The provided source materials detail a collection of free resources, discounts, and printable materials available to Cub Scout families and troop leaders. These resources span physical field trips, digital printables for events and crafts, and exclusive discounts on scouting gear. The information was compiled through community contributions, including members of a Facebook group dedicated to freebies and deals for youth groups. While many resources are explicitly available to Cub Scout leaders and families, several are also applicable to other youth organizations such as Girl Scouts and Frontier Girls.
The sources highlight a distinction between official scouting programs and third-party vendors. Official free resources are primarily limited to field trips and educational programs, such as those offered by Home Depot and Apple. Conversely, digital printables—such as scrapbook tags, candy bar wrappers, and event invitations—are largely created by independent designers and sold via personal shops or blogs, though some free samples of these designs are available. Additionally, significant cost-saving opportunities exist through outdoor retailers that offer tiered discounts for scouting troops.
Free Field Trips and Educational Outings
Several sources identify specific national programs that offer free access to Cub Scouts and their families. These programs are designed to provide educational experiences and recreational activities at no cost.
- Home Depot Kids Workshops: Held on the first Saturday of the month at participating locations. These workshops provide all necessary supplies to complete a project, free of charge. Participants receive an orange apron and a project pin.
- Free Bowling: A summer program offering two free games of bowling per day for children at participating locations.
- EAA Young Eagles Flight: The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) provides free introductory flights for young people.
- Apple Free Field Trips: Apple offers field trips that focus on technology and creativity, encouraging the use of their products in an educational setting.
Free Printable Resources and Craft Ideas
A significant portion of the available freebies consists of printable digital assets. These are primarily used for scrapbooking, event decoration, and den meetings. While many printables are sold in shops, free samples are available for personal use.
- Scrapbooking and Tags: Free printable rectangular tags featuring "cute little bear cub scouts" are available for download. These are recommended to be printed on white cardstock and trimmed with a paper trimmer.
- Blue & Gold Banquet Printables: A "Minions" theme is suggested for Blue & Gold Banquets, which celebrates the anniversary of Scouting. Free Minions-themed printables are available to assist with decorating and planning games and activities.
- Candy Bar Wrappers: A printable chocolate candy bar wrapper with interchangeable tags is available. These can be used for birthday gifts, den advancements, or encouragement gifts. The creator recommends printing on photo paper for best results.
- Scout Law Nuggets: Printable wrappers for nuggets (snack food) that feature the Scout Law are available. These are suggested as gifts for new scouters or as centerpieces for banquets.
- Cub Scout Day Camp Themes: For leaders organizing day camps, community members suggest utilizing freebies for decoration and crafts. One specific request for a "trains" theme highlights the need for inexpensive craft ideas and posters.
Discounts for Scout Families and Leaders
Beyond free physical items, the source material identifies several discount programs for purchasing camping and scouting gear.
- Great Outdoor Provisions Co.: Offers a 10% discount on camping, hiking, backpacking, and climbing gear (excluding sportswear) for Scouts and Scout Leaders. The discount increases to 25% for communal troop supplies when leaders place special orders in advance.
- Hiker Direct: A program providing discounted camping gear—such as tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks—to members of various scouting organizations in the United States. Registration is required to access these deals.
- Local Retailers: Some big sports and outdoor retailers offer discounts to Scouts, though availability varies by location and requires checking with the specific store.
Community and Planning Resources
The sources emphasize the role of community in identifying and validating free resources. Leaders are encouraged to join groups such as "Freebies & Deals for Girl Scouts and Youth Groups" to share experiences regarding what was sent, delivery times, and how resources are utilized. Additionally, comprehensive guides are available for planning specific scouting events. These include "Derby Made Easy" for pack derbies and "Troop W.I.S.E. Training" supplements. Standard patch shape templates are also available for download, eliminating the need to draw council strips or lodge flaps manually.
Conclusion
The available free resources for Cub Scout families and leaders are diverse, ranging from physical field trips and educational workshops to digital printables for scrapbooking and event planning. While official scouting organizations provide limited direct freebies, a robust network of third-party vendors, community groups, and retail partners offers significant value through free samples and exclusive discounts. Leaders are advised to leverage community forums for the most current information on freebies and to utilize specialized discount programs for bulk troop supply purchases.