Cubs

Book Reader

How to earn your badge: 

1. Make a list of at least six books you have read or used recently.
   • Books you have read on an e-reader count too.
2. Name the authors of your books.
   • Tell your leader or other Cubs something about three of your books. At least one book should be fiction and one should be non-fiction.
3. Show that you know how to care for your books and know the benefits a library can bring to people who enjoy reading.
4. Show that you can use a dictionary and a thesaurus.
   • You could show that you can use visual (pictorial), verbal, printed, or online dictionaries or thesauruses.
5. Write a review of your favourite book and share it with your Sixer, an Explorer Scout Young Leader or your Cub Leader.

Collector

How to earn your badge: 

1. Over three months, build up a collection of similar items.
2. Display your collection in an exciting and interesting way.This can include displaying your collection through photographs or using a computer/tablet.
3. Talk about items in your collection.Which things particularly interest you?
4. View a collection made by someone else.What do you like or dislike about the way it’s presented?

Cyclist

How to earn your badge: 

1. Regularly use a bicycle, which is the right size for you, with a cycle helmet.
2. Show you can clean and oil a bicycle. Show how to pump up the tyres and mend a puncture.
3. Explain why you must lock up a bicycle when you leave it unattended.
4. Make a poster to promote road safety to pedestrians or cyclists.
5. Talk to your leader or other Cubs about the safety measures you need to take when you cycle in bad weather.
6. Choose one of these two options and finish all the tasks for the option you choose:
   1. Road safety
      • Show that you can mount and dismount your bike properly.
      • Show how to keep your bicycle in a roadworthy condition. Why is it important?
      • Explain why it’s important to use lights and reflective clothing.
      • Go for a short ride in a safe place to show an adult that you can ride safely and confidently.
   2. Off-road safety
      • Find out about the safety equipment you need for cycling off-road.
      • Show that you’re able to control your bike over different types of terrain.
      • Find out where, in your local area, is safe to cycle off-road.
      • Plan and carry out a five-mile cycle ride off-road.

Equestrian

How to earn your badge: 

1. Show that you know how to dress safely for riding.Explain why it’s important to wear a hard hat and the proper footwear.
2. Point out the main body parts of a pony or horse.
3. Point out the main parts of a saddle and bridle.
4. Learn how to approach a pony or horse correctly.
5. Learn how to mount and dismount a horse safely.
6. Show the correct way to sit in the saddle.
7. Show how to hold the reins correctly.
8. Show how to walk and trot safely in an enclosed area, without a leading rein.
9. Show you can do two of these skills:
   1. walking without stirrups
   2. walking on a loose rein and shortening the reins
   3. riding up and down a hill at walking pace
   4. cantering
   5. riding over a single pole or very small fence

Hobbies

How to earn your badge: 

1. Over three months, be actively involved in a hobby of your choice.
2. Show and explain to your leader or Explorer Scout Young Leader what equipment, materials and background information you have used to take part in your hobby including any safety rules.
3. Talk about your hobby including why you have chosen it and what you enjoy about it.
4. Talk to your leader about how you plan to develop your hobby, interest or skill in the future.

Local Knowledge

How to earn your badge: 

1. Do three of the following activities:
   1. Find out about a famous person who lived in or near your area.The famous person could be from the past or present. Or you could learn about a famous building, monument, earthworks or other place of historical interest and visit it. Talk about what you find out with your leader or other Cubs.
   2. Collect pictures of your county, borough, district, town or village coat of arms.Find out what the coat of arms represents. Try to find as many different places as you can where the coat of arms is displayed. Tell your leader how many you found.
   3. Talk to someone who has lived in your local area for a long time.Find out about what life was like when they were young. What changes have they seen in the local area over the years?
   4. Draw a map of your area.Mark places of interest on it and, with other Cubs, go on a short walk in your local area. Point out any features of interest to your leader.
   5. Design a poster, leaflet or web page to advertise your area to a visitor.

Martial Arts

How to earn your badge: 

1. Regularly take part in a martial arts activity for at least three months.Show how you’ve improved over that time. Your martial arts activity should be recognised by your nation’s sports council.
2. Discuss with a leader the skills needed and the rules to be observed.
3. Take part in one exhibition or competition.

Skater

How to earn your badge: 

1. Use a skateboard, scooter, or in-line, quad or ice skates, on at least three occasions.
2. Learn some safety rules about skating on the road and in other public places.
   • Show what clothing and protective equipment you need to wear for your activity. You might include helmets, knee pads or elbow pads.
3. Show how to start, stop and turn safely.
4. Show how to fall safely and regain balance.
5. Show how you do three different manoeuvres.
   • You could demonstrate travelling backwards, spinning, jumping or turning.

Musician

Swimmer

Snowsports