| book store |
Chapters is a good place to start. Look at the various books and magazines. See how book are organized. Visit the children's section. Read a story or a poem. |
| botanical gardens |
There's something interesting almost any time of the year. Spring is wonderful! Varying programs. Many times there are brochures available. |
| bowling |
Alleys will usually put inflatable bumpers in the gutters. |
| building suppliers |
See if the have hands-on workshops — such as with Home Depot. These fill up fast. |
| bus trip |
Travel across the city to go to a picnic or the library. Take transfers. Most of your Beavers have never been on a bus. |
| camp |
Spend a day at camp just finding out what's there. Stay overnight and have an entirely different adventure. |
| children's museum |
Always a changing and many times hands-on exhibits. |
| conservation areas |
Many have scouting programs available. And, there's usually exhibits and hands-on. Many also open all year. |
| craft store |
Such as Michael's or White Rose. Many times you can either visit, or they'll come to visit you. |
| dentist |
Or Orthodontist. Each Beaver gets a brief examination and finds out what the dentist does. Some dentists may even give out tooth brushes or toothpaste samplers. |
| donut shop |
In this area, the donut capital of the world, it's Tim Horton's. Check out the shops in your area. |
| electric company |
Contact your local electric distributor. They may come in and show your Beavers about electrical hazards and how they can be safe. |
| farmers' market |
Look at the various fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses and baked goods. At the Jackson Square Farmers Market, also go to the library. |
| fire stations |
Visit a local fire hall. See the equipment and learn about fire safety. Like police and many others, phone ahead of time. |
| fruit farm |
Various activities at different times of the year. Apple pressing, pumpkins, hayrides, maple syrup. |
| hike |
Find a local nature or hiking trail. Have Beavers bring a lunch, find out about nature, and play games along the way. |
| historic sites |
Such as Dundurn Castle. Currently geared more towards Cubs, but there is potential. |
| interesting people |
You've heard this one about the butch, baker and candle stick maker. Also try the photographer for things like shoe box cameras, a woodcarver, a hula dancer, and so on. |
| judo/karate clubs |
These folks give great demos. Besides, they're probably looking for recruits. |
| library |
Look at the various books and magazines. See how book are organized and how people find things. Visit the children's section. Read a story or a poem. The librarian in the children's section has plenty of good ideas. |
| lumber store |
Link this to your program with wood and wood products. Can be interesting and entertaining. They may even throw in some promotional freebies. |
| McDonald's |
Tour, burger and drink. |
| military museum |
This is a blast. (No pun intended.) Perhaps the Beavers can try on uniforms. |
| model railroading club |
Usually great layouts, lots of neat stuff, and willing demos. |
| movie theatres |
Go to the movies along with your Cubs. New releases of just-for-kids movies come out around Christmas. Get a group rate. |
| Museum of Steam and Technology |
OK. This is Hamilton-Wentworth, and it might be too much for your Beavers. Check it out. See what they offer. |
| parks |
Local parks have exciting things for Beavers. Perhaps there's a hiking trail, playground equipment, trees and wide open spaces. |
| pizza parlour |
Sometimes it costs you, and sometimes not. You'll have to negotiate. |
| planetarium |
At McMaster University it costs $35 per group with a limit of 50. Program tailored to the Beavers. Some Beavers however, are afraid of the dark. |
| police |
Local station visit. Try for a K-9 visit. Very interesting. Also try OPP. |
| SPCA |
An interesting tour. |
| supermarkets |
Try the Barn or Fortino's. Sometimes they hand out interesting sample. Kids love the free stuff. |
| swimming |
At various pools. |
| veterinarian |
Find out what these doctors do. What kinds of pets to they look after: birds, dogs, cats? Operations? What about farm animals? |
