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!

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:

Before you start you’ll need the place

It’s Ray J. Harvie Open Space.

A parking lot, a bathroom, yay!

Just walk right past, you’re on your way.

A fork this soon? We’ve just begun!

The right’s the way to have our fun.

A bridge you’ll see, now go across

Go to the structure amid the rocks.

The stones you’ll see, they’re placed just so

I’ll tell you where you want to go.

Some signs to read, a table too

The stones you want are one and two.

They are attached, connected with

And sit along the pathway in.

The far one’s flat, a perfect perch

Now jump right up and have a search.

A compass is the thing you need

The perfect tool, it is indeed.

Put red in shed and orient

An azimuth is my intent.

To find your way you must arrive

At bearing number two five five.

Just line it up and you will see

A landmark there, a single tree.

Your path will lead along this route

You’ve had a break, it’s time to scoot!

Just past the tree, another split

Stay to the right and just don’t quit.

You’ll crest the rise and you will see

The splendor of a mountain scene.

Enjoy the view but don’t stop here

It’s getting warm, this time of year.

Another fork, who would have guessed?

Stay right my friend, that would be best.

Around the curve, there is a spot

To take a break if it’s too hot.

A picnic bench, some shade and stones

The perfect place to rest your bones.

A fence you’ll see, with middle gap

Two stones lie here to take a nap.

Jump right on up, a perfect place

To stand and smile with your face.

Your compass here you’ll need again

To find your way, my Cub Scout friend.

True north’s the way, zero degrees

Let’s see if we can find some trees!

Around the bend and soon you’ll spot,

A path, but pass without a thought.

Go right on past, don’t even look

The path you want curves like a crook.

You’re looking for the last of three

Shade structures on this property.

No picnic bench, but grab a snack

And pull your compass from your pack.

Your azimuth same as the first

It’s two five five, your way reversed!

Around these bends you’ve been before

Your path, your way, the one ignored.

Turn left and go between two posts

The way you’ll find is not like most.

The trail til now has been hard-packed

But starting here, a rougher track.

Your way is marked, guideposts abound

They’re on your left, you’ll want to count.

Follow along, between the trees

Until you’ve counted thirty-three.

Then on the right, down low you’ll find.

Tied to a trunk, your goal entwined!

You’ve found your way, you’ve had your fun.

Pull charm from tin and then you’re done!

Keep going if you want to leave

Don’t turn back now, you must believe.

The path rejoins the graveled trail

Turn right, go fast, not like a snail.

A fork but you will stay to right

You’ll make it home before the night!

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 starting point, my dearest child

A neighborhood called Idyllwilde

Grand Hall there is and Fika too

The spot you want’s between, it’s true.

A map’s the thing, so stand and look

And you can read it like a book.

One step to left and there will be

A windmill there, to catch a breeze.

That’s the spot so make your way

Around and down, don’t take all day.

But don’t stop here, continue on

And soon a fork you’ll find, just yon.

Which way to go? You are no fool

You know a compass is the tool.

So take a look and you will see

A bearing which is one eight three.

Go down the hill straight to the base

A concrete path, this is the place.

Now take a left, you’re headed east

You don’t have far to go, at least.

Two ways you’ll see, both south and north,

Turn right, my friend and then go forth!

A park you’ve found, the path cuts back

How will you know if you’re on track?

Go past the swings and soccer field

To passing bikes you ought to yield.

You’ll see when you’ve gone far enough

A baseball diamond in the rough!

Now take a right across the bridge

And then turn left, after a smidge.

Up and around, the path you’ll take

To see a sign with birds and snake.

From here which way? You know the trick

Your compass bearing two six six.

Continue now, and you won’t fail

Look for a sign to Six Point Trail.

Now follow friend the way it shows

Don’t fall asleep, stay on your toes.

Another sign, same trail to walk

Stay on the Six Point Trail, don’t balk.

Go to the right, but please don’t boast,

Stay on this trail, look for a post.

It’s on the left and painted white

The path it marks will be just right.

The hill is steep so take your time

Up and up and up you’ll climb.

Now after that you might need rest

A bench you’ll find, to sit is best.

What’s that you see up on the hill?

A watchtower, that’s quite a thrill!

Let’s make our way, and I don’t care

Whichever way will get you there.

Now walk the stairs, go to the top

And look around, your jaw will drop!

It’s quite a view from way up here

You can see things both far and near.

From here you’ll see visual feast

But make your way to south and east.

At this corner, you’ll need your friend

The compass leads right to the end.

You are above, your path you’ll see

The one you want: thirty degrees.

Clamber down, you’re almost done

Along the path a tree, just one.

It’s hidden there, down near the ground

You’ll see a tag, it’s blue and round.

Grab out your charm, you’ve finished, Scout!

I’ll let you find your own way out.