Building a birdhouse for the Cub Scouts is a fun and educational project. The birdhouse not only provides shelter for the birds, but it also teaches the scouts various woodworking skills such as sawing, sanding, nailing, and even painting. With the right kind of guidance and direction, building the perfect Cub Scout birdhouse is an achievable goal, and can become one of the best projects in the Cub Scouts' repertoire. With regards to knowledge, materials, and tools, there are a few pointers that parents and leaders can provide to the scouts when it comes to building a birdhouse. This ultimate guide will provide the Cub Scouts with all the information needed for building a birdhouse and will help them understand the entire project from start to finish. So, without further ado, let’s get started with the building process!Ultimate Guide to Building a Bird House for the Cub Scouts
When it comes to design, bird houses can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes. To give the scouts more creative freedom, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind when building a bird house. First, the birdhouse should measure somewhere between 6.5-8 inches in width with heights of 6-10 inches. The entrance hole should measure 1.25 – 2.5 inches in diameter. Additionally, the bottom floor of the birdhouse should be left open for ventilation. This will ensure that the bird can breathe without having to get trapped inside. When it comes to the materials, common woods such as cedar, pine, and redwood are ideal for building birdhouses.Bird House Designs for Cub Scouts
Having simple and easy-to-follow woodworking plans is the best way to ensure that the Cub Scouts will be able to correctly and effectively build a birdhouse. Providing a straightforward set of plans will help the scouts understand the measurements needed, and proper instructions on how to assemble and disassemble the pieces together. The plans should include drawings, precise measurements, and even a detailed step-by-step guide to make the birdhouse project easier. There are many online and offline resources such as magazines, books, and websites that list various bird house plans, free of charge.Woodworking Plans for Cub Scout Bird House
Now that the Cub Scouts have the right design and plans for their birdhouse project, it is time to get down to business. At the start of the project, the scouts should be given safety equipment, including gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection. Additionally, all tools should be checked for quality and safety. The first step is to select the right size boards for the birdhouse project. Next, they need to trace the pattern for the sides of their house onto the wood, and then cut it out with the circular saw. Finally, the bird house should be assembled by nailing the sides and back, so that it all stays in one piece.Cub Scouts: Step by Step Plan for Making a Bird House
Although the standard bird house design works just fine, the scouts may be wondering what innovative ideas they can incorporate into the design for their bird house. There are many online and print resources where the scouts can find creative ideas and designs for their birdhouse. This will add a personal touch to the project, and they can let their imagination wander freely for unique and interesting elements to include. Furthermore, the scouts can express their creative skills with decorating, painting, and even adding additional features such as a feeding perch. With some imagination and guidance, the Cub Scouts will be able to create a one-of-a-kind birdhouse that not only looks great but is functional.Making a Cub Scout Bird House – Ideas & Inspiration
With the basic birdhouse plan prepared, it is now time to start thinking about the materials needed for the Cub Scouts’ bird house project. A few items they may need include one to two pieces of pre-cut wood for the sides and back, a circular saw for cutting, wood screws, a hammer, nails, glue and perhaps some paint or decorations. The scouts should also be familiar with the proper use of the tools and materials going into the birdhouse project. This will help execute the building of the bird house safely, and accurately. Additionally, they should also learn to properly measure and cut the pieces that will assemble the birdhouse at the end.Bird Box Plans for Cub Scouts
Once the tools and materials have been prepared, it is now time to start building the birdhouse. To do so, the Cub Scouts need to follow the simple and straightforward step-by-step procedure as mentioned in the plan. This will aid the scouts in better understanding the process and ensuring that the final product is in good condition. Additionally, the project can be done with the help of the scout leader, parents, or older members as this will help the scouts complete the job in no time. Starting with the assembly of the sides and back, the leaders or parents should assist the Cub Scouts to correctly make sure that the pieces fit together accurately, and as per the measurements noted in the plans. Next, they need to nail the pieces together, and once that is complete, the Cub Scouts can move on to decorate the birdhouse.How to Make a Cub Scout Bird House?
Now that the birdhouse has been constructed, it is time to turn it into the perfect home for birds. This is possibly the most exciting part of the project as the scouts get to add their own creative touches that will make the birdhouse their very own. The Cub Scouts should not hesitate to use any leftover paint or decorations, or even use hub caps, seashells, and any other material that can help give the birdhouse a one-of-a-kind look. Furthermore, the Cub Scouts should also pay attention to the roof and add any number of strips of wood to make sure it can withstand the elements. With this, the birdhouse will be good to go and the scouts can proudly display it in their yard!Build the Perfect Cub Scout Birdhouse
To make the project even more interesting and challenging, why not provide the Cub Scouts with a set of plans that will help them build different types of birdhouses? This will increase their woodworking skills, and provide them with a great learning experience. Alternating between multiple birdhouse plans can also give the scouts a feeling of accomplishment, and inspire them to work harder on subsequent projects. It doesn’t even matter if the birdhouse isn’t perfect, as it can still be sold at fundraising events, or given away to benefit and help out various charitable organizations. The scout leader or parent should include these elements into the project to make it even more rewarding, and another successful activity that was completed.Cub Scouts Building Projects - Bird House Plans
Building a birdhouse is not as hard as it may seem, as long as the right tips are in place. Thus, the scout leader or parent should provide the Cub Scouts with useful tips that will save time, and make the job easier. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when building a birdhouse. Choose the right materials, such as wood boards. Ensure that the woods are of good quality, and are not broken, split, or cracked. Use the correct tools, such as a power drill, hammer, saw, screwdriver, and even a level. Also, make sure that all the measurements are accurate, and follow the right guidelines for the birdhouse.Bird House Design & Building Tips for Cub Scouts
Building a birdhouse is a great DIY Cub Scouts activity! It is not only a fun and exciting project that will provide educational benefits, but it is also a chance for the Cub Scouts to explore their woodworking, carpentry, and creative skills. Not only will the scouts be able to take pride in creating the perfect home for birds, but it is an excellent chance to get them away from screens and explore a constructive activity. Cub Scouts of all skill levels can take part in the birdhouse project, as there is no right or wrong way to go about it. Thus, it should be encouraged and help promote the scouts’ development, and impart knowledge about nature, as well as woodworking skills.DIY Cub Scouts Activity: Build a Birdhouse For Your Yard
How to Build a Cub Scout-Ready Bird House
Building a bird house is a great activity to do with Cub Scouts. The Cub Scouts learn the importance of bird conservation, and develop proper hand-eye coordination and build-your-own crafts skills too. Plus, bird watching is a great way to learn about nature and what makes up the local ecosystem. Follow these steps on how to build a Cub Scout-ready bird house and take your Scouts on a bird watching adventure.
Materials Needed for a Cub Scout Bird House
To ensure your bird house is Cub Scout-ready, make sure you have the right materials . For this example, you'll need one poly-predator guard, one inch PVC pipe and four cedar deck boards. When selecting cedar deck boards, choose ones that have a tight grain pattern and no flags. Flags are small pieces of wood sticking out from the boards and can give birds in the bird house vertical space, which is not ideal for a well-built bird house.
Cutting the Bird House Parts
Using a saber saw, cut the four cedar deck boards to the required lengths. To create a rough opening, cut a one-inch hole into the 12-inch board. Then use the 15-inch board to cut a roof for the bird house, making sure it is slightly larger than the 12-inch board. Also, cut a backboard section out of the remaining two boards. After all the parts are cut, use sandpaper or a belt sander to smooth out any rough edges.
Assembling the Cub Scout Bird House
Begin by placing the 12-inch board in the middle of the work surface. Position the backboard boards so they are 5 inches from the top and 5 inches from the bottom of the 12-inch board. Then, drill two holes on either side of the 12-inch board, just below the roof line. Next, use screws to attach the roof to the top of the 12-inch board. Lastly, insert the predator guard and PVC pipe into the pre-drilled holes, then use screws to attach it securely.
Finishing the Cub Scout Bird House
Apply a waterproof sealant or stain to the bird house, using a paintbrush to coat all sections evenly. Allow the sealant or stain to dry before moving onto the next step. After drying, attach a hook to the back of the bird house so it can easily be hung on a tree or fence.
Attracting the Birds to the Bird House
Now that the bird house is built, it's time to attract birds. Line the bird house with soft nesting material such as plant fibers, grass clippings, cotton, or feathers. Then, hang the bird house near trees or shrubbery and wait to see what birds decide to inhabit the bird house.