Urban Walks for Cubs

Urban Adventurers: Exploring Our Community on Foot

This activity helps Cub Scouts build confidence walking safely in urban and semi-urban environments. Cubs practise walking together as a Patrol, using the buddy system, following simple rules, and noticing features of their local community. Urban walks are an easy way to get outside during a normal Cub night or a daytime activity, while also working towards Bushwalking Outdoor Adventure Skills.

What you'll need

Leaders

• Compact Group first aid kit

• Phone or communication device

• Access to emergency information

• Map or planned route (paper or digital)

• Head torch or light (required for low-light or night walks)

• Spare warm layer and snacks

• Water and sunscreen

Cub Scouts

• Sturdy footwear
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Hat or beanie
• Water bottle
• Small snack (if walking longer than 30 minutes)
• Personal medical devices (if required)

Activity

1. Getting Ready to Walk

• Explain:

  • Where you are going

  • Why you are doing the walk

  • How long you will be out

• Share the walking rules:

  • Stay with the Group

  • Stop at intersections and wait

  • Stay between the Leaders

  • Use designated paths

  • Respect other people using the area

• Assign buddies

• Check clothing, footwear and water

• Visit the toilet before leaving

2. Urban Walk

• Walk the planned route as a Group

• Leaders regularly scan to ensure all Cubs are visible

• Stop for short breaks to drink water or check comfort

• Watch for changes in behaviour that may indicate:

  • Tiredness

  • Hunger

  • Needing the toilet

  • Being too hot or cold

• Use points of interest as natural rest stops

3. Optional Walking Activities

Penny Hike

• At intersections, a Cub flips a coin to choose direction

• Leaders guide decisions to ensure the group returns on time

Local Shops or Community Visit

• Walk to a local shop, fire station, park or community space

• Purchase an item for a future activity or simply explore

Navigation Fun

• Practise left and right turns

• Identify street signs, parks or landmarks

• For older Cubs, introduce basic compass directions

Scavenger Hunt (day walks)

• Patrols look for items or landmarks marked on a simple map

• Take photos or note what was found

• Compare results at the end

4. Return and Review

• • On return, allow time for toilets, water and snacks

  • Ask simple review questions:

    • What was our walk for?

    • What did you enjoy most?

    • How did we work well as a Patrol?

    • What would you like to do next time?

Change the challenge level

• Keep walks short and very familiar for younger or newer Cubs

• Increase distance or duration for confident Units

• Add navigation or observation challenges

• For day walks, include a longer route with a picnic or lunch stop

Reflection