Cub Scout Adventure: How to Build My Own Hero “Sandwich”

While the Build My Own Hero elective adventure for Webelos and Arrows of Light has been retired, it is still an interesting activity to “discover what it means to be a hero.”  My first thought on how to do this was to talk about characteristics of heroes.

But most fourth and fifth grade boys have no interest in sitting around talking.

To make this activity a little more interesting, your Cub Scouts can build hero “sandwiches.” They make their hero sandwich by writing a trait of a hero on each ingredient. The ingredients are cut out and stacked up to make a hero sandwich!

This could be used in a few different ways:  1) As a Cub Scout gathering activity for the meeting where the boys will be making hero plaques, 2) As an individual activity, or 3) As a group guided activity where you talk through it with them.

Supplies Needed for Build My Own Hero Sandwich:

• Sandwich Ingredients Printout
• Pencils or pens
• Stapler or brads
• White board or poster board (optional)
• Marker (optional)

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Start by giving each boy a sandwich handout. They'll need to cut out each item, but it might be easier to have them write the traits on the items before they cut them out. They can write “My Hero” on one of the pieces of bread.

Some boys may have trouble defining hero traits, so guiding the boys through a discussion might be best. Ask them to name characteristics, and write them on a white board or a piece of poster board. If they're really struggling, ask them to name some of their heroes then think about what makes that person a hero.

Here's a list of potential hero traits that you can use as prompts.

• Brave
• Strong
• Caring
• Thoughtful
• Courageous
• Humble
• Patient
• Determined
• Dedicated
• Honest
• Loyal
• Responsible
• Wise
• Strong leader
• Trustworthy
• Motivated
• Confident
• Positive

After the Webelos and Arrows of Light have written the characteristics on the sandwich ingredients, have them cut them out and stack them up just like making a sandwich.

Have the boys either staple the pieces together or connect them with a brad. Personally, I like the brads because you can “swing” the pieces to see all of the hero traits the boys have picked.

Yours in Scouting,
Sherry