Audience Participation Stories

     Audience Participation Stories are great fun. Good for ice breakers or to do at the start of meetings, to get people warmed up and in a jolly mood..
     Thanks to Don Buchan for providing some of these, and the folks at Indian Nations Council, for providing others. I need lots more of these. Please send me your favorites and I'll include them here.

Table of Contents

• The Brutal Miner
• The Story of Running Deer
• Quiet Please
• A Pirate Story
• Oscar and his Dream Trip
• Fred's Trip
• Let's Go on a Ghost Hunt

The Brutal Miner

One day, the TIRED WIFE was cleaning the house. The BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER was helping her. The YOUNG DAUGHTER was playing with the CAT on the steps and the LAZY SON was sleeping. The BRUTAL MINER came out and kicked the CAT. The TIRED WIFE and the BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER rushed out with brooms and hit the BRUTAL MINER, but this did not bother him. He grabbed the TIRED WIFE by one arm and the BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER by the other and shoved them into the house. The YOUNG DAUGHTER ran away with the CAT. Just then, HANDSOME HARRY drove up in his AUTOMOBILE and saw the BRUTAL MINER beating the TIRED WIFE and the BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER. HANDSOME HARRY rushed to the rescue and grabbed the BRUTAL MINER and threw him down the mine shaft. The BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER flew into the waiting arms of HANDSOME HARRY, while the TIRED WIFE and the YOUNG DAUGHTER watched with enthusiasm. The LAZY SON slept on. HANDSOME HARRY took the BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER in his AUTOMOBILE to the little church in the wildwood and they lived happily every after.

The Story of Running Deer

Old Chief: Stand, raise right hand and give a hearty "HOW!" in a low, loud voice.

Running Deer: Place open hands on side of head to make deer antlers, and stomp feet as if running.

Falling Rock: Stand, make a short whistling sound, then sit down abruptly with a loud "BOOM!"

Wilderness: One group howls like wolves; another raises sway- ing hands above head and make sound of wind blowing through the trees.

Babbling Brook: (Standing in front of audience for the entire storytelling) Gargles water with head back until the story narrator says . . ."Above the Waterfall."

Outdoor version. Spray gargled water onto the ground in front of audience.

Indoor version. Have a bucket or pail to catch water coming out of the "Babbling Brook's" mouth.

Long ago, there was a small Indian (Native American) village. In this village lived an Old Chief with his two sons, Running Deer and Falling Rock. This village was situated deep in the Wilderness, next to a Babbling Brook [pause], Above a Waterfall.

The Old Chief, knowing he would not live forever, decided it was time to choose one of his sons to take his place when the time came to pass on. "But, which one?" pondered the Old Chief. And he devised a plan: Running Deer and Falling Rock were sent off into the Wilderness, far from the village-next to the Babbling Brook [pause], Above the Waterfall. The Old Chief had told the lads, "The one of you who is able to live out longest in the Wilderness will take my place as Chief."

Much time passed. The Old Chief feared the worst, and began to worry. "How long will it be before the return of Running Deer and Falling Rock?" thought the Old Chief. Soon after, a member of the tribe announced the approach of the beloved son, Running Deer. The Old Chief was very happy, and threw a grand celebration. For his first son, Running Deer had returned to the village - next to the Babbling Brook [pause], Above the Waterfall. The ordeal was over, and scouts were sent out into the Wilderness to find and return Falling Rock to his village, where he would become Chief someday.

Many moons went by (as happens in Native American stories). The Old Chief, now passed on (sorry), never saw the return of his younger son, Falling Rock. Falling Rock has never returned from the Wilderness to his village-next to the Babbling Brook [pause], Above the Waterfall. His brother, Running Deer, still looks for him.

We know this because, all along the highways and byways of New Hampshire and Vermont, we still see the signs [show sign if you made one]:

WATCH_FOR_FALLING_ROCK

This is how the story ended until, in 1990, a small child sitting in the front row at a campfire (just like this one) raised a hand, and with a serious look said in a voice that was loud and clear, "I know where he lives!"

So the narrator of the story asked, "Where?"

The answer came back, "He's in Pennsylvania!"

The child had been touring with family and had seen this sign [show sign if you made one]:

FALLING_ROCK_AHEAD

-- As adapted by Jeff Brown, Kensington, NH (from a joke his den leader told him in 1978)

Quiet Please

THE FIRE SIREN (Moan)
THE LIBRARIAN (SSSSh!)
THE DOG (Arf, Arf)
THE PIGS (Snort, Oink)
THE POLICEMAN (Loud Whistle)
THE DUCKS (Quack-quack)
THE CHICKENS (Bok-Bok-Bok)
TWO BOYS (sing, Row, Row, Row your Boat)

If there is room, appropriate motions can accompany the sounds, such as marching feet for the boys, flapping wings for chickens, etc.

Narrator:

It was a beautiful spring afternoon in the sleepy little town of Blodgettville. In the balmy air the fragrance of early tulips mingled with the rich aroma of skunk cabbages in nearby marshes. The only sounds to be heard were the faint moan of a FIRE SIREN in a neighboring village, the distant barking of a DOG, and the occasional whistle of the POLICEMAN at the main intersection. Within the town library, someone turned a page too loudly, and the LIBRARIAN said, "SSSH!". On the main road, at the outskirts of the town, a farmer was lazily driving his animals to market. Each time he hit a bump, the PIGS grunted, the CHICKENS squawked, and the DUCKS quacked. Yes, all was peaceful in the sleepy little town of Blodgettville.

Suddenly, TWO BOYS appeared on the quiet street. They were singing "ROW YOUR BOAT" and marching in time to the rhythm. They reached the c enter of town where the POLICEMAN blew his whistle to let them cross. Still singing, they marched up the steps of the library. The LIBRARIAN looked up quickly and said, "SSSH". EACH BOY took a book, then sat down at one of the tables. One of the boys looked around the almost empty library and said, "They'd do a lot more business in here if they had comic books!" Guess what the LIBRARIAN said? That's right, "SSSh".

Outside, the DOG'S barking could be heard more strongly. The POLICEMAN blew his whistle as a car approached the intersection, followed by the farmer's truck. As they started up again, the woman driving the car signalled a right turn. Oddly enough, her car made a left turn. The farmer slammed on his brakes, and there was a LOUD CRASH (everyone clap their hands together). Down went the tail gate of the truck and out tumbled the PIGS, the crates burst and out flew the CHICKENS and the DUCKS. The DOG, who by now was quite close, began an excited chase, barking wildly.

Frightened, the PIGS ran up the library steps, grunting, followed by squawking CHICKENS, quacking DUCKS, and yelping DOG. The LIBRARIAN was so startled she had time to let out only one "SSSH", before a CHICKEN flew into her face. The BOYS jumped up and delightedly burst into song. In rushed the POLICEMAN, frantically whistling. From across the street, old Miss Spindle saw the disturbance, and called the FIRE DEPARTMENT.

So then, at that moment in the quiet library of the quiet town of Blodgettville, these things were going on: The PIGS were grunting, the CHICKENS were clucking, the DUCKS were quacking, the BOYS were singing, the FIRE SIREN was screaming, the POLICEMAN was whistling, and the LIBRARIAN was hopelessly saying over and over again "SSSh, SSSh!". And for awhile at least, all these things were going on at the same time (EVERYBODY). But an hour later, everything was peaceful again in the sleepy little town of Blodgettville. The PIGS, DUCKS and CHICKENS had somehow been caught and put back in the truck; the BOYS and DOG had gone home for supper, the FIRE TRUCK was back in the station house, and the POLICEMAN again stood at his post by the intersection.

And the LIBRARIAN?? Well, the LIBRARIAN looked around the library at the floating feathers, the muddy floor, the mixed up books, the overturned tables and the broken chairs.

And then, all of a sudden, the LIBRARIAN SCREAMED (EVERYBODY)

(Do not rehearse the audience on the ending; let it be a surprise)

-- From the Indian Nations 1994 Powwow Book

A Pirate Story

The Characters:
Old Sea Pirate -- Ho! Ho! Ho! and a bottle of Rum
Bosun -- snore, snore
Black Cloud -- Blow wind Blow
Sea Gulls -- caw, caw (flapping arms)
Long John Silver -- Aharrr me maties
Polly Parrot -- Polly wants a cracker
Croaky Crocodile -- Tic Toc, Tic Toc (shake head)

The Story:

Once upon a time there was an Old Sea Pirate and his Bosun who sailed out on the ocean blue in their sturdy ship the Black Cloud.

Far off in the distance he could hear the Sea Gulls cry.

The Old Sea Pirate and his Bosun dropped anchor and went fast asleep, first making sure all the hatches were secured on the Black Cloud.

Now creeping up the side of the ship came Long John Silver and his parrot Polly looking for the treasure of the Old Sea Pirate and his Bosun.

Looking for Long John Silver was Croaky Crocodile who had swallowed a clock.

Just as Long John Silver and Polly Parrot discovered the treasure chest, Croaky Crocodile's clock woke up the Old Sea Pirate and his Bosun who thought it was the Sea Gulls landing on the deack of the Black Cloud.

Well Long John Silver grabbed hold of Polly Parrot and turned to run, and only in his haste he tripped overboard, much to the glee of Croaky Crocodile. The Old Sea Pirate and his Bosun chased after them, but the Black Cloud rolled in the waves, clearing the deck of Sea Gulls, the Old Sea Pirate and his Bosun.

Now, from a very good source, I am told that the last anyone heard of all these characters was strange sounds in the night as the Sea Gulls flew overhead followed by Long John Silver and Polly Parrot, chased by the Old Sea Pirate and his Bosun, all frantically swimming away from Croaky Crocodile with his ticking clock, while to this day, the Black Cloud is anchored far out at sea with its treasure chest still aboard.

Oscar and His Dream Trip

From "The Cub Book", 8th printing, December 1980

"....." denotes a space that the listeners fill in. The best way is to give each a piece of paper with a noun on it (just about any -- the crazier the better) and at each stop, point to a different person so that they know to read their paper.

*****

Oscar followed the little creek to where it passed by the stone wall and the sand cliffs. The spring air was full of the singing of birds and the gentle whisper of the wind. He was getting tired from such a long walk and he sat down to rest on a large stump. As he sat in the soft drowsy air, he noticed the big sand cliffs all coverd with swallow holes and little scrawny bushes growing here and there on its face. Oscar grew very sleepy in the warm sunshine. It was then that he noticed the yellow door in the side of the sandy cliff.

"This is very strange," Oscar thought. "I've been here often and never noticed that door before." He got up with the true Wolf Cub curiosity and went to the door to open it. He was surprised to find that it opened so easily.

Inside he was surprised to see that he was in a huge garden surrounding a funny little house. He went to the door and knocked. There was no answer, so Oscar went inside. Then, the strangest things began to happen.

..... jumped out at him and said in a deep voice, "will you stay for dinner?" ..... told Oscar to shut the door while ..... stared fearfully at him with enormous eyes. At the sound of the closing door ..... took its feet off ..... which ran circles on the floor at his feet. ..... invited Oscar to sit in a chair at the table.

He sat beside ..... which was always poking ..... with ..... ..... brought in ..... on a big silver platter which was set before Oscar. Everyone began to eat ..... and ..... which was placed on the plate. When the waiter brought in a big bowl which had ..... all fried up Oscar decided that he really wasn't hungry.

He excused himself and nearly tripped over ..... as he left the table. He saw ..... which he thought would make a nice pet if only his mother would let him keep it. As he went to pick it up ..... hit him across the hand and told him to leave it alone. Oscar was sorry thatsilver platter which was set before Oscar. Everyone began to eat ..... and ..... which was placed on the plate. When the waiter brought in a big bowl which had ..... all fried up Oscar decided that he really wasn't hungry.

He excused himself and nearly tripped over ..... as he left the table. He saw ..... which he thought would make a nice pet if only his mother would let him keep it. As he went to pick it up ..... hit him across the hand and told him to leave it alone.

Oscar was sorry that he couldn't have a ..... which he sat on because he couldn't carry it. "Excuse me," he said, as a ..... and a ..... came flying across the room. Oscar felt that the things here had very rude manners, especially a ..... which kept wiping its mouth with a ..... With a sudden noise a ..... came running through the door, followed by a ..... and a .....

Oscar knew that these were the owners of the house as everything suddenly became very quiet and well behaved. These owners did not say a word, but very threateningly one of them picked up a ..... Oscar thought he had better leave.

He tried to get to the door but a ..... got in his way and a ..... caught him around the neck and tried to keep him there. Oscar rushed out the door very frightened. As he ran to the yellow door in the clif he heard a ..... chasing him. A ..... almost caught up to him. Upon reaching the door, he caught a last look at a ..... and a ..... which were right behind him.

Breathlessly he banged the door shut and ran to the stump to sit and catch his breath. When he next looked at the cliff he saw that the door was gone and he felt very sleepy.

Fred's Trip

"....." denotes a space that the listeners fill in. The best way is to give each a piece of paper with a noun on it (just about any -- the crazier the better) and at each stop, point to a different person so that they know to read their paper.

*****

Fred went on a magical trip to see ..... that his travel agent arranged for him. First, he had to pack ..... and ..... so that he would feel right at home while on his trip.

The ride on ..... wasn't all too comfortable, as all of a sudden, ..... went up to him and asked, "Are you feeling all right? You look like ....."

Well, Fred made it all right to his destination, but he was still in for the shock of his life when, as he tried to hail ..... to take him to his hotel, ..... asked him where he wanted to go. Fred was so surprised that all he could say was the name of the hotel he was going to.

At the hotel, ..... asked him for his name and if he had a reservation. Fred just stared at him, vaguely noticing ..... playing pool in the corner. Finally, he got his room key and went up to see his room. ..... soon followed with his bags. But when he got there, he found ..... swimming in his waterbed. Somewhat perturbed, he asked him to leave his room and find a room of his own.

The next morning, Fred woke up, thinking, "Gee, what a bad dream." But he was surprised to find he was still in the hotel room. He called room service and asked for breakfast, not expecting ..... which was on the tray that was brought up and placed before him. "Well, at least it's not ....."

Fred left the hotel to look at the sights. He saw ....., ....., and had a ride around on ..... Fred was beginning to think that this place was a little strange. Even more so when he ate ..... of the city for lunch. Later, he found ..... with big, googly eyes asking him if he would donate money to .....

Late in the afternoon, ..... came up to him and asked, "Are you new around here?"

Fred said, a little annoyed, "Well, I'm a tourist, if that's what you mean."

He was promptly told, "Take my advice. Most people don't go around carrying ..... The police might get suspicious."

Fred decided that he should. Fortunately, the rest of the day was uneventful, except for ....., which he passed by that night.

The next morning, Fred called accidentally called ....., thinking that he'd really called the airport. He'd had enough of his trip and wanted to go home.

Back at home, he exclaimed to his friends, "Next time I go on vacation, I won't ask my travel agent. Instead I'm going someplace normal, to see .....!"

The Nouns for the Fred and Oscar stories:

Try these or use your own.

Fred story: 26 different spaces
Oscar story: 32 different spaces

The Beatles, The Eiffel Tower, China, A Dead Psychiatrist, The Enterprise, A 3 Handed Doctor, Florida, A Pink Stereo, Micheal Jackson, A Submarine, A Bakery, A Shallow Sewer, A Moon Car, The Sun, A Heavy Watch, Superman, A Bad Movie, A Dog, T-Shirt, A Fat Nurse, A Rotten Apple, A Crooked Hockey Stick, A Hot Light Bulb, A Bottle of Warm Milk, A Bottle of Yellow Ink, A Witche's Broom, A Wilted Pickle, A Pink Mouse, A Baby Chick, A Coffee Pot, A Burnt Pancake, A Pillow, A Bar of Dirty Soap, A Bent Hammer, A Bowl of Dead Flies, An Elephant with Bad Breath, A Rotten Egg, A Large Rubber Band, A Bunch of Rotten Bananas, A Black Snake, A Big Toothbrush, A Harmonica, A Puppy Dog, A Leaky Fire Hose, The Staff Show, The Cafeteria

Let's Go on a Ghost Hunt

-- Thanks to Gerald W. Avery

SPACE: "Way Out There" (Point ahead moving finger from left to right)

ASTRONAUTS: "Onward and Upward" (Stand up and thrust arm toward the sky)

In the whole Universe there's an enormous place,
Which we all refer too as merely as SPACE.
ASTRONAUTS spend many hours untold.
Searching that SPACE where mysteries unfold
They bring back dust and rocks galore.
Each ASTRONAUT striving to always learn more.
They circle around for days in SPACE
Keeping up such a strenuous pace.
Our country explored SPACE and then very soon.
Our ASTRONAUTS landed upon the far away moon.
Oh what a thrill as we witnessed the sight,
As ASTRONAUTS landed upon the far away moon.
Oh what a thrill as we witnessed the sight,
As ASTRONAUTS raised our flag on that first moon flight.
Right out there through outer SPACE.
Upon the moon stand our flag in place.
Just where the ASTRONAUTS left it that day.
As a part in history they did play.
One fact discovered which story writers weren't pleased
Was that the moon is not really made of green cheese.
So way out in SPACE when you see the man in the moon.
Remember the ASTRONAUTS proved we couldn't eat him at noon!

Robinson Crusoe's Diary
Greater St. Louis Area Council

This is a nonsense game that never fails to crack them up - the sillier, the better! Names of objects are written on slips of paper and dropped into a container. As "Mr. Crusoe" reads his diary, each "sailor" takes turns drawing from the container to fill in the blanks.

Copy these phrases on slips of paper:

This morning I woke up early and ate my breakfast, which consisted of ________ and ________ . Afterward, I took my saw and hammer and built ________ . Since I was shipwrecked and alone, I had to go hunting in the woods to see what I might have for lunch. I forgot my gun, so I had to capture ________ with my bare hands. I also tried to catch ________ to but could not run fast enough. I went home to my cave, sat down in ________ and ate my lunch. Since my clothes were all lost at sea, I decided to make myself something to wear. I made a pretty neat hat from ________ and a coat out of ________ . I decided to wrap my feet in ________ . Suddenly, I heard a ________ and rushed out and climbed into ________ . I looked through ________ just in case I might see ________ . I didn't but there on the beach I saw ________ dancing in wild glee around ________ . Running up the trail toward my hideout ________ was crying out and looking very frightened. I hid the poor thing behind ________ . I then found my gun, loaded it with ________ and stood guard over ________ . When it seemed safe, I got busy and built ________ all around . Then I finally lay down in my comfortable bed, made of ________ , and slept soundly.

The Sad Tale of Two Famous Cowboys
Santa Clara Council

Let me tell you the story of two famous cowboys from western history. Yes, you've guessed it! They are WILD BILL HICCUP and his sidekick, HAP-A-LONG CATASTROPHE. It seems that WILD BILL HICCUP was constantly plagued with long seizures of hiccups for which there seemed to be no cure. Many doctors all over this land of sagebrush and CACTUS had tried to cure him, but it was all in vain. Nothing worked!

WILD BILL HICCUP'S buddy, HAP-A-LONG CATASTROPHE was also plagued with a peculiar ailment. It seems that he was so clumsy that he was like a bull in a china shop. He stumbled his way from one catastrophe to another.

Out in this land of sagebrush and CACTUS these two men were continually keeping each other company and trying to keep out of the way of others so as not to disturb any more people than necessary. Thus WILD BILL HICCUP and HAP-A-LONG-CASTROPHE were together constantly.

Finally, with much effort and many tries to stay on, HAP-A-LONG CATASTROPHE made it onto the horse with WILD BILL HICCUP and off the two rode through the land of sagebrush and CACTUS. After riding awhile, they caught sight of the horse. It had calmed down and was slowly walking among the CACTUS. Wouldn't you know it! WILD BILL HICCUP got so excited at finding the horse that he began to hiccup violently and of course, HAP-A-LONG CATASTROPHE being the way he was, could not take the jerking of his friend on the horse. Just as they came to the next big CACTUS, WILD BILL HICCUP gave out with a tremendous hiccup which sent HAP-A-LONG CATASTROPHE sprawling right into the middle of the CACTUS and frightened the horse again and sent him running off into the sun.

The last anyone saw of our Western Heroes, HAP-A-LONG CATASTROPHE was still trying to mount WILD BILL HICCUP'S horse, only to be sent flying back into the CACTUS by a giant hiccup from his friend. I'm sure after many trials and failures, our heroes must have felt the whole thing was pointless, but the CACTUS was still there reminding them of the point.

At The Rodeo
Santa Clara Council

This is a stretcher. It gives the audience a chance to stand up and stretch their muscles a bit. This can be done by one person or by a narrator and his assistant who leads the audience in action.

WAY OUT WEST AT THE RODEO
(Extend arms in all directions)

COWBOYS RIDE THE BRONCOS FOR FUN AND SHOW
(Stand bowlegged and jog up and down as if riding a horse)

THE CROWD JUMPS UP WITH A WILD CHEER
(Jump up in the air and holler "Yippee")

AS THE COWBOY ROPES THE MIGHTY STEER
(Pull back hard with both hands as if pulling on a rope while saying "Whoaaa")

THE SPURS ON HIS BOOTS JINGLE AS HE WALKS AWAY
(Walk in place saying, "Jingle, Jingle, Jingle")

THEN HE SITS DOWN TO REST AND CALL IT A DAY!
(Sit down while wiping sweat from brow and saying "Whew -w-w-w!")

The Case of the Missing Watson
Indians Nation Council

Ever wonder how Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes got together? They were the best detective team that ever investigated anything. You remember all the stories Dr. Watson chronicled or wrote? Sherlock Holmes was a consulting detective and poor old Dr. Watson wrote stories about their investigations. The way I heard their story went something like this:

One foggy morning in old London town Sherlock Holmes went to the corner newsstand on Baker Street to investigate the news to see if there were any advertisements for jobs for a Consulting Detective. Well, low and behold! There was one that just jumped off the page, literally!! (That's a word use in literature). Anyway, somebody needed Sherlock Holmes to investigate the disappearance of a local Doctor.

Sherlock Holmes hurried 'round to the address listed in the paper to detect if there were possibilities to investigate this disappearing act done by a Dr. Watson. When he reached the structure he found that the ad had been placed by the landlady/housekeeper of an Old Soldiers' home. A really boring place, wherein resided a group of Old Soldiers from the Boer War. In chatting with the Old Soldiers there and the landlady/housekeeper he was really investigating the activities of Dr. Watson. From the information he got from the Old Soldiers and the landlady/housekeeper, Mrs. Jones-Ridley, he detected that investigating this case of the missing Dr. Watson could turn out to be the best chance for Sherlock Holmes to make a NAME for himself.

The game was now officially "afoot"; he put his foot on the sidewalk and started to do what a detective always does, put the pieces together. Sherlock Holmes had gathered all of this:

Item 1. Dr. Watson was an "Old Soldier".
Item 2. He lived in a very boring place with others from the Boer War.
Item 3. Not much went on there.
Item 4. Dr. Watson liked to tell stories, mostly about that war.
Item 5. Dr. Watson had run out of new stories and was very bored!

Elementary!! He shouted for all in the street to hear and Sherlock Holmes hailed a hansom cab (that's a horsedrawn taxicab in England). He called to the driver to take him to the nearest library to investigate the disappearance of Dr. Watson.

Upon reaching the library, Sherlock Holmes strolled through the bookcases called stacks to find Dr. Watson. The Old Soldier was trying to find new material to talk about at the Old Soldier home. The case was solved! The investigation was a success!! And Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson were forever to be partners in solving mysteries and writing stories that you can read today.

Tommy Joins A Cub Scout Pack
Greater St. Louis Area Council

Cubmaster: Tonight, I would like to tell you a story about a boy named Tommy and how he became a Cub Scout. I need your help to tell this story. Would you supply a part of the story by being one of it's characters, when you hear the name of your character, call out your part.
Characters:
Tommy or Tiger Cubs - "Go Tigers"
Bobcats - "Give a Roar"
Wolfs - "Give a Howl
Bears - "Give a Growl"
Webelos - "A Scoutin' we will go"
Mother, Father or Parents - "That's my son"
All Cub Scouts - "We'll Do Our Best"

     Our story begins when Tommy started back to school after a summer of fun. One day his teacher passed out notes saying, "Be a Tiger Cub." All first grade boys and their Parents are invited to come to a meeting to hear about this Scouting Program.
     He went to the meeting with his Mother and they learned that Tiger Cubs, BSA was a Scouting program planned especially for boys in the first grade. The lady at the meeting said the Tiger Cubs was not like Cub Scouts where the boys worked on advancement, starting as Bobcats and working to earn their Wolf Badge, moving on to the Bear Book and earning the Badge and then becoming Webelos. As Tiger Cubs, they would team with their Mother or Father to form a Tiger Cub den. The boys and their adult partners work together on activities called "Big Ideas": and once a month one of the family teams would plan a special activity for the whole group.
     She said that their Tiger Cub Den would meet with the Cub Scout Pack for special events, also would be invited to the Blue and Gold Banquet and when they moved on to become Cubs, there would be a special graduation ceremony at the Pack Meeting. Each month, the Tiger Cub Den did something special and Tommy and his Mother would do the special things suggested in their "Family Activity Book." One month the Tiger Cub Den used the "Discover Nature and Energy" Big Idea and visited a Veterinarian in the community. At home they fed the birds and looked at the stars as part of that Big Idea. Each time they did an activity, he put a Tiger Cub sticker on his Activity Chart. February came and the Tiger Cub Den received invitations to the Pack's Blue and Gold Dinner. Each family in the Tiger Cub Den was invited to be guests of Den Two and he had a chance to meet the boys in the Den. Joe and Bill were still Bobcats but had completed the Wolf requirements and would get their badges at the dinner. Jerry and George were working on the Bear book; Jim and John would soon become Webelos. The Den made his family feel very welcome and Tommy knew that he wanted to be a Cub Scout.
     As the meeting progressed he watched all of the Cub Scouts and their Parents go forward to receive their awards. The Cubs were presented with their Badges and Arrow Points. One Webelos Scout received his Arrow of Light. He was so proud. Two boys joined the Pack and received their Bobcat Badges. Tommy could hardly wait for the time when he would stand in front of the Pack and become a Cub Scout.
     After the Blue and Gold, the Tiger Cub Den met each month as usual. The boys talked about the Blue and Gold, the fun they had, and when they would become Cub Scouts. They were becoming anxious.
One day, when Tommy came home from school, his Mother had great news for him. Mr. Smith, the Cubmaster, was coming over to talk to them about his graduation into the Pack. He could hardly eat his supper.
     When Mr. Smith arrived, he talked to both of his folks about Cub Scouts and how the Parents of the boys in the Pack were the leaders. He said, that when Tommy became a Cub Scout the Pack would count on them for support, too. His Mother said that she had enjoyed working with the Tiger Cubs and that she looked forward to Cub Scouts. His Dad said that Scouting had become a part of the family and that he would be glad to help, too.
     So the Big Day came, the Tiger Cub Den stood before the Pack, each boy was welcomed with his family to Cub Scouting and at last Tommy was a Cub Scout. He was ready to venture forward on the next step in his Scouting Adventure.

Moaners and Groaners Stunt
Indian Nations Council

Divide the audience into two groups, Moaners and Groaners, have them practice sounds appropriate to their names. Then ask them to sound off when they hear their word as you read this story:

Moaner and Groaner were two little ghosts,
Who spent all their time with outrageous boasts.
If Moaner told Groaner a tale that was tall,
Groaner would not let that faze him at all.
For whatever Moaner said, Groaner said more,
And that made Moaner so mad he went through the door.
Left Groaner alone, and did he feel sorry?
He cried till he died, and thus ends my story of
Moaner and Groaner, two boasting ghosts,
Who died of an overdose of ghostly boasts.

Thanksgiving Sparkler
San Francisco Bay Area Council

Father - Stand up and say "When I was your age, son"
Car - Stand up and say "Chuga, chuga, chuga
Farmer - Stand up and put hands in suspenders and say "Where's my horse?"
Turkey - Stand up and say "Gobble, gobble, gobble"

Once upon a time, just before Thanksgiving a FATHER, a mother and Cub Scout climbed into the family CAR and drove into the country. They were looking for a FARMER with a TURKEY that they could buy for their Thanksgiving dinner. As they drove down the road in their CAR, they saw a FARMER standing in a yard with a TURKEY.
Turning into the yard, the FATHER stopped the CAR near the FARMER and the TURKEY. They all got out of the CAR and the FATHER purchased the TURKEY from the FARMER. "Now, if you will remove the TURKEY'S head, we will get into the CAR and drive home," said the FATHER to the FARMER.
As the FATHER the mother and the Cub Scout were riding home in the CAR an amazing thing happened! The TURKEY, although its head had been removed by the FARMER, began to speak! "Please don't eat me for Thanksgiving," the TURKEY pleaded. "I will make a fine pet for you," he told the Cub Scout. The FATHER, the mother and the Cub Scout talked about this astounding request as they rode home in the CAR.
And so it happened that the TURKEY joined the FATHER, the mother and the Cub Scout in their Thanksgiving dinner of hamburgers and French-fries.
The Turkey became a very good pet, as it did not chase CARS, cats or fire hydrants. The FATHER enrolled the Turkey at college as everyone know, with a good education, it is much easier to get a head . . .

Let's Celebrate Christmas

(Trapper Trails Council)

CHRISTMAS - Let it snow

SANTA - Ho, Ho, Ho

ANY REINDEER NAME -I'll pull Santa's Sleigh

One CHRISTMAS Eve the weather was horrible. The snowstorm was so bad SANTA could not see past the front of his cherry nose. What was SANTA to do? He asked all of his reindeer for helpful ideas.

DASHER told SANTA he could try to fly extra fast. This would create static energy, which would light up the sky. Unfortunately, even though DASHER could dash very fast, it wasn't fast enough.

DANCER and PRANCER found some CHRISTMAS tree lights to tie to the sleigh, but as soon as SANTA and the reindeer were 100 feet off the ground the cord came unplugged and they were in the dark again.

RUDOLPH who usually saved the day with his bright shiny nose had finally gotten over his cold and now had a regular black one like all the other reindeer.

VIXEN and BLITZEN gathered up some tinsel that sparkled. CUPID and DONNER who thought it was hay, ate it for a late night snack.

COMET decided to shine the chrome on SANTA'S sleigh. It shone so brightly SANTA could see for miles. Everyone had a great CHRISTMAS that year thanks to COMET and some elbow grease.

Merry Christmas
San Francisco Bay Area Council

Divide the group into two parts, naming one part MERRY and the other CHRISTMAS. Whenever the word MERRY is mentioned the MERRY group tries to out do the CHRISTMAS group with their HO-HO-HO.

Merry and Christmas are two words so bright,

Who float around in December both day and night.

If Merry is spoken, Christmas is next said,

For they belong together, all in Green and Red.

If Christmas were separated from Merry it would be so sad

And everyone would certainly feel very bad.

So to keep Christmas Merry right from the start,

Remember to feel Merry Christmas deep in your heart

So when you say it, you'll really sound merry

Then Christmas for you -- A true meaning will carry.

So let's do it now with all your might

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Johnny fixes it good!
York-Adams Area Council

Here is an Audience Participation skit for the theme. The characters and their sounds are:

Johnny: "I can fix it!"
dad: ""Be careful, son."
wrench: "Oh Nuts!"
screwdriver: "Straight or Phillips?"
bike: "Drrrinnngggg, Drrrinnngggg"
pliers: "Hold me tight!"

     Johnny had a problem. His bike was broken. Now Johnny and his dog, Ralph, could not ride to the park to play with his friends. But Johnny, being a very smart Cub Scout, knew how to fix the bike. However, he needed a box-end wrench, a pair of pliers, and a screwdriver. So he asked his dad if he could borrow a box-end wrench, a pair of pliers, and a screwdriver. His dad said "Sure, but make sure you take care of the box-end wrench, pliers, and screwdriver and return them as soon as you’re finished. "I will dad," said Johnny. So Johnny and Ralph went into the back yard to fix his bike with the box-end wrench, pliers, and screwdriver. Since Johnny knew how to use a box-end wrench, a pair of pliers, and a screwdriver, bike was soon fixed and ready to ride. Ralph helped all he could. Johnny took a quick spin to make sure everything was alright and then he called Ralph to go with him to the park. "Oh," said Johnny. "I’d better return these tools to dad before we go." But when he reached for the tools, the pliers and screwdriver were there but the pliers were missing. "Oh no! What would dad think?" said Johnny. He looked all around for the pliers. He looked in the bushes, but no pliers! He looked all over the yard, but no pliers! Finally, he noticed Ralph digging in the garden. Johnny went over to Ralph and there were the pliers in his bone hole. So the pliers were found. And Johnny was able to return the box-end wrench, the pliers, and the screwdriver to his dad. Everyone was happy the bike was all fixed—except Ralph!

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

     My friend Don B. sent this to me. He saw Pack 2 in Haverhill, MA do this.

     Divide the audience into left and right and have them stand up and sit down when they heard their word. You could also divide the audience into left, right and Wright.

     Johnny Wright was very excited as he talked to his parents. "I want to become a Cub Scout," he said. "I am the only boy left in the neighborhood that isn't one. Peter invited me to his Blue & Gold banquet tonight to see if scouting is right for me. Can we go?"
     Mr. Wright called Peter's dad to get directions. When he got off the phone he told everyone, "It's at First Baptist Church. We go south on 125, take a left on Cherry St. then our first left into the parking lot…let's go! Johnny ran right out and got into the car. At the church they went in and had a great time. The Cub Scouts got great awards, put on skits, sang songs and had a ball. The Cubmaster came over and talked to Johnny. "Why do you want to be a Cub Scout…"Because at school all the kids talk about the fun they have here, and I feel left out, and my friend left his Cub Scout cap at my house, right on my desk so I tried it on, I look cool in it." Johnny replied. One of the leaders looked at Johnny's parents. "Would you like to help out? It's fun and rewarding". Mr. Wright looked at Mrs. Wright they both fidgeted nervously…"We thought parents brought their boys, then left. We didn't know we had to help." "Oh, you don't have to" explained one of the leaders, "but if no one is willing to give of their time, soon there will be no scouting left. The more parents that help…the less work for us all. You could be den leaders and help boys to stay on the right track, or you could be on the committee and attend a meeting once a month to help make the right decisions for our Pack. There are many positions with different levels of time commitment, I'm sure we could find one that's just right for you…I hope I haven't left out any information…so, would you like to help?"

     Right on, exclaimed Johnny's folks. Johnny just beamed. He knew he had made the right decision by coming to the Blue & Gold.

Rhythmic Exercises
Istrouma Council

Ask the group to follow your instructions

Everyone stand.
Now, hands on your hips, hands on your knees,
Put them behind you, if you please.
Touch your shoulders, touch your nose.
Touch your ears, touch your nose.
Raise your hands, high in the air,
At your sides, on your hair.
Above your head, as before,
While you clap, one-two, three-four.
Now hands upon the empty space (head)
On your shoulders, on your face.
Then you raise them up so high,
And make your fingers quickly fly,
Then you stretch them out toward me,
And briskly clap them - one, two, three.

Let's Climb a Mountain

The Litter Bug
Simon Kenton Council

PAPER Crackle, crackle
CANS Clatter, clatter
TRASH Dump, dump
LITTER BUG Toss and Throw

God put bugs in this world for many reasons,
He made them to live in every kind of season.
But the pesky LITTER BUG, with his PAPER and CANS
Was made through neglected TRASH by the foolish man.

To keep our land beautiful, get rid of that LITTER BUG,
So beach goers can again lounge on a clean, sand rug.
Because of this pest, we must walk around
in PAPER and CANS and TRASH on the ground.

Just who are the LITTER BUGS who mess up our land? Do you really ever see them toss that PAPER or CAN?
And in dumping his TRASH he is very sly.

So most of the time it just appears there,
As if it had dropped right out of thin air.
Could it be we are so used to throwing things there,
That we dump PAPER AND CANS without being aware?

Without even thinking when we toss TRASH and waste,
We could be a LITTER BUG in all of our haste.
So when you unwrap that gum or candy,
Don't throw down the PAPER just because it is handy.

Next time stop and think when it's pop CANS you toss,
'Cause if you're a LITTER BUG it's also your loss
If every single person would take note of his habit
That pesky LITTER BUG we could certainly nab it.

Then that terrible bug we could surely stamp it out,
With no more PAPER or CANS or TRASH about
TO KEEP OUR LAND BEAUTIFUL WE MUST ALL DO OUR PART,
By taking care of our TRASH properly from the start.

Wouldn't And Shouldn't
Simon Kent Council

WOULDN'T No, No, No
SHOULDN'T Never, Never, Never

Once there was a trash pick-up company who had two people that worked for them that were always causing trouble. One of them was named WOULDN'T and the other was named SHOULDN'T.

WOULDN'T would never drive his garbage route the same way twice and so he missed picking up some of the people's trash. SHOULDN'T would drive around his route so early that half the people had not even put out the garbage when he came around. No matter what the supervisor told them it made no difference. WOULDN'T would start on a different street, and SHOULDN'T would start before light. Complaints were being phoned into the trash pick-up company all the time. Finally a lady told SHOULDN'T how much she appreciated him and the trash pick-up company.

She told him how horrible her property would be if it were not for the garbage disposal. A man thanked WOULDN'T for getting out of his truck and picking up some of the garbage that had fallen onto the road.

That had been the trouble all along. SHOULDN'T was embarrassed to be driving a trash pick-up truck. When he realized how necessary his job was, he stopped going so early so that no one would see him and all the people on his route were happy.

WOULDN'T didn't feel that what he did was important. From that day on, he still started on a different street every week but he never missed a house.

So now the trash pick-up company is happy and so are WOULDN'T and SHOULDN'T.

An Audience Participation Story

York-Adams Council

Pecos Bill - Yippy yi-i-ay
Coyotes or Varmints - Howl
Horse or Widowmaker - Whinny
Indians - War hoop
Gun - Bang-bang
Toad - Hop-hop
Painted Desert - Swish-swish

Pecos Bill fell out of a wagon while travelling westward with his family. He was found by a bunch of coyotes and it wasn't long before Pecos Bill became one of them varmints. One day a cowboy came by and told Pecos Bill that since he didn't have a tail like a coyote he figured that he was a human and that he should have a horse to ride. Now Pecos Bill had no idea how to get a horse. A few days later a little strange horse wandered into the valley and Pecos Bill was able to save the life of the little horse. From that day on, Pecos Bill and Widowmaker stuck together like warts on a toad. After a few years, Pecos Bill and Widowmaker became known as the toughest varmints west of the Alamo. Now once a tribe of painted Indians did a war dance. Pecos Bill took out his gun and started shooting up their game. Pecos Bill gave those Indians such a shakeup that they jumped out of their makeup and that's how the Painted Desert got its name.

How To Wash An Elephant
Indian Nations Council

Before introducing this stunt, choose three people to leave the room. They should not overhear the narrator. Narrator explains to audience that the stunt is called "How to Wash an Elephant", a classic example in communications. He tells the following story and pantomimes the motions as he goes.

Narrator: One morning, Farmer Friendly went out to the barn to begin his chores. (Pantomime walking). He threw open the barn door, and to his surprise, he found an elephant in his barn. (Pantomime throwing open door, surprise). The farmer didn't know what to do with the elephant so he decided that the first thing to do was to wash it. He led the elephant from the barn. (Pantomime picking up elephant's trunk and walking with it over your shoulder. (Open and close the barn door). He left the elephant near the pump got a bucket and scrub brush and pumped the bucket full of water. (Pantomime actions) Now he was ready to begin. First he scrubbed the right side. (Pantomime scrubbing. Lift up elephant's ear and wash them). Then he was ready for the stomach. (Lie on underside). Next, the right side. (Repeat the same actions as for the left side) then he scrubbed the elephant's face. (Pantomime scrubbing between eyes and down length of trunk). Almost done? (Walk to rear of elephant, gingerly lift up tail and quickly scrub there). There, that's done! (Pantomime throwing out rest of water, putting brush in bucket and setting bucket beside pump. Take the elephant by his truck and lead him back to the barn, open door, lead him in, go out and shut door behind).

Narrator tells audience he will call people back in, one by one, and pantomime the stunt, without benefit or narrative. The first person will pantomime what he remembers for the second, and so on. He will, of course, have no idea what the motions mean, so it can be very funny. And by the time the actions are pantomimed for the third person, it will be distorted and bear little resemblance to the original version.
After all three have tried their luck, narrator explains the story and tells them what they are doing.

Climbing the Mountain
Simon Kenton Council

Divide the group into three smaller groups and assign each group one of the words listed below. Read the story. After each of the words is read, pause for the group to make the appropriate response.

BOY I'll get this right!
CHIEF (hits thighs rhythmically)
MOUNTAIN Poof, pooff!

Far away in our dry southwestern country is an Indian village, set in front of a high MOUNTAIN, towering up out of the desert. It is considered a great feat to climb this MOUNTAIN, so that all the BOYS of the village were eager to attempt it. One day the CHIEF said, "Now BOYS, you may all go today and try to climb the MOUNTAIN. Start right after breakfast, and go each of you as far as you can. Then when you are tired, come back; but let each BOY bring a twig from the place where he turned.

Away the BOYS went full of hope, each feeling that he surely could reach the top. But soon a small BOY came back, and in his hand he held a leaf of cactus and gave it to the CHIEF. The CHIEF smiled and said, "My BOY, you did not reach the foot of the MOUNTAIN; you did not even get across the desert," Later a second boy returned. He carried a twig of sagebrush. "Well," said the CHIEF, "You got as far as the MOUNTAIN springs." Another came later with some bucks horn. The CHIEF smiled when he saw it and spoke thus, "You were climbing: you were up to the first slide rock."

Later in the afternoon, one BOY arrived with a cedar spray, and the old CHIEF said, "Well done, you went halfway up." An hour afterward, a BOY came with a switch of pine. To him the CHIEF said, "Good, you went to the third belt, you made three quarters of the climb.

The sun was low when the last BOY returned. He was a tall, splendid BOY of noble character. His hand was empty as he approached the CHIEF but his face was radiant. He said, "My father, there were no trees where I turned back. I saw no twigs, but I saw the shining sea." Now the old CHIEF'S face glowed too as he said aloud and almost sang. "I knew it! When I looked on your face, I knew it. You have been to the top. You need no twigs for token. It is written in your eyes and it rings in your voice. My BOY, you have felt the uplift; you have seen the glory of the MOUNTAIN.

Oh, ye Scouters, keep this in mind, then; the badges we offer for attainment are not prizes. Prizes are things of value taken from another. Scout badges, though are merely tokens of what you have done, or where you have been.. There are mere twigs from the trail to show how far you have gotten in climbing the MOUNTAIN.

Home on the Range

HOME: "Home on the Range"
UNITED STATES: "This Land is your Land"

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like HOME.
No matter where in the UNITED STATES you may roam. You may travel all over the UNITED STATES. But your own HOME state with you always rates. Some choose to roam while others stay, Always in their HOME state till their dying day. No matter in what part of the UNITED STATES your HOME state may be,
There's one thing everyone says you see,
And everybody I'm sure will remember that..
HOME is where you hang your hat!