Are you looking for a fun and creative activity to do with your Cub Scout? Look no further than the Whittling Chip Card! With just a few materials and some guidance, your Cub Scout will be well on their way to learning the importance of knife safety and the art of whittling.
Step 1: Gathering Materials
The first step to creating a Whittling Chip Card is to gather all of the necessary materials. You will need a piece of medium weight cardboard, a marker, a ruler, a pair of scissors or a utility knife, and a permanent marker or wood-burning tool.
Step 2: Measuring and Cutting the Card
Using your ruler and marker, measure and mark the cardboard in the following sizes:
- 4 inches wide by 3 inches tall
- 2.5 inches wide by 1 inch tall
Using your scissors or utility knife, carefully cut out the two pieces of the card.
Step 3: Creating the Design
Now for the fun part - designing your Whittling Chip Card! Using your permanent marker or wood-burning tool, decorate the larger piece of the card with an image of a knife and the words “Whittling Chip.”
Next, use your marker to draw a small picture of a pocketknife on the smaller piece of the card.
Step 4: Knife Safety Lesson
Before your Cub Scout can begin whittling, it’s important to teach them the proper safety rules for handling a knife. Here are a few key rules to keep in mind:
- Always cut away from yourself
- Always keep your knife sharp
- Always use a cutting board or other flat surface for cutting
- Never run while carrying a knife
Go over these rules with your Cub Scout, and have them repeat each rule back to you before moving on to the next one.
Step 5: Whittling Practice
Now that your Cub Scout knows the basics of knife safety, it’s time to start practicing their whittling skills! Using a soft wood like balsa or pine, have them carefully make small cuts and shapes with their pocketknife. Encourage them to take their time and work slowly, keeping their fingers and thumbs out of the way.
Step 6: Earning the Whittling Chip
Once your Cub Scout has demonstrated their understanding of knife safety and their proficiency in whittling, it’s time to award them with the coveted Whittling Chip! Using their decorated card, write their name and the date on the back and present it to them as a symbol of their hard work and dedication.
So grab your cardboard, marker, and pocketknife and get ready for a fun and rewarding project! Your Cub Scout will learn valuable safety skills and develop their creativity while earning a special symbol of their achievement. Happy whittling!
