Thanks Ken and Les! This is just the kind of feedback I'm looking for. Hug-a-Tree is the central theme of this exercise so you're bang on in terms of your suggestions.

Les, great idea about the order of presentation. It's a much better approach to add onto what they already know. We'll also have the more experienced Cubs bring their kits in and explain what's in them and when and how they'd use the stuff. Peer-peer learning can be even more effective than adult-youth, as long as the leaders are there to correct misinformation.

I LOVE the environmental experience approach! It's something that has worked well with my son and is something that we'll be doing throughout the year on hikes and at camps. We will be teaching them map and compass work, fire building and knife skills but those will be acquired very gradually