Why We Use Games? Games are part of all the fun of Cub Scouting. Skills and interests boys develop now teach self-confidence, independence, and the ability to get along with others. Children learn through play. For these reasons, games are an important part of Cub Scouting. Games not only help to accomplish Cub Scouting’s overall objectives of citizenship training, physical fitness, and character development, they have educational benefits, too. Games teach a boy to follow rules, to take turns, to respect the rights of others, to give and take, and to play fair. Some games help boys to develop skills, body control, and coordination. Some teach self-confidence and consideration for others. Games stimulate both mental and physical growth, as well as providing an outlet for excess “boy energy.” How to Choose Games? When choosing a game, you should consider three things: the physical aspects, mental values, and educational values of the games as they relate to Cub Scouting. Consider first the physical aspect: the release of surplus energy. An active game should be satisfying to the strongest boy and yet not overtax the weakest. It should stimulate the growth and development of muscles. Most outdoor games meet this test. Boys of Cub Scout age are growing rapidly. They like to run, jump, climb, lift, balance, crawl, bend, yell, chase, and hide. Generally, long walks or runs and other exercise involving endurance are not as suitable for boys of this age. (Also, boys who have had recent severe illness should not take part in active games.) Some games are selected for their mental values because they have an element of excitement or accomplishment. Games can help boys develop quick thinking, alertness, and strategy. Many games offer boys opportunities to express their feelings and emotions, which is healthy. Boys need to learn to play fair and to follow the rules. They also need to learn that they can’t always be winners. Many boys of Cub Scout age have not yet learned to lose gracefully. Your task as leader is to make it clear that losing a game is not the end of the world and that a loss should be an incentive for the boy to try to improve his skills. Some games are selected for their educational value. Boys’ minds are more receptive to learning when learning is fun. Their interest and concentration are probably never higher than during play. Games are a way to help boys learn that rules and self-discipline are necessary and that doing one’s best is important. Most Cub Scout games help in character development because they require teamwork, fair play, and consideration for others. Consider these factors when choosing games: • Purpose (physical, mental, educational) • Space available • Number of players • Equipment available • Skills and abilities of players Whether the game involves group competition with team winners or individual competition or is just for fun, the results should be positive and lead to building character and helping boys grow and develop.