As Scout leaders, an important objective is to ensure Scout meetings are fun with positive outcomes. This compilation of Scouting activities is made up of challenges and games which can be incorporated into troop meetings to help satisfy that objective.
An individual Scout, a patrol, or an entire troop can purposely enter into a situation that tests their abilities. In so doing, they’re accepting a challenge! The goal is to successfully complete the challenge in the best possible way. Accepting and completing a worthwhile challenge can be fun, in and of itself.
Under certain circumstances, by adding an element of competition, a challenge can become a Scout game. Many of the activities in this compilation are straightforward games where patrols play against patrols, or troop teams play against troop teams. Keeping score, awarding points, and/or pronouncing one patrol or team a winner is optional.
When properly and appropriately presented, a Scouting activity should contribute to making Scout meetings fun. Good fun can be considered a positive outcome. Underscoring the desirability and advantages of an activity is its ability to produce additional positive outcomes where Scouts:
- reinforce acquired skills by putting them into action
- exercise their resourcefulness
- increase their self-reliance
- exemplify teamwork
- share responsibility
- experience a sense of belonging
- nurture their self-esteem
- feel successful
- learn a life lesson
Effective Scout meeting activities provide the grounds for both fun and learning. Even when specific Scout skills aren’t coming into play, there’s always an opportunity to participate cheerfully while fostering good sportsmanship. As often as possible, Scouts should come away from a meeting feeling happy, invigorated—feeling good about Scouting, and good about themselves.