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The Discovering the World Around You Zone helps Cub Scouts to find out more about technology and the natural world. They will investigate how things work and how things are made, from transport to modern communications. They will also get a chance to explore nature, looking at different environments both human and animal.

Young people have a natural curiosity to explore their surroundings. By the age of eight, Cub Scouts probably already know how to use the Internet, DVD player and mobile phone. They are constantly asking questions about how things work, who made objects, and even whether technology existed when you were their age!

The natural world in which we live is constantly under threat from human activities. Harmful effects include damage to the ozone layer, animals driven to extinction, destruction of the rainforests and the depletion of natural resources.

By giving Cub Scouts the chance to observe and explore the world of nature, you can help them to value and care for their environment. By providing a varied and wide range of activities, you can develop their understanding of the world in which they live. By actively helping the Cub Scouts to discover the world around them, you can help them to:

• discover how things work
• explore the natural world.

Discovering the World Around You fits easily into the Programme all year round. It provides many opportunities for outdoor activities. It can also be adapted to meet the needs of your local area, whether in a rural setting, town or city centre.

You may like to invite a visitor to speak on an environmental issue. Some of the Cub Scouts themselves may have special interests such as computing, photography, pets or a passion for dinosaurs. This will give them a chance to lead an activity and spread their enthusiasm.

We will soon be launching an ideas database, containing programme ideas that you be a useful start for you when planning to help your Cub Scouts discover the world around themselves.