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. View: PUTTING SKILLS INTO ACTION VIDEO
As part of their regular troop meeting planning process, the troop’s planning team should prepare meaningful challenges and enjoyable games that will favorably engage the members of the troop. Whether it’s a Scout Skill Challenge, Team Building Opportunity, or a Patrol or Troop Game, whenever possible and appropriate, the chosen activity should be featured as part of the troop meeting’s agenda.
Before an activity can be presented, some fundamental conditions must be addressed:
- PREPARATION – Are all the required materials laid out and the playing area set up?
- AVAILABLE SPACE – Is there a large enough open area to carry out the challenge or game?
- READINESS – Do the Scouts have the necessary skills to complete the challenge successfully?
- TIME – Is there enough time to finish the activity?
- DELIVERY – Do the Scouts understand the activity’s rules and objectives?
- PRESENTATION – Are the junior leaders conducting the activity primed and ready to deliver a successful presentation so that everything goes smoothly?
When these conditions are met, not only will the Scouts benefit more from the experience, but they’ll have a whole lot more fun, too.
ACTIVITIES INDEX / PLANNING ACTIVITIES / SCOUT SKILL CHALLENGES
TEAM BUILDING / PRE-OPENING / INTER-PATROL and TROOP GAMES
Links from the Former Troop Program Resources and Troop Leader Resources Websites