Cub Scout Buddy System Check

The Cub Scout buddy system helps keep our kids safe. Try this fun buddy check method to make sure the Scouts are sticking with their buddy.

Keeping our children safe is the top priority of the Boy Scouts of America. That’s why the Boy Scouts of America has developed the “Sweet Sixteen” of BSA safety procedures to help ensure that our Scouts are safe.   

The Sweet Sixteen points apply to all Scouting activities–especially physical activities. They are included in the Guide to Safe Scouting.

One of the most important points of the Sweet Sixteen is the buddy system. When participating in an outdoor activity, Scouts should have a buddy. They should know where that buddy is at all times, and they should never go anywhere without their buddy. 

There are several Cub Scout adventures with requirements about the buddy system. Some of them are aimed at helping Cub Scouts learn about the system, and some are for using the system.

All of the swimming elective adventures use the Cub Scout buddy system, but I didn’t include those in this list

Lion Elective Adventure – Let’s Camp Requirement 1: Learn about the buddy system and how it works in the outdoors.

Tiger Elective Adventure – Let’s Camp Requirement 1: Learn about the buddy system and how it works in the outdoors

Wolf Required Adventure – Paws on the Path Requirement 2. Learn about the buddy system and how it works in the outdoors. Pick a buddy for your walk.

Wolf Required Adventure – Safety in Numbers Requirement 3: Learn about the buddy system and demonstrate how it works.

Wolf Elective Adventure – Let’s Camp Requirement 1: Learn about the buddy system and how it works in the outdoors. 

Wolf Elective Adventure – Pedal with the Pack Requirement 6: With your den, pack, or family, following the buddy system, take a bike ride.

Bear Elective Adventure – Bears on Bikes 7: With your den, pack, or family, follow the buddy system, and go on a 30-minute bike ride.

Bear Elective Adventure – Let’s Camp Requirement 1: Review the buddy system and how it works in the outdoors.

Bear Elective Adventure – Salmon Run Requirement 4: Demonstrate the use of the buddy system, buddy checks, and ability groups with your den or an adult.

Webelos Elective Adventure – Pedal Away Requirement 6: With your den, pack, or family and using the buddy system, go on a bicycle ride that is a minimum of 5 miles.

Arrow of Light Elective Adventure – Cycling Requirement 7: With your patrol, pack, or family and using the buddy system, go on a bicycle ride that is a minimum of 10 miles.

While I was at Philmont a few summers ago, I learned a very simple buddy check system that is especially effective when you’re hiking.

Before you start your hike, have the Scouts pick their buddy. Number each pair of Cub Scouts, and explain how the buddy check works. When you call out, “Buddy check!,” the Scouts will make sure they are standing next to their buddy, and they’ll start counting off. 

Tell them that they are only to say their number if their buddy is with them.

For example, my son Grant and his friend Ethan are buddies. Before we start on a hike, the pairs of Scouts are assigned a number. Grant and Ethan are number 1. 

When a leader announces, “Buddy check!,” Grant and Ethan will start the count by yelling, “One!” But they can only say their number if they are together. If Grant has wandered off, Ethan can’t say “One.”

If there is a pause in the numbers, you’ll know that a Scout may be missing. In my opinion, this is a great addition to a visual check. From time to time during your hike, perform your buddy check to help ensure that your Scouts are safe.

I’m sure you have some great ideas of how to do a buddy check. Share them in the comments!

Yours in Scouting,
Sherry

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