Activities for Troop Meetings and Events
One way to do this is to ensure that each event includes at least one challenging activity or game.
Where To Start
As usual, a great place to start is the BSA’s Troop Resources website. The site has a huge list of games, challenges, and activities to choose from.
Mix It Up
When looking through the list of ideas, you’ll likely run across many that you’ve never heard of before. Don’t immediately dismiss them! One of those new activities might become one of the troop’s favorites!
It’s especially important to not dismiss the SIMPLE ideas. In many cases, the simple games are the ones that are the most fun.
Here are some links to the Troop Resources website, for quick reference:
- Full activities index
- Information about planning activities
- Scout skill challenges
- Team building
- Patrol games
- Troop games
Plan Ahead
At many of our meetings (and sometimes at our campouts), the Scouts end up doing the same activities each time. (How many times have we played dodge-ball after a meeting???) Why is that?
It most often comes down to a lack of planning. The activity isn’t chosen until the last minute, so there’s no time to think about something new. As with any meeting or event, the youth leaders need to PLAN AHEAD!
Many of the activities referenced above are not difficult to prepare for, but many do require some preparations. Sometimes you’ll need some notes, or maybe someone will need to bring some props. A little forethought can make all of the difference, so while you’re planning your meetings an events, be sure to also plan the activities so that you’ll know what to do ahead of time.