Living in the burbs doesn’t offer much in the way of farm life, but fortunately, most suburban setting have a petting zoo not too far away. Taking your cub scout den to an operating farm or petting zoo is a great way to introduce young scouts to animals and a way of life they might have never been exposed to before. I defy you to find a scout who doesn’t want to take a baby goat home with him!
Several of the Cub Scout levels require tasks that focus on animal care, and a trip to the petting farm will let you check off a lot of boxes. If possible, call ahead and see if the facility offers private tours for scouts. A lot of the times, these guided tours will allow you even more up close and personal time with the animals, and a knowledgable instructor will keep you from having to know the answers to all the questions that your scouts are sure to ask.
Farms and petting zoos are the perfect environment for active young scouts. This is one of those rare places where running around and being loud is actually okay. The petting zoo Go See It has been one of the top trips our scouts have made, and they are always asking when we can go back. If you have anything like this nearby, take your den for a visit, and I bet your scouts will have the same opinion as mine.
Thanks for explaining that petting zoos are a great way for the scouts to be exposed to new animals and ways of life. I’ve been involved with my local cub scouts and need to think of some fun activities for next month. I’m glad I read your article because I think the scouts would really enjoy going to a petting zoo, seeing some new animals, and maybe even going on pony rides!