The “Beans in a Can” game makes a great Cub Scout gathering activity.
Gathering Activities
Need Cub Scout gathering activities ideas? Scroll on down to find them!
Ever had this happen? You arrive at your den meeting location about 20 minutes early. You have some things to set up, so you get started on that. When the second Scout arrives with your assistant den leader, the two kids start playing. Then a third and a fourth arrive. They’re running around, messing with things they shouldn’t be. You and your assistant den leader are trying to finish setting things up. You have to stop multiple times to ask the kids to stop what they’re doing. Finally, everything is set up, and you’re ready to start. But your Cub Scouts are right in the middle of some game, and they don’t want to stop the game. Or they’re so wound up from playing with each other that they can’t settle down enough for the opening ceremony. Fun times, isn’t it? ? There is a way to avoid this! Plan a gathering activity for your Scouts.
What are Cub Scout Gathering Activities?
In my pack meeting planner post, here’s how I describe gathering activities: Gathering activities (or pre-opening activities) are designed to give the Scouts something fun to do before the meeting starts. If the Scouts are occupied, leaders will have time to finish setting up for the meeting. Here are some characteristics of good gathering activities: * They should be fun! * Children should be able to join in at any time * They should be easy enough that a parent or den chief can facilitate them without a lot of instruction * You should be able to end them at any time. You can have gathering activities at both den and pack meetings. Make sure you consider how many Scouts you’ll have as you’re choosing the activity. 
Some gathering activities are group games such as the paper plate shuffle or balloon games. Others are more individual such as word puzzles or cootie catchers. Often, you can find a gathering activity that is related to your meeting theme. For example, if your meeting has a bug theme, you can use a word search puzzle with the names of bugs. Or you can play a bug matching game like this one. Below you’ll find several Cub Scout gathering activities ideas. These are all the posts I’ve written that have activities that can be done as gathering activities. If you have fun gathering activities that you use in your den or pack, I would love to highlight them! Email me at [email protected] to tell me about them. Click on any of the gathering activity titles or images to be taken to the article!
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Check out my Ultimate Cub Scout Planner available in either a fillable & printable version or in a digital version!
This all-in-one planner / organizer / tracker has 8 sections and all the information and templates you need to keep track of your plans and make sure your Cub Scouts have a great year.
These knot tying games are great to teach kiddos how to tie knots. Use them for Cub Scout den & pack meetings as well as gathering activities.
Step-by-step instructions on how to make a cootie catcher (aka fortune teller)! Personalized for Cub Scouts, this is a fun gathering activity.
Flashlight games are a great way to enjoy the outdoors after the sun goes down! These games are perfect for Cub Scouts or any group of kids.
Get a FREE printable Coin War game. Perfect for kids who need practice adding up coins. Great game for the Wolf Cub Scout adventure, Adventures in Coins.
Learning the Scout Oath and Law is fun for your Cub Scouts with these simple puzzles made from craft sticks. Perfect for gathering activities or any time. Do any of you remember playing the game Pick Up Sticks where you dropped a handful of sticks on the table then tried to pick them up one …
Use Legos to help Cub Scouts learn the Scout Oath and Law! Easily create puzzles using Legos and a labeler that are useful for several different games.
Balloon games are super fun for Cub Scouts. They can be part of your planned den meeting, or you can use them any time the Scouts get restless!
Enjoy the smile game as a fun Cub Scout Gathering activity!
Learn how to make a tape or Saran Wrap ball! Use this when you play the Saran Wrap ball game. Perfect for family gatherings or kids parties–and Cub Scouts!
Scouting and knot tying go together. Use some of these free resources to help your Cub Scouts learn how to tie scouting knots.
Do your Cub Scouts like cootie catchers? Use them to help the boys learn. Click here to grab your FREE Cub Scout cootie catcher template to create your own!
Need Cub Scout gathering activity and den game ideas? The Genius of Play website has them and also explains why play is important to a child’s development.
Prizes, competition, candy, boys–they make a great combination! Use this tape ball activity for Cub Scout pack or den meetings.
Cub Scout word search puzzles are a fun activity for the kids in your den or pack. You can download and print three free puzzles!
Do you need a quick, fun Cub Scout game that can be played indoors or outdoors? The Rattlesnake game is perfect for this.
Giant marbles is a fun and easy outdoor game! It’s perfect for your Cub Scout den or pack meeting. Kids of all ages will love it!
Make learning the Cub Scout Bobcat requirements fun by playing the Bobcat Balloon Bust game.