Cub Scouts is a wonderful experience for young students to make meaningful relationships with other adults and students in a safe space. Additionally, they get a chance to explore new topics and gain interpersonal life skills. Here are 20 activities covering a wide variety of topics to help littles learn and grow at Cub Scouts.
1. Cope Tag
In this activity, each Cub Scout places three clothespins on an accessible part of their uniform shirt. Throughout the game, scouts try to steal clothespins from other scouts’ clothes. If scouts lose all their clothespins, they’re out!
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2. Popsicle Stick Harmonica
Cub Scouts use a few large popsicle sticks and rubber bands with a little bit of paper to make a harmonica. This is an easy craft for students to complete on their own without much help from adult leaders. Cubs could even bring them along on future Cub Scout adventures.
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3. Catch the Dragon’s Tail
Cub Scout leaders divide the group into several smaller groups. Each group forms a chain by holding onto the shoulders of the person in front of them. The last person tucks a handkerchief into their back pocket. Each group’s “dragon” tries to steal others’ handkerchiefs.
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4. Alphabet Game
Cub Scouts will love this high-activity game. Divide the den into two teams- giving each team poster paper and a marker. Scouts have to come up with a word for each letter of the alphabet based on a given theme.
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5. Charades App
Cub Scouts can play charades without the pack leader’s help using this app! Scouts will have the chance to hone their non-verbal communication skills in this action-packed game. Up the ante with a prize for the winning team!
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6. Solar Oven S’mores
Cub Scouts use a pizza box, foil, and other basic supplies to make a solar oven. After the oven is complete, scouts can load it with s’mores and place it in the sun. Once the s’mores are baked, scouts can enjoy them as a snack.
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7. Crab Soccer
In this game, Cub Scouts divide into two teams. The game is played like regular soccer, but students have to crab walk instead of running regularly. Whichever team scores the most goals within a set timeframe, wins!
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8. Catchphrase
This game is a hilarious way to kick off the next Cub Scout Pack Meeting. Cub Scouts are divided into teams and try to describe the word on the screen without saying the word. As soon as their team guesses correctly, they pass it off.
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9. Nature Hunt
Move the den meeting to the park one week and have scouts take a nature walk. As they walk, they can check off items they see on this checklist. The Cub Scout with the most checked-off wins!
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10. Tying Knots
Cub Scouts can learn one of the Boy Scout knots during the Cub Scout year. Here’s a list of the required knots and an instructional video. Turn this into a fun game by seeing who can tie a knot the fastest.
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11. Pool Noodle Games
Scout Leaders use pool noodles and wooden dowels to set up a croquet course. Once the course is set up, Scouts can play croquet using a soccer ball and their feet. The first one to complete the course wins!
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12. Pinewood Derby
The Pinewood Derby is a huge event in Cub Scouting life. In this event, a Cub Scout constructs their own pinewood toy car based on set specifications. At the end of the building time, they race their cars.
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13. Egg Drop Experiment
Each Cub Scout gets some supplies and one raw egg. Each Cub Scout has to build something to protect their egg. After a designated amount of time, use a ladder or scaffolding so that Cub Scouts can test their contraptions.
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14. Cub Scout Jeopardy
Review what Cub Scouts have learned in previous Cub Scout Pack Meetings with Cub Scout jeopardy. Divide into 2-3 teams and watch Cub Scouts review their Scout knowledge in this fun game. Categories include Facts, History, and “Our Pack”.
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15. Saran Wrap Ball
In this fun game, wrap prizes and candy in layers of a saran wrap ball. Cub Scouts sit in a circle. Scouts have 10 seconds to put on oven mitts and unwrap as much as possible. When the timer beeps, they pass it to the next person.
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16. Rain Gutter Regatta
Similar to the Derby, a Cub Scout gets to test their sailing prowess in the Rain gutter regatta. Each Cub Scout is given the same starting materials and tasked with fashioning a wooden sailboat. Use part of the Den activity time for scouts to give it a test sail.
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17. Vinegar Rocket
Using a liter soda bottle and construction paper, each Cub Scout must construct their own rocket. When a Cub Scout’s rocket is done, they will fill it with baking soda and vinegar and then shake them up. As the rockets start to foam, ask the Cub Scout to place it on the Lego launching pad to blast off.
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18. Ping Pong Ball Launcher
Scouts can cut the bottom off of a Gatorade bottle and then add a rubber band and a bead to create a handle to make this ping pong ball launcher. After construction, see who in the Cub Scout program can shoot it the farthest.
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19. Ocean Slime
A Cub Scout can easily make their own slime using basic household ingredients with just a little help from leaders. Once the slime is made, scouts can work miniature creatures into their ocean. Alternatively, leaders can make up a large quantity of slime and challenge students to find the most creatures.
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20. Pom-Pom Race
In this popular game, Cub Scouts must try to blow a pom-pom across the floor. The first person to make it across the finish line wins! Pack leaders can make the game more challenging by turning it into a relay.
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