Cub Scout & Boy Scout Games

The Boy Scouts of America is probably the best program in the USA for training boys to be good citizens of this country, effective leaders in their businesses, churches and community, and well rounded and grounded men in general.

Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts LOVE playing Games! As a scout leader they will be looking to you to show them how it is done, so take a deep breath and get ready to let your hair down...

There are roughly 600 games in this application. That's a bunch of games folks! If you played one game at each scout meeting every week, it would take you about 6 years to get through all of them. Put another way, at the current price on the market, you get roughly three games for a penny...not bad in this economy.

There are 5 sections in this application: Cub scout Games, Boy scout Games, Games for All Scouts, Games for Boys (by G.S. Ripley), and Scouting Games (by Lord Robert S.S. Baden-Powell). Those five sections have been further divided into a total 49 Sections more specific to the type of game; like Outdoor Games, Strategy Games, Knot Tying Games and so on.)

In future versions I intend to have a search by keyword (such as "Outdoor" or "Cub Scout"" and search by title such as "Capture the Flag" or ""Kim's Game"option.

A Few Tips about Games:

Games Are --

Lessons without teachers

Body builders

Mind stretchers

Friend makers

Building blocks

Most of all games are fun

Through Games, A Scout

Learns new skills

Develops new interests

Learns to follow the rules

Learns fair play

Learns to wait his or her turn

Is taught respect for the rights of others

Scouts like games in which there is a sizable element of luck. They do not require prizes, nor do they seem to worry if the game is not finished. They like games which restart almost automatically, so that everyone is given a new chance. Scouts like games whereby they gain the reassurance that comes with repetition.

Remember, the success of a game period depends greatly upon leadership. A leader can challenge and persuade the shy Scout and channel the energy of the "showoff", making meetings fun for all.

Choosing A Game:

Know and understand the game.

Be prepared to teach the game.

Take into consideration: Physical arrangements
Equipment needs
Number involved
Abilities of the participants

Suggestions For Conducting Games:

Know the game well and the area needed before teaching it. Have all the necessary equipment on hand.

Remove all possible hazards from the game area.

Have the full attention of the group before trying to explain the rules of the game.

To introduce the game, name it, demonstrate it, ask for questions, then start it.

Always insist on fair play.

If a game is going badly, stop it, explain it again, then try the game once more.

Play, but don't overplay a game. A successful game will be more in demand if it is stopped while it is still being enjoyed.

Be alert to overexertion.

A Shameless Plug:

Being a Scout leader is very rewarding, but it is also a tremendous amount of WORK!

I have put together several applications to help you in your endeavors

The Scoutmaster Minute - A minute of wisdom from you can change a boy's life.

Boy Scout Skits - 400 of the best loved skits , your campfire will never be the same.

Boy Scout Songbook - more than 300 Songs to keep your boys cheerful along the trail and at campfires.