Adventure 1: The Lost Trail

Adventure Overview

Duration: 45-60 minutes Players: 2-6 scouts plus Guide Theme: Hiking, Navigation, Outdoor Skills Best For: Beginner players, all ages

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The Premise

A group of younger scouts from a neighboring pack went on a nature hike but haven’t returned to camp. The adult leaders are organizing search parties, and your group has been asked to help search the East Trail—a path you know well from previous hikes.

The Goal

Find the lost hikers and guide them safely back to camp before sunset.

What’s at Stake

The lost scouts are scared and getting hungry. While they’re not in immediate danger, everyone will feel much better when they’re found!

Setup

Before You Begin

1. Tell the scouts they’re at a summer camp or campout
2. Explain that younger kids from another group are lost
3. Emphasize that the players know this trail well
4. Hand out character sheets if using them

Setting the Scene

Read or paraphrase the following:

“You’re at Camp Wildwood, enjoying the afternoon when the camp director rushes over. ‘We need your help!’ she says. ‘A group of Tiger Cubs went on a nature hike this morning and hasn’t come back. We think they took the East Trail, but got confused at one of the forks. You kids know that trail better than anyone—will you help find them?‘”

Act 1: The Call to Adventure

Scene 1: Gathering Supplies

Before heading out, the scouts should prepare. Ask each player:

“What one thing do you grab before heading out?”

Good answers might include:

• Flashlight/headlamp
• Water bottle
• Whistle
• First aid kit
• Snacks
• Rope
• Compass or map

If a player’s item becomes useful later, grant them +1 on a related roll!

Scene 2: The Trailhead

The group reaches the East Trail entrance.

“The East Trail stretches ahead, winding through tall trees. About a quarter mile in, you remember, the trail splits three ways. Which direction did the Tigers go?”

Challenge: Finding Clues (Smart check)

• Look for footprints, broken branches, or dropped items
• Target: 7+
• Success: Find a small shoe print pointing toward the middle path
• Partial: Find confusing marks—might be the right way, might not
• Setback: Get distracted by interesting bugs (delay, but keep it fun!)

Act 2: Challenges Along the Way

Scene 3: The Three-Way Fork

The trail splits into three paths:

• Left Path: Goes uphill toward Rocky Outlook
• Middle Path: Follows the creek toward Fern Hollow
• Right Path: Loops back toward the nature center

Challenge: Navigation (Smart check)

• Decide which path the lost scouts took
• Target: 7+
• Use clues from Scene 2, or look for new clues
• Success: Confident the Tigers went toward Fern Hollow
• Partial: Pretty sure it’s the middle path, but not certain
• Setback: Start down the wrong path, but notice the mistake after a few minutes

Scene 4: The Fallen Tree

A large tree has fallen across the middle path!

“A big oak tree blocks the trail completely. It’s too big to move. You’ll need to find another way around—or over!”

Options:

1. Climb over (Strong check, Target 7+)
2. Find a way around (Smart check, Target 7+)
3. Work together to clear branches (Group check, need half to succeed)

Setbacks might include:

• Getting a boot stuck
• Minor scrapes (nothing serious)
• Taking extra time

This is a great opportunity for teamwork—encourage players to help each other!

Scene 5: The Creek Crossing

The path leads to a creek that’s wider than expected.

“The creek is about six feet across. Stepping stones lead partway, but the last two are underwater. On the other side, you can see something colorful caught on a branch.”

Challenge: Crossing (Strong or Smart check)

• Strong: Jump or wade across
• Smart: Find logs or rocks to extend the stepping stones
• Target: 7+

The colorful item: A Tiger Cub neckerchief! They definitely came this way.

Setback: Someone gets wet feet—uncomfortable but fine!

Act 3: The Resolution

Scene 6: Finding the Tigers

“Following the creek, you hear voices ahead. In a small clearing, three Tiger Cubs are sitting on a log, looking worried. One of them spots you and jumps up excitedly!”

Challenge: Calming the Scouts (Kind check)

• Reassure the scared Tigers
• Target: 5+ (Easy—they’re so relieved to see friendly faces!)
• Success: The Tigers calm down immediately
• Great Success: One of the Tigers even laughs at something funny you say

What happened: The Tigers followed a butterfly off the trail and got turned around. They did the right thing by staying put!

Scene 7: The Return Journey

Leading the Tigers back is easier—you know the way now!

Optional Challenge: Teaching the Tigers (Kind check)

• Explain the “hug a tree” rule (stay put when lost)
• Target: 7+
• Success: The Tigers promise to remember next time

The Triumphant Return

“As you emerge from the trailhead with the Tigers, a cheer goes up from the camp. Parents rush over to hug their kids, and the camp director shakes each of your hands. ‘You did it! Great job, scouts!‘”

Wrap-Up

Discussion Questions

After the adventure, ask the scouts:

• What was the hardest part?
• What did your character do that you’re proud of?
• What would you do differently next time?
• What did the Tigers learn?

Real-World Connection

This adventure connects to real hiking safety skills:

• Stay on marked trails
• “Hug a tree” if lost (stay put, don’t wander)
• Travel in groups
• Tell someone your plans
• Bring essential supplies

Achievement Tie-Ins

This adventure could count toward:

• Hiking requirements
• First Aid awareness
• Leave No Trace principles
• Leadership development

Scaling Notes

For Younger Players (Ages 5-7)

• Reduce to just 2 challenges before finding the Tigers
• Make all checks Easy (Target 5+)
• Add a helpful animal guide (friendly squirrel?)
• Keep session to 30-35 minutes

For Older Players (Ages 9-11)

• Add a time pressure element (sunset approaching)
• Include map-reading with a real trail map
• Make one of the Tigers have a minor injury to treat
• Add decision points with consequences

For Mixed Groups

• Older scouts lead navigation
• Younger scouts spot clues and help comfort Tigers
• Everyone contributes to problem-solving

Possible Setbacks Summary

Guide Tips for This Adventure

1. Pace the reveals: Don’t give away the Tigers’ location too early
2. Celebrate clues: Make finding each clue feel like a victory
3. Use real knowledge: If scouts know actual navigation skills, let them use them!
4. Keep it positive: The Tigers are scared but safe—no real danger
5. End strong: The camp celebration should feel earned

Continue with Adventure 2: The Community Kitchen or return to Game Mechanics.