Resources

CULTURAL AWARENESS SUPPLEMENT

DECEMBER

HOW HISPANIC AMERICAN FAMILIES CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

The purpose of this month's theme is to give Cub Scouts an appreciation for how three groups of Hispanic Americans celebrate Christmas by introducing a tradition unique to each culture.

Week 1

A PUERTO RICAN CHRISTMAS TRADITION

Preopening

As Scouts arrive, lead the boys in singing the Christmas carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas." Then quiz the boys what happened on certain days.

Opening

Have the boys form a straight line and recite the Cub Scout Promise while making the Cub Scout sign.

Cub Scout Promise

I, [your name], promise to do my best
To do my duty to God and my country,
To help other people, and
To obey the Law of the Pack.

Cultural Awareness Activity

The Puerto Rican version of Christmas caroling is known as parranda and the participants are called parranderos. The element of surprise is key in a parranda because a small group of friends gather together very quietly in front of a designated friend's home late at night and awaken the sleeping friend with traditional Puerto Rican Christmas songs. Traditional straw hats called pavas are worn and musical instruments like tamboriles, guiro maracas, and palitos are played. After the singing, refreshments are enjoyed by all.

As part of the cultural awareness activity, celebrate a parranda in front of the coach's or designated leader's home.

Cub Scouting Activity

Papier Mache Maracas

Materials: Small round balloon; newspaper strips; wallpaper paste; pebbles, dried beans, rice, etc.; 1/2-inch dowel about 12 inches long

Inflate the balloon to about the size of a grapefruit.

Cover with strip papier-mache as described in the appendix. Let it dry.

Punch two 1/2-inch holes in the papier-mache on opposite sides of the ball. Insert a few pebbles, beans, or some rice. Glue a 1/2-inch dowel handle through the holes. Let the glue dry, and then paint and decorate as desired.

Papier-mache ball

1/2-inch dowel

Closing

Close the meeting by forming the den in a circle around you and telling them to recite the Cub Scout Promise in Spanish (la Promesa de Cub Scout) while making the Cub Scout sign.

Promesa del Cub Scout

Yo, [su nombre], prometo que hare lo mejor para
Cumplir con mi deber hacia Dios y hacia mi pais,
Ayudar a otras personas y
Obedecer la Ley del Pack.

Week 2

A MEXICAN AMERICAN CHRISTMAS TRADITION

Preopening

As the Cub Scouts arrive, lead the boys in singing the Christmas carol "Silent Night"; first in English, then in Spanish.

Silent Night

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
'Round yon virgin mother and child,
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Noche de Paz

Noche de paz, noche de amor,
Todo duerme en derredor.
Entre sus astros que esparcen su luz
Bella anunciando al ninito Jesus
Brilla la estrella de paz
Brilla la estrella de paz.

Opening

Have the boys form a straight line and recite the Cub Scout Promise while giving the Cub Scout sign,.

Cub Scout Promise

I, [your name], promise to do my best
To do my duty to God and my country,
To help other people, and
To obey the Law of the Pack.

Cultural Awareness Activity

In the Mexican tradition, Christmas festivities begin with Las Posadas, nine consecutive days of candlelight processions and lively parties starting on December 16. Las Posadas celebrates Joseph and Mary's search for shelter in Bethlehem just prior to the birth of Jesus. The parade of Santos Peregrinos (Holy Pilgrims) stops at a designated house to sing a traditional song by which the symbolic holy family requests shelter for the night. Those waiting behind the closed door turn them away. They proceed to a second home, where the scene is repeated. At the third stop the pilgrims are told that while there is no room in the posada (inn), they are welcome to take refuge in the stable. The doors are flung open and all are invited to enter.

In an effort to help your boys gain an appreciation for this tradition, plan to celebrate this way, going to the homes of three designated leaders (the last being, ideally, the coach's home).

Cub Scouting Activity

Pinata

Pinatas are usually colorful animal shapes filled with candy or toys and broken open at holiday or birthday parties. For an entertaining awards ceremony, make an individual pinata from a 10-inch balloon for each boy. Put his award inside and let him break it open.

For the basic body, inflate a balloon and follow the directions in the appendix for making a papier-mache mask. The type of animal or figure you are making will determine the size and shape of the balloons. Two or three layers of papier-mache are adequate. Let dry.

Tape on additional balloons and cardboard pieces for head, legs, ears, wings, etc. Cover with two layers of papier-mache.

Insert a bent clothes hanger as a hanger for the pinata. Cover with additional layers of papier-mache to hold it in place, and then let it dry.

After the pinata is completely dry, cut a hole in the back to remove the balloon and add wrapped candy or party favors.

If desired, you can add a finishing touch of tissue paper curls. Fold 3-inch strips of colored tissue paper lengthwise and fringe as shown in the illustration. Hold several strips together and cut all at once. Turn the strips wrong side out so they will fluff up. Wrap these around the pinata, overlapping each row as you glue it on.

To use the pinata, hang it from a tree or other object so it swings freely. Blindfolded boys take turns hitting at the hanging pinata with a stick until it breaks and the goodies fall out. For an added challenge, hang the pinata from a cord or rope that someone can pull on so that the pinata moves up and down, making it harder to hit!

Closing

Close the meeting by forming the den in a circle around you and telling them to shout the Cub Scout motto in Spanish (el lema del Cub Scout) three times together: "Haz tu mejor esfuerzo!"

Week 3

A CUBAN AMERICAN CHRISTMAS TRADITION

Preopening

As the Cub Scouts arrive, lead them in singing the Christmas carol "Feliz Navidad."

Opening

Have the Cub Scouts form a straight line and recite the Cub Scout Promise while giving the Cub Scout sign.

Cub Scout Promise

I, [your name], promise to do my best
To do my duty to God and my country,
To help other people, and
To obey the Law of the Pack.

Cultural Awareness Activity

Dia de los Santos Reyes, Three Kings Day , is enthusiastically celebrated by many Cuban American families (especially the children) on January 6. This is he day when they receive the most gifts. This Hispanic American holiday commemorates the Biblical story of the three wise men who, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, followed a star to the manger where baby Jesus lay. In Miami's Little Havana, Three Kings parade, a major Cuban American holiday event held every year for the past 30 years, has drawn as many as 500,000 participants in the past.

In an effort to help your Cub Scouts gain an appreciation for the coming Three Kings Day, have them perform a skit of the nativity scene, highlighting the kings' presentation of their gifts to the baby Jesus.

Cub Scouting Activity

Skits

WHY WE USE SKITS

Skits appeal to Cub Scout-age boys. Acting comes naturally to many boys, and often they make little distinction between make-believe and the world of reality. Skits help channel a boy's imagination. He doesn't just pretend he's a pirate; he is one, sailing the high seas. Or he is an astronaut, flying into space. Play-acting is important in the growth of a boy because it

• Gives him an outlet for the "let's pretend" part of his character.
• Gives him a chance for creative expression rather than imitation.
• Develops his powers of observation, coordination, and timing.
• Helps him gain self-confidence and personal satis-faction.
• Allows him to play the parts he has always dreamed of.
• Shows the importance of teamwork and cooperation.
• Improves speech and voice projection.
• Helps him develop an appreciation for other peo-ple and their abilities.

You may come across a shy boy who would prefer not to take part in skits. Sometimes, a costume or mask will help him with his shyness; or try giving him other important responsibilities, such as han-dling sound effects or lighting offstage. Each boy should be recognized as an important member of the group, and everyone should take part in some way.

To get boys interested in dramatics, try these things:

• Describe a situation that a boy might find himself in and let the boys take turns acting it out. Lead a discussion, asking questions such as: Which was the best solution? Are there other solutions?
• Suggest that the boys watch people during the week and come to the next den meeting with an idea to role-play (see below).
• With the boys' help, make up a short story, weav-ing together the characters the boys act out.
• Ask the boys to act out the story in pantomime (see below).
• With the boys' help, add words to the story. Decide how the characters would look and behave in that situation.
• Ask the boys to act out the story using their own words to fit the situation.

Role-playing, pantomime, and charades help boys gain self-confidence and build enthusiasm for dra-matics. These are a good foundation for planning and presenting den skits at pack meetings.

ROLE-PLAYING

Role-playing is the spontaneous, unrehearsed act-ing out of a situation with words and gestures. It is putting one's self in another person's place to try to understand that person better.

Role-playing lets a boy show how he would handle a situation rather than just telling how it should be done. It can help him develop an appreciation for other people and how they make decisions.

Avoid these things:

• Role-playing undesirable characters
• Allowing a boy to role-play a character that is too difficult for him, causing him to be discouraged
• Unfair criticism of people or events, with no attempt to show a better way or to recognize improvement

PANTOMIME

Pantomime is acting without using words. Facial expressions, hand gestures, and body movements tell the story. Long, memorized dialogue is discouraged in Cub Scout skits, so pantomime is an especially good method to use. To show the boys how to pantomime effectively, let them try some of the following:

How would you act if

• You had a nail in your shoe?
• You were scared?
• You slipped on ice?
• Someone pinched you?

How would you lift

• A baby?
• Something very fragile?
• Something very hot?
• Something heavy?
• Something big and bulky?

How would you look if

• You saw a ferocious lion?
• Someone gave you a surprise?
• Your report card was all A's?
• You smelled something bad?
• You heard a strange sound?
• You were watching an exciting game?
• You tasted bitter medicine?
• You heard a sudden crash?

Another way to use pantomime in the den is to fill a Cub Scout cap with slips of paper that have written instructions. Each boy draws a slip and pantomimes the instructions. Here are some suggestions:

• Crawl through a jungle full of hanging vines and branches.
• Walk a tightrope in the air.
• Follow a buzzing fly around the room and finally swat it.
• Pretend you are a cat, waking up from a nap.
• Pretend you are a dog, sitting up and begging.

Or, put several things into a paper bag, one for each boy--a pencil, a clothespin, an eraser, an empty chewing gum wrapper, a paint brush, etc. One by one, the boys remove something from the bag and pantomime a short scene using the item as a prop. The others try to guess what he is doing.

CHARADES

Boys enjoy both the acting and the guessing of cha-rades. The game can provide them with an opportu-nity to use their imaginations.

To play charades, divide the group into two teams. Give one team a piece of paper that has a word or title (of a movie, book, TV show, etc.) written on it. They leave the room and plan their action. After a quick rehearsal, they return and put on their act for the sec-ond team, in pantomime.

Each word or each syllable can be acted out sepa-rately. Two-syllable words are good for Cub Scout-age boys. Try the following list, and let them suggest others:

• Billboard
• Birdcall
• Basketball
• Football
• Mousetrap
• Downpour
• Cattail
• Checkbook
• Fullback
• Garter snake
• Bookend

WRITING YOUR OWN SKIT

Sometimes it's hard to find a written skit that fits the monthly theme and your den of boys. If that's the case, the best thing to do is to adapt a skit to fit your needs, or to write one of your own. You already know two of the most important things: (1) the facilities available, and (2) the number of boys in your den. Now, jot down the following information:

• The subject of the plot
• The title (It can be serious or funny.)
• The number of actors
• The kind of actors (boys or puppets?)
• The amount of time allowed (Write a skit timed for 20 minutes, and then boil it down to 5 minutes, saving only the best lines.)
• Your stage (Is it an open floor, a platform at one end of the room, or a real stage?)

Remember: The audience must like your skit, too, so write it to "fit" them. Keep the action moving, so keep scene-changing to a minimum.

Start by making an outline of your skit. Follow these simple steps:

• Boy wants something (friendship, a gold mine, a prize, to find a lost planet, etc.).
• Boy starts to get it (by canoe, plane, horseback, foot, etc.).
• Obstacles stop boy (a secret enemy, a crocodile, false friend, weather, etc.).
• Boy achieves goal (through an act of kindness, bravery, wisdom, magic, unexpected help, etc.).

Things to Remember

• Keep it simple.
• Keep it short (3 to 5 minutes at the most).
• Avoid long memorized dialogue. Pantomimes are good for Cub Scouts. (If more explanation is nec-essary, the den chief may be narrator while the boys pantomime the action.)
• Scenery, props, and costumes should be simple, if used at all.
• Let every boy take part.
• Use stage directions liberally--tell who goes where and does what.
• Stimulate interest and surprises as you go along. A "walk-on" (someone hunting a rabbit or bird, blowing up a balloon, or engaging in some other nonsense) in each scene sparks interest.
• Be sure the audience can hear. Boys should be coached to speak slowly, clearly, and loudly. If the audience laughs or claps, actors should pause before continuing their lines.
• Let the boys help write the skit. They will have some great ideas, and that's part of the fun.
• Avoid skits that ridicule anybody or anything. They are in bad taste.

MAKING YOUR OWN SCENERY

Making scenery for skits can be a good den project. Scenery can add to the mood of the skit and make it more believable. It doesn't have to be detailed or complicated; it only has to provide an idea or sug-gestion of what it represents. Scenery isn't necessary for every skit. Use it only if you and the boys think it will add to the interest.

You can make scenery from large pieces of corru-gated cardboard. Check with furniture stores, appli-ance stores, grocery stores, or warehouses for large furniture and appliance cartons. You can use card-board for mountain ranges, bushes, trees, lampposts, forest outlines, picket fences, houses, tents, cabins, or even a sun, moon, or stars that you can suspend overhead. Wooden laths nailed to the back of the scenery will make it sturdier and keep painted cardboard from curling.

Here are some tips to help you make simple but effective scenery:

SOUND EFFECTS

A flash of lightning, a loud crash, a train chugging down the track--boys can create all of these and many other special effects for their den skits with a few simple preparations. Bells, drums, gongs, cym-bals, castanets, whistles, horns, rattles, coconut shells, and even pots and pans can create unusual and comical sounds.

Sound effects can add to the appeal of some Cub Scout skits. One of the Cub Scouts or the den chief could be the person in charge of sound effects and stand offstage to make the sounds at the appropriate time. Another alternative is to prerecord sounds on a cassette recorder.

Knock at the Door: Hit a half-gallon plastic bottle sharply on the end with a rubber spatula.

Thunder: Grasp a metal cookie sheet at one end, placing your thumb on the underside. Shake the sheet so that it vibrates. Bang it against the knee for an occasional loud thunderclap.

Lightning: Flash a white light off and on, or use a camera flash, along with the sound of thunder.

Hail: Pour rice on a pane of glass (near a micro-phone if you have one).

Rain: Fill a tin can full of dry peas or beans. Rotate the can slowly (in front of a microphone, if you have one).

Train: Place small wire nails inside a small flat box, such as a bandage box. Move it back and forth in rhythm...chug, chug, chug...chug.

Creaking Door or Animal Roar: Use a coffee can or two foil pans taped together. Tie a string in the center of a pencil and rub the string with resin. Punch a hole in the container, place the pencil inside, and pull the string out through the hole. Drag fingernails along the string to produce noise into a microphone.

Hoof Beats: Clap two coconut half-shells on a wooden board to produce the sound of horses walk-ing or galloping on a hard road.

Auto Brakes: Slide a drinking glass across a pane of glass (in front of a microphone, if possible).

Sword Fight: Hold an aluminum cookie sheet in one hand and hit it with a metal spoon for each clash of swords.

Fire: Crumple and twist cellophane into a ball and then release it (near a microphone, if possible).

Campfire: Cover a flashlight with red cellophane or tissue paper, with wood piled on top to create a red glow, and use the fire sound above.

COSTUMES

Costumes can help set the theme or mood for the skit. They also have an almost magical ability to help transform a boy into a creature from outer space, an astronaut, a magician, a Pilgrim, an exotic animal-- or anything else his imagination suggests.

Keep costumes for Cub Scout skits simple and inexpensive. More than likely, you will use them only once. Sometimes, a sign to identify a character is all you might need. A sign can turn a boy into any-thing--a tree, a lamppost, an animal. Simple props, such as a cardboard mustache, an eye patch, a ban-danna, and a cardboard sword for a pirate, will be sufficient to set your mood.

Pipe cleaners

Silver jacket

Glue on paper cups

Ski pants

Oversized boots

Ice cream container with face area cut out and piece of plastic glued in place

You can find most of the materials for simple cos-tumes around the house.

Old Clothes: Discarded clothing items are probably the most important thing for making easy costumes: old tights, T-shirts, robes, pajamas, hats, and jackets. Use them as-is, or cut them up and use them as parts of costumes.

Old soft hat with crown pushed out, creased in front, dimples on the sides

Make chaps from vinyl scraps or heavy cloth. Fasten behind the leg with string. Add buttons with hanging fringe for decoration.

Cut cuffs from light cardboard or construction paper; decorate with paper fringe.

Old rope for lariat

For spurs, cut straps from vinyl or leather scraps. Cover with aluminum foil. Flatten a bottle cap for the wheel and glue on.

T-Shirt Costumes: You can decorate T-shirts with fabric paint, material, ribbon, and many other items to set the mood for any song or skit. They are easy to store and can be adapted for use again and again. And best of all--one size fits all! (Make sure you use extra large sizes that will fit over a boy's uniform.)

For example, if your skit has cows in it, use black T-shirts and cut out white felt circles. Velcro or glue the circles randomly over the T-shirt. Make a tail for the cow with white clothesline, and pin it on the T-shirt. (For the cow's head, use paper bag masks or an inex-pensive animal nose available at most toy stores.)

Cardboard Boxes: With a simple box, you can be a clown, an animal, a veg-etable, a robot, or a musical in-strument! Cut holes for the else a boy head and arms, can find. and then let the boys paint boxes with latex paint, using felt-tip marking pens for highlights.

"Robert Robot" can be easily put together with cardboard boxes, paper cups, pipe cleaners, wire, old gears, button, screening--or whatever else a boy can find.

Plastic Trash Bags: Large plastic garbage bags can be an excellent basis for quick costumes. Cut holes for head and arms and decorate as desired:

• Staple cardboard or construction paper wings or legs onto the bag.
• Stick colored masking tape on the bag to create designs.
• Thread ribbons or streamers through small holes punched into the back of the bag.
• Cut adhesive-backed paper into shapes and stick them to the bag.

After placing the costume on a boy, you can "plump up" the costume by stuffing the bag with loosely crumpled newspaper. Tape or staple the bag around the bottom to hold the stuffing in place.

Note: Take an opportunity to instruct boys on the dangers of plastic bags and the potential for suffocation.

For the basic garb of a knight of King Arthur's Round Table, use old pajamas (without designs) or thermal underwear. Cut tunics from crepe paper or use an old pillowcase with slits cut for the arms and head. Paint on emblems. Cover an old belt with aluminum foil.

Paper Bags: Use grocery bags and brown wrapping paper for both costumes and masks. Paint them with latex paint (to add strength) or tempera. For a leather-like appearance, crush and recrush brown paper bags or brown wrapping paper until it is soft and wrin-kled. Then press with a lukewarm iron.

STAGE MAKEUP

The skit is written, the parts assigned, some simple scenery and costumes are made, and the boys have been busy practicing. What's left? How about makeup?

Makeup can help show the audience what a char-acter is like. It also makes the character more real to the other actors, and as a result, everyone plays their roles better. It can hide an actor's features, make him larger or smaller, younger or older, or change his appearance completely.

Theatrical makeup is expensive, and most Cub Scout leaders work on a limited budget. Following are some inexpensive substitutes and some tricks for using makeup to its best advantage.

Makeup Bases

A base for makeup that can color large areas is easy to make. Combine equal parts of liquid cleans-ing cream and sifted confectioner's sugar. Mix well. This results in a white base, which you can use for clown white. Tint it with a few drops of green food coloring or tempera paint for monster makeup, or tint with a mixture of red and blue for a purple Martian.

Here's another base that gives a soft, skin-like tex-ture and is easily removed: Mix together 2 t. white vegetable shortening, 5 t. cornstarch, 1 t. flour, a few drops of glycerin, and any food coloring desired. For brown, add 2 T. unsweetened cocoa.

You can also use tempera paint as a makeup base, without fear of allergy problems. It can be washed off.

Added Touches and Suggestions

• Use lipstick for both lip and cheek color.
• Use eyebrow pencil to darken or change the shape of eyebrows, to line the eyes, and to make freckles, mustaches, sideburns, and wrinkles.
• Cornstarch powdered into the hair helps age char-acters. Hair usually begins to gray at the temples first, and in streaks.
• The more light on stage, the more makeup you'll need.
• Apply makeup after the character is in costume, using a makeup cape or towel to protect the cos-tume. This way, the makeup won't get smeared while boys are putting on the costume.
• Keep plenty of tissues and cleansing cream handy for makeup removal.

How to Age a Character

Have the actor frown and wrinkle his forehead. Use gray eyebrow pencil to mark in the creases of the wrinkles. More lines add more years. (You can also have the actor smile and fill wrinkles in at the cheeks and eyes.) Powder the hair with cornstarch, or use a wig. For a bald head, use an old swimming cap to cover the hair. Glue on pieces of yarn hair for a fringe just above the ears.

Classic Clown

Apply clown white base all over the face from the hairline to the neck. If you want to attach artificial eyebrows, clean off the white makeup from the eye-brows. Spirit gum will hold the eyebrows in place. Use an old white swimming cap with holes cut for the ears to cover the head for a bald clown, or use a wild wig (see below). Use bright red lipstick to paint long triangles or circles on the cheeks. Apply red lip-stick around the mouth, about 1 inch wide. Then use a black eyebrow pencil to outline an oval mouth shape. Cut a red rubber ball to fit the nose, and attach a rubber band that slips around the head to hold it in place.

Wigs

White Hair: Pull an old nylon stocking over the hair and ears. Tie it off at the top and cut off the excess. Use cellophane tape or glue to fasten white cotton balls all over the stocking.

Curls: Cut pieces of paper in strips. Curl each strip by holding one end between your thumb and a long pencil. Press lightly with the thumb and pull the strip over the pencil with the other hand. Repeat sev-eral times for a stiff curl. Glue curls to a stocking cap base.

Braids: Stretch about three strips of 3/4-inch-wide crepe paper. Twist each strip around and around and then braid the three strips together.

Scarecrow's Wig: Glue uneven lengths of heavy cotton rug yarn or crepe paper to a stocking cap base, or glue to the inside of an old hat.

Also try using untwisted wool or rope for wigs, or use an old mop dyed any color.

MASKS

You can make masks from almost any container and any type of material. Let your imagination be your guide. Try cardboard cartons, paper bags, foil pie pans, posterboard, and plastic bottles. Use masks for many Cub Scout themes--American Indian, cir-cus, space, holiday, nature, or historic.

Decorating Masks

You can paint most mask materials with tempera paint and draw features with colored marking pens. Use heavy, bold lines and splashes of color. The brighter and funnier the colors are, the better. You can also make features from the following materials:

Hair: String, yarn, rope, fabric strips, paper curls, kinky wire, cotton balls, an old mop, or even soda straws

Noses: Rubber balls, cardboard, paper cups, plas-tic containers, egg carton cups, spools

Ears: Paper cups, plastic containers, spools, card-board

Cardboard Cylinder Masks

With a very long cardboard cylinder and a stuffed paper bag on top, you can be a giraffe!

Use a rolled-up section of posterboard or cardboard for a simple and effective mask.

1. Wrap a rectangular piece of cardboard around the boy's head to determine the size of the cylinder. Cut out curved slots in the bottom so the cylin -der will fit on the boy's shoulders.
2. Sketch and paint the details of the masks while the cardboard is laid out flat. Sketch your designs with pencil and then decorate with tem -pera paint, colored marking pens, or crayon. Cut out eye and mouth holes as needed.
3. Glue on noses, antlers, ears, horns, false eye-brows, eyelashes, lips, etc. made from colored paper, felt, or other materials.
4. Roll the cardboard into a cylinder and fasten with staples, glue, or tape. Add rope or yarn hair to cover the seam and give the mask more depth.

Paper Bag Masks

Paper bag masks are fun and inexpensive to make. Use grocery-sized paper bags large enough to fit over a boy's head. Add construction paper or felt ears, noses, eyebrows, or horns and hair made from yarn, paper, or even soda straws. Experiment with mark-ers, paint, and crayons.

Craft Foam Masks

Craft foam is an excellent material for boys to use in creating masks. This material cuts easily with a pair of scissors yet is much more durable than paper bags and cardboard. It comes in a variety of colors, which can be enhanced with permanent markers. Cut pieces can be easily glued together.

SAMPLE SKITS

Robot Inventors

Scene: A table covered with an old sheet or other cover reaching to the floor at the front. A fishbowl or other glass bowl, test tubes, flasks, and a black top hat are on the table.

Characters: Six boys posing as scientists.

Setting: The six scientists in lab jackets (men's shirts, collars turned inside, put on backwards) stand at both ends and behind the table. Scientist 2 is read-ing a large book, plainly titled How to Invent a Robot. Scientist 3 is looking over his shoulder. Scientist 4 is stirring liquid in a bowl with a wooden spoon. Another boy, a robot with a bunny tail, is hidden behind the table.

(Note: If seven boys aren't available, some could take more lines.)

SCIENTIST 1: It doesn't seem to be working.

SCIENTIST 2: I can't understand it!

SCIENTIST 3: We'll have to change the formula.

(Scientist 4 adds soda to vinegar water in the bowl The mixture fizzes.)

SCIENTIST 4: Wait a minute. What did you say your friend's name was?

SCIENTIST 5: Magisto the Magician. He says he's pulled a robot out of a hat lots of times.

SCIENTIST 4: That's rabbit, not robot!

(Scientist 2 raises his book; Scientist 4 raises his spoon; Scientists 1, 2, 3, and 4 chase Scientist 5 off-stage left. Scientist 6 starts to follow, stops, and looks at the hat.)

SCIENTIST 6 (shrugging his shoulders): It might work! Abracadabra 1-2-3! (Takes hold of the hat with his left hand, tips it toward himself at the edge of the table, reaches "in" behind the table--grabs and pulls the robot out of the hat).

SCIENTIST 6: Hey! It worked! Now I'll just push this button. (Pushes button on robot. Robot drops to all fours, hops offstage, showing bunny tail bobbing at the back).

The Big Catch

Characters and Setting: Four boys at a movie, eat-ing popcorn or other movie treats

CUB SCOUT 1: Too bad Joe isn't with us.

CUB SCOUT 2: Yeah.

CUB SCOUT 3: Bummer.

CUB SCOUT 4: Why isn't he here anyway?

CUB SCOUT 2: You didn't hear about that?

CUB SCOUT 4: Hear what?

CUB SCOUT 1: Remember that new fishing pole he got for his birthday?

CUB SCOUT 4: Yeah, so?

CUB SCOUT 1: Well, he got some lures for bass, too.

CUB SCOUT 4: Yeah?

CUB SCOUT 2: Yeah. And he got some lures for catfish, too.

CUB SCOUT 4: Sounds good.

CUB SCOUT 1: Well, he decided to take a big fish-ing trip. He went down to the stream behind the house and was planning to fish until he caught a big mess of fish. He didn't care what kind.

CUB SCOUT 4: Did he catch anything?

CUB SCOUT 2: He caught something all right!

CUB SCOUT 3: He fell in the stream and caught a cold!

"Ah" Skit

An "ah" skit is a great one to use because of the limited dialogue; the only word spoken during the entire skit is "ah." Pantomime, facial expression, and tone of voice convey all the meanings. The repetition of the word "ah" adds humor to the skit. It's impor-tant to really "ham it up."

Actors: Announcer, a parent or two, Cub Scout, thief, police officer, and friends of Cub Scout (optional)

Setting: The announcer comes onstage and says that a Cub Scout is working in his room on a robot that is 12 inches high.

A Cub Scout is in his room busily creating a robot. He adds something to the robot and tests it; it doesn't work and, with disgust, he says, "Ah!" He tries again and this time is successful. He says "Ah!" with satisfaction.

He gets his parents to show them his robot with pride. Pointing toward his room, he excitedly says "Ah" to encourage them to follow him. They ques-tion him to ask whether he is finished by saying, "Ah?" and then follow him to his room.

There he proudly shows his robot and, pointing to it, exclaims, "Ah!" In return, they proudly say "Ah" and show delight over the boy and his robot.

(If you are short on actors, this part can be deleted.) He goes to get some of his friends. He tells them that he has accomplished his goal by excitedly saying, "Ah! Ah!" Some of them eagerly and some of them skeptically say "Ah" and follow him back to his room. Again, the Cub Scout points to his robot and proudly says "Ah." The other boys express amazement at the completed robot by exclaiming "Ah!" The boys go home waving and calling "Ah" as they leave.

His parents remind him that it is bedtime by point-ing to their watch, pantomiming sleep, and saying "Ah." The boy agrees to go to bed, saying reluctantly, "Ah." His parents leave; the boy opens his window, leans out and breaths in and says, "Ah." Then, with pride, he takes his robot and puts it on the open win-dowsill and says "Ah." The boy goes to bed near the open window.

During the night a thief comes to the window and steals the robot. The boy wakes up as this is happen-ing and shouts with alarm, "Ah!" His parents come in, shouting "Ah?" to ask what is wrong. The boy points at the windowsill and shouts, "Ah!" The par-ents dial 9-1-1, saying "Ah! Ah!" to report the crime and then soothe their son with gentle "Ah's."

A police officer catches the thief, saying a firm "Ah!" The thief disgustedly says "Ah" and hands over the robot. The two then come to the house, and the officer hands over the robot with a satisfied "Ah!" The thief expresses his disappointment, saying "Ah," and is taken off to jail. The Cub Scout expresses his joy at having his robot returned, saying "Ah!"

The announcer comes onstage, wipes his brow, and says "Ah," as if to say that all is now done. All bow.

Fitness Champs

Characters: Six Cub Scouts in uniform, holding props as described below

ALL: We all excel in fitness. We're champs as you can see. Just listen to our stories, and I'm sure that you'll agree.

CUB SCOUT 1: I hold the title of the strongest in our den. Do you suppose that it's because of my friend? (Holds up toy skunk, while others hold their noses.)

CUB SCOUT 2: I'm known as the den's muscle man of the year. But most of my muscles are between my ears. (Pulls out a too-small hat and tries desper-ately to put it on his head.)

CUB SCOUT 3: I hold the title of the fastest one of all. I'm always first in line for the refreshment call. (Pulls out a bag of cookies and begins eating them.)

CUB SCOUT 4: I'm known as the champion of the high jump. One time I missed and got a big lump. (Rubs his head with a painful expression on his face.)

CUB SCOUT 5: To keep in good shape, I exercise each day. I wonder why my muscles turned out this way. (Removes his shirt to show colorful padding on his arms.)

CUB SCOUT 6: I'm the champion at making things disappear, you see. Watch us all disappear as I count to three. (Slowly counts 1--2--3...as the curtain closes.)

Basic Ingredients

Characters: Five boys and a narrator

Setting: The narrator (den leader or den chief) reads the script while the boys act out the parts.

NARRATOR: Cub Scout packs are made up of 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, and 10-year-old boys. (Enter five Cub Scouts, each stating their age.)

Some are solemn and wide-eyed. (One Cub Scout says, "I'm solemn"; another says, "I'm wide-eyed.")

Some are wiggly and giggly. (Two Cub Scouts say "I'm wiggly" and "I'm giggly.")

They come in three varieties: Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts. (I'm a...)

Cub Scouts like making noise (all boys howl), com-petition (boys pair up and arm wrestle), getting awards (boys proudly point to the badges on their uniforms), and singing silly songs (sing one line of a favorite song).

Cub Scouts like to play games (do a crab race), to make things (pretend to hammer and saw), and just to get together (boys huddle around each other).

Cub Scouts are fastest at voting for field trips (boys jump up and down, raising their hands), eating refreshments (boys pretend to eat), and getting to the head of the line (boys all try to get in line first).

Cub Scouts are quietest at a flag ceremony (boys turn and salute) and during a prayer (they bow their heads).

Cub Scouts are most helpful while doing good deeds (show Scouting for Food bags) and community service (show a poster of the latest project).

Cub Scouts are the basic ingredient for two impor-tant things: The time a volunteer leader gives and ... Boy Scouts!

Backyard Picnic

Characters: Six to eight Cub Scouts (Adapt parts for the number of boys in the den.)

Equipment: Paper bags

Setting: Skit opens with boys standing together in a backyard.

CUB SCOUT 1: Gee, there's nothing to do.

CUB SCOUT 2: Yeah, I know. I'm bored.

CUB SCOUT 3: Me too. Hey! Let's have a backyard picnic!

ALL: Yeah!

CUB SCOUT 1: I'll bring the potato chips.

CUB SCOUT 2: I'll bring the hot dogs.

CUB SCOUT 3: I'll bring the hot dog buns.

CUB SCOUT 4: I'll bring the drinks.

CUB SCOUT 5: I'll bring cookies.

CUB SCOUT 6: I'll bring something special. (All walk offstage and return carrying bags.)

CUB SCOUT 1: Here are the chips. (Other boys announce similarly what they have.)

CUB SCOUT 6: Oh no!

CUB SCOUT 4: What's the matter?

CUB SCOUT 6: I brought the ants! (All run offstage.)

ENERGY SAVERS

Characters: Six Cub Scouts in uniform; one den leader in uniform

Setting: Den meeting place, decorated as desired. The den leader sits at a table. As the skit opens, all Cub Scouts arrive together and sit down.

DEN LEADER: Today, let's take turns and tell how we can help to conserve energy in our homes.

CUB SCOUT 1: I know a good way. My family doesn't use our clothes dryer as much as we used to. We use a new solar energy device called a clothesline and hang our laundry outside to dry in the sunshine.

CUB SCOUT 2: Did you know that if you take a shower, you use a lot less water than if you take a bath?

CUB SCOUT 3: My Mom even uses a timer, and we have learned to take 3-minute showers at our house.

CUB SCOUT 4: We keep the drapes closed on sum-mer days to keep the hot sun out of the house and then keep them open for light and warmth in the winter.

CUB SCOUT 5: We keep the damper in our fire-place closed whenever we aren't using it. If it's left open in the winter, the warm air in the house escapes up the chimney, and that's a waste.

DEN LEADER (to the last Cub Scout): Johnny, do you have anything to add about saving energy? (The den leader turns to see that Johnny is fast asleep.) I guess Johnny is the best energy saver of us all! (Curtain)

The Operation

Characters: Narrator, one boy in Soccer and Scouting uniform, a boy in a white lab coat, two leaders in their soccer uni-forms, two other adults in ordinary clothes. Additional boys could be dressed in lab coats and assist in surgery.

Setting: This is a pantomime skit that involves leaders and other adults. The uniformed Cub Scout lies on a large table, covered with a sheet. The props indicated below are taped to the back of the table out of sight. The doctor holds a large cardboard knife and stands behind the table. His assistants stand at both ends and behind the table.

NARRATOR: We're going to show you how to make a new Cub Scout in one easy operation. To do this, we need a boy ... (doctor points to the boy on the table) ... a den leader ... (uniformed den leader enters and stands near the table) ... a Head Coach ... (other soccer-uniformed leader enters) ... and a family (two adults in ordinary clothes enter).

First, the boy needs to be covered with fun and good times. (The doctor and assistant raise the sheet, taking care not to reveal the boy on the table. In large letters on the sheet is written "FUN AND GOOD TIMES.") We use laughing gas for anesthetic. (One of the assistants uses a tire pump or suction cup labeled "Laughing Gas.") We take out bad feelings and put in love. (The doctor removes a big rock from under the sheet and puts in a big red paper heart labeled "LOVE," which an assistant hands him.) We take out selfishness and put in cooperation. (The doctor removes a sign marked "ME" and puts in a sign marked "WE.") We put in some good citizenship. (The doctor puts in a cutout of the U.S. flag.) And we add some reverence. (The doctor adds a cutout of a church.)

Our operation has been a great success! Just look at the results! (The soccer-uniformed Cub Scout throws off the sheet, gets off the table, stands at attention, and gives the Cub Scout salute. The Head Coach holds up a sign labeled "SUCCESS.") (Curtain)

Lamppost

Characters: Any number of uniformed Cub Scouts; one boy playing the part of a lamppost

Setting: A boy stands onstage holding a lighted flashlight. He wears a sign marked "Lamppost." The stage lights are dimmed. As the skit opens, the first Cub Scout comes onstage and begins to look for something near the lamppost.

CUB SCOUT 2 (entering): What are you looking for?

CUB SCOUT 1: I've lost a dollar and have to find it. (Cub Scout 2 helps look, as Cub Scout 3 enters).

CUB SCOUT 3: What are you looking for?

CUB SCOUT 1: I've lost a dollar and I have to find it. (Cub Scout 3 begins to look as the next boy enters. Continue this procedure until the last boy enters.)

LAST CUB SCOUT: What are you looking for?

CUB SCOUT 1: I've lost a dollar and have to find it.

LAST CUB SCOUT: Where did you lose it?

CUB SCOUT 1: Down the street.

ALL (looking disgusted): Then why are we looking here?

CUB SCOUT 1: Because this is where the light is! (Others chase Cub Scout 1 offstage.) (Curtain)

Ship Ahoy

Characters: Narrator plus two Cub Scouts

Setting: The narrator stands in the middle with the two Cub Scouts facing each other at opposite sides of the room.

NARRATOR: Through the pitch-black night, the captain sees a light straight ahead on a collision course with his ship. He sends a signal—

CUB SCOUT 1: Change your course 10 degrees east!

NARRATOR: The light signals back—

CUB SCOUT 2: Change yours, 10 degrees west.

NARRATOR: Angry, the captain sends—

CUB SCOUT 1: I'm a navy captain! Change your course, sir!

NARRATOR: Comes the reply—

CUB SCOUT 2: I'm a seaman, second class, Change your course sir!

NARRATOR: Now the captain is furious and he signals—

CUB SCOUT 1: I'm a battleship! I'm not changing course!

NARRATOR: To which there's one last reply—

CUB SCOUT 2: I'm a lighthouse. Your call.

Shop, Shop

Characters: Shopkeeper, one boy as a duck, as many others as are in the den

Setting: The shopkeeper is dusting the counter, and a duck walks in.

DUCK: Quack! Got any duck food?

SHOPKEEPER (annoyed): Get out of here. We don't have any duck food. (One or two boys enter shopping for [anything that fits the theme]; the shop-keeper smiles and sells them what they want.)

DUCK (walking in again): Quack! Got any duck food?

SHOPKEEPER (more annoyed): Get out! I told you--we don't have duck food, and if you come back I'm gonna nail your tail to the counter! (One boy buys nails; the shopkeeper smiles and sells them to him.)

DUCK (sneaking in again): Quack! Got any nails?

SHOPKEEPER: Nope--just sold the last of 'em.

DUCK: Quack! Got any duck food? (The shop-keeper pulls at his hair and runs off, screaming.)

Sherlock and Dr. Watson

Characters: Two Cub Scouts as Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes

Setting: The setting can be theme-related, and the skit can be done in a series, with any number of things missing.

DR. WATSON: Isn't it great&151;sleeping here in the great outdoors?

SHERLOCK: Yes, but don't you notice something?

DR. WATSON: Why, yes&151;it's a fine night with the stars above.

SHERLOCK: But isn't there something more?

DR. WATSON: Well, there's the shining moon and the sound of the wind.

SHERLOCK: Nothing more?

DR. WATSON: What, Sherlock, what?

SHERLOCK: Watson, someone has stolen our tent!

The Music Makers

Characters: A violin, cello, drum, cymbals, clar-inet, and flute. Cub Scouts can wear costumes made from boxes, with instruments painted on the front-- or they can hold up simple signs identifying them-selves.

Setting: A cluttered room with chairs, sheet music, and music stands scattered around. The instruments walk onstage, mumbling and grumbling to each other. (This skit can also be performed with hand puppets.)

VIOLIN: Well, everyone knows the importance of strings! As first violin, my lovely tone rings.

CELLO: Really, my friend! Your strings are a rid-dle! You call yourself a violin, but to us you're just a fiddle!

DRUM: Now, now, all you strings--just go take a seat. For without my rhythm, you'd not have a beat!

CYMBALS: As a kettledrum, you're more kettle than not. And what's a kettle but an empty pot?

DRUM: If I were you, Cymbals, I think I'd keep hid, or else we'll replace you with garbage can lids.

CLARINET Honestly, Drum, I'd really rather that all of us just learned to play together!

FLUTE: Well, what about flutes? Or don't we mat-ter? I've never heard such endless chatter!

DRUM: You know, I've been thinking...

CYMBALS (interrupting): Where would you get a thought? We know you're as hollow as when you were bought.

VIOLIN: Cymbals, Cymbals, I do declare! For ugly manners, there's none to compare!

CELLO: Now listen to me...and maybe you'll see that we're all important and necessary.

CLARINET: It's true that we all are necessary. But without players, not a tune could we carry!

ALL: He's right! It's true! Without the boys, we wouldn't know what to do!

DRUM: Let's all learn a lesson from this little fuss. The boys are what's important...and then comes us! (If additional boys are available, two or three uni-formed Cub Scouts could enter and pretend to play the instruments as the curtain closes.)

Closing

Close the meeting by forming the den in a circle, and having all give the Cub Scout sign and recite the Law of the Pack and the Cub Scout motto.

Law of the Pack

The Cub Scout follows Akela.
The Cub Scout helps the pack go.
The pack helps the Cub Scout grow.
The Cub Scout gives goodwill.

Cub Scout motto

Do Your Best