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Description

? Big Idea (Keep It Simple)

For this age:

A map = a picture of the place

A waypoint = a special stop along the way

Avoid compass bearings or scale — focus on following a path.

?️ Activity 1: “The Squirrel Map”

Time: 10 minutes
Concept: Map = picture from above

What You Need

Large paper or flipchart

Marker pens

Cones/chairs for real objects

How

Set up 3–4 objects in the room:

Tree ?

Log ?

Rock ?

Nut pile ?

Draw a simple map showing these shapes from above.

Explain:

“This picture shows our room from the sky.”

Walk the group to each object and point to it on the map.

✅ Outcome: They understand maps represent real places.

? Activity 2: “Follow the Waypoints”

Time: 10–15 minutes
Concept: Waypoints = stops on a journey

What You Need

Picture cards (tree, star, nut, squirrel)

Tape or cones

Setup

Place cards around the space in a simple route.

How

Give each child a mini map showing the pictures in order.

Explain:

“These pictures are your stops. When you see one, you’re in the right place.”

Walk together, stopping at each waypoint.

? Celebrate each correct stop.

➡️ Activity 3: Arrow Paths (Bridges to Maps)

Concept: Directions link map to movement

Lay arrows on the floor between waypoints

Children follow arrows to reach each picture

Say directions out loud:

“One step forward”

“Turn left”

? Activity 4: Make Their Own Map (Short!)

Time: 5 minutes

Give paper and crayons

Ask them to draw:

Start (home)

Tree

Treasure

No correction — meaning matters more than accuracy

? Key Language to Use

Use the same words every time:

Map

Start

Stop

Waypoint

Follow

Find

Avoid:

Bearings

Coordinates

Scale ratios

? Scout Learning Goals Met

✔ Following instructions
✔ Spatial awareness
✔ Teamwork
✔ Confidence outdoors

? Leader Tips

Always walk the route once together

Keep routes short and visible

Use stories (squirrels, pirates, explorers)

Praise “trying” more than “getting it right”

? One-Sentence Explanation for Kids

“A map is a picture that helps us find our way, and waypoints are special stops on the journey.”

If you want, I can:

Turn this into a 30-minute Scout session plan

Adapt it for outdoor woodland settings

Match it to a specific Scout section or badge

Just tell me ?️?️

session plan for 4-6 yr olds#

Here’s a detailed 30-minute session plan for teaching maps and waypoints to 4–6-year-olds in a Scout setting ?️?

Scout Session Plan: Introduction to Maps & Waypoints

Age: 4–6 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Skills Developed:

Spatial awareness

Following directions

Teamwork

Confidence in outdoor activities

Objective

Understand basic map concepts (map = picture, waypoint = stop).

Learn to follow a simple map using waypoints.

Session Breakdown
1. Welcome and Warm-Up (5 minutes)

Objective: Introduce the theme, energize the group

Gather the kids in a circle.

Quick storytime intro:

“Today we are going to be squirrels on a big adventure! We’ll be looking at maps to find our way and waypoints to collect special treasures!”

Physical warm-up: Have them pretend to be squirrels by doing small movements:

Run in place like squirrels collecting nuts ?️

Stretch high like a squirrel reaching for a tree ?

2. Introduction to Maps & Waypoints (5 minutes)

Objective: Introduce basic concepts with visuals

Show the group a simple map (on large paper or whiteboard).

Draw a nut pile, tree, and rock.

Point to each object on the map and say:

“This is where we start. This is our tree. This is where we find the treasure!”

Explain the concept of waypoints:

“We are going to walk from one point to the next. Each point we stop at is called a waypoint.”

3. Activity 1: "The Squirrel Map" (10 minutes)

Objective: Practice recognizing and following a map with waypoints

Materials Needed:

Large paper map (with 3–4 simple pictures drawn)

Tape or cones for objects in the room (or outside)

How to Play:

Set up the space:

Place 3–4 objects (like a tree, nut pile, rock) around the space.

Draw these objects on the map.

Walk the group to the first waypoint:

Point at the start on the map (e.g., nut pile) and say:

“Let’s start at the nut pile. This is where the adventure begins!”

Follow the map:

Guide the kids from one waypoint to the next by saying, “Let’s go to the tree now!”

Point to each object on the map as you walk, reinforcing the concept that the map shows the way.

Celebration! When you reach the last waypoint (tree or treasure), cheer:

“We did it! We followed the map to our tree!”

4. Activity 2: "Follow the Waypoints" (10 minutes)

Objective: Practice following directions and recognizing waypoints in real life

Materials Needed:

Picture cards (tree, nut, rock, etc.)

Arrows or tape (to mark directions)

How to Play:

Set up a simple path:

Place waypoints (e.g., tree, rock) in a sequence along the floor.

Each waypoint is marked with a picture card.

Give each child a small map (with pictures of waypoints in order).

They will have to follow the arrows or directions to reach each waypoint.

Walking the path:

The kids follow the arrows/waypoints, step by step, with you guiding them.

When they reach a waypoint, they check it off on their map.

Celebration: When everyone has successfully completed the path, have the group shout “Hooray!” as a team.

5. Cool Down & Reflection (5 minutes)

Objective: Wrap up the session and reinforce learning

Gather the kids in a circle.

Ask the group:

“What did we learn today about maps?”
“Can you show me where the tree is on the map?”

Thank them for following the waypoints and being good explorers.

End with a simple closing song or cheer like:

"We’re all great scouts, let’s give a cheer!" (Clap, cheer, or high-fives)



Key Takeaways for Leaders

Keep instructions short and simple.

Encourage teamwork — everyone follows the map together.

Praise effort rather than correctness. Young kids love being successful, even if they don’t get everything perfect.

Repeat waypoints often: Always say the word “waypoint” so they start to associate it with stopping places.

Resources

Materials Checklist

Large map or whiteboard to draw waypoints

Picture cards (e.g., tree, rock, nut pile)

Tape or cones to mark physical waypoints

Paper and crayons (for individual maps)

Arrows or markers to guide paths

Adaptations for Outdoor or Woodland Settings

Use natural objects like sticks, rocks, or trees as your waypoints.

Lay out the path with natural markers (cones, logs).

Make the route more challenging by adding simple obstacles or tasks at each waypoint (e.g., hop, jump).

Instructions

(none)

Tags

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Badge Links

• All About Adventure - Adventure
• Navigator - Use map