problem solving games for cubs

Team Building Activity: Paper Plate Shuffle

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This paper plate shuffle game is an excellent team building activity for Scouts (or any kid) of all ages. You only need a few paper plates, and you're ready to start the game. It teachs kids how to work together to solve problems.

The lowly paper plate is something that should be in everyone's Cub Scout den bucket .  Scouts can turn them into puppets, frisbees, masks and drawing canvases just to mention a few.

They don't need to be expensive–just the simple white ones will work.  If you have a few in your supplies, you can easily play a game to keep the Scouts busy during a lull in a Cub Scout den or pack meeting.

One fun game to play is the Paper Plate Shuffle .  Parents play too!  It's a great team building game–perfect as a gathering activity !

Divide group into equal teams.  Give each person a paper plate , and give each team an extra paper plate .  Set up a start line and a finish line.

The goal is to move from start to finish by stepping only on the paper plates .  The most effective way is to move forward in single file .

Each person stands on their paper plate .  The last person passes the extra plate quickly up the line to the first person, who puts in on the ground.  The team then moves forward one step (one plate) by stepping on the new plate.  Players must always stay on the plates .

The twist is that we don't tell the Scouts how to play the game .  They have to figure it out on their own.

The Paper Plate Shuffle can be used for these adventures:

Tiger Adventure – Games Tigers Play 1a:  Play two initiative or team-building games with the members of your den.

Tiger Elective Adventure – Earning Your Stripes 5:   Play a game with your den. Then discuss how your den played politely.

Tiger Elective Adventure – Tiger-iffic! 3:   Play a problem-solving game with your den.

Tiger Elective Adventure – Tiger-iffic! 6:  Play a team game with your den.

Wolf Adventure – Running With the Pack 4:   Play a sport or game with your den or family, and show good sportsmanship.

Bear Elective Adventure – Grin and Bear It 1:  Play a challenge game or initiative game with the members of your den. Take part in a reflection after the game.

The game is hilarious to watch as people try to figure out how to do it–especially if you know the answer! 

But it gives our Scouts an opportunity to practice their problem-solving skills in a small group.  I love it when something fun is teaching them a life skill !

Yours in Scouting, Sherry

P.S. If you liked this Cub Scout game, sign up below for more fun activities for Cub Scouts!

Barbara Aldridge

Thursday 5th of October 2023

I am new to scouting and got drafted into becoming a den leader with pack 268, Chickasaw Council Mphs, TN (wolves and bears). I absolutely love your ideas. I will definitely incorporate them into our den meetings. Oh,and thank you for relating them to the requirements.

Wednesday 13th of December 2017

This activity worked out well. Also like how you list the requirements that translate to the activity.

6 Exciting and Helpful Scout Law Index Card Games | Cub Scout Ideas

Wednesday 25th of October 2017

[…] love it when we can use everyday items for super fun Cub Scout activities! Remember the paper plate shuffle? Today, I want to tell you about 6 games that you can play with index cards that will help your Cub […]

Friday 13th of October 2017

With this game, do i just give the kids the paper plates and explain they need to make from point a to b with only stepping on paper plates?

Active & Passive Activities at Cub Scout Den & Pack Meetings

Sunday 20th of March 2016

[…] The Paper Plate Shuffle Game […]

Fun Cub Scout Games: 11 Epic Indoor and Outdoor Pack Activities

Games are one of the best ways that Cub Scouts have fun and build relationships, whether indoors or outdoors! In the Cub Scouting world, boys and girls alike learn many useful life skills and make exciting memories while playing games within their dens and packs.

What are the best games for Cub Scouts? The best games for Cub Scouts include a mix of fun, camaraderie, and skill-learning. Pack and den favorite games like “Steal the Bacon” and “Minute to Win It” merge play with teamwork and Scout knowledge, ensuring an exciting and educational experience for every Cub Scout participant.

PS. This article is a guest post collaboration between Cub Scouting volunteer Jaci H and Cole  🙂

In this article, I’ll tell you about several awesome games that can be played by practically every Cub Scout! My son, who has passed the days of Cub Scout games, but still has fond memories of those fun times, shared his experiences. I also sought input from several former Cubmasters and Cubs.

The thing I like about games is that they reinforce skills that are important for learning. They also provide opportunities for team building and communication skills.  When the Scouts do these things and they are fun, they connect the dots better– and the kids tend to retain the information for the long term. – Dave W., former Cubmaster from California 

Are you ready to learn 11 exciting games that you can share with your pack or den? First, let’s talk about popcorn! Follow along… I’ll explain. If you’ve already entered the world of Cub Scouts, you understand popcorn’s important role as a Scouting fundraiser . So, let’s have some fun with it! It’s only natural that some games have been developed using a popcorn theme.

11 Fun and Easy Games For Cub Scout Packs and Dens

Cub scout game 1: popcorn play.

This game is perfect for large groups of Cubs! One variation of popcorn play involves the Cubs sitting on the floor or in chairs in a vertical row. There can be as many teams as needed. The first person in each team scoops popcorn from a large container with a bowl. All the players behind him have empty bowls. 

How to play: The first player dumps the popcorn from his bowl (over his head) into the bowl of the person behind him. Of course, that Cub is trying to “catch” as much popcorn in her own bowl. She then dumps the popcorn from her bowl, over her head, to the person behind her. The last Cub dumps whatever popcorn is left into a larger nearby container. This process stops when the first team has filled that container– or until a specific amount of time has passed.

The second variation of this game involves only two Scouts (of the same rank) sitting one in front of another facing forward. The front Cub tosses 10 pieces of popcorn over his head while the Cub behind him catches as much as he can in a bowl.  The number of pieces collected are added up and recorded. Players alternate spots until everyone has played. Teams with the youngest Scouts typically get an advantage, such as a larger bowl to catch the popcorn!

In the end, the team with the most popcorn wins! As you can imagine with either arrangement of this game, there will be a bit of popcorn to clean up when the fun and games are completed. 😛

Skills learned: Teamwork and how to toss/catch objects accurately

Cub Scout Game 2: Steal the Bacon

One of my son’s favorite games was called Steal the Bacon. You can play this game anywhere you have a bit of space, and just need two teams lined up on either side. An object (“the bacon”)– which could be a football, a shirt, or anything you want– is placed in the middle. This just over-a-minute video relays the main idea of the game, although obviously our version has been tailored to Cub Scouts.

An adult then asks a Scout-related question to each team, one at a time. If the team gets the question correct, they run to grab the object. As soon as they’ve grabbed that object, the opposing team can try to tag them before they return to their safe zone. If they return without getting tagged, they get a point. Scouts can determine the number of points to end the game.

You’re on a team with your friends, competing, and getting to be athletic. It’s a great combination of skill and fun. It also incorporates physical fitness, which is an important element of Scouting.   – Life Scout Zach H. from California

Skills reinforced: Scout knowledge, agility

Cub Scout Game 3: 20 Questions

With 20 questions, there is one Cub at a time who comes up with a noun for the other Scouts to guess. Scouts get to ask one “yes or no” question at a time to determine what the Cub is thinking. Answers must be truthful. If the Cub’s noun is not guessed after 20 questions, he wins and another Cub takes a turn. If the Cub’s noun is guessed within the 20 questions, a new player starts sooner.

To make the game more relevant to the Scout world, Cubs can be given directions on what noun to pick. For example, leaders could ask them to select a camping trip from the past year, think of a skill they learned, or come up with anything else Scouting-related! 🙂

Skills taught: Coming up with uncommon nouns and asking insightful questions

Cub Scout Game 4: Make Me Laugh

While typically laughing and smiling are encouraged when we play games, in Make Me Laugh, the goal is to avoid cracking a smile. Divide the Scouts into two teams. Then select one player from each team to face each other. They can stand or sit, whichever you prefer. 

Now, in the next timed two-minute period, one Cub is tasked with doing whatever he can to get the other to laugh. Anything that looks or sounds like a laugh means you’re out!  Once out, the two switch roles. When they’re done, another set of players goes. The team with players who keep their composure the most often is the winning team. 😉

Extra challenge ideas: 1) have the Cub who is trying not to laugh stand with a mouthful of water. You’ll probably want to do that version outside! 2) Watch a minute or so of this video (6:42) to see how family members handle the game by only using sounds. 

Skills observed: Facial relaxation, how to be silly

Cub Scout Game 5: Name That Tune

Name That Tune is a great game for groups with young musicians or singers. Of course, that is not a requirement but an extra benefit. A smartphone with access to appropriate music will suffice just fine. This game is great to mix into a pack meeting for extra fun.

It would be most beneficial to prepare for this game by making a music set list. You might even make more than one. For example, the youngest Cubs might enjoy tunes like “It’s Raining Tacos,” “I’m a Gummy Bear,” and “Who Let the Dogs Out?” The goal is to be the first Cub to identify the song from just hearing its beginning notes.

Another list might interest the older Scouts who are about to transition to Scouts BSA: “Heat Waves,” “Cha Cha Slide,” “Counting Stars,” and “On Top of the World” are a few ideas. Of course, these are just a few examples and popular songs will vary depending on where you live.

Skills learned: Tune recognition through good listening

Cub Scout Game 6: Two Truths and a Lie

Two Truths and a Lie is a great game to play while sitting around the campfire during a Scout outing. The game requires no equipment but definitely benefits from some creativity. One at a time, each Cub gets to share three things about themselves.

The goal is to make the list sound somewhat believable and reasonable. For example, “I’ve been to the moon. I have 2 sisters. I cleaned my room yesterday.” does not include three such statements. Change the first one to “I’ve traveled to Oregon,” and that could work. No matter who plays the game, you’ll always learn something about the people with whom you play!

I brought this game to our Cub Scout pack. It gives the kids a chance to say something unique about themselves. It also works as a terrific time filler at any needed moment. – Brian H., former Cubmaster from California

Skills taught: Keeping a straight face, coming up with creative facts 

Cub Scout Game 7: Burlap Sack Race

The burlap sack race is a bit old-fashioned, physical, and a lot of fun! Scouts race while hopping in a burlap sack. There is a starting place and a finish line. If you want to be more official with the finish line, use a piece of rope or something like caution tape for the racers to run through. You can check out this quick video (1:46) for a refresher on the game.

To include lots of Cubs in this game, you could plan it as a relay race where hoppers tag their teammates. The team that has everyone hop to the finish first wins! Larger packs might want to choose this option to get more Cubs involved in the game faster. However, I’d encourage you to add unique rules to make this activity even more fun!

Skills reinforced: Coordination and speed

Cub Scout Game 8:  Akela Says

Akela Says is essentially the same game as Simon Says but with a different name. According to this Wikipedia page , Akela from The Jungle Book has been used in Scouting programs for decades. In this case, Akela refers to an individual who mentors a Scout and can change upon the setting. At a den meeting, the Akela would be the leader while at home, it would be a parent.

Just as in Simon Says, in Akela Says one Scout gives direction to all other Cubs. If he says, “Akela Says…” then all others must perform the action. If he does not say that, anyone who performs the task is out. Of course, the Cub calling out Akela Says will perform all actions to try to trick the others into doing them when they are not supposed to. Whoever remains standing last is the winner of Akela Says! 😀

Skills observed: Listening

Cub Scout Game 9: Flashlight Tag

Flashlight Tag is like a cross between hide and go seek and tag, making it the perfect evening meeting or camp activity! The difference is that in flashlight tag, you’re out if the light beam “hits” you instead of a hand “tagging you.” This is a great game to play at a campout as well. We recommend the Scouts stay with a buddy while playing this game and that a safe area be outlined as the border for the game.

I remember one time we were playing flashlight tag and having a lot of fun. At one point, my brother was getting chased and tripped on a rock. After his wound was tended to, we all had a good laugh. Now, it is one of our best memories of Cub Scouts. – Eagle Scout Corbin A. from Utah

Skills learned: Careful footwork, speed, hiding

Cub Scout Game 10: Broomball

Broomball is generally played on ice, and is basically hockey, but uses a softball-sized ball and broomball sticks. If you live in a town with a lot of safe, public ice fields in the winter, it will be easy to find a place to play. Otherwise, see if the local ice rink will allow you time to play.

For Cubs without access to a real ice rink, a basketball court would also work well for broomball. Honesty, Cub Scouts will have fun anywhere you choose! Broomball is a team sport, so it involves some coordination and knowledge of rules. You can watch this P.E. class video (6:47) to learn how to play this fun and exciting sport. 

Skills taught: Speed, agility

Cub Scout Game 11: Minute to Win It

Minute To Win It games have become popular with packs because you can make up so many different games for the Cubs to play! The premise is simple: contestants have one minute to complete the task– or complete as much as they can in one minute. The possibilities for these games are truly endless!

In the video (15:37) below are 10 extremely fun Minute To Win It games that could be perfect for your next Cub Scouting event. I personally really like nose dive, stack attack, and this blows, for Minute To Win It games, but I’d encourage you to try out any that look fun!

Because there are so many options for Minute To Win It games, maybe this article should’ve been called 60+ games your Cub’s Pack will love! Before you go, I wanted to share with you this excellent article from MomLovesBest on 50 fun Minute To Win It games with video tutorials . Hope the Cubs in your pack have a blast with all of these ideas! 😀

Skills observed: A huge variety as it depends on the challenge!

Conclusion 

No matter what game you choose, Cub Scouts are bound to have a fun and memorable time. However, to take things up a notch, you could even challenge your Cubs to create an entirely new game! That task would encourage them to be creative and to collaborate. You can never go wrong when smiles and laughter are involved!

Thanks so much for dropping by, and for being an awesome part of Cub Scouting! If you enjoyed learning about these awesome games for your Cub Scouts to play,  I’d highly recommend also checking out any of the following articles if they spark your interest:

• The 3 Biggest Benefits Of Cub Scouting (Also Written by Jaci H)
• What To Expect At A Cub Scout Pack Meeting (To Be Prepared)
• Cub Scouting Costs In 2023: Uniforms, Fees, And More
• Everything To Know About Cub Scout Ranks And Advancement
• 51+ Incredible Scouting Facts (To Wow Your Troop or Pack)

That’s all for now! Hope these fun games and activities help to connect your pack and leave the kids with even more positive memories of Cub Scouting. Hope to see you back here at ScoutSmarts again soon.  Until next time, I’m wishing you some thrilling Cub Scout game times ahead!  😀

Jaci H is the proud mom of an Eagle Scout. She enjoyed volunteering with her son's Cub Scout pack and troop, most recently as the fundraising chair. She works as a freelance writer in Southern California.

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Ultimate Scouts

15 Team Building Activities & Games – Indoors

15 team building activities & games to play inside.

We have put together a list of 15 group games and activities that need very few if any supplies and if they do need supplies, they are very inexpensive. Activities & games for large groups can get a little pricey so we wanted to keep it as inexpensive as possible. Whether you are leading a youth church group, summer camp, or scout meeting we hope you find this list helpful.

We also have all of these games in a printable format so you don’t have to write down all of the directions.  Print out, add to your games binder and be prepared any time for a team building game or activity.

1. Spaghetti Marshmallow Tower Challenge

What kid doesn’t love a good challenge these days?  Every other YouTube video they watch is some sort of fun & exciting challenge.  Here is a new one I haven’t seen kids on YouTube doing yet.  The goal of this challenge is for the kids to work together as a team using spaghetti, tape, and string and build a tower that can support 1 large marshmallow.

Supplies Needed: 20 Pieces Spaghetti 3 ft. String 3 ft. Tape (painters tape works great) Scissors 1 Marshmallow, large

How To Play: 1. Combine children into teams of 2 or more. 2. Provide each group with spaghetti, string, tape and a marshmallow. 3. The rules of the game are to build the tallest possible tower with the given supplies that can support a marshmallow on the top. 4. The teams are given 18 minutes (or any amount of time you choose) to build their tower before it will be tested and measured. 5. Remind the kids to work as a team and to communicate and plan before starting the tower build. 6. Once the builds are complete and winners chosen it is a great time to talk to the kids about what worked and why it worked and what didn’t work and how we can learn from that.

Tom Wujac has a really fun TedTalk on how this challenge has been used with adults and kids and you would be surprised at who is the best at building a spaghetti tower, or maybe you wouldn’t be surprised 😉  He gives some great advice that you can share with your group about how to utilize their time wisely by making prototypes and what shapes are the best when trying to build a strong structure.

2. Spaghetti & Marshmallow Challenge Take 2

If you tried the first spaghetti and marshmallow challenge then this is a good follow up game but with a twist.  This time you are going to remove the tape and large marshmallow from their supplies and add in small marshmallows.  The goal with this version is to have the team use their spaghetti and mini marshmallows to build the largest free standing tower.  Pro-Tip:  Have extra marshmallows as the kids like to eat the ones that have been provided for the challenge 😉

Supplies Needed: 20 Pieces Spaghetti Mini-Marshmallows (I would just provide a large bowl full so they can snack and build at the same time)

How To Play: 1. Combine children into teams of 2 or more. 2. Provide each group with spaghetti and marshmallow’s. 3. The rules of the game are to build the tallest possible tower with the given supplies. 4. The teams are given 8 minutes (or any amount of time you choose) to build their tower before it will be measured. 5. Remind the kids to work as a team and to communicate and plan before starting the tower build. 6. Once the builds are complete and winners chosen it is a great time to talk to the kids about what worked and why and what didn’t work and how we can learn from that. 7. Kids will want to play this more than once so make sure you have enough supplies 🙂

3. Lego Master's for Kids - Bridge Building Challenge

This team building activity is one of the kids favorite.  What kid doesn’t love building with Lego’s?!  In this activity each group will be trying to work together to build a bridge over a “river”. Your river can be drawn on a piece of poster board or you can cut out some blue paper and tape it down the length of the room.  Each group will have a pile of logo’s and a set amount of time to figure out how to build a bridge that can stand up and stretch over the water.  It’s kind of like a Lego Master’s challenge but for kids.

Supplies Needed: Lego’s Blue Paper (or) Poster Board and Blue Crayon’s Tape

Set Up: 1. Create a “river” for the kids to build their bridge over. 2. This can be done by either coloring a river on a poster board or by cutting out sheets of blue paper and taping on the floor across the room.

How To Play: 1. Combine children into teams with 2 or more kid’s in each group and station them along the length of the river. 2. Provide each group with a pile of lego’s. 3. Decide how long you want to give the children to build their bridge.  We recommend around 20 minutes. 4. No winner needs to be chosen this is a lesson on working together and completing the bridge and/or figuring out how to work well with others.

4. The Empty Chair

This is a fun game that has a similar vibe to it as musical chairs. This game works best with 10 or more players. 

Each player will have a chair to sit in with one of the players chosen to stand in the middle of the play area.  The goal for the standing player is to sit down in an open seat, however, the goal of the other players is to keep the person standing from getting an open seat.

This game is lots of fun but can get out of control quick if there aren’t set rules first.  Be sure to instruct the players there is no running, no diving for a seat, and only one person to a chair.

Supplies Needed: Chair’s (enough for each person playing the game)

Set Up: 1. Chairs can be placed in a circle or spread around the room.

How To Play: 1. Each player will start in their seat. 2. The leader will choose 1 player to stand in the middle of the circle or if the chairs are not in a circle then they need to stand far away from their chair. 3. The standing player’s goal is to sit in an empty chair (much like musical chairs). The goal of the other player’s is to not let the standing person get a seat. This can be done by standing up and moving from their seat to an empty seat.  Once standing a player can no longer sit back in the seat, they must find a new one. 4. Once the original standing player has found a seat there will be a new standing player and the game continues.

5. Pipeline

The pipeline activity requires the players to get golf balls or marbles from Point A to Point B only using pvc pipe

Supplies Needed: 1. PVC pipes or Pipeline Kit 2. Marbles or Golf Balls 3. Bucket or Box for the end of the race

Set Up: 1. You will need a starting line and a finish line.  If you have a lot of players this can be broken up into different teams. 2. A box or bucket will need to be placed at the finish line to put the golf balls or marbles in once they are transported down the pipeline.

How To Play (Variation 1) 1. The team will have to transport all of their golf balls or marbles from Point A into the box at Point B. 2. This must be done by only using the pipe provided…no using hands or anything else. 3. The team is given 5 minutes to discuss and plan how they will accomplish the activity. 4.  If there are enough people you can have 2 teams racing against each other. If there are only enough players for one team then they can be timed and each time they race they are racing against their best time.

How To Play (Variation 2) 1. The team will stand in a circle all holding one of the pvc pipes .  The ball will start with one player and the idea is to see how long the group can keep the ball rolling around the circle without it falling to the ground.

6. In The Hot Seat

If you have ever seen the game show The $100,000 Pyramid with Michael Strahan then you will know how to play this game and how much fun it is. In this team building game the team will give clues to a person in the hot seat who will be trying to figure out the secret phrase or word.

Supplies Needed: 1. Paper & Pen 2. Sample Words or Phrase’s (sample clues #1 , clues #2 ) 3. Timer

How To Play: 1. Out of the group the leader will pick 1 player to sit in front of the rest of the team facing towards them.  This person will be receiving the clues while sitting in the hot seat. 2. Behind them the leader will hold up a piece of paper with a word or phrase on it. 3. The rest of the group will provide clues to the person in the hot seat in the hopes to get them to guess the word or phrase. They are not allowed to use any form of the word or phrase while giving clues. 4. The game time will be set for 60 seconds and each word they get correct will earn them 1 point. 5.  The person with the most points wins the game.

7. Tic Tac Toe Dash

This game is a running game and is played tag-team style so it is great to burn up some of the kids energy.  It is a simple to set up game and doesn’t need many supplies just some tape and paper. 

Supplies Needed: 1. Painter’s Tape 2. Colored Paper (2 Colors)

Set Up: 1. Tape off a Tic-Tac-Toe grid on the wall or floor. 2.  Have 2 colors of paper (representing X’s & O’s) with tape on it. You will need 3 of each color. (you can use other objects like bean bags, etc. if grid is on the floor ) 3. Tape off a starting line.

How To Play: 1. Each game will use 6 players. 3 players for the X’s team and 3 players for the O’s team. 2. Line up the 2 teams across the room from the grid. 3. Hand all of the X players one color of paper, hand all of the O players the other color paper. 4. This is a racing/tag team game. When the leader yells go, the first player on each time will run to the Tic-Tac-Toe grid and place their playing piece.  As soon as they run back and tag their team mate they are allowed to run down and place their playing piece. Again, they will run back and tag the next player.  Once that piece has been played they will run back and tag the next player. At this point all pieces have been played but they can now be moved around the grid if need be. Once the player runs to the grid they are allowed to move one of their pieces to a new spot trying to get 3 in a row. 5. Game continues until one of the teams gets three in a row.

Here are 2 examples of the game being played:

8. Lego Sneak Peak

Another fun game involving Lego’s!  It doesn’t matter how old you are Lego’s are always fun to play with!  This game works on memory and communication skills.

Supplies Needed: 1. Lego’s or Duplo’s

Set Up: 1. The leader will build a basic shape/tower with different colored blocks. For example you can have 1 of each of the following blocks: red, yellow, green, turquoise, & blue and stack them up off setting them a little as you go up. The older the group of kids you are playing with the more complicated the shape you can make. Keep the sculpture hidden from view. 2. Each group will need the exact same lego’s or duplo’s so that they can replicate exactly what the leader has built.  If you want it to be more complicated you can add extra lego’s into their mix but if you need to keep it simple for a younger group you will want only the same exact blocks.

How To Play: 1. Divide your group into teams. 4 or 5 kids in a group is best for this game. 2. Have the leader sitting equal distance from the teams with the small lego sculpture hidden. 3. When the game starts, one person from each group gets to look at the secret lego sculpture for 10 seconds. 4. They then will return to their team and they will have 25 seconds to describe the structure to the rest of their teammates so that they can start building an exact replica. They will not be able to help build or communicate after the 25 seconds. 5. After working on it for 1 minute they may return to inspect the secret sculpture again and can communicate with their team members again for 25 seconds.  This process can repeat until one of the teams announces they have built an exact replica of the secret sculpture. 6. Winner is the first team done!

9. Human Knot

This team building activity is a fun problem solving activity that doesn’t require any supplies.  This game can be played with as little as 5 people and up to around 15-20 people.  The group will all start grabbing hands around them until they are very tangled up like a knot. The goal of the game is to talk with each other until they have unwrapped themselves and have returned back into a circle.

Supplies Needed: 1. Nothing 🙂

Set Up: 1. Gather your group and have them stand in a very tight circle.

How To Play: 1. Once your group is in a very tight circle have them reach across and grab hands of two different people. 2. Now that the group is in a Human Knot they will have to start talking to each other and figure out how to become untangled.  They are not allowed to let go of the hand they are holding.  Plan on there being a lot of twisting, turning, climbing under and over arms. 3. If you are playing the game with kids remind them to not pull hard or jerk any of the other team players around.  If they get too tangled or stuck the leader can have some of the kids readjust the hands they are holding.

10. Flashlight Grog

This team game is a mixture of tag and a scavenger hunt which involves taking apart a flashlight, and hiding the parts around your play area.  The goal is for the group to find all of the parts, reassemble the flashlight and shine it on the “Grog” to take away the Grog’s power.  This game works best in a room with dimmed lights or you can have all the lights off and a few lanterns turned on.  This is such a great game to play at a camp out!

Supplies Needed: 1. A working flashlight that can come apart in pieces similar to this kind . Optional: Glow in the dark necklace/bracelets for the Grog to wear.

Set Up: 1. Take apart the flashlight and hide the pieces around the play area. 2. Choose one player to be “it”. This player is the Grog, the other players are the townspeople.

How To Play: 1. Send the townspeople into the play area to start finding the pieces.  After 1 minute you can let Grog into the play area. As the Grog enters the room or play area he yells his name a few times so players know he has entered. 2.The goal of the townspeople is to find all of the parts, assemble the flashlight and shine it on the Grog which ends the game. 3. While the townspeople are searching anyone the Grog tags has been caught and must freeze.  The only way to be unfrozen is to be tagged by someone with a piece of the flashlight. 4. If the person who was caught by the Grog has a flashlight piece the Grog takes it from them and hides it again.

If you have a large group you can have more than 1 flashlight to assemble and you can have more than 1 Grog.

11. Magic Carpet Ride

This team building activity is going to take a lot of patience and a lot of communication.  The object of the game is to have a group of kids standing on a “magic carpet” (i.e. tarp, sheet, towel or something similar) and this carpet is flying very, very high through the air. The goal is for them to completely flip the “magic carpet” over to the opposite side without stepping off of it and falling thousands of feet to there death.

Supplies Needed: 1. A towel,  tarp , outdoor picnic blanket, tablecloth, or something similar

Set Up: 1. Place the magic carpets around the play area.

How To Play: 1. Assign a group to each of the magic carpets and have them all stand on it. 2. Explain that they are now standing on a magic carpet and they are flying very, very high up in the air.  The problem is the carpet is upside down and they can’t land until they flip the carpet over. 3. They must figure out how to flip the carpet over with out anyone stepping off of it and plunging thousands of feet to their death. 4. The winning team is first team to flip it over without stepping off the magic carpet.

12. Creative Chaos

It’s time to play with everyone’s favorite dough. No not money…Playdoh, however, this new kind of dough has become my favorite and sculpts really easily and doesn’t leave a mess.  Everyone is going to have to put on their creativity cap for this one.

Supplies Needed: 1. Dough or Clay 2. List of things to create with clay (ex. snowman, dog, star, snake, etc)

Set Up: 1. Have everyone sit in a circle and give a lump of dough to every 4th person in the circle.

How To Play: 1. The leader will announce to the group an object to build.  When the leader says go the person holding the dough will start to shape it. 2. The leader can yell out “left” or “right” and the person holding the dough must pass it in that direction and the next person continues to form the object. 3.  The leader will keep yelling directions so the dough is moving from person to person, back and forth, round and round. 4. You can stop at any point and the players can show off what has been created.  The leader can announce a new object to create. There are no “winners” in this game it is just a lot of fun and makes for a great ice breaker to warm everyone up to each other.

13. Sherlock Holmes (or Detective)

This game is like a human game of Spot The Difference.  It can be played with a larger group that is spit into 2 teams with 1 team being the detectives. If you have a small group you will pick out just one person to be the detective.

Supplies Needed: 1. You will need props like pencil, glasses, scarf, gloves, hats, binoculars, necklace, etc.

Set Up: 1. If you have a large group you will split them up into 2 teams with one of the teams being the detectives. If you have a small group pick 1 person to be the detctive.

How To Play: 1. Once the detective(s) have been chosen they are allowed to study the group for 30 seconds. They then must leave the room. 2. After they have left the remaining group is going to change 10 things about their appearance. They can use props supplied, for example someone can put on glasses or a hat, or they can swap shoes or shirts, they can put a pencil behind their ear. You get the idea. 3. The detective(s) are now allowed back into the room and have to figure out as many of the 10 differences as possible. 4. Swap detectives and play again.

14. Walk & Stop

The Walk & Stop game is a funny game that is simple to play but really hard to do.  The goal of this game is to sharpen those listening skills.

Supplies Needed: 1. Nothing

Set Up: 1. Have group spread out around the play area.

How To Play: 1. Rules are basic…when the leader yells “ Walk ” the kids walk, when the leader yells “ Stop ” the kids stop. Do this for 30 seconds or so in any order at any speed you prefer. (ex. Stop, Walk, Walk, Stop, Walk, Stop, Stop) 2. Now you Stop the group and tell them you are going to flip the words meaning. If the leader yells “ Stop ” they keep walking and if they yell “ Walk ” they have to stop. This creates lots of giggles as they try and follow the rules. 3. When you are ready you can announce two new Commands. “ Name ” which has everyone shout their name and “ Clap ” which means the group does one loud clap together. Continue using these 2 directions and then switch it on them again. “ Name ” means clap, and “ Clap ” means name. Variation: use different words “Jump”, “Sit”, “Dance”, “Stand Up”

15. Jump Tag

Jump tag can be played inside or out. There is no running just big and small jumps so it is safe to do in an inside play area.  If you are in a classroom this makes the game have an extra challenge as the players may get blocked in by a desk or bookshelf.

Set Up: 1. Have group form a circle and number them off. Remind them they need to remember their number.

How To Play: 1.The game starts by the leader yelling, “3, 2, 1, Jump”  Each player will jump in any direction they wish and stay in the spot they land. 2. Person #1 gets one big jump where they can tag someone either in the air as they are jumping or someone they land next to. Anyone who is tagged is out of the game. 3. Now everyone gets to jump again, yell “3,2,1…jump” and everyone gets another big or small jump and then they must not move from that spot. 4. Person #2 is now the tagger and gets one big hop to try and tag someone. 5. Game continues in the same order with each person being a “tagger.” 6. Game ends when there is only one player left.

More Team Building Game Ideas:

13 Outdoor Team Building Games & Activities

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Games for Scouts

Team Building, Initiative, and Cooperative Games

Games to teach skills and ideas, large area and active games, indoor games, holiday games.

Games are a fundamental aspect of the scouting experience. They not only add an element of fun and excitement but also serve as vital tools for learning and development. In this blog post, we will delve into various types of games suitable for scouts, highlighting their unique advantages and the valuable skills they can help develop.

Team Building Games : These are perfect for fostering camaraderie and teamwork among scouts. Activities like trust falls, team obstacle courses, and group problem-solving challenges encourage communication and collaboration, key components in scouting and life.

Skill and Idea Teaching Games : Scouts can learn a lot through play. Games that teach knot tying, first aid, map reading, and even environmental conservation can be both educational and entertaining. These activities help scouts to internalize important skills in a relaxed and engaging environment.

Large Area and Active Games : Ideal for outdoor adventures, these get scouts moving and enjoying nature. Capture the flag, relay races, and scavenger hunts are excellent for physical exercise and enjoying the great outdoors, which is at the heart of scouting.

Indoor Games : Not every scouting activity can be outdoors, especially during inclement weather. Indoor fun like charades, quiz bowls, and crafts can be equally engaging and are perfect for developing creativity and cognitive skills.

Holiday Games : Special occasions call for special activities. Holiday-themed games are a great way to celebrate and learn about different cultures and traditions, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity within the troop.

Incorporating these various types of games into your scouting program can significantly enhance the scouting experience. They not only provide enjoyment but also aid in the development of essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and respect for nature. So, let’s get ready to play, learn, and grow together in scouting!

And remember, a game is not just a game in scouting—it’s a step towards building confident, capable, and compassionate young individuals. Keep scouting and keep playing!

I’ve included some of the most popular games on the site below. For more ideas, you can also see:

• Puzzles and Printables
• Gathering activities
• Even more games for youth

The Importance of Games in Scouting: Building Skills and Having Fun

Games are a crucial part of the Scouting program, providing Scouts with opportunities to develop essential skills while having fun. There are many types of playful activities that Scouts can participate in, ranging from team-building and initiative games to indoor and holiday games.

Team building games are an excellent way to help scouts work together towards a common goal. These promote teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Initiative activities challenge scouts to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions. These also promote leadership skills and build confidence.

Cooperative games require scouts to work together towards a common goal. These games promote teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Examples of cooperative games include the Human Knot, where scouts must untangle themselves without letting go of each other’s hands, and Guide Me Game, where scouts must work together to gather objects.

I Can Do That With One Hand Behind My Back

Nitro transport.

Human Knot Game

Jack Rabbit

Guide Me Game

Egg Drop Challenge

Elbow balloon pass, my story mystery, won’t you smile, faith and our ancestors, chicken on a hut.

“I Can Do That With One Hand Behind My Back” is a game that challenges Scouts to make a jelly sandwich and pack it in a brown paper lunch bag using only one hand while their other hand is behind their back. This activity not only promotes communication and teamwork but also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about disabilities.

By limiting the use of one hand, Scouts learn to rely on each other and find creative ways to accomplish the task. This encourages problem-solving skills and fosters empathy towards individuals who may face similar challenges in their daily lives. It’s a fun and educational activity that brings Scouts together while teaching important life lessons.

Nitro Transport is an exciting teambuilding game that encourages collaboration and teamwork. The main goal is to transport a can of water, also known as “nitro,” from one point to another using only a board with ropes attached to it. By working together, players must strategize and communicate effectively to successfully move the can without spilling any water.

This not only fosters problem-solving skills but also emphasizes the importance of coordination and trust within a team. Engaging in Nitro Transport allows participants to develop their teamwork abilities while having fun and enjoying a thrilling challenge.

“Who Am I?” is a classic teambuilding game that sparks creativity and critical thinking. Players are assigned secret identities and must use their deductive skills to uncover who they are. By asking yes or no questions, players narrow down the possibilities and try to guess their identity before anyone else.

This encourages effective communication, problem-solving, and teamwork as players work together to unravel the mystery. “Who Am I?” is not only a fun and engaging activity but also a great way to develop cognitive abilities and strengthen bonds within a team.

Jack Rabbit is a fun and interactive teambuilding game that encourages creativity and collaboration. Players take turns posing with their neighbors in a way indicated by the leader. This not only promotes teamwork but also helps to develop communication skills and build trust among team members. As the game progresses, more poses can be added to make it more challenging and exciting.

Whether played in a classroom or a corporate setting, Jack Rabbit is a great way to energize a group and foster a positive team dynamic.

Guide Me is a popular teambuilding game that promotes teamwork and communication skills. Players are blindfolded and must rely on verbal instructions from their team leader to locate and retrieve their team’s objects. This requires trust and effective communication, as players must listen carefully and follow instructions to successfully complete the task.

Guide Me is a great way to strengthen team bonds and improve problem-solving skills. It can be played in various settings, such as scout groups or corporate teambuilding events. Give it a try and watch your team thrive!

Four Facts is a popular teambuilding activity that encourages participants to share interesting facts about themselves while also testing their ability to detect falsehoods. Each player writes down four facts about themselves, but one of them is not true. The other players in the group then take turns guessing which fact is false. This promotes communication and observation skills, as players must listen carefully to the facts and analyze the information to make an accurate guess.

Four Facts is an excellent icebreaker activity for small groups of 4 to 6 people, fostering a sense of camaraderie and creating a fun and engaging atmosphere.

The Egg Drop Challenge is a thrilling teambuilding game that combines science, engineering, and creativity. Participants are tasked with designing a container using recyclable materials to protect an egg from breaking when dropped from a height. Working in teams, Scouts collaborate to create contraptions that will keep the egg safe during the fall. This challenge not only encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also fosters teamwork and communication. By testing different designs and analyzing the results, participants learn valuable lessons about the principles of physics and engineering.

The Egg Drop Challenge is an exciting and educational game that engages Scouts in a hands-on learning experience.

In Elbow Balloon Pass, participants are challenged to pass a balloon around a circle using only their elbows. The objective of the game is to count how many times the balloon can be successfully passed and to try to increase that number with each round. This not only promotes teamwork and coordination but also encourages participants to strategize and communicate effectively. By relying solely on their elbows, participants must work together to keep the balloon in motion and achieve a higher number of successful passes.

Elbow Balloon Pass is a fun and engaging activity that fosters collaboration and problem-solving skills.

In the teambuilding game My Story Mystery, participants engage in a fun and interactive activity that promotes communication and observation skills. Each player writes a few sentences about a recent personal experience, ensuring they do not reveal their identity or share something already known by others. The leader then selects three stories and presents them to the audience. The challenge for the audience is to determine which story belongs to each person based on their unique storytelling style.

This encourages active listening, critical thinking, and teamwork as participants work together to solve the mystery of each person’s story.

Human Knot is a popular team-building game that promotes communication and problem-solving skills. In this activity, participants stand in a circle and hold hands with two different people, creating a tangled knot. The challenge is to untangle the knot without anyone letting go of their hands.

This encourages teamwork and requires effective communication and coordination among the participants. It can be used as an icebreaker to help team members get to know each other better or as a fun way to develop problem-solving skills within a group. Give it a try and see how well your team can untangle the human knot!

Won’t You Smile is a fun and engaging teambuilding game that requires no materials. One person stands in the middle of a circle and asks a player to smile. However, the player must respond with, “You know I love you, but I just can’t smile,” without smiling. If the player smiles, they become the new person in the middle.

This promotes communication and self-control, as players must resist the urge to smile. It’s a great way to lighten the mood and create laughter within a team. Give it a try and see who can resist the temptation to smile!

In the teambuilding game Faith and Our Ancestors, players engage in a 3×3 grid game that focuses on interview questions about faith and ancestry. The objective is for players to ask each other these questions and record the answers provided. Participants can gain a deeper understanding of their ancestors and family traditions.

This activity promotes communication, cultural appreciation, and a sense of connection to one’s roots. It’s a great way to foster teamwork while exploring the rich tapestry of personal histories within a group.

In the teambuilding game Chicken on a Hut, Scouts pair up and engage in a series of challenging moves such as Chicken on a Hut, Backpack, Lover’s Leap, and Bunk bed. The objective is for pairs to successfully complete these moves and stay in the game, with the last pair standing being declared the winners. This requires no equipment, making it easy to set up and play.

By participating in Chicken on a Hut, teams can enhance their coordination, communication, and teamwork skills. It’s a fun and engaging activity that promotes collaboration and friendly competition among participants.

Games can be used to teach scouts new skills and ideas. For example, scouts can play a game to learn about first aid or knot tying. These games are a fun and interactive way to teach important skills. Games can also be used to reinforce ideas that scouts have already learned. For example, scouts can play a game to reinforce the Leave No Trace principles.

Orienteering Scavenger Hunt

Tent Pitching Competition

Constellation Matching Game

Citizenship Football

Kim’s game with items for a home first aid kit, cleanup treasure hunt.

Cub Scout Nutrition Game – Food Go Fish

Wild Weather Adventure

Snapper Fishing Game – A Lashings Game

Show Me the Truth

First aid baseball, animal match: when does it sleep, crossing the alligator pit.

Tell It Like It Isn’t (Telephone)

State Capitals Bingo Cards

In an orienteering scavenger hunt, scouts are given clues and navigate using a compass to find the treasure. This exciting game not only challenges their problem-solving abilities but also enhances their teamwork and navigation skills. By working together and using their compasses, scouts learn how to read maps, follow directions, and make decisions as a team. The treasure they find can be a small trinket or a piece of candy, but the real reward lies in the valuable skills they acquire along the way.

Orienteering scavenger hunts are a fun and educational activity that promotes critical thinking and cooperation among scouts.

Tent Pitching Competition (Standard or Blindfolded)

In the Tent-Pitching Competition, scouts engage in a team-building exercise that tests their coordination and communication skills. They must work together to unpack, set up, and inspect their tent to earn points. To add an extra level of challenge, the competition can be done blindfolded, with only one team member providing verbal instructions to the rest of the team.

This activity promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication. By completing the task successfully, scouts learn the importance of clear instructions, trust, and collaboration. The Tent-Pitching Competition is a fun and engaging way for scouts to develop essential life skills while enjoying the outdoors.

Constellation Matching

The Constellation Matching is a great way for children to explore the wonders of astronomy while having fun. By matching different constellations with their corresponding drawings, players can enhance their visual-spatial skills and ignite their imagination. This educational game not only teaches children about the various constellations but also helps them develop their cognitive abilities.

With its engaging and interactive nature, the Constellation Matching Game is an excellent tool for introducing kids to the fascinating world of stars and galaxies. So gather your little astronomers and let the matching adventure begin!

Citizenship Football is an engaging game that combines learning about citizenship and government with the excitement of football. Two teams compete by answering questions to gain yards and score touchdowns. This not only teaches players about the importance of citizenship, but also encourages teamwork and critical thinking skills. With the opportunity to earn extra points and field goals, players are motivated to expand their knowledge and strategize their moves.

Citizenship Football is a fantastic way to make learning about civic responsibility enjoyable and memorable. So gather your team, hit the field, and let the game of citizenship begin!

Kim’s Game with Items for a Home First Aid Kit is a fun and interactive way to teach Scouts about the essential items that should be included in a home first aid kit. This memory game involves showing participants a variety of items related to first aid, covering them, and then challenging the participants to remember the items in a specific category.

Scouts can develop their memory skills while also learning about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. It’s a great activity to reinforce the knowledge and understanding of first aid essentials, ensuring that Scouts are equipped to handle minor injuries and emergencies effectively.

The Cleanup Treasure Hunt is a team activity that combines environmental awareness with fun and competition. Participants are divided into teams and provided with a list of items to find and pick up. The goal is to collect the most different types of trash, promoting a cleaner and healthier environment. This activity not only encourages teamwork and problem-solving skills but also instills a sense of responsibility towards the environment.

By actively participating in the Cleanup Treasure Hunt, scouts learn the importance of keeping their surroundings clean and the impact of their actions on the planet. It’s a great way to engage scouts in a meaningful and enjoyable activity while teaching them about environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Wild Weather Adventure is an exciting and educational activity that allows scouts to learn about different weather phenomena while having fun. The game consists of question cards labeled easy, medium, or hard, which test the scouts’ knowledge about weather-related topics. With a large board and multiple printable parts, the game provides a visually engaging experience.

Scouts will have the opportunity to learn about various weather conditions, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms, while also developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This is a great way to spark curiosity about the natural world and encourage a deeper understanding of weather patterns.

Snapper Fishing

The Snapper Fishing Game is a thrilling and hands-on activity that promotes teamwork and problem-solving skills. Scouts will need poles, rope, and a mousetrap to participate in this lashings game. The objective is for a patrol to work together to lash the poles together and create a long “fishing” pole. Using this pole, they will attempt to snap the mousetrap.

This not only encourages creativity and resourcefulness but also teaches scouts about the importance of coordination and communication within a team. It’s a fun and engaging way to learn valuable Scoutcraft skills.

Food Go Fish

Food Go Fish is an interactive and educational game that introduces kids to different types of food while promoting healthy eating habits. With printable cards featuring a variety of foods, this encourages discussion and learning about nutrition in a fun and engaging way. It can be easily adapted for different age groups, making it suitable for Cub Scouts of all levels.

By playing Food Go Fish, scouts can develop their knowledge of food groups, learn about the importance of a balanced diet, and foster a lifelong appreciation for healthy eating.

The “Show Me the Truth” game is a fun and interactive way to teach Cub Scouts about truth and honesty. By injecting some excitement into the activity, this engages the scouts and makes the topic more approachable. The rules are simple: a factual statement is made, and the scouts respond by shouting “True!” if it is true or “Not True!” if it is false.

For example, when the statement “The grass is purple” is made, the scouts would shout “Not true!” However, when pointing to your nose and saying “This is my nose,” the scouts would respond with “True!” This helps reinforce the importance of truthfulness in a playful manner.

Scout Law Game

To make learning the Scout Law more enjoyable, you can engage Scouts in a game that helps them memorize the 12 points of the Scout Law. The involves arranging a set of 12 craft sticks, each representing a point of the Scout Law, in the correct order. Scouts can have fun while reinforcing their understanding of the Scout Law and its principles.

This interactive approach to learning promotes engagement and retention of the Scout Law in a playful and memorable way.

In the Crossing the Alligator Pit activity, patrols are challenged to build an A-frame structure and navigate it across the treacherous “alligator pit.” This engaging competition tests their teamwork, problem-solving, and construction skills. By working together to construct a sturdy A-frame and carefully maneuvering it across the designated area, patrols learn the importance of communication, coordination, and balance.

This activity not only fosters creativity and critical thinking but also encourages friendly competition among patrols. It’s a thrilling and educational game that combines fun with valuable life skills.

State Capitals Bingo Cards is an exciting and educational game that helps players learn the state capitals in a fun way. The can be played using either state or capital bingo cards and call cards. Each player marks their card when the corresponding state or capital is called out.

The objective is to be the first player to get a whole row covered and yell “BINGO!” This not only enhances geographical knowledge but also improves memory and concentration skills. In addition to Scouting, it’s a great activity for classrooms, homeschooling, or family nights. Get ready to explore the United States while having a blast!

First Aid Baseball is an engaging and interactive game that combines the excitement of baseball with the reinforcement of first aid knowledge. Players are presented with first aid questions, and for each correct answer, they advance around the bases just like in real baseball.

This not only tests players’ understanding of first aid principles but also helps them retain important information in a fun and memorable way. Whether played in a classroom setting or during a scout meeting, First Aid Baseball is a fantastic way to educate and empower individuals with life-saving skills.

Animal Match: When Does It Sleep? is a versatile and engaging activity that introduces younger Scouts to the concept of sleep patterns in animals. The game features cards with various animals that sleep at different times, along with sun and moon pictures for matching. Scouts not only have fun but also learn about the importance of rest and the unique sleep habits of different animals.

This interactive experience encourages curiosity and helps children develop a deeper understanding of the natural world around them. With Animal Match: When Does It Sleep?, learning becomes an enjoyable adventure.

Telephone is a fun game that reinforces the importance of accurate communication and can be used as a teachable moment for discussions on gossip. Players whisper a around a circle, and the last person says what they heard, with the first person revealing the original phrase. This game not only encourages active listening skills but also highlights how information can be distorted or misinterpreted when passed from person to person.

It serves as a reminder to be mindful of the accuracy of our communication and the potential consequences of spreading rumors or misinformation. Through the game of Telephone, Scouts can learn the value of clear and precise communication in their interactions with others.

Large area and active games require a lot of space and physical activity. These are perfect for outdoor activities and can help scouts develop their physical fitness. Examples of large area and active games include tag games, relays, and field games.

Dock Your Flying Saucer

Red light green light, hospital tag.

Soccer Croquet

Soccer Marbles

Crash course, clothesline relay, caterpillar race.

Island Tug of War Game

Forces of Flight

Steal the bacon, sharks and minnows, kick the can, flip the bird tag, soccer tennis, capture the flag, shoot the gap, trailblazer relay.

Dock Your Flying Saucer is an exciting game that challenges players to land a Frisbee in a designated space dock, which is a box. This can be played both indoors and outdoors, but it becomes even more thrilling when played outside in windy conditions. The objective is to carefully aim and throw the Frisbee, taking into account the wind’s direction and intensity. Players will need to adjust their throws accordingly to successfully dock their flying saucer.

This not only tests players’ throwing skills but also their ability to adapt to changing environmental factors. Get ready for a fun and challenging experience with Dock Your Flying Saucer!

Red Light Green Light is a classic game that perfectly embodies the KISMIF principle – Keep It Simple, Make It Fun. This requires no elaborate setup or equipment, making it ideal for Cub Scouts. The rules are simple: one person acts as the “traffic light” and stands at a distance from the other players. When the traffic light says “green light,” the players move forward, but they must freeze when the traffic light says “red light.” The goal is to reach the traffic light without getting caught moving.

Red Light Green Light not only promotes physical activity but also teaches children to follow instructions and practice self-control.

Hospital Tag is a pretend game that adds an exciting twist to the classic game of tag. When players are tagged, they must act as if they’re injured and make their way to the designated hospital area. This not only encourages physical activity but also sparks creativity and imagination as players pretend to seek treatment for their “injuries.”

Hospital Tag is a great way for children to have fun while burning off energy, and it can be played in various outdoor settings. So gather your friends and get ready for an action-packed game of Hospital Tag!

Soccer Marbles is a fantastic soccer drill that adds excitement to any soccer or sports-themed meeting. This drill is perfect for young Scouts and involves three players. Set up a 10-foot by 10-foot area marked with cones and designate one player as the attacker and the other two as defenders.

The objective is for the attacker to dribble around while avoiding getting hit by the defenders’ balls. The play ends when a defender successfully hits the attacker’s ball. The player who goes the longest without getting hit is declared the winner. Soccer Marbles is a great way to improve dribbling skills and have fun on the field.

Crash Course is an exhilarating relay game that promotes teamwork and coordination. Played with two teams and six inner tubes, the objective is for players to stack three inner tubes and race to the opposite corner of the field. As they make contact in the middle, they must be careful not to be excessive. The team that successfully moves all their players to the opposite corner first emerges as the victorious team.

This fast-paced game not only encourages physical activity but also fosters communication and strategic thinking. Get ready to experience the thrill of Crash Course and test your team’s speed and agility.

Caterpillar Race is a simple and fun game suitable for younger children that teaches coordination and teamwork. This is perfect for developing motor skills and fostering communication among kids. The objective is to divide the group into two teams and have each player hold the ankles of the person in front of them, forming a caterpillar.

The teams must then work together to move towards a pre-determined endpoint while staying attached. The first team to successfully complete the race is declared the winner. Caterpillar Race is a great way to promote cooperation and physical activity in a playful and engaging manner.

SPUD is a classic playground game that promotes agility, coordination, and friendly competition. This can be enjoyed by multiple players and requires only a playground ball. To start, a player throws the ball in the air and calls out a number. The player assigned that number must try to catch the ball and yell “SPUD” to freeze the other players.

After freezing the players, the player with the ball tries to hit one of the frozen players. If a player is hit or moves their feet, they are assigned a letter, starting with “S”. The play continues until a player spells out “SPUD” and is out. The last player remaining is declared the winner. SPUD is a thrilling game that combines physical activity with strategic thinking.

Tug of War is a classic game that promotes fitness, teamwork, and good sportsmanship and can be played by kids of all ages. This exciting game involves dividing into two teams and pulling a long rope with a red center mark over a white mark on each side of the center line.

The objective is for one team to pull the opposing side’s white mark over the center line, declaring them the winner. Tug of War is typically played in best of three matches, adding to the suspense and competitiveness. It’s a great way to build strength, coordination, and camaraderie among players.

Island Tug of War

Island Tug of War is a thrilling variation of the classic tug of war that adds an exciting twist to the gameplay. This not only tests the participants’ strength, agility, and balance but also their ability to strategize and work as a team. Pairs of Scouts stand on upside-down buckets, gripping the rope tightly, and engage in a fierce battle of strength and determination.

The objective is to pull their opponent off their bucket, while maintaining their own balance. The Scout who manages to stay on their bucket until the end is crowned the ultimate winner. Island Tug of War guarantees an exhilarating and memorable experience for players of all ages.

Clothesline Relay is a fun and engaging game that can be enjoyed by all age groups. In this relay race, Scouts get to pretend to do laundry as they hang towels on a clothesline using clothespins. The objective is to remove the towels one by one from the clothesline and return them to the starting position. The team that successfully completes this task first is declared the winner.

Clothesline Relay not only promotes teamwork and coordination but also adds an element of excitement as participants race against the clock to finish the game. It’s a great activity to keep Scouts active and entertained.

Forces of Flight is a game suitable for Cub Scouts that introduces the concept of flight and the forces involved. It begins with a brief explanation of thrust, drag, gravity, and lift. The Scouts then line up and perform actions corresponding to the force called out by the leader.

This interactive activity not only educates the Scouts about the principles of flight but also gets them actively involved and moving around. It can even be made competitive, adding an element of excitement and motivation. Forces of Flight is a great way to combine learning and fun for Cub Scouts.

Steal the Bacon is a versatile game that can be enjoyed by a large group of Scouts of all ages. It combines elements of running, tagging, and strategic thinking, making it a perfect choice for an active and engaging activity. It can be easily adapted to fit any theme or learning objective, allowing leaders to incorporate educational elements while keeping the Scouts entertained.

Whether it’s a race to grab the “bacon” or a test of agility and teamwork, Steal the Bacon is sure to be a hit among Scouts.

Sharks and Minnows is a thrilling pool game that combines strategy and agility. One player takes on the role of the shark, while the others become the minnows. The objective is for the shark to tag the minnows as they try to reach the base. The fun ends when all the minnows reach the base or are tagged by the shark.

The twist is that the last remaining minnow becomes the shark for the next round, adding an element of excitement and unpredictability. Sharks and Minnows is a fantastic game to keep large groups entertained and active in the pool.

Kick the Can is a classic outdoor game that combines elements of hide-and-seek and tag. One player takes on the role of “It” and tries to find and tag the other players who are hiding. When a player is tagged, they are sent to jail. However, it doesn’t end there. The non-It players have a chance to free their captured teammates by kicking the can without getting tagged themselves.

If successful, everyone in jail is released, and the game continues. Kick the Can is a thrilling game that keeps players on their toes and encourages teamwork and strategy.

In the game of Flip the Bird Tag, players must collaborate to evade being tagged by the “It.” To outsmart the tagger, participants pass around a rubber chicken or bird-shaped item, ensuring the tagger cannot touch them. The player left untagged at the end becomes the new “It.”

This promotes teamwork, coordination, and quick thinking as players strategize to keep the bird away from the tagger. Flip the Bird Tag is an exciting and engaging outdoor activity that encourages active participation and fosters a sense of camaraderie among players.

Soccer Tennis is a fun and active game that combines elements of soccer and tennis. Played with a soccer ball and a rope dividing the playing area, teams must work together to kick or head the ball up to three times before sending it over the rope into the opposing team’s half.

This requires teamwork, coordination, and strategic thinking as players aim to keep the ball in play and score points. Soccer Tennis is a great way to improve soccer skills while enjoying a competitive and engaging outdoor activity. Get ready to have a blast with your friends and showcase your soccer prowess!

Capture the Flag is an exciting outdoor game that promotes teamwork, strategy, and physical activity. Played with a large group of players, it involves dividing a field into two territories for two teams. The objective is for each team to invade the other team’s territory, retrieve their flag, and safely return it to their own territory without being tagged by the opposing team.

This encourages communication, coordination, and quick thinking as players strategize to outsmart their opponents and protect their own flag. Capture the Flag is a thrilling and competitive game that guarantees hours of fun and adventure for players of all ages.

Shoot The Gap is an exhilarating game that encourages teamwork and communication. It can be played in a variety of settings, such as a large open room, gym, or even outside. The main objective is to outmaneuver a designated “guardian” and successfully reach the opposite goal without being tagged. This requires quick thinking, agility, and coordination among team members.

By strategizing and working together, players can develop effective tactics to outsmart the guardian and achieve victory. Shoot The Gap is a thrilling and engaging game that guarantees hours of fun and excitement for participants of all ages.

Pahsahëman, a Native American game played by the Lenape tribe, is a unique and exciting variation of football. Two teams, typically consisting of both men and women, compete using a ball that can be kicked, thrown, or carried by women, while men are only allowed to kick it.

This traditional version has been adapted for use with Scouts, providing them with an opportunity to learn about Native American culture and history while engaging in a fun and active game. Pahsahëman combines athleticism, strategy, and cultural appreciation, making it a memorable and educational experience for all participants.

The Trailblazer Relay Race is a thrilling game that embodies the adventurous spirit of our pioneer ancestors. This not only provides entertainment but also encourages resourcefulness, agility, and teamwork, which were vital qualities for pioneers in the Wild West. Two teams compete to reach a pile of pioneer-themed supplies, choose an item, and race back to their starting line to pass it to the next player.

To make it more exciting, obstacles can be incorporated, and it can be played in a wooded area to enhance the pioneer theme. Get ready to blaze a trail and experience the thrill of the Wild West!

Indoor games are games that can be played inside without making too much of a mess or breaking things. These are perfect for rainy days or when outdoor activities are not possible. Other examples of indoor games include board games, card games, and trivia games.

Water Dropper Race

Mystery taste test, flip out card game, pirate pick up, sleeping pirate, atomic chess, use the force, light the candle, sleeping guard, what’s in the bag.

Water Dropper Race is a fun and engaging game that can be enjoyed by both individuals and teams. It can be played as an interpatrol activity or as a team-building game during a pack meeting. The objective of the game is to transfer water from one container to another using an eye dropper. The team or individual who successfully transfers the most water at the end of the game is declared the winner.

Water Dropper Race not only promotes friendly competition but also teaches players the value of patience and carefulness. It encourages participants to take their time and be mindful of their actions, as rushing or being careless may result in spilling water and losing the game.

Mystery Taste Test is a fantastic game that not only brings joy but also enhances sensory skills in children. This game can be incorporated into nutrition-themed meetings or used as a recreational activity. Participants are blindfolded and given various food items to taste and identify. By relying solely on their taste buds and other senses, children can develop a deeper understanding of different flavors and textures. Some suggested food items for the game include fruits, vegetables, and condiments.

Mystery Taste Test is an engaging way to educate children about food and encourage them to explore new tastes.

Pirate Pick Up is a delightful game that adds a touch of adventure to any gathering. Players use a candy cane hook inserted in a plastic cup to pick up pretzels, creating a challenging and entertaining experience. The player who collects the most pretzels by the end of the game emerges as the victorious pirate. To enhance the excitement, participants can embrace their inner pirate and engage in playful banter using pirate slang throughout the game.

Pirate Pick Up is a fantastic way to bring laughter and enjoyment to your next gathering.

Flip Out Card Game is a thrilling team game that requires strong teamwork, effective communication, and unwavering concentration. The main goal is for each team to successfully flip over their set of cards before the opposing teams, all while taking turns and flipping only one card at a time. This not only tests your coordination and speed but also encourages strategic thinking and decision-making.

Get ready to engage in a friendly competition that will keep everyone on their toes and create an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Let the flipping frenzy begin!

Ringer is a classic game of marbles that brings out the competitive spirit in players of all ages. The objective is to skillfully shoot marbles into a ring, strategically aiming to knock other marbles out of the ring. The thrill of watching marbles collide and strategizing your shots adds an element of excitemente. The player who successfully collects the most marbles by the end of the game emerges as the victor.

With its simple rules and endless possibilities for strategy, Ringer is a timeless indoor game that guarantees hours of fun and friendly competition.

Antichess, also known as “Losing Chess,” is a captivating chess variant that turns the traditional rules of the game upside down. In this unique version, the objective is to strategically lose all your pieces instead of protecting them. Each move requires capturing an opponent’s piece if possible, adding an exciting twist to the gameplay. Unlike traditional chess, there is no concept of check or checkmate in Antichess. Instead, players aim to outmaneuver their opponents by sacrificing their own pieces strategically. In the event of a stalemate, the player with fewer remaining pieces emerges victorious.

Antichess offers a refreshing and challenging experience for chess enthusiasts looking to explore a new dimension of the game.

Sleeping Pirate is a fun game that can be played as an opening activity or to release energy during a meeting. Blindfolded “pirates” try to catch the other players as they try to sneak in and steal treasure. This is not only entertaining but also helps to develop teamwork and communication skills. The blindfolded pirates rely on their senses and the guidance of their teammates to navigate the playing area and catch the sneaky thieves.

It’s a thrilling and suspenseful game that keeps everyone on their toes. Whether you’re hosting a party or a team-building event, Sleeping Pirate is sure to be a hit and create lasting memories.

Hubbub is a traditional Native American dice game that requires a flat-bottomed bowl or pie dish, 5 “dice”, and 50 sticks. The objective of the game is to score points by tossing the dice in the bowl and collecting sticks equal to the points scored, with the winner being the player with the most sticks at the end.

Hubbub is not only a fun way to pass the time, but it also helps to improve strategic thinking. Gather your friends or family and enjoy a lively game of Hubbub, where every roll of the dice brings excitement and anticipation.

Picaria is a Native American board game that combines elements of tic-tac-toe and checkers. The objective of the game is to strategically place markers on the board and move them in order to create a line of three markers in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. This requires critical thinking and planning ahead, as players must anticipate their opponent’s moves while also trying to create their own winning line.

Picaria is a great game to play with friends or family, providing hours of entertainment and friendly competition. So gather around the board and let the strategic battle begin!

Atomic Chess is a thrilling variation of the classic game played on a regular chessboard with standard pieces. However, there is a twist – when a piece is captured, an explosion occurs, destroying all surrounding pieces except pawns. This unique element adds an exciting and strategic dimension to the game. Players must carefully plan their moves to avoid being caught in an explosion while also setting up potential explosions to their advantage.

The objective remains the same – capture the opponent’s king – but the explosive nature of Atomic Chess adds an extra layer of excitement and challenge. Get ready for an explosive chess experience!

What’s in the Bag is a versatile and engaging indoor game that can be customized to suit any meeting theme. This activity requires paper bags with letters printed on them, adding an element of mystery and anticipation. Players are challenged to use their deductive skills and guess the object inside each bag based on the corresponding letter. This promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork as players collaborate to unravel the contents of the bags.

Whether it’s a themed party or a team-building event, What’s in the Bag is a fun and interactive game that will keep everyone entertained.

Bughouse (or Bunk House) Chess is a thrilling and strategic indoor game that brings a unique twist to the traditional game of chess. In this team-based variation, two teams compete simultaneously, adding an element of excitement and collaboration. Each player has a direct opponent, but the game takes an interesting turn when a player captures a piece. Instead of removing it from the board, the player passes it to one of their teammates, who can then strategically place it on the board.

This dynamic gameplay requires strong communication, coordination, and quick thinking. The team that achieves checkmate first emerges victorious, making Bughouse Chess a thrilling and engaging game for chess enthusiasts and strategists alike.

Use the Force is a thrilling and energetic game inspired by Star Wars. Players wield pool noodles as lightsabers, using them to keep a balloon afloat without using their hands or feet. The objective is to be the last player standing with their balloon still in the air. If there aren’t enough pool noodles for everyone, it can be played in rounds, adding to the excitement and competition.

This game is perfect for Star Wars fans and those looking for a fun and active indoor activity. Get ready to unleash your inner Jedi and have a blast with Use the Force!

Hail Storm is an exciting indoor game that challenges players to throw ping pong balls into a bucket from a distance of five feet. The objective is to score as many points as possible by successfully landing the balls in the bucket. Hail Storm can be played individually or in teams, depending on the players’ preferences. It offers a great opportunity for friendly competition and can be adjusted to accommodate different skill levels.

Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to pass the time or a game to liven up a gathering, Hail Storm is sure to provide hours of entertainment.

In the Light the Candle game, players participate in a thrilling relay race that can be enjoyed indoors. Light the Candle is particularly suitable for holiday-themed gatherings. To play, participants will need toilet paper tubes and crumpled yellow paper. The objective is for each player to race across the room and place the paper inside the cardboard tube, creating the illusion of a lit candle.

The competitive nature of this game adds excitement and encourages friendly competition among players. Light the Candle is a fantastic choice for bringing joy and entertainment to any indoor event.

In the exciting game of Sleeping Guard, players take turns being blindfolded guards while others try to steal an object without getting caught. The blindfolded guard must rely on their hearing to detect the approaching thieves and point in their direction to catch them. The thrill of sneaking around and the challenge of avoiding detection make this a hit among players of all ages. The player who successfully steals the object becomes the guard for the next round, ensuring that the fun and suspense continue.

Sleeping Guard is a fantastic choice for a lively indoor game that promotes strategic thinking and quick reflexes.

Picture Telephone Game

The Picture Telephone Game is a fun and interactive indoor game that not only provides entertainment but also helps improve communication skills. Picture Telephone starts by writing a phrase on a piece of paper and passing it to the right. The next player then has to draw a picture that represents the phrase and passes it on again. This process continues until the stacks of paper make their way around the circle. At the end of the game, each player stands up and shows each paper in their stack, revealing how the message has transformed as it was passed from one person to another.

Picture Telephone encourages creativity, teamwork, and the ability to interpret and convey information accurately.

Holiday games are games that are played during holidays such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. These are a fun way to celebrate the holiday season and can help scouts develop their creativity and imagination. Examples of holiday games include Pumpkin Bowling, Turkey Hunt, and Christmas Scavenger Hunt.

Bobbing for Worms

Halloween picture bingo, stocking surprise.

Bobbing for Worms is a classic Halloween game that brings laughter and excitement to any gathering. This entertaining activity is suitable for all ages, but it’s especially popular among tweens and teens. Each player is given a plate with a gummy worm covered in delicious whipped cream. The challenge is to retrieve and eat the gummy worm without using your hands.

It’s a messy and hilarious game that requires paper plates, a gummy worm for each player, and some canned whipped cream. Get ready for a memorable Halloween experience filled with laughter and friendly competition.

Halloween Picture Bingo is a festive twist on the traditional game, perfect for the Halloween season. Each player receives a bingo card adorned with Halloween-themed images, each paired with a unique number for easy identification. The objective is simple: mark off the images as they are called out, aiming to get a row of four either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. To add to the excitement, players can use Halloween candy as markers, adding a sweet and thematic touch to the fun.

This quick and enjoyable activity is ideal for gatherings, particularly among children, combining the holiday spirit with the thrill of the game.

Stocking Surprise is a fun and interactive game that adds excitement to holiday gatherings. This is suitable for all age groups and encourages participants to use their senses to guess the hidden items in stockings. To play, you will need socks, non-breakable items as stocking fillers, and safety pins to seal the stockings. Players explore the contents of their stockings without looking and make educated guesses based on touch, smell, and sound. Once everyone has made their guesses, the contents are revealed, creating a surprise element.

To make the game even more enjoyable, you can customize the stockings with small toys or candies for children, and novelty items or mini puzzles for teens.

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Fun and Physical Activities

These activity ideas will help your group with their problem solving skills in a fun, physical way. Give your leadership a chance to learn new ways to promote teamwork. If you have a new group, use these team building activities to bind them into a unit rather than a group with no direction. Choose a challenging activity to stretch the physical boundaries of your team and help them realize they can do more. Find a teambuilding activity to use inside or outdoors depending on your setting and change the idea to fit your needs.

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• District Resource Library

Cubs Resources

Have you got some resources to share upload them here and help out your fellow leaders, click on a badge or title below to visit the relevant resources:, activity badges, to view resources for staged activity badges, please visit our resources for all ages page., challenge awards, click on a badge title below to visit the full list of badge requirements from the scouts:, animal carer.

Various activities to be completed together or remotely in order to earn the Animal Carer Activity Badge.

Athletics Plus

Book reader, disability awareness.

An explanation of the rules for ‘Goalball’ – an official Paralympic Sport.

Environmental Conservation

Resources to lead various activities on water conservation. 

Fire Safety

Global issues.

A list of things that we can do in an attempt to solve global warming. 

International

Instructions for various   American Sports for a 4th July or American-themed evening.

A collection of games celebrating different countries from around the world. 

Instructions to play the classic Viking game ‘Kubb’. Country of focus: Sweden.

A variety of international sport and game ideas and instructions from around the world.

Images of 6 different Cub Scout Uniforms from around the world.

Resources and games to support with an Irish-themed International night for Cubs.

Quiz questions on the country of Italy – to be used as either a session hook or a summariser.

Various activities based around the country of Japan.   

A selection of traditional games from a Scottish Highland Games contest.

A range of proverbs, ideal for a Chinese New Year theme.   

Martial Arts

Quiz sheet to match animals to where they live. Can be completed remotely or as a quiz. 

A full plan for a session based on introducing the Countryside Code for the first time.

Several further resources to help deliver the Countryside Code to Cubs. 

Instructions and template to create a hedgehog using natural materials, such as leaves.

Instructions to make your own hedgehog tunnel, and tips for how to use it.

Instructions and information about making your very own bug home.  

A full resource pack of activities for the Naturalist Badge, with Leaders’ delivery notes and support.

A full resource pack of activities for the Naturalist Badge.

Images outlining how to make your very own bird feeder out of a plastic milk bottle! 

Photographer

Design for making a ballista to shoot squash balls. Can use bamboo canes and elastic bands for Cubs and staves with lashings for Scouts.

A simple science experiment for Cubs to have a go at completing.

Various activities, experiments and resources which can be used to deliver the Scientist badge.

Sports Enthusiast

World faiths.

A series of activities and sessions to cover the full content of the Artist Activity Badge.

Instructions for making a Viking Long Boat

A variety of minigame suggestions to be completed in a carousel competition style.  

Backwoods Cooking

A full pack of activities and resources to help deliver the Chef Activity Badge.

Communicator

A game devised to emphasise the importance of detail and clarity in communication.   

Rules for a ‘scrap race car’ competition. Cubs must produce their own cars for the race out of recycled materials.

A challenge to build a water rocket out of plumbing materials. 

Entertainer

Home safety.

10 Activities that can be completed at home, or as a group to complete the Home Safety badge.

An easy-to-follow guide to help leaders deliver the Home Safety badge in full.  

Local Knowledge

A whole collection of activities themed around the City of York and its famous history.

A full night’s plan, with timings – for a session based on the belief of Christians that it is important to serve God. 

A full night’s plan, with timings – for a session based on why the Scout promise emphasises serving The Queen. 

Personal Safety

A leaders; guide to teaching rail safety, including activities for young people to complete.   

Physical Recreation

Road safety, water activities, back to top, the following badges all contribute towards the chief scout’s silver award. click on a badge title below to visit the full list of badge requirements from the scouts:.

Build on the Cub Promise by making your own promises on a tree of “promise leaves”.

Our Outdoors

A whole range of ideas for delivering the Our Outdoors Challenge Award. Work through this document or pick-and-choose the activities that suit you.

A fun problem-solving activity for Cubs to test out their teamwork and logic skills.

A challenge all about working together to solve a problem. Resources listed in file.

Instructions and pictures to make a dream catcher. Quick and easy!

Door Hanger Templates for Cubs to creatively decorate with their promise.

Our Adventure

Team leader.

A challenge targeted towards aiding the Sixer’s personal development and leadership skills.

Full Programmes

A large selection of adventurous and simple Cubs activities devised to celebrate the centenary year in 2016.

An enormous range of planning ideas for incorporating sport into Cubs, as well as a message from Lord Sebastian Coe.

A year of ready-to-use pack meetings, ideal for new Cub leaders or those struggling for ideas and inspiration!

A range of activities, themed around the film ‘The Secret Life of Pets’ – ideal for a themed-programme or camp.

A whole year’s worth of adventurous activities for Cubs to try out. 

A variation on the Harry Potter game using bean bags and a big open space.

A quiz based on the classic TV show, ‘Blockbusters’. Ideal for Zoom meetings.

A festive-fun story game with a little bit of a twist! 

A real-life take on the traditional board game. 

Rules for a traditional game of Conkers.

Various fun ‘Dingbats’ – ideal for screen-sharing in a Zoom Cubs session. 

A selection of fun games to try indoors for a Scottish-themed night!

Explanation and resources needed to run this wide game with a Sherwood Forest theme!

A collection of games popular with Cubs for many years.

A quiz-style trading game about the history of Scouting and Vikings. 

Other Activities Suitable for Cubs

A collection of activities to help keep young people fit and healthy.

A number of activities aimed at emphasising the importance of joining the Scout movement and what it means.  

Various activities, in partnership with NatWest, teaching the importance of looking after money.  

Instructions and images to make a boat using paper.

Poppy-based story, suitable as a stimulus for a Remembrance activity.  

An opportunity for Cubs to reflect on their Promise and how it applies to them.

Various COVID-Safe Programme Ideas for Cubs

Requirements were REVISED effective June 1, 2022 .

To see the changes which were made in 2022, Click here .

For the previous requirements, Click here .

There are 9 Elective Adventures in the Tiger program, plus one preview adventure which can be earned as an elective or earned for requirement 4.

• Curiosity, Intrigue, and Magical Mysteries
• Floats and Boats
• Good Knights
• Rolling Tigers
• Sky is the Limit
• Stories in Shapes
• Tiger-iffic!
• Tiger: Safe and Smart

Preview Adventure:

• Protect Yourself Rules

Tiger Elective Adventure: Floats and Boats

Complete Requirements 1-4 plus at least one other.

• With your den, say the SCOUT water safety chant.
• With your den, talk about why it’s important to have a buddy and then play the buddy game.
• Show how to safely help someone who needs assistance in the water, without having to enter the water yourself.
• Show how to enter the water safely, blow your breath out under the water, and do a prone glide.
• Identify five different types of boats.
• Build a boat from recycled materials, and float it on the water.
• Show that you can put on and fasten a life jacket correctly

Tiger Elective Adventure: Good Knights

Complete Requirements 1 and 2 plus at least two others.

• With your den or with your parent, guardian, or other caring adult, say the Scout Law. Explain to your den one of the 12 points of the Law and why you think a knight would have the same behavior.
• If you have not already done so, make a code of conduct with your den that will describe how each person should act when you are all together. If your den has a code of conduct, discuss with your den the updates it might need. Vote on which actions should go in your den code of conduct.
• Create a den shield and a personal shield.
• Using recycled materials, design and build a small castle to display at the pack meeting.
• Think of one physical challenge that could be part of an obstacle course. Then help your den design a Tiger knight obstacle course. Participate in the course.
• Show your understanding of knights’ service to others by participating in a service project in your community.

Tiger Elective Adventure: Rolling Tigers

Complete Requirements 1-3 plus at least two others.

• With your den or with your parent, guardian, or other caring adult, try on safety gear you should use while riding a bike. Show how to wear a bicycle helmet properly.
• With your den or with your parent, guardian, or other caring adult, learn and demonstrate safety tips to follow when riding a bicycle.
• Learn and demonstrate proper hand signals.
• With your den  or with your parent, guardian, or other caring adult, do a safety check on a bicycle.
• With your den or family, go on a bicycle hike wearing your safety equipment. Follow the bicycling safety and traffic laws.
• With your den or or with your parent, guardian, or other caring adult, discuss two different types of bicycles and their uses.
• Learn about a famous bicycle race or famous cyclist. Share what you learn with your den.
• Visit your local or state police department to learn about bicycle riding laws.
• Identify two jobs that use bicycles and discuss how they are used.

Tiger Elective Adventure: Sky is the Limit

Complete Requirements 1-3 plus at least one other.

• With your den or  or with your parent, guardian, or other caring adult, go outside to observe the night sky. Talk about objects you see or might see.
• Look at a distant object through a telescope or binoculars. Show how to focus the device you chose.
• Find out about two astronauts who were Scouts when they were younger. Share what you learned with your den.
• Observe in the sky or select from a book, chart, computer, or electronic device two constellations that are easy to see in the night sky. With your parent/guardian or other caring adult, find out the names of the stars that make up the constellation and how the constellation got its name. Share what you found with your den.
• Draw and name your own constellation. Share your constellation with your den.
• Create a homemade model of a constellation.
• Find out about two different jobs related to astronomy. Share this information with your den.
• With your den or family, visit a planetarium, observatory, science museum, astronomy club, or college or high school astronomy teacher. Before you go, write down questions you might want to ask. Share what you learned.

Tiger Elective Adventure: Stories in Shapes

Complete at least four of the following requirements.

• Visit an art gallery or a museum, explore an art website, or visit your library.
• Look closely at pictures of some art with your den or a family member. Decide what you like about the art, and share your ideas with the other Tigers.
• Create a piece of art on paper, poster board, or canvas.
• Draw or create an art piece using shapes.
• Use tangrams to create shapes.

Tiger Elective Adventure: Tiger-iffic!

Complete requirements 1-3 and plus at least one other.

• Play at least two different games by yourself; one may be a video game.
• Play a board game or another inside game with one or more members of your den.
• Play a problem-solving game with your den.
• Play a video game with family members or den members in a tournament.
• List at least three tips that would help someone who was learning how to play your favorite video game.
• Play an appropriate video game with a friend for 30 minutes.
• With other members of your den, invent a game, OR change the rules of a game you know, and play the game.
• Play a team game with your den

Tiger Elective Adventure: Tiger: Safe and Smart

Complete requirements 1-8. Requirement 9 is optional.

• Memorize your address, and say it to your den leader or your parent, guardian, or other caring adult.
• Memorize an emergency contact’s phone number, and say it to your parent, guardian, or den leader.
• Take the 911 safety quiz.
• Show you can “Stop, Drop, and Roll.”
• Show you know how to safely roll someone else in a blanket to put out a fire.
• With your parent, guardian, or other caring adult, make a fire escape map of your home and explain it to family members and your den.
• With your parent, guardian, or other caring adult, try a practice fire drill at home.
• Find the smoke detectors in your home. With the help of your parent, guardian, or other caring adult, check the batteries.
• Visit an emergency responder station, or have an emergency responder visit you.

Tiger Elective Adventure: Tiger Tag

Complete requirements 1 and 2 plus at least one other.

• Choose one active game you like, and tell your den about how to play and why you like this game.
• Play two team or relay games with your den. Tell your parent, guardian, or other caring adult or the other Tigers what you liked best about each game.
• Have your den choose a team or relay game that everyone can play, and play it at least twice.
• With your parent, guardian, or other caring adult, select an active outside game that you could play with the members of your den. Talk with den members about the games suggested by all Tigers. With your den, decide on a game to play and play the game that your den has chosen. After the game, discuss with your den the meaning of being a good sport.

Protect Yourself Rules (Preview Adventure)

Complete each of the following:

• Watch the Protect Yourself video lessons for this adventure.
• Demonstrate how you would say "No!" to someone who is doing something that makes you feel uncomfortable.
• Identify five trusted adults, and share this list with your parent or legal guardian.
• Describe the characteristics of a "safe stranger."

Note: Tiger Cub Scouts may complete the Protect Yourself Rules Preview Adventure in rank requirement 4 or they may complete it as an elective for rank requirement 2.

Sources: Cub Scout Tiger Handbook (#325523 - SKU 646427) https://www.scouting.org/programs/cub-scouts/what-cub-scouts-earn/the-advancement-trail/ https://www.scouting.org/programs/cub-scouts/preview-adventures/protect-yourself-rules/ and https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2021/05/13/nineteen-cub-scout-elective-adventures-will-be-retired-next-year/

Page updated on: September 28, 2022

After Cubs’ hot start to the season, their offense has hit a nearly month-long skid

CHICAGO — On April 26, the Chicago Cubs defeated the Boston Red Sox 7-1. They moved a season-high eight games over .500, and despite injuries starting to pile up, the team legitimately looked good.

The next day, their 27th game of the season, they were shut out for the first time all year. Thursday’s 3-0 loss to the Atlanta Braves marked the fifth time this season — over a span of 25 games — the Cubs failed to score a run.

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That April game in Boston was a high point. It’s been a steep decline since. Yes, the Cubs (27-24) are still three games above .500 and in the thick of the race. They haven’t completely fallen off the map. But what’s happened to a once-potent offense is jarring.

In those first 26 games, the Cubs scored 140 runs (5.38 per game). They looked primed to build off a 2023 season in which they scored 819 runs, the sixth most in baseball and third in the NL behind only Atlanta and the Los Angeles Dodgers . But in the following 25 games, they’ve scored just 78 runs (3.12 per game). In that first stretch, they had five or fewer hits in a game just three times. Thursday marked the 12th time in the past 25 games the Cubs have failed to top five hits.

They’re not putting much pressure on teams, either. This isn’t a home-run-hitting team. It was never expected to be. But after scoring so much last summer, there were high expectations for the offense.

"It was a quiet day … we didn't do enough offensively." The Cubs are averaging 2.30 runs/game over their last 10 games. pic.twitter.com/vxBGRXzawn — Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 23, 2024

To put together big innings, they’d need some long balls, but at least occasionally they’d need to string together some hits. In those first 26 games, nine times they had an inning in which they scored multiple runs with base hits that weren’t a home run, meaning they had multiple RBI base hits that didn’t go over the fence in one frame. Since then, they’ve done it just once. Those types of rallies put pressure on pitchers. They run up pitch counts, force pitchers to work with runners on base and generally tax them mentally and physically.

Why aren’t the Cubs doing the things they were doing during the first month of the season? Is this just an offensive rut? Is this the reality of this era’s pitching-dominated game? Perhaps it has to do with the run of strong pitching they’re facing?

“I think all of those are contributing to that,” manager Craig Counsell said. “The home run is part of a big inning, generally. Otherwise, you’re going to have to have six guys get on base in an inning to put up that multiple number. Yeah, we haven’t had that big inning. That’s for sure. All the reasons you said are probably (why).”

Home runs are great. Good offenses hit a lot of them. Teams also need to score in different ways, like with sacrifice flies or just groundouts. The Cubs aren’t terrible at that. But they can’t seem to string together hits. They can’t do much of anything offensively right now.

It’s not even like it’s bad luck situationally. Sure, the Cubs are hitting .179 with runners in scoring position over this time. But they’re hitting .199 overall, the worst in baseball during that span. Their .122 ISO is the second worst over that stretch. Three players during this stretch have a wRC+ over 100: Cody Bellinger , Christopher Morel and Mike Tauchman . And Bellinger is in an 0-for-13 slump.

“You go through stretches like this during a season,” Counsell said. “It’s not fun going through stretches like this as a group. Of course it’s frustrating. But this is a good offensive group and we’ll score runs.”

Perhaps what’s most frustrating is that the Cubs have been getting great pitching during this stretch. Over these 25 games, during which the Cubs are 10-15, their starters have a 2.98 ERA (fourth in baseball), and overall they’re getting a 3.73 ERA from their pitchers (ninth in baseball). That’s plenty good enough for an offense that should be much better than this.

“For most of us, the version of what’s to come is usually a lot closer to what you’ve always been than what you’ve done most recently,” Nico Hoerner said. “I really believe in the group. I appreciate how it’s not very much of a roller-coaster ride emotionally for the group. From the staff, the tone that Counsell sets as well as from the leaders in this locker room. There’s a lot of belief, intent, attacking every day but also not freaking out. I really appreciate that.”

It can’t be ignored that during this stretch of offensive impotence, Bellinger, Seiya Suzuki and Dansby Swanson each hit the injured list and Hoerner missed six games. Morel has had some of the most bewildering bad luck — he hit three balls in the air all over 100 mph Thursday and still couldn’t get a hit — and Ian Happ was in a deep funk (though he might be getting out of that). Michael Busch has cooled off considerably following a hot start. The Cubs are getting little production from their catchers, and outside of Patrick Wisdom , their bench has provided no offensive impact.

But as Hoerner pointed out, who these players have been for their careers is a better indicator of what’s to come than a month of play. But it has been a rough month at the plate. All these numbers tell us what our eyes have been seeing for weeks now.

Fans are getting restless. It’s to be expected. When the team barely threatens to score, enjoying the product on the field is hard.

“We’re lucky to have fans that care and are invested in this team,” Hoerner said. “I’d much rather have a fan base that’s reacting strong, wanting the best from this group and holding us to a higher standard than anything else. That’s what you play for and why the good moments are so amazing. It’s why improving is going to be satisfying.”

That positivity from Hoerner has to stick around. Like Counsell said, there’s no doubt it’s frustrating. But the players can’t hang their heads and let the negativity soak in. That will likely only deepen the slump they’re in.

It might seem disconnected from reality at times when players stay so optimistic when the results tell everyone something wholly different. But the veterans in the group understand it’s a long season. Things can change quickly. This was a team that was 10 games under .500 deep into last summer and somehow pulled itself out of the muck to firmly get back in the playoff race. The Cubs are not about to assume this is who they are before June rolls around.

“Not a whole lot to change,” Hoerner said. “I love where this lineup’s at. It’s nice to have everybody healthy. We’ll be clicking soon.”

(Photo of Seiya Suzuki slamming his bat on Thursday: Michael Reaves / Getty Images)

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Sahadev Sharma is a staff writer for The Athletic and covers the Chicago Cubs. Previously, Sahadev was a national baseball writer for Baseball Prospectus and ESPN Chicago. Follow Sahadev on Twitter @ sahadevsharma

Volunteering at Scouts is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing at Scouts. Read more

Back to Activities

You’ll need

• Device with access to the internet
• Timer or stopwatch
• Specific equipment for tasks

Before you begin

• Use the  safety checklist  to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Additional help to carry out your  risk assessment , including examples can be found here. Don’t forget to make sure all young people and adults involved in the activity know how to take part safely.
• Make sure you’ll have enough adult helpers. You may need some parents and carers to help out if you’re short on helpers.

Setting up the tasks

• Prepare your tasks in advance and let people know if they’ll need any specific equipment for your session.

Introducing Taskmaster 

• Gather everyone in a circle.
• Welcome everyone to the game and introduce the Taskmaster. This could be an adult volunteer, young leader, or a parent or carer helper.
• Another adult could be the Taskmaster's assistant and keep track of scores. You could also use a whiteboard or piece of paper to note down the points. 
• You could set up a digital device and play  this introduction video from Alex Horne, the Taskmaster's assistant.
• Tell everyone that they'll be taking part in a variety of tasks. They'll need to think creatively to impress the Taskmaster and earn points. They can think outside the box and should try to use their imagination.
• Share the ground rules. Make sure everyone knows they need to keep themselves and each other safe.
• Decide whether you'll play individually, in pairs or in small groups. You could change this for each task.

Playing Taskmaster 

• It’s time to start tasking! The Taskmaster should read out the first challenge.
• Everyone should complete the task. The Taskmaster should keep track of time with a  digital timer or they could use a stopwatch. You might find one on a phone!
• Depending on the challenge, everyone could take it in turns to share their results or entries when the time is up.
• The Taskmaster should award points. It’s up to them how you do this – they could give points to the best entry or give points to their top three entries. You could also give points from 1 up to how many groups or people you have so that everyone gets a point. For example, with 10 players, the lowest scorer would get 1 point and the challenge winner would get 10 points.
• Remember to give out bonus points for imaginative or creative entries or for good teamwork!
• Everyone should keep playing with new tasks until the meeting ends.
• The Taskmaster should congratulate everyone for taking part, with a big round of applause for the winner!
• Be ready, respectful and safe at all times.
• The Taskmaster’s decision is final.
• Keep yourself and everyone in your group safe.
• If you move something, put it back.
• If you make a mess, clean it up.
• Be kind to the Taskmaster, your teammates, or members of other teams.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to thinking of your tasks. Check out the  Taskmaster YouTube channel  for some more inspiration.

Some of our favourites task ideas include:

• Make someone's knee look like a famous person.
• Camouflage yourself in the meeting place. Best camouflage wins.
• Throw a teabag into a mug from the furthest distance.
• How many socks can you fit on one hand in 90 seconds?
• Build the highest tower you can in 3 minutes.
• Find the best hat. But it can’t be an actual hat!
• Eat a piece of fruit without using your hands.
• Make something spin for 55 seconds – it can’t stop during that time!
• Make the best paper aeroplane. You can use any materials you like. Furthest flight wins.
• The silliest walk up and down the meeting place wins. You have 5 minutes to think of your silly walk. 
• Make a fleur-de-lis out of natural objects.
• Using only a straw, move as many Smarties (or similar) as you can from a plate to a cup.
• Recreate your leader’s face out of items in a kitchen.
• Get an egg as high as possible without breaking it.
• Collect as many objects of a certain colour as you can in 5 minutes.
• Tear an animal shape out of a piece of paper while blindfolded.
• Put on a blindfold and stand up after exactly 200 seconds.
• Catch the most socks in a bowl.
• Balance on 1 leg for the longest time.
• Take 2 bowls – one with dry cereal in and one empty. Who can move the cereal from one bowl to the other the quickest by holding the spoon in their mouths?
• Make the best edible rainbow.
• Balance a spoon on your nose for 30 seconds.
• Balance a square thing on a round thing.
• Make the unlikeliest object wear a Scout necker.
• Put on an item of clothing in the most unusual way.
• Find an inanimate object that looks like you.
• Find the biggest leaf. Biggest leaf wins.
• Make a dramatic entrance – the most dramatic wins.
• Who can say the alphabet backwards the fastest?
• The Taskmaster has written a number on their arm, which is under 100. Closest person to guess the number wins.
• Who can do the most keepy uppies in a row?
• Place a biscuit on your forehead. Quickest to eat it wins...but you can’t use your hands!
• Draw a picture of your face using only your feet! Best picture wins.
• Create your own task (then use them next time or with another section).
• Cover your body with as many sticky notes as possible whilst blindfolded.
• Eat as many donuts as possible whilst hanging on a string. You can only use your mouth. 
• Make a fort that can fit at least 5 people in it.
• Make a new handshake. Best handshake wins.
• Make a shopping bag as heavy as possible in ten minutes. It must then hang, unassisted, for 1 minute.
• In teams, draw a picture on the back of another contestant – who then must recreate their work of art on a piece of paper without communicating.
• Create the best moustache. Most impressive moustache wins.
• One at a time, make a noise without the Taskmaster identifying you. The person who makes the most unidentified noises wins.
• Walk over and hit the drum at exactly 10 seconds. There are 2 bonus points for the person with the most magnificent walk.

This activity was all about giving everyone the chance to think on their feet and solve problems in a creative way.

Ask everyone how they found the activity. Does anyone want to share which tasks they found the easiest or most difficult, and why?

Did they find it easy to think of fun ways to complete all the tasks? Not all problems are easy to solve, but thinking outside the box and being creative are great skills to learn and can help in a lot of different situations.

All activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough risk assessment  and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get  approval for the activity , and have suitable  supervision  and an InTouch  process.

Supervise young people appropriately when they’re using scissors. Store all sharp objects securely, out of the reach of young people.

Teach young people how to use sharp objects safely. Supervise them appropriately throughout. Store all sharp objects securely, out of the reach of young people.

The game area should be free of hazards. Explain the rules of the game clearly and have a clear way to communicate that the game must stop when needed. Take a look at our guidance on running active games safely .

Make sure everyone understands what contact is acceptable, and monitor contact throughout the activity.

All items should be clean and suitable for this activity.

Change the level of challenge

• To make this activity easier, you could simplify the task.
• To make this activity harder, you could choose some more challenging or time-consuming tasks. You could also change the equipment used in each task too.

Make it accessible

• Think about how you’ll involve everyone in the group. Some people might not want to take part in the tasks. Could they help think set up challenges or keep score?
• You could change the challenges, equipment and movements to suit your group, such as using larger objects, leaving a bigger gap between cones, or using a large print font for printed materials.
• People can move at their own pace, so you don’t need to make it time-based competitive unless it works for everyone.
• Let people work in pairs or groups to make sure everyone’s supported in taking part. If needed, let people be in bigger groups or have a young leader join a group to help people.
• Check for allergies, eating problems or dietary requirements and adjust the challenge as needed. This may include making sure there’s no cross-contamination of packaging, during food preparation, storage and serving too. 
• If it’s too noisy and anyone doesn’t like the noise, remind everyone to be quieter. You could have a noise level warning system, the person could wear ear defenders, or you could run the activity outside or over a larger space to reduce the noise. Shutting doors and windows can help to reduce external sounds too.
• Avoid shouting or using whistles, as some people could find this distressing. Instead, try putting your hand up to get everyone’s attention.
• If someone isn’t comfortable holding hands with others, ask people to hold a piece of material, such as a necker or piece of rope, between themselves and others to connect them together.

All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.

This activity counts towards

Scouts Teamwork Challenge Award

Take it further.

Why not run a series of challenges over a term to help everyone work towards a specific Activity Badge or Challenge Award?

Youth shaped guidance

Challenge the group to come up with some of their own tasks. You could ask a Young Leader or Patrol Leader to run the session.

12 top team building games

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Description

Various games and challenges to promote team building

see description

Instructions

A Truth and A Lie (0.5-1hour) – Have each member introduce themselves by stating their name plus one truth about themselves and one lie. After each person makes their statements, allow for a quick open conversation where everyone questions each other on their two statements. The idea is to convince the other members that your lie is actually a truth, while guessing the truths/lies of the others. After the questioning period, vote as a group on each member’s statements. Points are awarded for each lie guessed right or for stumping other members on your own lie. This exercise helps to get to know your coworkers better and encourages group interaction and communication. (Optional: Increase the difficulty by having 2 truths and 1 lie, or 2 lies and 1 truth. Remove the open conversation segment if time is constrained) Poker Tower (15-30minutes) — Distribute a pack of poker cards and a pair of scissors to each group of 2-5 members. Instruct them to build the tallest poker tower using ONLY the cards and scissors given to them. This will stimulate creativity and team bonding, as the team figures out how to build the tower with the limited material available. (Optional: Spice up the game with 1 A4 size piece of paper) Egg Drop (1-2hours) — This is a messy yet classic engaging problem. Split the team into 2-3 teams of reasonable size. The task is to build an egg package that can keep the egg intact from a 2-4 storey drop. Tools that can be provided include newspapers, straws, tape, plastic, balloons, rubber bands. Give the teams 30min-1hour to create the package. After which, each team will take turns to drop the egg package from the 2nd storey while everyone else stays at the bottom level to observe. (Optional: increase the height of the egg drop until a single winner is found!) The Mine Field (15-30 minutes) – The idea behind this exercise is to improve team members’ trust, their relationship, and to communicate in a more effective way. You will need an open space such as an empty room or hallway in which you will distribute ‘mines’ that are placed haphazardly around the area. The ‘mine’s can be cones, balls, bottles etc. Team members are paired into teams of two. One team member will be blindfolded and the other can see and talk, but is not allowed to enter the field or touch their partner. The challenge is for the blind-folded person to walk from one side of the field to the other, avoiding the mines by listening to the verbal instructions of their partners. (Optional: Have more than 1 pair walking through the mine simultaneously, so the difficulty of focusing and listening to the right instructions increases) Win, lose or draw (15-30 minutes) — This is another classical team game, which can be very easily executed. You need paper, pen, and a flipchart/whiteboard. Think of items that fit into certain categories. These can be generic or specific to the team. For example, generic categories include food items, places of interest, idioms. Team-specific categories include computer technologies for computer scientists, business ideas for startups, school and students for teachers. Split the group into 2 teams. Each team takes turns to play. The team that is playing will nominate an artist, who will draw a “list” of items to draw. The only hint to his teammates will be the category name. They then have 1-3 minutes to draw the items on that list, without writing nor speaking. Switch around to another team after the time limit. Swap artists with each round, and repeat for 4-5 rounds. Collate the final results to find the winning team. Zoom. (30 minutes) — This is an activity designed for smaller teams. It requires the wordless, picture book entitled, “Zoom” by Istvan Banyai. This book features 30 sequential pictures that work together to form a narrative. The book should be fairly easy to find, as it’s been published in over 18 countries. The pictures can even be laminated to prolong their usage. Hand out one picture to each participant, making sure a continuous sequence is being used. Explain to the participants that they can only look at their own pictures and must keep their picture hidden from other participants. Time should be given for the participants to study their pictures because each picture will contain important information that will help the participants solve the problem of putting them into order. The ultimate goal is for the group to place the pictures in sequential order without looking at one another’s pictures. The participants can talk to each other and discuss what is featured in their picture. This activity brings coworkers together and gets them communicating with the common goal of solving a problem, but it also allows for leaders to emerge and take control of the task. (Optional: Draw up your own pictures to accommodate the team size and difficulty level) Dragon-boating (2-4 hours) — Who said all team building activities need to be indoors? Head out with your team for some sun! Try dragon-boating or double-kayaking, which requires good teamwork. Include a race if possible. Helium Stick (15 minutes) — This is a quick game that serves well as an ice-breaker or a short coffee break. A long thin stick is required. Be sure to call the pole a “Helium Stick” when you introduce the exercise. Place your group in two lines facing each other. Have each person hold the index finger of their right hand chest high. Place the helium stick on top of the outstretched fingers. The challenge is to lower the stick to the ground while keeping everyone’s fingers touching the stick. If anyone’s finger loses contact with the helium stick, you must start again. At first the stick will seem to rise (hence the name Helium Stick). In fact, it is simply the upwards pressure of everyone’s fingers causing the stick to go up instead of down. Once everyone relaxes they can easily lower the stick to the ground. This usually takes ten minutes of laughter and a leader to complete. (Optional: swap the helium stick for a helium balloon for a smaller team) Talking in Circles (0.5-1 hour) — This is a highly challenging game that is only recommended for teams who love challenges. Place everyone in a circle around a long piece of string that is tied at its ends to form a circle. Have everyone grasp the string with both hands and hold the string waist high. Without letting go, the team will have to form shapes with the string; a square, a triangle, a figure eight, a rectangle, etc. Repeat the game but with everyone’s eyes shut! This will require everyone to communicate clearly and listen well. Make the shapes progressively harder and periodically have them stop and open their eyes to see their progress…or lack there of Human Knot (15-30 minutes) — This brain teaser is funny and really works on teambuilding, problem solving and communication. No materials are needed. Recommended group size includes a wide range of 8-20 people. Instruct the participants to stand in a circle, shoulder to shoulder. Tell everyone to put their right hand in the air and grab the hand of someone standing across the circle from them. Now tell everyone to put their left hand in the air and grab the hand of a different person. Someone needs to check that everyone is holding the hands of two different people and that no one is holding the hand of someone who’s standing directly next to them. The objective of the game is to untangle everyone without letting go of their hands. If the chain is broken, participants will have to start over. Note: sometimes >1 circle will form. This game requires casual clothing, and is not recommended for team members with physical limitations. This game will rely heavily on teamwork and communication. Salt and Pepper (15 minutes) — This activity is fun, excellent for energizing your team, and also great as a quick ice-breaker exercise. It is simple to set up and suitable for a wide team size of 10-40 people (ideally even numbered). As a facilitator, think of pairs of things such as, salt and pepper, yin and yang, shadow and light, peanut butter and jelly, Mickey and Minnie mouse, male and female, and so forth. Write each item on a piece of paper (i.e. salt on one piece and pepper on another), and tape one paper on the back of each person, making sure they can’t see it. When the game starts, everyone must walk around asking yes or no questions in order to find out what word they have taped to their backs. Once they figure that out, they need to find their other pair. Learning how to ask the right questions is the key. (Optional: The two will then sit down and learn three to five interesting facts about one another)

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