News

• BSA COVID-19 FAQ - Information from the Boy Scouts of America about how they are dealing with COVID-19 and how it affects the Scouting program, including Advancement.
• BSA Statement on COVID-19 - A statement fromt he BSA aobut their reaction to COVID-19.
• TFC Advancement & COVID-19 - Three Fires Council's policy regarding advancement in light of COVID-19.
• Center for Disease Control
• Illinois Department of Public Health
• World Health Organization

Family Activity Ideas

I'll have some links to projects you can do on your own, like making a kite, or home-made model rockets, soon.

• Go For a Hike - Most ranks require a hike. Hikes are great ways to get outside and get some exercise and fresh air. Make a hike a family event! There are a bunch of locations in and around DeKalb that are perfect for a hike!
• Bike Hike - DeKalb has a bunch of paved trails perfect for bike rides. Take an afternoon and head out for a ride around our parks.
• Fishing - Many of the ponds around DeKalb are great fishing spots. Mason Park, across from the Elks Lodge, and the DeKalb Rotary Park (just east of 14th Street and south of State) are great fishing spots. Just make sure an adult has a fishing license.
• Gardening - Caring for plants is a great way to learn appreciation for both nature and the food production process. There's nothing quite like eating food straight out of the garden, especially when you helped to grow it!
• Campfires - Nothing says Scouting like gathering around a campfire. Even if you don't have a fire pit at home, think about getting a portable firpit, or even a small barbeque and having a small fire in it. You can even do some campfire cooking!
• Backyard Camping - Set up a tent in the backyard and have a family camping trip right at home!
• Fly a Kite - Take advantage of a beautiful day to head to the park and fly a kite. Better yet, look up plans on how to build your own! A few bamboo skewers and plastic shopping bags can make a fun kite to fly in just a few minutes!
• Model Rockets - An Estes model rocket kit can be bought for only about $20! Don't want to do an Estes rocket? There are even water bottle and air powered rocket kits available! You can even find plans online for making rockets out of household nick-nacks.
• Play a Board Game - Board games are a great family past time. Classics like Monopoly, Sorry, or Risk are great, but there are thousands of new board games that are wonderful for families ! Modern board games can immerse you in stories as rich as any movie or novel, or provide fun, lighthearted diversions. Plan a family game night!
• Put on a Concert - Are you musically talented? Put on a family concert! You could even livestream it on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube for your family and friends!

Required & Elective Adventures

• 30 Day Challenge - Lion - A 30-day plan to completea bunch of Required and Elective Adventures for Lions.
• 30 Day Challenge - Tiger - A 30-day plan to completea bunch of Required and Elective Adventures for Tigers.
• 30 Day Challenge - Wolf - A 30-day plan to completea bunch of Required and Elective Adventures for Wolves.
• 30 Day Challenge - Bear - A 30-day plan to completea bunch of Required and Elective Adventures for Bears.
• 30 Day Challenge - Webelos - A 30-day plan to completea bunch of Required and Elective Adventures for Webelos and AOL.
• Incorporating Scouting in a Homeshool Program - A report written by George Jaros as part of his Woodbadge Ticket with useful information about incorporating Scouting in a homeschool program. There are useful tips for anyone wanting to do more Scouting activities from home.

From Three Fires Council and the BSA

• Scouting At Home - A collection of resources and acctivities for doing Scouting at home, from the BSA.
• Digital Scouting Resources - A bunch of resources for doing Scouting at home and online, for all ages!
• Fun Projects for Kids That You Can Do from Home - From Bryan on Scouting
• Acts of Scouting Service You Can Do from Home - From Bryan on Scouting

Additional Resources

• Pack 131 Resources Page - Be sure to check out our Resources page with a ton of additional information!