2026 Summer Scavenger Hunt
The Pack 396 Summer Scavenger Hunt is a fun way to get Scouting families outdoors whenever they have time, since summer schedules can be so busy. There will be one token hidden for the month of June, one for July, and one for August. Scouts will receive a charm for finding each token and can attach it to the scavenger hunt badge for the year, as well as satisfying the participation requirements for the Summertime Fun Adventure if they can’t attend other pack events. Check back here for more riddles at the beginning of each month!
June Riddle – About 1.25 Miles
Start Point:
Before you begin, please make sure your Scout has a compass! They will need to use it (with help) to find the token on this month’s riddle. If you don’t know how to take a bearing (also called shooting an azimuth) you can review here:
If you need to use a map with your compass to complete an adventure for your den, you can find a printable map of the area here:
A park there is, with trails and fun,
Adventure here has just begun.
Your trail begins where many do
At ancient map that’s not much use.
It’s faded, cracked, and so we’ll need
Another way to guide your feet.
This poem ought to do the trick
So listen close and listen quick!
The trail goes off and to the right,
You know the way, I thought you might.
Four ways to go, you’ll need a tool
So “use your compass” is the rule.
I’ll lead the way, so listen please
Set azimuth to twelve degrees
Stay on the path, don’t stray an inch
I’ll help if you get in a pinch.
Another split, three ways to go
Turn left I’d say, and I should know.
There’s so much here you could explore
But later please, and not before.
Turn right to pass a teepee frame
And cross two bridges, both the same.
The path will twist just like a snake,
Your next right is the turn to take.
You’ve found a place for parking cars
Another right and you’ll go far.
A path heads off between two stones,
You’re on your way, and not alone!
You’ll stay on here for quite some time
The view from here is quite sublime!
Some forks you’ll see, but don’t take those
The gravel path, onward it goes.
You’ll pass a rock, so flat and smooth,
A table top for Cub Scout youths.
Don’t dally here, there’s more to do
Continue down the path so true.
You’ll know you’re right when sidewalk shows
Let’s follow to see where it goes!
A bridge is next, over the creek,
You’re very close to what you seek.
Turn left after the bridge my friend,
You’ll see a table past the bend.
A shady spot with babbling brook
I’ll help you know just where to look.
Beyond the bench, into the trees
Just check around the rear side, please.
You’ve found the tag, congrats to you!
Now take a charm, just one, not two.
I’ll lead you back, the way is clear
You’ll get back on the path from here.
Don’t turn back now, that’s not the way
Head east, then south now don’t you stray.
The path is wide, it’s paved and flat
We’ll follow it, imagine that!
Don’t waver now, you’ll pass a bench
Some water here, your thirst might quench.
You’ll know you’ve come to your next turn
When sign you see, with things to learn.
Off to the right you soon will see
A ring of stones among the trees.
Pause if you must to sing a song
We’re not done yet, so don’t take long.
You’ll hear the sound, a splashing sound
The Cherry Creek must be around!
Within the flow, there are some stones
So step across to get back home.
The trail you want is to the west
Please head that way, it would be best.
Two paths diverge, around a pond
The right one’s right, the left one wrong.
A boardwalk here, you’re almost done!
We’ve walked our trail and had some fun.
Look up and the gazebo waits,
The stairs lead past its wooden gates.
Back down the path, you know it well.
The way from here, I don’t need tell.
July Riddle – About 2.25 Miles
Start Point:
Before you begin, please make sure your Scout has a compass! They will need to use it (with help) to find the token on this month’s riddle. If you don’t know how to take a bearing (also called shooting an azimuth) you can review here:
If you need to use a map with your compass to complete an adventure for your den, you can find a printable map of the area here:
Our trip begins as many do
It’s at a park you can drive to.
At Cottonwood, the eastern one
The other side from rocket fun.
A trail starts here, it heads straight west
So let’s set out, that’s my request.
A labyrinth sits off to the right
It’s worth a visit some fine night.
But don’t be tempted, there’s no time,
There is a treasure, seek and find!
Some trees there are, along this path
On the right, count 10, that’s math!
Now turn and leave the concrete trail
Go through the fence, you will not fail!
Of yellow posts there are but three
Go past them all, and then you’ll see.
A fork with choices left or right
Have a compass? Thought you might!
Nine-ty degrees will get you there
Now trot along, without a care.
This path will lead you somewhere cool
So follow me, I’ll share the rules.
The next time concrete your feet touch
Turn left, if that’s not asking much.
You’ll walk right past the old Hood House
Creep quietly, just like a mouse,
And soon enough you’ll surely see
Another fork, with choices three.
Go back the way you came? No chance!
So give your compass a quick glance.
If it’s still set to ninety then
You can just follow it again.
The trail, it curves and heads up hill
Enjoy the view, I know you will!
A bench is here, so sit, relax.
And when you’re calm, head right on back.
Around and down, and then straight past,
The place you used your compass last.
Some paths you’ll see, don’t let them tempt,
From turns you are, for now, exempt.
Until you see a two-way fork
Left looks quite good, but it won’t work.
Across the bridges, one and two
I counted them, and so can you!
Don’t cross the third, that’s one too far,
Turn north as though to seek a star.
This trail leads past a house for bats
And then you’ll reach the end at last!
The star you sought, it’s carved in stone
So close you are, how brightly shone!
An E is carved, it points the way
To what you came to seek today.
Hung in a tree there is a tin
It has some tiny charms within.
You’ve earned your prize, so take one now
How to get home? I’ll tell you how.
Back past the bats, until you reach
The bridges three that span the beach.
Turn left to head back to the spot
Where trails converge – there are a lot!
Go straight across, you’ll be on dirt
Then through the fence, your path divert.
The trail you’re on bends southward now
Through trees, past buildings tumbled down.
It curves again, towards rising sun
Don’t lose hope now, we’re almost done!
You’ll reach a place you’ve been before,
An intersection here once more.
Last time was east, the way you went
Go southerly, with firm intent.
You’ll find yourself back in the park
Where all began, the first bright spark.
August Riddle – Come Back Later
Start Point:
Before you begin, please make sure your Scout has a compass! They will need to use it (with help) to find the token on this month’s riddle. If you don’t know how to take a bearing (also called shooting an azimuth) you can review here:
If you need to use a map with your compass to complete an adventure for your den, you can find a printable map of the area here:
Come Back Later