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Checklist for a Nature Scavenger Hunt for Boy Scouts

Boy Scouts spend much of their time outdoors learning about nature. Planning a nature scavenger hunt is a way to bring them close to the outdoor environment, help them observe their surroundings, teach them to respect the earth and practice conserving its resources. When preparing for the event, use a checklist to make sure everything happens when and as it should.

Permissions
- Before the hunt, get signed permission slips from the scouts' parents if the event is being held away from the regular meeting site. If necessary, get a local tour permit from the council. Schedule appropriate supervision for the outing. There must be two registered leaders in attendance, or one leader and an adult parent. Any volunteers must adhere to the standards and values of the scouting organization.
Prepare for the Event
- Make a list of items to find when you tour the area.
  
  If the site is close enough, visit the area prior to the event. Find out if you need a reservation, what the restroom facilities are like and if there are any potential hazards. Tour the area and decide what items will be put on the scavenger hunt list. List items that will correlate with outdoor training the scouts have been involved in. Type up the list with an area for initialing or checking off items as they are found. Put a picture of the item if it could be confusing.
The Day of the Hunt
- Boys can observe but should not collect.
  
  On the day of the hunt, put the boys into teams. Hand out the list to each team, along with a clipboard and a pencil. Because the Boy Scout organization teaches a "Leave No Trace" philosophy, it's important that the boys only observe items on the list and not disturb or collect them. Therefore, each team should have a camera so they can document their findings. Make sure each team has a timepiece so they'll know when it's time to return. Issue explicit instructions to the scouts.
Tour the Area
- When the time is up, do a head count and be certain that all the scouts have returned to the designated area. Tour the site with the boys and make sure it's free of trash and left in its natural condition. Talk to the boys about the things they saw, and visit any areas they boys want to discuss or have questions about. Congratulate the boys for practicing teamwork and communication skills.
Wrap Up
- Develop the photos and bring them to the next scout meeting. Decide on awards and prizes if you want to make it into a contest. Talk to the scouts about the hunt and why the "Leave No Trace" policy is vital to the environment and the animals that live there. Ask each boy to describe one thing he saw on the hunt and why it was significant, or why it stirred his interest.

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