Cub Scout leaders- Need ideas, please

[thescrappyhomeschooler]

Because I have no better way to spend my free time, I signed up to be the Tiger Cub den leader this year. I am looking forward to it, and right now I have 7 boys in my den, with a possible few additions. I was wondering if you guys had any suggestions for activities I can do with them as the boys are arriving to the den meetings while we are waiting for everyone to get there.

 

My older son was a Tiger last year, and his den leaders were a little lost and most of the meetings were chaotic, to say the least. I'd like to avoid the same thing happening this year, and have a plan of action.

 

Any fun games or other things we can do?

 

Thanks!

[Moxie]

straws

ping-pong balls

2 teams, each on one side of a table

try to see which team can have the most over the line at the buzzer

sorry no caps, typing one-handed

[Guest Dulcimeramy]

Two terrific links:

 

MacScouter

 

MacScouter's Tiger pg.

[thescrappyhomeschooler]

Two terrific links:

 

MacScouter

 

MacScouter's Tiger pg.

 

Holy Smokes! That is quite a lot of ideas! Thanks! Just what I needed.

[cougarmom4]

If you're just looking for something easy to keep them busy for a few minutes, I'd suggest keva planks...I haven't met a kid yet who can't resist joining in.

[Moxie]

Give them a stack of paper and tell them to make a paper airplane.

[mom31257]

Our group always has them doing something that will count toward the electives in the back of the book. It's usually something that could easily be done at home or sent home with someone who misses.

[SailorMom]

MacScouter saved my life numerous times!

 

The great thing about Tigers is they are SO easily impressed :) Leaf rubbings, paper airplanes, take a "leave no trace" walk around the neighborhood picking up garbage, or a "leave no trace" scavenger hunt (have them find a candy wrapper, a plastic bag, an empty can, etc - bting disposable gloves...). You get the idea. Also - wear them out right off the bat - play a game that involves running..... lots and lots of running. And then, about 1/2 way through the meeting, do that again :)

[angela in ohio]

I would also tell the parents up front that they are responsible for their child's actions while they are at the meeting. Sometimes parents just need to know that it is okay for them to jump in and tell their son to knock it off, instead of waiting for a leader to do it.

[Sebastian (a lady)]

Because I have no better way to spend my free time, I signed up to be the Tiger Cub den leader this year. I am looking forward to it, and right now I have 7 boys in my den, with a possible few additions. I was wondering if you guys had any suggestions for activities I can do with them as the boys are arriving to the den meetings while we are waiting for everyone to get there.

 

My older son was a Tiger last year, and his den leaders were a little lost and most of the meetings were chaotic, to say the least. I'd like to avoid the same thing happening this year, and have a plan of action.

 

Any fun games or other things we can do?

 

Thanks!

 

Does the new Cub Scout 2010 meeting helps include a pre-meeting idea? I seem to remember the older themed Program Helps had one. You should ask your pack if they have a copy of the new Cub Scout 2010 helps for you. You can also download the meeting plans for individual meetings here. The idea behind these plans aren't to bind leaders in lockstep. They are to equip leaders with a basic roadmap that will help you see that all of the scouts do what they need to earn their rank badges.

 

Also, the leader training that used to have to be done at a district or pack leader's meeting can now be done online. Go to Myscouting.org, register and then look in the E-learning section. You'll find Youth Protection, Den Leader Fast Start and Tiger Den Leader Specific training there.

 

Welcome to the club. I signed up as a Tiger leader 7 years ago, have led every level of cub scouts at one time or another and now have two boy scouts and a cub scout. It's a good program.