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!

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:

There is a house, a farmhouse, see?

First take twenty then subtract three.

From Denver you’ll now know how far

That you would need to drive your car.

Historic spot, this place, it’s true,

And this is where our quest finds you.

A path leads west, the only way

You’ll find your goal ‘fore end of day.

So soon the path curves left my friend,

And then a choice which way to bend?

Continue straight? Won’t get you there

Turn right and walk without a care.

The shady road wends through the trees,

The leaves and branches catch the breeze.

It’s peaceful here but you’re not done,

Another fork, two ways, which one?

Turn right again and soon you’ll find

A fork, two ways, with helpful sign.

The trick, you see, is not to take

The labeled ways, they are mistakes.

Another way, unlabeled and

It’s made of dirt, not stone. How grand!

To know the way, you’ll need a tool

So get your compass out, it’s cool!

The azimuth you need – don’t laugh –

Is thirty-seven and a half.

Now that you know the way for sure

You can move forward, no detours.

The path you’re on, it twists and turns

But travels near a fence, you’ll learn.

Stay on it now, a bridge you’ll cross

And then another, don’t get lost.

A fork again, they just don’t stop

Head to the right, now on you hop.

Another fork, treat it the same

The next one too, to win this game.

The path you left, it was plain dirt,

The new one’s gravel, I assert.

It won’t last long, don’t lose your feet

Another right, when reach concrete.

A turn appears, a left at last!

Some pull-up bars, but just go past.

A left turn tempts, you must not stray,

Stay straight ahead, you’ve found the way!

Some picnic benches and some stones,

You’re so close now, so few unknowns.

A bison carved into a rock

Go just beyond, you’ll soon unlock

The secret’s here, it’s on the back

The goal you seek, behind the plaque.

A charm inside, a neat reward.

The game is done, the world explored!

Start Point:

This riddle takes us along the section of trail we’ve adopted as a pack, so please bring along a bag and gloves so you can pick up any trash you find along the way.

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:

To start, my friend, you’ll want to go

To trailhead for McCabe Meadows.

First find a place to park your car,

Then hit the trail and you’ll go far.

Which path to take? Choices abound

Start heading south, past a playground.

Keep to this trail, this concrete way,

Get going now, don’t take all day.

And while you’re here, let’s make a splash

And use some bags to pick up trash.

This trail is ours to take care of

So ask your parent for a glove.

Some trails you’ll see, but they’re not yours

Go right on past, they’re just detours.

Open your eyes and you will see

A fence-mounted free library.

Donate a book, or take one home

But don’t stay long to read a tome.

The path you’re on will stay quite straight

Past houses, gardens, and some gates.

When it begins to curve to right,

Look down and see, it’s quite a sight!

A snake of rocks, they’re painted too!

Feel free to add, they’d like you to.

And now we’re where you must alert

The first time we’ll step onto dirt.

Go right before the “Private” sign

To head back north, a trail quite fine.

It won’t be long, a fork you’ll find,

And go left if you’d be so kind.

A riverbank made of concrete

Step carefully, and keep your feet.

Continue through, we’re not done yet

I hope you didn’t get too wet!

Now up a hill, then left again

You’re getting close, my Scouting friend!

Another fork, stay right this time

Then right around a curve sublime.

The path then splits around a bush

Stay left, be gentle, and don’t push.

The paths rejoin, don’t get confused

We’re looking for some trails disused.

You’ll know you’re there when next you see

A four way split, just past a tree.

Your compass is the tool for you

The bearing should be three one two.

It’s so close now, you’re almost there!

Head down the path without a care.

The place you’ve found, it’s peaceful, no?

But find the tin before you go!

Turn to the right and you will spy

A great big tree that reaches high!

Around the back is where you’ll seek

You’re finished, now enjoy the creek!

You’ve come so far, you’ve sought and searched,

But I won’t leave you in the lurch.

A shortcut home is near at hand

The 4-way fork go back and stand.

Turn to the left, you’ll get home fast

And return to concrete at last!

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:

The summer season’s almost done

there’s one more hike so let’s have fun!

The place to start, a soccer field

Stroh Ranch is where our prize is sealed.

The place to start is south and east

The corner of the lot, at least.

Start heading straight, then round a bend

You’ll pass a playground soon, my friend.

Now heading north, stay on the trail

Don’t cross the bridge or else you’ll fail.

Look left and there a path you’ll see

Turn off the pavement, then run free!

Soon in your way a fork appears

And to the right your body steer.

Along this way you’ll stay some time,

To turn off now would be a crime.

Another fork, left heads uphill

But stay down low, I know you will.

A splashing spot is what you seek

Some waterfalls within our creek!

Now take a rest, maybe hydrate

Don’t get upset, you’re doing great!

Stay on the path, still heading north

Next stop’s a fort so sally forth!

A treehouse here, but it’s not ours

So let’s admire from afar.

Around the back there is a track

Go forward now, and don’t look back!

This way, it forks, I think you’ll find

Just take the right, if you don’t mind.

There’s no surprise, it’s almost fate,

Another fork to navigate.

You’re almost there, keep up your chin,

Turn left and you’ll soon wear a grin.

A tree leans down, it’s on your right

Now do you see? I think you might!

You’ve found the goal, collect your prize

These charms are neat, though small in size.

The fastest way to get back home

Turn left, northeast, and off you roam!

A bridge you’ll find, it’s right ahead

Across you go, no trolls to dread.

A crossroads here, but worry not,

A right turn leads to parking lot.

This trail is ours, we’ve offered aid

To keep it clean of trash that’s strayed.

A glove will help, so ask for one,

A bag for trash, collect a ton!

The way back home, it’s nice and clear

We’ll see you back this time next year!

I hope your summer has been grand

And these hikes helped you love the land.