Use activities to achieve the aims of Scouting - citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness.
Remember the most important thing to Scouts is FUN!
Variety - Scouts enjoy all sorts of activities, but quickly become bored with a single type of activity.
Safety must be a primary consideration
Adult supervision is required
CRAFTS
Don't overuse this one!
Can be to help on achievements and electives or just for fun.
Can be related to a monthly theme or in preparation for a special activity like the Blue and Gold Banquet.
Usually started at a meeting and finished at home.
Make sure the project is within the abilities and interests of your Scouts.
Show how it is done.
Offer encouragement, excite immagination and avoid criticism.
Allow freedom for creativity and individuality.
Use variety.
Crafts should be practical. Learning to braid is fine, but it would be better to braid an item that can be use used as a gift, part of costume. etc.
Use simple and safe tools. Remember that a dull tool is dangerous. Tools are replaceable - boys are not.
Power tools are dangerous, shouldn't be used by younger Scouts and never without one-to-one adult supervision.
Remind scouts that clean-up is part of the job.
DEN CEREMONIES
Keep 'em short; e.g., 3 - 4 minutes maximum.
Praise is important.
Simple, but impressive ceremonies inspire and motivate.
Types of Ceremonies include:
Closing
Den Doodle Awards
Opening
Conduct Candle
Denner Installation
Progress Towards Ranks
Den Chief Recognition
Flag
Special Recognition
GAMES
Den Chiefs can be very useful in leading games.
Choose games based on space, time, and number of players.
Choose game types that best fit the situation - some are good for letting off steam, while quiet games, requiring concentration, may help with a wild bunch.
Games can involve families, Scouts only, multiple dens, etc.
SKITS
Praise is important.
Keep it short - 3 to 5 minutes or less..
Avoid long dialogue or memorized lines - try pantomimes or adult narration.
Use simple props and costumes, if any are needed.
Make sure the audience can hear. Speak slowly, clearly and loudly.
Fit the scout to the part. Some parts may be too difficult for a particular boy.
Screen the skits before they are presented to the Pack for good taste and scouting values.
Give a congratulatory cheer afterwards, but avoid negative cheers; e.g., watermelon cheer.
Materials found at U. S. Scouting Service
Project, Inc. Websites may be reproduced and used locally by
Scouting volunteers for training purposes consistent with the programs
of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) or
other Scouting and Guiding Organizations. No material found here may be
used or reproduced for electronic redistribution or for commercial or other
non-Scouting purposes without the express permission of the U. S. Scouting
Service Project, Inc. (USSSP) or other copyright holders. USSSP is not affiliated
with BSA or WOSM and does not speak on behalf of BSA or WOSM. Opinions expressed
on these web pages are those of the web authors. You can support this website
with in two ways:
Visit Our Trading Post at www.ScoutingBooks.com or make a donation by
clicking the button below.
