problem solving activities for cubs

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15 Team Building Activities & Games – Indoors

15 team building activities & games to play inside.

We have put together a list of 15 group games and activities that need very few if any supplies and if they do need supplies, they are very inexpensive. Activities & games for large groups can get a little pricey so we wanted to keep it as inexpensive as possible. Whether you are leading a youth church group, summer camp, or scout meeting we hope you find this list helpful.

We also have all of these games in a printable format so you don’t have to write down all of the directions.  Print out, add to your games binder and be prepared any time for a team building game or activity.

1. Spaghetti Marshmallow Tower Challenge

What kid doesn’t love a good challenge these days?  Every other YouTube video they watch is some sort of fun & exciting challenge.  Here is a new one I haven’t seen kids on YouTube doing yet.  The goal of this challenge is for the kids to work together as a team using spaghetti, tape, and string and build a tower that can support 1 large marshmallow.

Supplies Needed: 20 Pieces Spaghetti 3 ft. String 3 ft. Tape (painters tape works great) Scissors 1 Marshmallow, large

How To Play: 1. Combine children into teams of 2 or more. 2. Provide each group with spaghetti, string, tape and a marshmallow. 3. The rules of the game are to build the tallest possible tower with the given supplies that can support a marshmallow on the top. 4. The teams are given 18 minutes (or any amount of time you choose) to build their tower before it will be tested and measured. 5. Remind the kids to work as a team and to communicate and plan before starting the tower build. 6. Once the builds are complete and winners chosen it is a great time to talk to the kids about what worked and why it worked and what didn’t work and how we can learn from that.

Tom Wujac has a really fun TedTalk on how this challenge has been used with adults and kids and you would be surprised at who is the best at building a spaghetti tower, or maybe you wouldn’t be surprised 😉  He gives some great advice that you can share with your group about how to utilize their time wisely by making prototypes and what shapes are the best when trying to build a strong structure.

2. Spaghetti & Marshmallow Challenge Take 2

If you tried the first spaghetti and marshmallow challenge then this is a good follow up game but with a twist.  This time you are going to remove the tape and large marshmallow from their supplies and add in small marshmallows.  The goal with this version is to have the team use their spaghetti and mini marshmallows to build the largest free standing tower.  Pro-Tip:  Have extra marshmallows as the kids like to eat the ones that have been provided for the challenge 😉

Supplies Needed: 20 Pieces Spaghetti Mini-Marshmallows (I would just provide a large bowl full so they can snack and build at the same time)

How To Play: 1. Combine children into teams of 2 or more. 2. Provide each group with spaghetti and marshmallow’s. 3. The rules of the game are to build the tallest possible tower with the given supplies. 4. The teams are given 8 minutes (or any amount of time you choose) to build their tower before it will be measured. 5. Remind the kids to work as a team and to communicate and plan before starting the tower build. 6. Once the builds are complete and winners chosen it is a great time to talk to the kids about what worked and why and what didn’t work and how we can learn from that. 7. Kids will want to play this more than once so make sure you have enough supplies 🙂

3. Lego Master's for Kids - Bridge Building Challenge

This team building activity is one of the kids favorite.  What kid doesn’t love building with Lego’s?!  In this activity each group will be trying to work together to build a bridge over a “river”. Your river can be drawn on a piece of poster board or you can cut out some blue paper and tape it down the length of the room.  Each group will have a pile of logo’s and a set amount of time to figure out how to build a bridge that can stand up and stretch over the water.  It’s kind of like a Lego Master’s challenge but for kids.

Supplies Needed: Lego’s Blue Paper (or) Poster Board and Blue Crayon’s Tape

Set Up: 1. Create a “river” for the kids to build their bridge over. 2. This can be done by either coloring a river on a poster board or by cutting out sheets of blue paper and taping on the floor across the room.

How To Play: 1. Combine children into teams with 2 or more kid’s in each group and station them along the length of the river. 2. Provide each group with a pile of lego’s. 3. Decide how long you want to give the children to build their bridge.  We recommend around 20 minutes. 4. No winner needs to be chosen this is a lesson on working together and completing the bridge and/or figuring out how to work well with others.

4. The Empty Chair

This is a fun game that has a similar vibe to it as musical chairs. This game works best with 10 or more players. 

Each player will have a chair to sit in with one of the players chosen to stand in the middle of the play area.  The goal for the standing player is to sit down in an open seat, however, the goal of the other players is to keep the person standing from getting an open seat.

This game is lots of fun but can get out of control quick if there aren’t set rules first.  Be sure to instruct the players there is no running, no diving for a seat, and only one person to a chair.

Supplies Needed: Chair’s (enough for each person playing the game)

Set Up: 1. Chairs can be placed in a circle or spread around the room.

How To Play: 1. Each player will start in their seat. 2. The leader will choose 1 player to stand in the middle of the circle or if the chairs are not in a circle then they need to stand far away from their chair. 3. The standing player’s goal is to sit in an empty chair (much like musical chairs). The goal of the other player’s is to not let the standing person get a seat. This can be done by standing up and moving from their seat to an empty seat.  Once standing a player can no longer sit back in the seat, they must find a new one. 4. Once the original standing player has found a seat there will be a new standing player and the game continues.

5. Pipeline

The pipeline activity requires the players to get golf balls or marbles from Point A to Point B only using pvc pipe

Supplies Needed: 1. PVC pipes or Pipeline Kit 2. Marbles or Golf Balls 3. Bucket or Box for the end of the race

Set Up: 1. You will need a starting line and a finish line.  If you have a lot of players this can be broken up into different teams. 2. A box or bucket will need to be placed at the finish line to put the golf balls or marbles in once they are transported down the pipeline.

How To Play (Variation 1) 1. The team will have to transport all of their golf balls or marbles from Point A into the box at Point B. 2. This must be done by only using the pipe provided…no using hands or anything else. 3. The team is given 5 minutes to discuss and plan how they will accomplish the activity. 4.  If there are enough people you can have 2 teams racing against each other. If there are only enough players for one team then they can be timed and each time they race they are racing against their best time.

How To Play (Variation 2) 1. The team will stand in a circle all holding one of the pvc pipes .  The ball will start with one player and the idea is to see how long the group can keep the ball rolling around the circle without it falling to the ground.

6. In The Hot Seat

If you have ever seen the game show The $100,000 Pyramid with Michael Strahan then you will know how to play this game and how much fun it is. In this team building game the team will give clues to a person in the hot seat who will be trying to figure out the secret phrase or word.

Supplies Needed: 1. Paper & Pen 2. Sample Words or Phrase’s (sample clues #1 , clues #2 ) 3. Timer

How To Play: 1. Out of the group the leader will pick 1 player to sit in front of the rest of the team facing towards them.  This person will be receiving the clues while sitting in the hot seat. 2. Behind them the leader will hold up a piece of paper with a word or phrase on it. 3. The rest of the group will provide clues to the person in the hot seat in the hopes to get them to guess the word or phrase. They are not allowed to use any form of the word or phrase while giving clues. 4. The game time will be set for 60 seconds and each word they get correct will earn them 1 point. 5.  The person with the most points wins the game.

7. Tic Tac Toe Dash

This game is a running game and is played tag-team style so it is great to burn up some of the kids energy.  It is a simple to set up game and doesn’t need many supplies just some tape and paper. 

Supplies Needed: 1. Painter’s Tape 2. Colored Paper (2 Colors)

Set Up: 1. Tape off a Tic-Tac-Toe grid on the wall or floor. 2.  Have 2 colors of paper (representing X’s & O’s) with tape on it. You will need 3 of each color. (you can use other objects like bean bags, etc. if grid is on the floor ) 3. Tape off a starting line.

How To Play: 1. Each game will use 6 players. 3 players for the X’s team and 3 players for the O’s team. 2. Line up the 2 teams across the room from the grid. 3. Hand all of the X players one color of paper, hand all of the O players the other color paper. 4. This is a racing/tag team game. When the leader yells go, the first player on each time will run to the Tic-Tac-Toe grid and place their playing piece.  As soon as they run back and tag their team mate they are allowed to run down and place their playing piece. Again, they will run back and tag the next player.  Once that piece has been played they will run back and tag the next player. At this point all pieces have been played but they can now be moved around the grid if need be. Once the player runs to the grid they are allowed to move one of their pieces to a new spot trying to get 3 in a row. 5. Game continues until one of the teams gets three in a row.

Here are 2 examples of the game being played:

8. Lego Sneak Peak

Another fun game involving Lego’s!  It doesn’t matter how old you are Lego’s are always fun to play with!  This game works on memory and communication skills.

Supplies Needed: 1. Lego’s or Duplo’s

Set Up: 1. The leader will build a basic shape/tower with different colored blocks. For example you can have 1 of each of the following blocks: red, yellow, green, turquoise, & blue and stack them up off setting them a little as you go up. The older the group of kids you are playing with the more complicated the shape you can make. Keep the sculpture hidden from view. 2. Each group will need the exact same lego’s or duplo’s so that they can replicate exactly what the leader has built.  If you want it to be more complicated you can add extra lego’s into their mix but if you need to keep it simple for a younger group you will want only the same exact blocks.

How To Play: 1. Divide your group into teams. 4 or 5 kids in a group is best for this game. 2. Have the leader sitting equal distance from the teams with the small lego sculpture hidden. 3. When the game starts, one person from each group gets to look at the secret lego sculpture for 10 seconds. 4. They then will return to their team and they will have 25 seconds to describe the structure to the rest of their teammates so that they can start building an exact replica. They will not be able to help build or communicate after the 25 seconds. 5. After working on it for 1 minute they may return to inspect the secret sculpture again and can communicate with their team members again for 25 seconds.  This process can repeat until one of the teams announces they have built an exact replica of the secret sculpture. 6. Winner is the first team done!

9. Human Knot

This team building activity is a fun problem solving activity that doesn’t require any supplies.  This game can be played with as little as 5 people and up to around 15-20 people.  The group will all start grabbing hands around them until they are very tangled up like a knot. The goal of the game is to talk with each other until they have unwrapped themselves and have returned back into a circle.

Supplies Needed: 1. Nothing 🙂

Set Up: 1. Gather your group and have them stand in a very tight circle.

How To Play: 1. Once your group is in a very tight circle have them reach across and grab hands of two different people. 2. Now that the group is in a Human Knot they will have to start talking to each other and figure out how to become untangled.  They are not allowed to let go of the hand they are holding.  Plan on there being a lot of twisting, turning, climbing under and over arms. 3. If you are playing the game with kids remind them to not pull hard or jerk any of the other team players around.  If they get too tangled or stuck the leader can have some of the kids readjust the hands they are holding.

10. Flashlight Grog

This team game is a mixture of tag and a scavenger hunt which involves taking apart a flashlight, and hiding the parts around your play area.  The goal is for the group to find all of the parts, reassemble the flashlight and shine it on the “Grog” to take away the Grog’s power.  This game works best in a room with dimmed lights or you can have all the lights off and a few lanterns turned on.  This is such a great game to play at a camp out!

Supplies Needed: 1. A working flashlight that can come apart in pieces similar to this kind . Optional: Glow in the dark necklace/bracelets for the Grog to wear.

Set Up: 1. Take apart the flashlight and hide the pieces around the play area. 2. Choose one player to be “it”. This player is the Grog, the other players are the townspeople.

How To Play: 1. Send the townspeople into the play area to start finding the pieces.  After 1 minute you can let Grog into the play area. As the Grog enters the room or play area he yells his name a few times so players know he has entered. 2.The goal of the townspeople is to find all of the parts, assemble the flashlight and shine it on the Grog which ends the game. 3. While the townspeople are searching anyone the Grog tags has been caught and must freeze.  The only way to be unfrozen is to be tagged by someone with a piece of the flashlight. 4. If the person who was caught by the Grog has a flashlight piece the Grog takes it from them and hides it again.

If you have a large group you can have more than 1 flashlight to assemble and you can have more than 1 Grog.

11. Magic Carpet Ride

This team building activity is going to take a lot of patience and a lot of communication.  The object of the game is to have a group of kids standing on a “magic carpet” (i.e. tarp, sheet, towel or something similar) and this carpet is flying very, very high through the air. The goal is for them to completely flip the “magic carpet” over to the opposite side without stepping off of it and falling thousands of feet to there death.

Supplies Needed: 1. A towel,  tarp , outdoor picnic blanket, tablecloth, or something similar

Set Up: 1. Place the magic carpets around the play area.

How To Play: 1. Assign a group to each of the magic carpets and have them all stand on it. 2. Explain that they are now standing on a magic carpet and they are flying very, very high up in the air.  The problem is the carpet is upside down and they can’t land until they flip the carpet over. 3. They must figure out how to flip the carpet over with out anyone stepping off of it and plunging thousands of feet to their death. 4. The winning team is first team to flip it over without stepping off the magic carpet.

12. Creative Chaos

It’s time to play with everyone’s favorite dough. No not money…Playdoh, however, this new kind of dough has become my favorite and sculpts really easily and doesn’t leave a mess.  Everyone is going to have to put on their creativity cap for this one.

Supplies Needed: 1. Dough or Clay 2. List of things to create with clay (ex. snowman, dog, star, snake, etc)

Set Up: 1. Have everyone sit in a circle and give a lump of dough to every 4th person in the circle.

How To Play: 1. The leader will announce to the group an object to build.  When the leader says go the person holding the dough will start to shape it. 2. The leader can yell out “left” or “right” and the person holding the dough must pass it in that direction and the next person continues to form the object. 3.  The leader will keep yelling directions so the dough is moving from person to person, back and forth, round and round. 4. You can stop at any point and the players can show off what has been created.  The leader can announce a new object to create. There are no “winners” in this game it is just a lot of fun and makes for a great ice breaker to warm everyone up to each other.

13. Sherlock Holmes (or Detective)

This game is like a human game of Spot The Difference.  It can be played with a larger group that is spit into 2 teams with 1 team being the detectives. If you have a small group you will pick out just one person to be the detective.

Supplies Needed: 1. You will need props like pencil, glasses, scarf, gloves, hats, binoculars, necklace, etc.

Set Up: 1. If you have a large group you will split them up into 2 teams with one of the teams being the detectives. If you have a small group pick 1 person to be the detctive.

How To Play: 1. Once the detective(s) have been chosen they are allowed to study the group for 30 seconds. They then must leave the room. 2. After they have left the remaining group is going to change 10 things about their appearance. They can use props supplied, for example someone can put on glasses or a hat, or they can swap shoes or shirts, they can put a pencil behind their ear. You get the idea. 3. The detective(s) are now allowed back into the room and have to figure out as many of the 10 differences as possible. 4. Swap detectives and play again.

14. Walk & Stop

The Walk & Stop game is a funny game that is simple to play but really hard to do.  The goal of this game is to sharpen those listening skills.

Supplies Needed: 1. Nothing

Set Up: 1. Have group spread out around the play area.

How To Play: 1. Rules are basic…when the leader yells “ Walk ” the kids walk, when the leader yells “ Stop ” the kids stop. Do this for 30 seconds or so in any order at any speed you prefer. (ex. Stop, Walk, Walk, Stop, Walk, Stop, Stop) 2. Now you Stop the group and tell them you are going to flip the words meaning. If the leader yells “ Stop ” they keep walking and if they yell “ Walk ” they have to stop. This creates lots of giggles as they try and follow the rules. 3. When you are ready you can announce two new Commands. “ Name ” which has everyone shout their name and “ Clap ” which means the group does one loud clap together. Continue using these 2 directions and then switch it on them again. “ Name ” means clap, and “ Clap ” means name. Variation: use different words “Jump”, “Sit”, “Dance”, “Stand Up”

15. Jump Tag

Jump tag can be played inside or out. There is no running just big and small jumps so it is safe to do in an inside play area.  If you are in a classroom this makes the game have an extra challenge as the players may get blocked in by a desk or bookshelf.

Set Up: 1. Have group form a circle and number them off. Remind them they need to remember their number.

How To Play: 1.The game starts by the leader yelling, “3, 2, 1, Jump”  Each player will jump in any direction they wish and stay in the spot they land. 2. Person #1 gets one big jump where they can tag someone either in the air as they are jumping or someone they land next to. Anyone who is tagged is out of the game. 3. Now everyone gets to jump again, yell “3,2,1…jump” and everyone gets another big or small jump and then they must not move from that spot. 4. Person #2 is now the tagger and gets one big hop to try and tag someone. 5. Game continues in the same order with each person being a “tagger.” 6. Game ends when there is only one player left.

More Team Building Game Ideas:

13 Outdoor Team Building Games & Activities

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Team Building Activity: Paper Plate Shuffle

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This paper plate shuffle game is an excellent team building activity for Scouts (or any kid) of all ages. You only need a few paper plates, and you're ready to start the game. It teaches kids how to work together to solve problems.

The lowly paper plate is something that should be in everyone's Cub Scout den bucket . Scouts can turn them into puppets, frisbees, masks, and drawing canvases just to mention a few.

They don't need to be expensive–just the simple white ones will work. If you have a few in your supplies, you can easily play a game to keep the Scouts busy during a lull in a Cub Scout den or pack meeting.

One fun game to play is the Paper Plate Shuffle . Parents play too! It's a great team building game–perfect as a gathering activity !

Divide group into equal teams. Give each person a paper plate , and give each team an extra paper plate . Set up a start line and a finish line.

The goal is to move from start to finish by stepping only on the paper plates . The most effective way is to move forward in single file .

Each person stands on their paper plate . The last person passes the extra plate quickly up the line to the first person, who puts in on the ground. The team then moves forward one step (one plate) by stepping on the new plate.  Players must always stay on the plates .

The twist is that we don't tell the Scouts how to play the game . They have to figure it out on their own.

The Paper Plate Shuffle makes a great gathering activity and can be used for this adventure:

Tiger Elective Adventure – Tiger-iffic! 4:   Play a team game with your den or family.

The game is hilarious to watch as people try to figure out how to do it–especially if you know the answer! 

But it gives our Scouts an opportunity to practice their problem-solving skills in a small group. I love it when something fun is teaching them a life skill !

Yours in Scouting, Sherry

P.S. If you liked this Cub Scout game, sign up below for more fun activities for Cub Scouts!

Julie Engelhardt

Saturday 17th of August 2024

I’d love ideas!

Barbara Aldridge

Thursday 5th of October 2023

I am new to scouting and got drafted into becoming a den leader with pack 268, Chickasaw Council Mphs, TN (wolves and bears). I absolutely love your ideas. I will definitely incorporate them into our den meetings. Oh,and thank you for relating them to the requirements.

Wednesday 13th of December 2017

This activity worked out well. Also like how you list the requirements that translate to the activity.

6 Exciting and Helpful Scout Law Index Card Games | Cub Scout Ideas

Wednesday 25th of October 2017

[…] love it when we can use everyday items for super fun Cub Scout activities! Remember the paper plate shuffle? Today, I want to tell you about 6 games that you can play with index cards that will help your Cub […]

Friday 13th of October 2017

With this game, do i just give the kids the paper plates and explain they need to make from point a to b with only stepping on paper plates?

Fun Cub Scout Games: 11 Epic Indoor and Outdoor Pack Activities

Games are one of the best ways that Cub Scouts have fun and build relationships, whether indoors or outdoors! In the Cub Scouting world, boys and girls alike learn many useful life skills and make exciting memories while playing games within their dens and packs.

What are the best games for Cub Scouts? The best games for Cub Scouts include a mix of fun, camaraderie, and skill-learning. Pack and den favorite games like “Steal the Bacon” and “Minute to Win It” merge play with teamwork and Scout knowledge, ensuring an exciting and educational experience for every Cub Scout participant.

PS. This article is a guest post collaboration between Cub Scouting volunteer Jaci H and Cole  🙂

In this article, I’ll tell you about several awesome games that can be played by practically every Cub Scout! My son, who has passed the days of Cub Scout games, but still has fond memories of those fun times, shared his experiences. I also sought input from several former Cubmasters and Cubs.

The thing I like about games is that they reinforce skills that are important for learning. They also provide opportunities for team building and communication skills.  When the Scouts do these things and they are fun, they connect the dots better– and the kids tend to retain the information for the long term. – Dave W., former Cubmaster from California 

Are you ready to learn 11 exciting games that you can share with your pack or den? First, let’s talk about popcorn! Follow along… I’ll explain. If you’ve already entered the world of Cub Scouts, you understand popcorn’s important role as a Scouting fundraiser . So, let’s have some fun with it! It’s only natural that some games have been developed using a popcorn theme.

11 Fun and Easy Games For Cub Scout Packs and Dens

Cub scout game 1: popcorn play.

This game is perfect for large groups of Cubs! One variation of popcorn play involves the Cubs sitting on the floor or in chairs in a vertical row. There can be as many teams as needed. The first person in each team scoops popcorn from a large container with a bowl. All the players behind him have empty bowls. 

How to play: The first player dumps the popcorn from his bowl (over his head) into the bowl of the person behind him. Of course, that Cub is trying to “catch” as much popcorn in her own bowl. She then dumps the popcorn from her bowl, over her head, to the person behind her. The last Cub dumps whatever popcorn is left into a larger nearby container. This process stops when the first team has filled that container– or until a specific amount of time has passed.

The second variation of this game involves only two Scouts (of the same rank) sitting one in front of another facing forward. The front Cub tosses 10 pieces of popcorn over his head while the Cub behind him catches as much as he can in a bowl.  The number of pieces collected are added up and recorded. Players alternate spots until everyone has played. Teams with the youngest Scouts typically get an advantage, such as a larger bowl to catch the popcorn!

In the end, the team with the most popcorn wins! As you can imagine with either arrangement of this game, there will be a bit of popcorn to clean up when the fun and games are completed. 😛

Skills learned: Teamwork and how to toss/catch objects accurately

Cub Scout Game 2: Steal the Bacon

One of my son’s favorite games was called Steal the Bacon. You can play this game anywhere you have a bit of space, and just need two teams lined up on either side. An object (“the bacon”)– which could be a football, a shirt, or anything you want– is placed in the middle. This just over-a-minute video relays the main idea of the game, although obviously our version has been tailored to Cub Scouts.

An adult then asks a Scout-related question to each team, one at a time. If the team gets the question correct, they run to grab the object. As soon as they’ve grabbed that object, the opposing team can try to tag them before they return to their safe zone. If they return without getting tagged, they get a point. Scouts can determine the number of points to end the game.

You’re on a team with your friends, competing, and getting to be athletic. It’s a great combination of skill and fun. It also incorporates physical fitness, which is an important element of Scouting.   – Life Scout Zach H. from California

Skills reinforced: Scout knowledge, agility

Cub Scout Game 3: 20 Questions

With 20 questions, there is one Cub at a time who comes up with a noun for the other Scouts to guess. Scouts get to ask one “yes or no” question at a time to determine what the Cub is thinking. Answers must be truthful. If the Cub’s noun is not guessed after 20 questions, he wins and another Cub takes a turn. If the Cub’s noun is guessed within the 20 questions, a new player starts sooner.

To make the game more relevant to the Scout world, Cubs can be given directions on what noun to pick. For example, leaders could ask them to select a camping trip from the past year, think of a skill they learned, or come up with anything else Scouting-related! 🙂

Skills taught: Coming up with uncommon nouns and asking insightful questions

Cub Scout Game 4: Make Me Laugh

While typically laughing and smiling are encouraged when we play games, in Make Me Laugh, the goal is to avoid cracking a smile. Divide the Scouts into two teams. Then select one player from each team to face each other. They can stand or sit, whichever you prefer. 

Now, in the next timed two-minute period, one Cub is tasked with doing whatever he can to get the other to laugh. Anything that looks or sounds like a laugh means you’re out!  Once out, the two switch roles. When they’re done, another set of players goes. The team with players who keep their composure the most often is the winning team. 😉

Extra challenge ideas: 1) have the Cub who is trying not to laugh stand with a mouthful of water. You’ll probably want to do that version outside! 2) Watch a minute or so of this video (6:42) to see how family members handle the game by only using sounds. 

Skills observed: Facial relaxation, how to be silly

Cub Scout Game 5: Name That Tune

Name That Tune is a great game for groups with young musicians or singers. Of course, that is not a requirement but an extra benefit. A smartphone with access to appropriate music will suffice just fine. This game is great to mix into a pack meeting for extra fun.

It would be most beneficial to prepare for this game by making a music set list. You might even make more than one. For example, the youngest Cubs might enjoy tunes like “It’s Raining Tacos,” “I’m a Gummy Bear,” and “Who Let the Dogs Out?” The goal is to be the first Cub to identify the song from just hearing its beginning notes.

Another list might interest the older Scouts who are about to transition to Scouts BSA: “Heat Waves,” “Cha Cha Slide,” “Counting Stars,” and “On Top of the World” are a few ideas. Of course, these are just a few examples and popular songs will vary depending on where you live.

Skills learned: Tune recognition through good listening

Cub Scout Game 6: Two Truths and a Lie

Two Truths and a Lie is a great game to play while sitting around the campfire during a Scout outing. The game requires no equipment but definitely benefits from some creativity. One at a time, each Cub gets to share three things about themselves.

The goal is to make the list sound somewhat believable and reasonable. For example, “I’ve been to the moon. I have 2 sisters. I cleaned my room yesterday.” does not include three such statements. Change the first one to “I’ve traveled to Oregon,” and that could work. No matter who plays the game, you’ll always learn something about the people with whom you play!

I brought this game to our Cub Scout pack. It gives the kids a chance to say something unique about themselves. It also works as a terrific time filler at any needed moment. – Brian H., former Cubmaster from California

Skills taught: Keeping a straight face, coming up with creative facts 

Cub Scout Game 7: Burlap Sack Race

The burlap sack race is a bit old-fashioned, physical, and a lot of fun! Scouts race while hopping in a burlap sack. There is a starting place and a finish line. If you want to be more official with the finish line, use a piece of rope or something like caution tape for the racers to run through. You can check out this quick video (1:46) for a refresher on the game.

To include lots of Cubs in this game, you could plan it as a relay race where hoppers tag their teammates. The team that has everyone hop to the finish first wins! Larger packs might want to choose this option to get more Cubs involved in the game faster. However, I’d encourage you to add unique rules to make this activity even more fun!

Skills reinforced: Coordination and speed

Cub Scout Game 8:  Akela Says

Akela Says is essentially the same game as Simon Says but with a different name. According to this Wikipedia page , Akela from The Jungle Book has been used in Scouting programs for decades. In this case, Akela refers to an individual who mentors a Scout and can change upon the setting. At a den meeting, the Akela would be the leader while at home, it would be a parent.

Just as in Simon Says, in Akela Says one Scout gives direction to all other Cubs. If he says, “Akela Says…” then all others must perform the action. If he does not say that, anyone who performs the task is out. Of course, the Cub calling out Akela Says will perform all actions to try to trick the others into doing them when they are not supposed to. Whoever remains standing last is the winner of Akela Says! 😀

Skills observed: Listening

Cub Scout Game 9: Flashlight Tag

Flashlight Tag is like a cross between hide and go seek and tag, making it the perfect evening meeting or camp activity! The difference is that in flashlight tag, you’re out if the light beam “hits” you instead of a hand “tagging you.” This is a great game to play at a campout as well. We recommend the Scouts stay with a buddy while playing this game and that a safe area be outlined as the border for the game.

I remember one time we were playing flashlight tag and having a lot of fun. At one point, my brother was getting chased and tripped on a rock. After his wound was tended to, we all had a good laugh. Now, it is one of our best memories of Cub Scouts. – Eagle Scout Corbin A. from Utah

Skills learned: Careful footwork, speed, hiding

Cub Scout Game 10: Broomball

Broomball is generally played on ice, and is basically hockey, but uses a softball-sized ball and broomball sticks. If you live in a town with a lot of safe, public ice fields in the winter, it will be easy to find a place to play. Otherwise, see if the local ice rink will allow you time to play.

For Cubs without access to a real ice rink, a basketball court would also work well for broomball. Honesty, Cub Scouts will have fun anywhere you choose! Broomball is a team sport, so it involves some coordination and knowledge of rules. You can watch this P.E. class video (6:47) to learn how to play this fun and exciting sport. 

Skills taught: Speed, agility

Cub Scout Game 11: Minute to Win It

Minute To Win It games have become popular with packs because you can make up so many different games for the Cubs to play! The premise is simple: contestants have one minute to complete the task– or complete as much as they can in one minute. The possibilities for these games are truly endless!

In the video (15:37) below are 10 extremely fun Minute To Win It games that could be perfect for your next Cub Scouting event. I personally really like nose dive, stack attack, and this blows, for Minute To Win It games, but I’d encourage you to try out any that look fun!

Because there are so many options for Minute To Win It games, maybe this article should’ve been called 60+ games your Cub’s Pack will love! Before you go, I wanted to share with you this excellent article from MomLovesBest on 50 fun Minute To Win It games with video tutorials . Hope the Cubs in your pack have a blast with all of these ideas! 😀

Skills observed: A huge variety as it depends on the challenge!

Conclusion 

No matter what game you choose, Cub Scouts are bound to have a fun and memorable time. However, to take things up a notch, you could even challenge your Cubs to create an entirely new game! That task would encourage them to be creative and to collaborate. You can never go wrong when smiles and laughter are involved!

Thanks so much for dropping by, and for being an awesome part of Cub Scouting! If you enjoyed learning about these awesome games for your Cub Scouts to play,  I’d highly recommend also checking out any of the following articles if they spark your interest:

• The 3 Biggest Benefits Of Cub Scouting (Also Written by Jaci H)
• What To Expect At A Cub Scout Pack Meeting (To Be Prepared)
• Cub Scouting Costs: Uniforms, Fees, And More
• Everything To Know About Cub Scout Ranks And Advancement
• 51+ Incredible Scouting Facts (To Wow Your Troop or Pack)

That’s all for now! Hope these fun games and activities help to connect your pack and leave the kids with even more positive memories of Cub Scouting. Hope to see you back here at ScoutSmarts again soon.  Until next time, I’m wishing you some thrilling Cub Scout game times ahead!  😀

Jaci H is the proud mom of an Eagle Scout. She enjoyed volunteering with her son's Cub Scout pack and troop, most recently as the fundraising chair. She works as a freelance writer in Southern California.

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Human Knot Game

How to Play

Printable Instructions

Related Resources

The Human Knot Game is a team-building activity that encourages cooperation, communication, and problem-solving. Scouts BSA and Venturing groups often use it as an icebreaker or to build teamwork in small groups. Since it focuses on working together to solve a challenge, this game fits well with Scouting’s goals of developing leadership and cooperation.

In this game, participants work together to “untie” themselves from a knot formed by holding hands in a circle. They must twist, turn, and maneuver without letting go of each other’s hands. This requires the group to listen, plan, and communicate clearly. Success comes when everyone works together, making it a great way to practice collaboration.

The Human Knot Game also works well at Cub Scout Pack meetings, especially when focusing on core values like Cooperation. Adding a couple of older Scouts or adults to each group can help guide younger Scouts as they learn how to work together. This makes it a good activity for all ages in Scouting.

With no materials needed and minimal setup, this game is easy to organize at meetings, campouts, or team-building events. It can be adjusted for different group sizes by creating several smaller groups. The game is fun and brings Scouts together to focus on communication and teamwork.

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Getting Untangled: Lessons in Teamwork

The Human Knot Game teaches Scouts important skills like patience, communication, and teamwork. To succeed, everyone in the group must work together and stay focused. Scouts quickly learn that they need each other’s ideas and cooperation to untangle the knot. This game connects well with the points of the Scout Law, especially being Helpful, Friendly, and Cheerful. Scouts have to encourage each other and stay positive to solve the puzzle.

In this game, Scouts also learn to lead and follow at different times. Some Scouts might notice a solution and try to guide others, while others will have to listen and move in ways that help the group. Learning when to step up and when to follow is an important lesson for any team. This also ties into being Obedient in the Scout Law, as each person must work with the team’s decisions for the group to succeed.

This game works well for different ages with small adjustments. For Scouts BSA and Venturers, the Human Knot Game is challenging but fun. They usually need little guidance and can solve the knot on their own. For younger Scouts, like Cub Scouts, having one or two older Scouts or adults in each group can help keep things moving smoothly. Younger Scouts often need reminders to be patient and to think before they move.

Cub Scouts may also benefit from a simpler version where only a few people form a knot at first. This makes it easier for them to understand the basic idea without getting too frustrated. As they get used to it, more people can join the circle to make it more challenging. This helps younger Scouts build confidence while still focusing on cooperation.

For very large groups, divide the Scouts into smaller groups of about eight to ten people. This keeps the game manageable and gives everyone a chance to participate fully. Smaller groups also mean everyone has a voice and can contribute. It helps Scouts feel like an important part of the team, which builds a sense of belonging.

Overall, the Human Knot Game is a simple but powerful way to teach Scouts to work as a team. By focusing on communication, cooperation, and respect, Scouts experience firsthand how teamwork can solve problems. This game makes it clear that each person’s actions affect the group, a lesson that can be applied to many other Scouting activities and challenges.

How to Play Human Knot

• Divide the group into smaller groups of 8–10 people if you have a large number of players.
• Ask each group to form a circle and stand close together.
• Explain the rules and goal of the game: to untangle into a single circle without letting go of each other’s hands.
• Each player reaches across the circle and grabs one hand of a different person (not the person standing next to them).
• Then, each player grabs a hand of another different person with their other hand. Each person should be holding hands with two different people, creating a “human knot.”
• The group must now work together to untangle themselves without letting go of anyone’s hands. They may need to twist, step over, or duck under each other.
• Continue until the knot is untangled into a single circle or two smaller circles.
• Safety: Remind players to move slowly and be careful not to pull on each other’s arms. Watch out for twisting too tightly or stepping on each other’s feet.
• Variations for Younger Players: For Cub Scouts or younger players, start with only a few people in each knot to keep it simple. Older Scouts or adults can guide the younger players if needed.
• Large Groups: If your group is very large, create several smaller knots and see which group untangles the fastest.

This game is fun for all ages and teaches teamwork, patience, and communication.

Printable instructions for the Human Knot Game

The Importance of Games in Scouting

More Resources

Looking for more games like the Human Knot Game to build teamwork and have fun with your Scouts? Visit my games page for a variety of activities that teach cooperation, problem-solving, and communication. You’ll find ideas for indoor and outdoor games that work for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturers. These games are great for meetings, campouts, and team-building. Explore new ways to engage your Scouts with games that promote learning and growth while keeping everyone active and involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can play the Human Knot Game?

The game works best with 8 to 10 people in each group. If you have more people, split them into smaller groups to make it easier to untangle.

What if the knot can’t be untangled?

Sometimes, it’s impossible to fully untangle the knot. If the group is stuck, the leader can let them break one connection to help finish the game.

Is the Human Knot Game safe for younger Scouts?

Yes, but remind everyone to move slowly and watch out for each other. For younger Scouts, have an adult or older Scout nearby to guide them.

Can the Human Knot Game be done indoors?

Yes, the game can be played indoors as long as there’s enough space for everyone to move around safely without bumping into walls or furniture.

Do you need any materials for this game?

No, the Human Knot Game doesn’t need any equipment or materials, just enough space for everyone to stand in a circle.

How long does the game usually take?

It typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes to untangle a group, but the time can vary based on the group size and how well they work together.

Getting Out of a Bind

The Human Knot Game is a simple team-building activity that brings Scouts together to solve a problem as a group. The game starts with everyone standing in a circle and grabbing hands with two different people across from them. This forms a tangled “knot” that the group must untangle without letting go of each other’s hands. To do this, players will need to communicate, move carefully, and work together.

This game encourages skills like cooperation and patience. It also connects well with the values of the Scout Law, such as being Helpful and Friendly. Scouts must support each other to figure out the best moves to untangle the knot. They often have to think ahead and help guide others in the right direction.

The Human Knot Game works for all ages, though younger Scouts may need some extra guidance. Older Scouts or adults can be on hand to help younger groups, making it easier for them to succeed. It’s also a flexible game for different group sizes. If there are too many players, smaller groups can be made to keep things manageable. This game requires no materials, just a positive attitude and a willingness to work as a team.

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2 responses to “Human Knot Game: Perfect Bonding Activity for 2025”

Love this idea for a fun team building activity with my kids! I can see how it would be a great way to teach them about communication and problem solving. We’ll have to try it out this weekend!

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Team Challenges Evening

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Description

A series of six challenges for the Cubs to complete in teams

* Team score sheets * Leaders' score sheets * Leader's instructions for tower building * Leader's instructions for codes, 3 copies of code cracking sheet, answer sheet, 6 sets of code sheets * Leader's instructions for candle lighting * Leader's instructions for passing objects * Leader's instructions for signs and symbols, answer sheet, 6 sets of signs and symbols sheets * Leader's instructions for bean moving Note: see each leader's instruction sheet for a full summary of resources required - this list is just the downloadable resources

Instructions

Cubs spend 10 minutes on each of the six activities: * After they are put into their teams they go to the first base where they will get their score sheet – they must look after this carefully. * They must not start the base until the first whistle blow. * They will all have a go at each base (run through what they are) – points will not only be awarded for achievement, but also for how well they work together as a team. They will lose points for lack of team work. * There will be a two minute warning (one whistle blow) before the end of each base and then two whistle blows when it is time to move on. They will be told which base they have to go to next (it's on the leaders' sheets) * At the end, the Seconder should come and give Akela their score sheet, while everyone helps clear up. Additional points will be awarded for clearing up skills. * When the clearing up is done they must sit quietly in their teams. First team sitting quietly will also gain extra points. The record sheets for each team should go to first base leader. (A) Tower building: Using only newspaper and tape build the tallest tower possible, that stands up by itself, in 10 minutes. Leader instructions, leader score sheet, newspaper, sellotape, tape measure, pen (B) Codes: Give the Cubs a code cracking sheets and eight coded quotes. They have 10 minutes to decode as many of the quotes as they can. They earn bonus points if they know which children's book the quote comes from. Leader instructions, leader score sheet, answer sheet, code cracking sheet, quote sheets (x6), pens (x4) (C) Candle lighting: Cubs are provided with garden canes, matches, sellotape, string and elastic bands. There is a tea-light some distance away. Without getting any closer, they must light the tea-light with the equipment provided. Leader instructions, leader score sheet, tea-lights, garden canes, matches, sellotape, string, elastic bands, stopwatch, pen (D) Passing objects: The team has various objects (see leader instructions). They must transport as many objects as they can across a space in 10 minutes without using their hands/arms (ie feet, knees, mouths are all fine). They gain points for each object that makes it across but lose points every time they touch it with their hands or drop it. Leader instructions, leader score sheet, objects to transport, pen (E) Signs and symbols: Cubs are given sheet containing various signs, symbols and pictures. They need to identify as many as they can in 10 minutes. They earn one point for each correct answer. Leader instructions, leader score sheet, answer sheet, picture sheets (x6), pens (x4) (F) Moving beans: Cubs are provided with straws, a plate full of beans and a spare plate several metres away. They must transport as many beans as possible in 10 minutes. Only one Cub can go at a time. If they drop their bean before they get to the next plate they must leave it and go to the back of the line. They earn one point per bean. Leader instructions, leader score sheet, bag of beans, 2 metal plates, 36 straws, pen

• Activities with others
• team building
• Team challenges

Badge Links

• Communicator - Code
• Skills - Problem solving
• Teamwork - Team-building

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10-minute fillers - fun games to play during any extra time in Scouts

It can sometimes be hard to make sure everyone’s entertained between activities, and keeping everybody busy, occupied and safe can be difficult.

To help, we’ve put together a group of games that are all under ten minutes. They can be helpful little time fillers to keep in your back pocket. Or, you can put them together to create a session for an unexpected rainy day!

Why not print or write out a few options and create a games folder so Scouts or Young Leaders can choose and run them themselves?

• Test your reflexes in River and bank
• Play Foxes and Rabbits , but try not to get caught
• Avoid becoming the wolf’s lunch in What time is it, Mr Wolf?
• See what you can spot in i-Spy
• Race round the circle in a game of Fruit Salad
• Try a Squirrel-themed version of Captain’s Coming in Squirrel’s Coming
• Try some  animal yoga
• Get racing with  Red Light, Green Light
• Play a quick round of  Duck, Duck, Goose
• Try an energetic parachute game with Cat and Mouse .
• Practise your listening in Capture the Keys
• Get dancing with  Musical Statues
• Learn the points of the compass with Naughty Elephants Spray Water
• Race your team's paper fish in a relay in Flapping fish
• Work together to get to the other side in The floor is lava
• Try to pass the message on in Broken Telephone
• Be an effective detective and find the Rhythm master
• Put your throwing to the test with Game of aim
• Learn everyone’s names in Gimme 5 by giving high fives!
• Sneak to get the pirate’s map in  Don’t wake the pirate
• Race and get to the space before your friends in Circle Tag
• Try not to get caught in Sharky, Sharky
• Work together to protect your tail in Dragon dodgeball
• Test your memory and reactions in   Zip, zap, boing
• Test your reflexes by being the first to shout ‘ Splat !’
• Try a magical version of rock, paper, scissors in Giants, wizards and elves
• Warm up with an energising game of Captain’s coming
• Put your acting to the test in Wink murder
• Try playing the classic wide game, Capture the Flag
• See how many Numbers you can say without anyone treading on your twos!
• Pretend to use your trunk to pass the ball in Elephant ball
• Remember everyone’s names in a game of Guess Who
• Get your ears, mind and hands working together in Catch It, Drop It
• Try thinking fast with Scattergories , a quick alphabet icebreaker.
• Take on the Mission:Lightyear challenge
• Play a racing game of hide and seek in 40:40
• Test your problem-solving skills in Who Am I?
• Send the ball around the circle in Up and Down
• Try a quick game of Homemade Hockey
• Race in a big game of Noughts and Crosses
• Try to spot who’s in charge in Copycat
• Sneak to succeed and retrieve the keys in Night Watchers
• Dodge, duck and dive in a game of Dodgeball
• Try not to drop the ball in Hot Potato , then try the extreme version
• Get active and use teamwork in Escape The Jail
• See how fast teams can move around in Rush Hour
• Fit your whole group through a single piece of paper
• Test your team’s reflexes as you pass the scarf in Scarves and Ladders
• Get to know fun facts about everyone in Two Truths, One Lie
• Play a classic sport while seated in Chair Football
• Play Interceptor and pass the ball to everyone in your team

Further reading

• All activities under 10 minutes
• Managing free time activities safely

Related links

• Volunteer with Scouts
• Join Scouts