problem solving games for scouts

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.

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: 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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Bobcat Dice Roll

How to Play

More Games for Scouts

The Bobcat Dice Roll game offers a dynamic and interactive approach to the Bobcat rank requirements. It is ideal for den leaders who want to engage their Cub Scouts while ensuring they have a great time. By using giant dice, you can add an extra element of surprise and anticipation to the game. As a den leader, you hold the key to fostering an environment where learning is both enjoyable and memorable. By incorporating this game into your den activities, you can create a sense of camaraderie among your scouts as they work together towards their Bobcat rank.

Materials Required: One die. For extra fun, try playing with giant dice .

Instructions

Click here to download a printable PDF copy of the Bobcat Dice Roll Game

So, den leaders, take this opportunity to gather your scouts, roll the dice, and guide them through a Bobcat journey filled with enthusiasm and enjoyment. Watch as they gain confidence in their scouting skills and deepen their connection with the Cub Scout community. By incorporating this game into your den activities, you’ll create lasting memories and set your scouts on a path of growth and success.

More Scout Games

The importance of games in scouting: building skills and having fun.

Games like the Bobcat Dice Roll are crucial in Cub Scouting as they provide a fun and interactive way for scouts to engage with the program. They make the scouting experience enjoyable and memorable while reinforcing important principles and traditions. These games promote teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, fostering social and cognitive development. By incorporating games into their activities, den leaders create a balanced environment that combines learning with fun, ensuring a positive and meaningful scouting experience for the Cub Scouts.

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Ultimate Scouts

13 Team Building Games & Activities Outdoors

13 team building games & activities - outdoors.

13 team building games with few supplies and lost of fun. These fun outdoor games will help you as you plan exciting cub scout activities to do this spring and summer.

Everyone loves a game of dodgeball and this version doesn’t disappoint. Spud is dodgeball with a twist. All you need is one foam ball or other similar ball you would normally use while playing dodgeball.

Supplies Needed: Foam Ball

How To Play: 1. With a group of players each player is assigned a number. Example, if you have 10 players, number them 1-10.

2. While players stand around the playing area the ball is thrown up into the air by someone not playing the game. As the ball is in the air one of the numbers that was assigned to the players is called out.

3. The player with the matching number must catch the ball while the others flee.

4. Once the ball is caught the player yells “SPUD” and all other players must freeze.

5. The person with the ball gets 4 steps towards any of the players that have run away. They can spell out S-P-U-D as they take each step.

6. The person with the ball now can throw the ball and try and hit a frozen player.  Players feet are frozen in place but they can duck or dodge to miss being hit.

7. If the player is hit, they earn a letter, first hit is a “S”, second time they are hit is a “P” and so on until they earn all the letters in SPUD and are out of the game.  If the ball misses them they do not earn a letter. If they catch the ball, the player who threw it gets a letter.

8. Once a player has all 4 letters of SPUD they are out of the game. The winner is the last player standing.

Watch as The YouTube Family plays a game of SPUD together.

2. Alligator Swamp

This game can go by so many names, Lava Crossing, Toxic Waste Crossing, River Crossing, etc. The object of the game is for the teams to get from one side to the other and the middle is…well Lava or Toxic Waste or Alligator infested waters so they will have to get across without their feet touching the ground, I mean lava. To do this they will have to use the supplies provided and talk together as a  team to figure out the best way to cross over.

Supplies Needed: Choose from any of the following (you will need at least 3 pieces for each team) : Cardboard (big enough for people to stand on) Potato Sacks Old Towels Hula Hoops

How To Play: 1. Separate players into teams. 7-10 players a team will work best.

2. Have players line-up with their team on Side A. Hand each team a set of towels, hula hoops, etc. (whichever supply you decided to use)You will need at least 3 of the item you are using to cross. For younger or larger groups you may want to provide more.

3. When you say go they are to cross the Alligator infested waters but their feet can not touch the ground, they must be on the cardboard/potato sack or inside of the hula hoop.

4. Together they will have to figure out how to use the supplies you have provided them to get from Side A to Side B.  First team who makes it across wins.

Videos: How To Play With Hula Hoops How To Play With Towels How To Play With Wooden Blocks

3. Longest Shadow

This is a simple game to set up and you do not need any supplies. The goal is for each team to work together to form the longest shadow. A fund outdoor game but make sure it’s sunny.

Supplies Needed: None

How To Play: 1. Separate players into teams. 5 or more players a team is best.

2. Set up a starting line where the first player will have to be touching. Each player after will have to be touching the person behind them as they stretch and figure out the best way to stand to make a longer shadow.

3. Give teams time to talk and reconfigure their stances as they work together to get the longest shadow.

Watch as a group plays this team building activity.

4. Egg Drop Challenge

The egg drop challenge is one of those games you will have to plan ahead a bit but it is absolutely one of the most fun activities to do for team building.

Supplies Needed (optional): Ladder Eggs Straws Popsicle Sticks Boxes Styrofoam Peanuts Plastic Pillow Packing Bags Tape Scissors Balloons Ideas are unlimited, bring anything that would be fun to use

How To Play: 1. The rules for an egg drop are pretty simple. Your egg has to survive a drop from a high spot such as the top of a ladder or another designated structure.

2. Set a time limit, around 30-45 minutes is a good amount of time.

3. Select the teams, show them the supplies provided and start the timer. They will have time to discuss, plan, and execute their build.

4. Winners are the one’s who eggs survive.

Watch as a Dude Perfect takes on the Egg Challenge.

5. Steal The Bacon

Steal the bacon is an exciting form of tag. You won’t need bacon but you will need something that players want to grab and “steal.”

Supplies Needed (optional): Something to be used as “Bacon” (baton, bean bag, shirt, stick, etc.)

How To Play: 1. In a large field or basketball court split the players into teams. The amount of teams will depend on how many players you have. (I think the more teams, the more fun it is to play) You should have at least 5 players on a team.

2. Give each player on a team a number. For example, if there are 5 players on Team #1, give each player a number 1 through 5. Team #2 you will also give each player a number 1 through 5 and so on.

3. All teams will be on one side of the field behind a boundary line.

4. The leader of the game will place the “bacon” further down the field.

5. The leader will call out a number and all of the players that have been given that number will race to capture the “bacon”. The first person to grab it will have to race back to their team without being tagged by the other players on the field.

6. Once someone has stolen the “bacon”, the other players on the field should try and tag them before they get back to their team.  The round ends when they have been tagged or made it safely back to their team.

7. If the person makes it safely back to their team, the team receives 2 points. If the person with the bacon is tagged, then the the team that tagged them, receives 1 point.

8. Play continues until you reach the decided upon final number.

Variations: 1. You can use math problems or riddles, instead of calling out a number. For example, you can yell, “What is 10-7+2?” once they figure out the answer, then that player can take off for the bacon.

2. You can call out more than 1 number so more people are on the playing field.

3. Instead of numbers you can use animals or other objects to assign to each player.

6. Crab Soccer

Crab Soccer is a really fun game for kids. This game is played just like a standard game of soccer but the players are in a crab position.

Supplies Needed: Soccer Ball Goals (cones or small soccer nets )

How To Play: 1. Set up players similar to how you would for soccer, around 6 players on each side as well goalies . I do recommend a smaller playing area then a traditional soccer field.

2. Simple rules of the game are that a team scores when they get the ball in the opponents goal.

7. Giants, Wizards, & Elves

How fun is this outdoor game?!?  An easy to set up game with zero supplies. It is literally a giant game of rock, paper, scissor.  You can use marking objects to mark off the middle “battle” area if you need to.

Supplies Needed: Line Marker (optional)

How To Play: 1. Set up 2 teams of players.

2. Your playing area can be a field, gym, or other space with room to run. The middle of the playing area will be the battle zone. This is where both teams will stand facing off with each other.

3. The game will play just like Rock, Paper, Scissors, except you will use the titles Giants, Wizards, Elves. Giants (Rock) – Squish Elves Wizards (Paper) – Zap Giants Elves (Scissors) – Outwit Wizards Each team will talk together and decide whether they are going to be Giants, Wizards, or Elves. The teams meet in the battle area and on the count of 3 they will announce what there team chose to be and the action that goes with it.

Actions: Giants – Roar Wizards – Wave their wands and yell “Expecto Patronum” Elves – Shoot arrows from their bows

4. The team that loses must run to their wall or base. The winning team chases the losing team and anyone tagged before they are safely on their base moves to the winning teams side.

5. Game ends when one team has captured all the players.

8. Human Shapes

Players will move their bodies to form different letters, words, and shapes. You can have them work by themselves, as small groups, or as a team

How To Play: 1. Split up players and space them out so they have room to move.

2. Start off by having them individually make letters or shapes with their body. A, C, T, bridge, tree, etc.

3. Now group them with 3 or 4 people and give them words to make. Dog, Cat, etc. or objects to make. Can they work together to look like a bicycle?

4. Next you can have all of them work together to make a phrase or sentence.

Tip: To keep the game exciting, keep the game fast pace. For younger kids, I would recommend 10 seconds to make individual letters, 30 seconds for a group to form a shape or word. For adults, 5 seconds to form letters, 10 seconds to form a word or shape.

Watch a group of drama students play the 10 second game.

9. Fireman Relay Race

Outdoor water games are great for those crazy hot days where you have a group to entertain outdoors. This game will require a water source or  large portable containers that are filled with water.

Supplies Needed: Water Source Cups Buckets

How To Play: 1. Split players into teams. Each team should have around 4 or more players.

2. Set up the starting line for the players. Each team will need a large bucket filled with water. If you have large enough containers, 2 teams can share it. Give each player a large plastic cup similar to these .

3. Another bucket like a Lowes or Home Depot bucket is placed at the other end of the playing area. You will need 1 bucket per team. With tape mark off the line that the teams will have to fill up the bucket with water to.

4. When the game starts one by one a player will fill their cup with water, run down the field and pour it into the bucket. Whichever team fills their bucket to the line first wins.

Watch some cute littles play the water relay game.

10. Magic Helium Stick

This is a great team building activity that is challenging and causes the players to really communicate and work together as a team. The objective is the team will need to lower the stick to the ground using only 1 finger from each member.

Supplies Needed: tent pole or other long, light stick

How To Play: 1. Split your group into 2 and have them face each other. They will be standing close to each other during this game. Have each of them put out their hand with their index finger out at chest level.

2. Lay the long magic helium stick across their fingers. Once the magic stick is laying across their fingers they will need to lower the stick to the ground.

3. Sounds easy but it is very tricky especially if the stick is very light. The players will have to work heavily on communication and working together to complete the task.

Watch as a group of scouts try to lower the magic helium stick.

11. Blind Retriever

Blind Retriever is a game that helps teach the importance of listening. Players will be blindfolded and have to listen to direction to find the object on the playing field.

Supplies Needed: Blindfolds Any object that the retriever can find (ball, cone, toy, etc.)

How To Play: 1. Split the group into teams of 4-6 players.

2. Have them line up in single file order behind a designated starting line.

3. The first person in line for each of the teams will be blindfolded. The second person in line will give directions. No one else on the team is to give directions. Other teams may not give wrong direction to their opponents.

4. Place the object the blindfolded person is to retrieve somewhere in the playing area. Once the object is placed down you can tell the players to go.

5. Once the object has been found the blindfold goes to the next person in line. The object is placed back on the play area again and the game continues.

6. At some point spend a minute discussing what is working and not working communication wise. Have everyone discuss better ways to provide instructions to the blindfolded player.

12. Balloon Volleyball

An easy game to set up and play with your group.

Supplies Needed: Balloon Volleyball Net

How To Play: 1. Split the group into 2 teams.

2. Play a fun game of volleyball but using a balloon.

13. Blob Tag

Everyone loves tag but the same old game can get boring. How about a fun twist called Blob Tag.

How To Play: 1. In your group pick one person to be “It” and they are to tag the other players.

2. Each time “It” tags someone they link arms with that person and they become a bigger “It” that can tag other players.

3. Eventually you have one big blob of an “It” and one player who has never been tagged. They are the winner.

MORE TO EXPLORE

Webelos Scouts Adventures 2024 – Quick Overview

Lion Scout Adventure Map – Complete Set

15 Team Building Activities & Games – Indoors

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15 Teamwork Activity Ideas for Scouts

As kids grow up, they will start to realize the importance of working with others. From school projects to sports teams, the ability to work collaboratively can make a big difference in a person’s success.

Teamwork is a valuable life skill that can help kids become better problem solvers, communicators, and leaders. Nobody understands this better than Scouting Organizations. They provide a fun and educational environment where kids and young adults can learn important life skills.

In fact, teamwork is a critical component of scouting organizations, and many of the activities and projects require members to work together. The Boy Scouts of America website provides a list of great team building activities that include a variety of indoor and outdoor options.

Here, we’ll give you some additional ideas for Scout teamwork activities. In addition to life skills, working in teams can also help members to develop strong friendships and a sense of camaraderie that can last a lifetime. So be sure to incorporate a “team” mentality at your next Scouting event!

15 Scout Activities That Foster Teamwork

Confidence booster: positive plates.

Tape a plain paper plate to each participant’s back. Arm each person with a pen or marker and set them free to write on one another’s backs with a message about something they like about that person. Keep it positive and encourage them to write something new for each person. In the end, have them read the nice things that were said about them aloud.

Engineering Feat: Marshmallow Build

It’s pretty simple: build a tower out of marshmallows and toothpicks. Each participant gets a set number of marshmallows and toothpicks that only they can touch. The team can discuss strategy and draft up blueprints before they start building, but each participant must place his or her own mallows to create a building that stands without falling over.

Fun and Physical: Relay Races

A good old fashioned relay race requires teams to work together to complete a set of tasks, such as running, jumping or passing a baton. One idea is to have each of the members design one leg of the relay to keep it interesting and specific to the environment in which you are playing.

Cooperation: Puzzle Challenge

Grab two puzzles with the same number of pieces (300, 500 or 1000 depending on ages and time allotment). Divide the group into two teams and set them to work to see who can finish or get the furthest on the puzzle within a given timeframe.

Let’s Eat: Cooking Challenge

Rather than having the same boring pizza party, share a snack or meal that the group has made themselves. Divide the group into teams and provide specific ingredients with which they must prepare a meal within the given timeframe.

Field Trip: Escape Rooms

This is a popular outing that typically costs a little money for entry. Teamwork and problem-solving skills must be used to escape from a locked room by solving puzzles and answering clues.

High Touch Classic: Human Knot

If your group is comfortable with a high touch activity, the classic human knot game is a great one. Have the group stand in a circle and have each person hold hands with two people across from them. The team must then work together to untangle themselves into a circle without letting go of each other’s hand.

Engineering Skills: Paper Airplane Challenge

Divide the group into small teams and give them sheets of paper and 15 minutes. Let them design and test out several different paper airplanes before choosing one best flyer to participate in the challenge. The paper airplane that flies the farthest wins.

Quiet Activity: Silent Lineup

Give the Scouts a trait on which to line up in order, such as shirt color or shoe size. The key is that they have to line up in an orderly pattern (like smallest to biggest shoe size) without saying a word. Pro tip: for younger kids, ask them to put a pretend marshmallow in their mouth to keep them quiet.

Warm Weather Classic: Water Balloon Toss

Everything is more fun when you get wet! For this team challenge, fill up lots of balloons (parents rejoice: they have some fun new devices to do a lot of water balloons at once). Divide the teams on two sides and have each player toss the balloon across to a member of the other side. Each time it is caught without breaking, they take a big step back. See who is the last water balloon (and team) standing!

Good for Younger Kids: Paper Bag Skits

Grab some regular brown lunch bags and put lots of different props in them. Hats, markers, accessories, a microphone, food, flowers — the more random, the better! Instruct the kids to write and put on a skit that incorporates all of the props and all of the people.

Physical Physics Lesson: Human Pyramid

Find a grassy outdoor area and ask the participants to figure out the best way to form a human pyramid safely within a given timeframe. This works best in small groups of around six people. Hint: ask them to think about size and weight when deciding who goes on bottom versus on top.

Musical Number: Jam Session

Grab all of the musical instruments the group has access to: harmonicas, drums, guitars, shakers, pianos and more. If none of the group members knows how to play an instrument, keep it basic with kazoos and shakers. Task the team to create a harmonious sound by playing an existing or original tune.

Belly Laugher: Blindfolded Pictionary

Pictionary is fun, but it can be even better when the illustrators are blindfolded! Think of group-specific clues in advance (like places your troop has been or inside jokes) and place them in a hat. Take turns choosing a clue to draw blindfolded. It makes for a fun and funny added challenge and the group must work together to discuss what they think is happening when Fido’s tail is drawn on his nose!

New Heights: Jump Rope Challenge

Grab an extra long jump rope and at least 5 people for this challenge. Two people will hold the rope as a person starts jumping. Slowly add one, two or even three people under the rope to see how many can all jump together.

What are you waiting for? Fostering teamwork for Scouts is one of the best things you can do to set them up for success in life. Scouts already provide today’s youth with excellent opportunities in many areas. Although they require a little planning, participating in teamwork activities like the ones above is an excellent way to develop important skills that will last a lifetime.

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Problem solving - skills challenge

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Description

good fun problem solving activity for KS2 as part of their skills challenge badge.

1 x gummi snake, 4 x paperclips, 1 x plastic cup and 1 x gummy hoops. one set of these per 2-3 cubs.

Instructions

Only You Can Help Save Sam! Sam has been spending his summer boating on the great lakes. However, he’s not too bright (after all, the brains of worms are pretty small). He’s never learned how to swim, and he never wears his life preserver. The worst has happened! His boat has capsized and he’s stuck! Fortunately, his life preserver is in the boat, but unfortunately he does not know how to reach it without falling off and drowning. Problem: How can you and your partner save Sam using only 4 paper clips. You may not touch Sam, the boat, or the life preserver directly with your hands. Materials: • Gummy Worm • Gummy “Life Saver” preserver • 1 Plastic or Paper Cup • 4 Paper Clips Procedures: 1. Work with your partner and "Save Sam". 2. Follow the rules. Sam, the boat, the life preserver can be touched only with the paper clips. NO HANDS. Leader Notes: Sam sits on the inverted cup. The cup sits half-covering the life preserver on the tabletop. No real water is involved. 'answer' - picture in attachment. But in case you can't see it - using paperclips... snake is pulled through hoop. then using 2 clips the hoop (with snake inside)is lifted to safety!

• Problem solving and games
• Skills Badge
• skills challenge
• Team work game

Badge Links

• Skills - Problem solving
• Teamwork - Team-building

Troop Leader Resources

• Monthly Planning
• Patrol Leader’s Council Monthly Planning
• Sample Troop Meeting: A Perspective
• Preopening Gathering Period
• Scoutmaster / Senior Patrol Leader Preopening Conference
• SPL Announcements
• Group Instruction
• Skills Instruction
• Breakout Groups

Games and Challenges

• Leader’s Minute
• Closing Ceremony
• After the Meeting
• Guidelines To Planning Ceremonies

Home » Troop Planning » Monthly Planning » Troop Meeting Agenda » Games and Challenges

What’s referred to as the “Games” section of the Troop Meeting Planning Sheet can be approached from a variety of angles. In its most simple context, this portion of the meeting provides a chance to have some good, clean fun serving to change the pace of the meeting, and/or allow Scouts to happily let off a little steam. From another direction, this time slot can afford a golden opportunity to put Scout skills into action in a way that is involving and challenging—often relative to a monthly theme.

All troop meeting activities, whether a Scout Skills Challenge, Team Building Opportunity, or Scout Game should contribute towards ensuring the troop meeting is fun with positive outcomes. Additional Information and a Resource Library of Troop Meeting Activities

Tiger-iffic!

Tiger-iffic, a tiger elective adventure.

The Tiger Cub Scout handbook says,” Learn problem-solving steps, sequencing, and interaction, and engage in creativity.”

Read on to discover this adventure’s requirements and fun ways to complete them!

Requirements:

• 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 or family.
• With other members of your den or family, invent a game or change the rules of a game you know. and play the game.
• Play a team game with your den or family.

Team Building Activity: Paper Plate Shuffle

This paper plate shuffle game is an excellent team building activity for kids of all ages. Perfect for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, & Girl Scouts!

Get in touch

Team building

A number of problem-solving exercises to get your group really working together. The tasks will vary depending on the group, but all are designed to be challenging and fun. Each task is reviewed to ensure that your group develop communication and logical thinking skills throughout the activity.

Broad skills learnt/practiced in this session:

Collaboration, problem solving, divergent thinking skills.

Other Activities

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An approach to problem solving

You can be absolutely sure that if someone says to you there are no problems, only opportunities, they are about to give you an opportunity to solve a problem for them.

The difficulty of trying to find one approach to solving problems is that there are so many different types of problem. A Cub Scout Leader may find running Pack nights a problem, but the Cub Scout who can't get the lid off the biscuit tin will think this problem far more important!

Most problems though, can be divided into one of two categories; practical problems concerned with doing thing and people-based or emotional problems to do with how people feel and react together. Both types can be approached in the same way but the second requires far more sensitivity.

The diamond problem solving process

One approach to solving problems is to employ the model set out below. It can be used to tackle any problem no matter what it is.

Each diamond represents a separate stage in dealing with the problem and each must be completed before moving on to the next.

To solve the problem you start at diamond number 1 and go round the diamond until you are sure that you have got all the facts you need. Areas of the problem which normally need exploring are people, places, events, and the time-scale of events. All too often the problem seems large because we don't understand the details. And the larger the problem seems the more we worry which makes the problem larger still! So make sure you have all the available facts and only move on when you are certain this is the case.

Having examined the facts move on to diamond number 2 and make sure you fully understand the problem. Often to do this you need to step back and try to look at the problem without involving your feelings. Acting on emotions is often the simplest solution, but rarely the best. Sometimes it can be helpful to state the problem in writing, or to describe it to someone else.

Having looked at the problem go back to diamond 1 and check it against the facts. People with emotional problems very rarely tell you the whole problem or all of the facts at the first attempt. They select the facts that support their story or point of view, just like politicians do!

At this stage it is also important to ask yourself if the problem you are being told about is the real problem or if you need to question further. For example a young Scout in tears who tells you that the Scout Leader hates him/her has probably been severely told off. The real problem is that the Scout doesn't like being shouted at and is in need of some sympathy. Only establishing the real facts will show you the actual problem.

You will know that you are ready to move on when you can state the problem as a complete question, eg, “What is the best way to pack the minibus with this equipment so that everything fits in safely?”

Having established the facts and examined the problems, move on to diamond 3 and explore as many possible solutions as you can think of. Before making judgements, create as many options as you can. What you may regard as silly options can always be disregarded later. It's worth remembering that every great inventor or problem-solver in history had their ideas laughed at - until they worked.

It's important to remember that to decide to wait or to decide to do nothing are both possible solutions. The next step is to choose your best solution and check back with diamonds 2 and 1 that it will actually solve the problem. The temptation now is always to rush away and try it, but first...

Having chosen your solution, spend some time predicting the consequences of each option and then decide which action to select. Often you will find you have chosen your solution because it satisfies your feelings or it appears to be the easiest option. If, however, the consequence of your action is to create another problem you will have achieved nothing, so make sure your solution will produce the right end result. When considering the consequences always be aware that, if you are dealing with other people, they may not react as you expect them to. You must consider all the possible ways that they may react.

Finally, check the whole process through and put your solution into action.

Problem One

You are leading the Troop out on a hike and come to a stream. What do you do?

1. The camp site is on the other side of the river.

2. The Troop is expected back at the site in half- an-hour's time.

3. The stream is 60 cm deep.

How to get the Troop back to the site within half an-hour and keep them happy in the meantime.

1. All wade across.

2. Give them all piggybacks.

3. Walk up- or down-stream to the nearest crossing.

4. All build a bridge, raft or boat.

5. Dam the river and walk across the dry riverbed.

6. Call it a 15-minute Patrol challenge and let the Patrol Leaders sort it out for themselves.

1. Everyone gets wet and has uncomfortable feet.

2. You get a hernia and it takes too long.

3. It may take too long for the time-scale.

4. It may not be strong enough to take the whole Troop.

5. Probably impractical and will damage the farmer's irrigation system down-stream.

6. If they get wet it's their fault and it provides an instant activity, employs more minds to the solution, and gives you the option to use the best final method.

I know which I'd choose, with a prize for the Patrol that gets me across dry!

The example, besides demonstrating the process, includes the key principle, that, when dealing with practical problems, you should look at all the means of help and advice available to you. Obviously then you must select from the help and advice you receive what you consider to be the best or soundest option. But often it helps just to hear other people's solutions, particularly when making decisions for a group.

The same is not true when dealing with people with emotional problems, particularly if someone is seeking your help with a delicate or sensitive matter. Firstly, it is unlikely that they will want a number of people to be involved or to know of the problem. Secondly, in such circumstances, the person who has sought you out needs your help to help them make up their own mind. They do not want to have it made up for them by you. Only they know the real problem and the relationship between themselves and any other people involved. The skills needed in this situation tend towards counselling skills, rather than problem-solving skills, and it is not the purpose of this paper to discuss these. However, if you require further information on counselling skills they are dealt with in a factsheet called An Introduction to Counselling.

Problem Two

As Akela you are concerned that your young Cub Scout Helper gets too involved in games and is too rough with the Cubs.

It's worth noting at this point that the feeling about a situation that something is wrong is not the same as the facts about the situation. The facts may be:

1. The Helper enjoys joining in rather than running games.

2. No one has actually been hurt or complained.

3. The Helper always attends and is keen and helpful.

How to deal with this potential danger without upsetting the Helper or risking losing their help.

1. Stop the Helper taking part in games.

2. Explain your fears and ask the Helper to be careful.

3. Involve the Helper in joining in quiet games instead.

4. Use the Helper to run or plan other activities.

5. Do nothing and hope no accidents happen

1. The Helper may lose interest and leave.

2. The Helper has the chance to understand your point of view.

3. The Helper may still join in noisy games as well.

4. The Helper may be suspicious of this change of approach.

5. You won't feel any better about the situation.

The choice must of course lie with the individual and would depend on the personal relationship between the two people involved at the time.

These examples hopefully demonstrate two different applications of the same process to help solve problems. Of course all problems are different and different people will react in different ways at different times. Often you will have to solve a problem with very little time to think, but for those occasions when you can make a little time to think a problem through logically, you will find that this approach works.