Wolf Pedal with the Pack Adventure for 2024

The Pedal with the Pack Adventure is a great way for Wolf Scouts to learn about cycling and staying safe on the road. In this adventure, Wolves will explore different aspects of biking, from choosing the right gear to understanding how to ride safely. This activity not only boosts their physical fitness but also teaches important safety skills.

During the adventure, Wolves will learn how to wear a helmet correctly and why it is important for protecting themselves. They will also discuss what clothing is suitable for cycling, which helps them make smart choices about personal safety. Knowing about different types of bicycles and where they are best ridden adds to their knowledge and prepares them for many biking environments.

Wolves will also practice starting and stopping their bikes without help, which is crucial for safe riding. They will learn hand signals to communicate with other road users, making their rides safer. These practical skills help them gain confidence and independence while biking.

By participating in this adventure with their den, pack, or family, Wolves use the buddy system, which reinforces the value of teamwork and responsibility towards others. This shared experience not only makes cycling more enjoyable but also strengthens community ties within the pack.

Requirements for the Wolf Pedal with the Pack Adventure

Pedal with the Pack Adventure Requirements

1. Show how to properly wear a bicycle helmet. Show you can take off and put on without help.
2. Decide what you should wear when riding a bike.
3. Learn  about different types of bikes and when/where you might ride these different types.
4. Demonstrate you can start and stop your bicycle without help.
5. Demonstrate proper hand signals. 
6. With your den, pack, or family, follow the buddy system and take a bike ride. 

Resources for the Wolf Pedal with the Pack Adventure

Helmet

Show how to properly wear a bicycle helmet. Show you can take off and put on without help.

For the first requirement of the Pedal with the Pack Adventure, Wolf Scouts learn to properly wear a bicycle helmet. They must be able to put on and take off the helmet by themselves. This teaches them how to make sure the helmet fits right and stays secure. A well-fitted helmet is very important because it protects the head during a fall or crash.

1. Place the Helmet on Your Head: It should sit level and cover your forehead, not tipped back or forward.
2. Adjust the Straps: The straps should form a “V” under each ear. Make sure they are even.
3. Buckle the Chin Strap: Fasten the strap under your chin. It should be snug but comfortable.
4. Check the Fit: Shake your head gently. The helmet should stay in place and not slide around.

Here is an option for fulfilling Wolf Pedal with the Pack Adventure requirement 1:

• Helmet Fitting
  • Cub Scouts demonstrate how to properly wear a helmet.
  • Supplies: bike helmets
  • outdoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

By learning to do this, Wolves become more responsible for their safety while biking.

What to Wear

Decide what you should wear when riding a bike.

For the second requirement of the Pedal with the Pack Adventure, Wolf Scouts think about what clothes are best for bike riding. It’s important to wear the right clothes to stay safe and comfortable. Here are some suggestions:

• Helmet: Always wear a helmet to protect your head!
• Bright Clothes: Wear clothes that are bright and easy to see, so drivers and others can spot you easily.
• Closed-toe Shoes: Choose sturdy shoes that cover your toes to protect your feet.
• Gloves: Consider wearing gloves to protect your hands and improve grip.
• Sunglasses: These can protect your eyes from the sun and dirt.

Here are some options for fulfilling Wolf Pedal with the Pack Adventure requirement 2:

• Gear Check
  • Cub Scouts demonstrate what clothes to wear when going for a bike ride.
  • Supplies: scissors, glue sticks, Bike Gear worksheet, Bike Gear Answer Key
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
• Gear Classification
  • Cub Scouts choose proper clothes and gear for a safe bike ride.
  • Supplies: various clothes, various shoes helmets, reflector vests or bracelets, safety pads
  • outdoor, moderate energy, 3 to 5 days prep

These clothes help make riding safer and more enjoyable.

Types of Bikes

Learn  about different types of bikes and when/where you might ride these different types.

For the third requirement of the Pedal with the Pack Adventure, Wolf Scouts learn about different types of bicycles and where it’s best to ride them. This helps them understand which bike is suitable for different situations. Here are some common types of bicycles:

• Road Bikes: These are designed for speed on paved roads. They have thin tires and a lightweight frame.
• Mountain Bikes: Built for rough terrain, these bikes have thick tires with deep tread for grip and a sturdy frame to handle bumps.
• Hybrid Bikes: A mix of road and mountain bikes, hybrids are good for general purpose riding over various surfaces.
• BMX Bikes: These are for tricks and racing on dirt tracks. They have a compact frame and single gear.
• Cruiser Bikes: Best for leisurely rides around the neighborhood or on flat paths. They usually have a comfortable seat and simple gears.

Here is an option for fulfilling Wolf Pedal with the Pack Adventure requirement 3:

• Types of Bikes
  • Cub Scouts learn about different types of bikes.
  • Supplies: Types of Bikes worksheet, pencils, Types of Bikes Answer Key
  • outdoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

Understanding these types helps Wolves choose the right bike for their activities.

Starting and Stopping

Demonstrate you can start and stop your bicycle without help.

For the fourth requirement of the Pedal with the Pack Adventure, Wolf Scouts must show they can start and stop their bicycle on their own. This skill is important for safe riding.

Starting the Bicycle:

1. Put one foot on the ground and the other on a pedal raised to the top.
2. Push down on the pedal and at the same time, push off the ground with your other foot.
3. Sit on the seat and place both feet on the pedals to continue riding.

Stopping the Bicycle:

1. Slowly press the brakes with your hands.
2. As the bike slows, take one foot off the pedal and prepare to put it on the ground.
3. Once stopped, put both feet on the ground to stabilize.

These steps help Scouts ride safely by controlling their bike at all times.

Practicing how to start and stop a bicycle can be more fun with a few creative ideas. Here are some suggestions for Wolf Scouts:

• Obstacle Course: Set up a simple obstacle course with cones or other safe markers. Scouts can practice starting and stopping as they navigate through the course. This adds a challenge and makes it more engaging.
• Red Light, Green Light: Play a game of “Red Light, Green Light.” One person calls out “green light” to go and “red light” to stop. This game helps Scouts practice quick starts and stops while making it a fun competition.
• Traffic Cop Game: Have one Scout act as a “traffic cop” who directs others when to start and stop riding. This can be rotated so all Scouts get a chance to direct and obey traffic rules.
• Timed Races: Set up a short track and time Scouts on how quickly they can start, ride a set distance, and then stop at a designated line. They can try to beat their own times or compete with each other in a friendly way.
• Bike Relay Races: Organize relay races where each Scout must start, ride to a point, come to a complete stop, and then have a teammate continue. This adds teamwork to the skills of starting and stopping.

Here is an option for fulfilling Wolf Pedal with the Pack Adventure requirement 4:

These activities not only make practicing fun but also enhance the Scouts’ biking skills through playful learning.

Hand Signals

Demonstrate proper hand signals. 

For the fifth requirement of the Pedal with the Pack Adventure, Wolf Scouts learn how to use proper hand signals while biking. These signals help cyclists communicate their actions to other road users, making biking safer.

Here are the main hand signals:

• Left Turn: Extend your left arm straight out to the side.
• Right Turn: Extend your right arm straight out to the side. Alternatively, you can also bend your left arm up at the elbow.
• Stopping or Slowing Down: Extend your left arm and bend it down at the elbow.

Learning hand signals can be more fun with a game:

• Hand Signal Simon Says: Play “Simon Says” with hand signals. For example, “Simon says show a left turn signal.” This helps Scouts practice the signals while focusing on quick reaction times.
• Signal Tag: Play a game where Scouts must use the correct hand signal before they can tag someone.
• Hand Signal Scavenger Hunt: Organize a short bike ride where Scouts must interpret hand signals at checkpoints to determine their next direction of travel.

Here is an option for fulfilling Wolf Pedal with the Pack Adventure requirement 5:

• Show Me A Sign
  • Cub Scouts demonstrate hand signals while riding a bike.
  • Supplies: bicycle helmets, closed toed shoes, bikes, Activity Consent Form 
  • requires travel, high energy, 1 to 3 days prep

These activities make learning hand signals fun and engaging, helping Scouts remember and use them correctly while biking.

Go for a Ride

With your den, pack, or family, follow the buddy system and take a bike ride. 

For the sixth requirement of the Pedal with the Pack Adventure, Wolf Scouts are encouraged to take a bike ride using the buddy system. This system pairs Scouts together to ensure that no one is left alone during the activity, enhancing safety and accountability.

Here are some creative ideas for the bike ride:

• Themed Rides: Organize a ride with a theme, like a nature trail ride or a historical sites tour. Scouts can learn about the theme beforehand and look for specific things during the ride.
• Bike Rodeo: Set up a bike rodeo with different stations where Scouts can practice their biking skills, including an area for starting, stopping, and signaling. Incorporate fun challenges that they can complete with their buddies. See some bike rodeo ideas here.
• Picnic Ride: Plan a bike ride to a local park where the group can enjoy a picnic. This can be an opportunity for Scouts to plan the route and pack their own snacks.
• Bike Decorating Contest: Allow Scouts to decorate their bikes before the ride. They can show off their creative work to their buddies and even have a contest for the best-decorated bike.
• Photography Ride: Encourage Scouts to bring cameras or use phones (if appropriate) to take pictures of interesting things they see on the ride. This can be turned into a photo scavenger hunt where they look for specific items or scenes to capture.

See lots more ideas for a Cub Scout cycling event.

Here is an option for fulfilling Wolf Pedal with the Pack Adventure requirement 6:

These ideas not only make the bike ride more enjoyable but also help reinforce the importance of the buddy system and teamwork during outdoor activities.

Before any activity, check the SAFE Checklist to make sure everyone is safe. Everyone involved in Scouting America activities should know the Guide to Safe Scouting and other relevant guides or books. Also follow any state or local rules that are more strict than Scouting America rules and guidelines.

Before starting a craft activity, watch the Craft Tips video.

Before starting this Adventure:

During the Adventure:

• Perform an “ABC Quick Check” on the bicycles before riding. Use the checklist from the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center for air, brakes, cranks, chain, and cogs.

More information

Frequently Asked Questions for the Wolf Pedal with the Pack Adventure

What do I need to bring for the Pedal with the Pack adventure?

Bring a bicycle that fits you, a properly fitting helmet, water bottle, and wear comfortable clothes suitable for biking.

Do I need a special type of bike for the Pedal with the Pack adventure?

No, any bike that is safe and fits you well is fine. You could use a road bike, mountain bike, or any other bike you have.

Can I complete the Pedal with the Pack adventure in one day?

Yes, most groups can complete it in one day. Plan the bike ride and activities with your den or family to fit into a single day.

What if I don’t know the hand signals?

Your den leader or another adult can teach you the hand signals during a meeting or before the bike ride. It’s easy to learn them.

Is it okay to ride on the sidewalk?

This depends on local laws. Some places allow bicycles on sidewalks, while others do not. Always check the rules in your area and follow them.

What should I do if my bike breaks down during the ride for the Pedal with the Pack adventure?

Stay with your buddy and ask an adult for help. It’s good to carry basic tools or have an adult who knows how to fix bikes.

Why do we use the buddy system for the Pedal with the Pack adventure?

The buddy system keeps you safe. You look out for each other and help each other if there’s a problem.

Wolves on Wheels!

The Wolf Pedal with the Pack adventure focuses on teaching Scouts how to ride bicycles safely and responsibly. Throughout this adventure, Wolves learn important skills such as wearing a helmet correctly, choosing appropriate clothing for cycling, and understanding different types of bikes.

The Pedal with the Pack adventure starts with Wolves learning how to properly wear a bicycle helmet and the importance of using it every time they ride. They practice putting on and taking off the helmet without help, ensuring it fits snugly and provides maximum protection. Scouts also discuss what types of clothing are best for biking, emphasizing the need for visibility and comfort.

Scouts then explore different types of bicycles and learn which are best suited for various terrains and activities. They also practice starting and stopping their bikes on their own, a crucial skill for safe riding.

Hand signals are another key focus. Wolves learn how to signal their turns and stops to others, which is important for preventing accidents. The big event for the Pedal with the Pack adventure is a group bike ride using the buddy system. This not only reinforces safety practices but also promotes teamwork and friendship among the Scouts.

The Pedal with the Pack adventure is an exciting way for Wolf Scouts to gain confidence and independence while enjoying the outdoors. It teaches them valuable life skills that include responsibility, safety awareness, and the importance of physical fitness.