What Would You Do?

Weather safety is an important part of Scouting. Scouts should know what to do in storms, floods, heat, and cold. The “What Would You Do? Weather Safety Game” helps teach this in a way that is fun and active. Scouts learn by doing, which helps them remember better.

This game fits well with Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA. It works for Webelos learning about first responder skills. It also helps Scouts BSA meet safety and emergency preparedness goals. Leaders can use it as a review or as part of a larger lesson.

The game uses real-life weather situations. Scouts act out or explain what they would do. This helps them think through the best choices. They also learn from watching others and talking about what is safe.

This activity is easy to set up and needs few materials. It can be used indoors or outdoors. It works well with small groups or large ones. Most of all, it helps Scouts get ready for real situations where good choices can keep them safe.

Scouts learn how to stay safe in many kinds of weather through this game. They think about what to do in storms, heat, snow, or floods. Each scenario helps them understand how to react fast and make smart choices. They see that safety starts with being ready and aware.

The game also builds confidence. Scouts get to act out what they would do. They learn to trust their own thinking. They also learn from others and improve by talking about better choices. Everyone gets a chance to share and grow.

This fits the Scout Law. Scouts are brave when they stay calm and act during emergencies. They are helpful when they know how to take care of others in bad weather. It also ties into being prepared, one of the key ideas in Scouting.

This game is best for ages 8 and up. Cub Scouts in Bear or Webelos can start with simple scenarios and talk through the answers. Older Scouts can handle more detailed or tricky situations. They can act them out or even lead the activity.

For younger Scouts, focus on clear and short answers. Let them act out what to do with help. For older Scouts, you can add time limits or surprise events to make it more challenging. Let them lead the discussion after each round.

Scouts learn real-world skills from this game. They practice thinking ahead, making choices, and staying calm. It’s fun, quick to set up, and easy to run. Most of all, it helps Scouts be ready for the unexpected.

Objective:
Help kids learn how to stay safe in different types of weather by acting out what they should do.

Materials Needed:

• Weather scenario cards
• A timer or stopwatch
• A hat or small box to hold the cards
• Optional: simple props like umbrellas, raincoats, flashlights, blankets, or toy radios

Setup Instructions:

1. Print and cut the weather scenario cards.
2. Fold the cards and put them in a hat or box.
3. Clear an area for the kids to move around safely.
4. Place any props nearby for kids to use in their skits.

Game Play Instructions:

1. Divide the group into small teams (2–4 kids per team).
2. One team draws a card from the hat.
3. Give them 1–2 minutes to plan what to do. They should act out what they would do in that weather situation.
4. Set the timer for 1 minute. Let them perform their skit for the group.
5. After the skit, ask the group: “What did they do right? What could they do better?”
6. Repeat with the next team.

Notes and Variations:

• For younger kids, you can read the card out loud and help them think through what to do.
• Use it as a review game after a weather safety lesson.
• Let the audience give a thumbs-up when they see good safety behavior.
• If kids are shy, let them talk through their answers instead of acting them out.

Safety Tip:
Make sure the play area is clear of anything that could cause trips or falls. Keep it calm—no running or yelling.

These weather safety situations help you think fast and stay safe. Storms, floods, heat, and snow can all be dangerous if you don’t know what to do. Read each scenario and check the simple response. These answers show the smart way to act when weather turns rough.

You hear a tornado siren while playing outside.
Go inside right away. Find a small, windowless room on the lowest floor, like a bathroom or basement. Stay there until it’s safe.

You see lightning while hiking on a trail.
Leave open areas and high ground. Get to a low spot away from tall trees and metal objects.

Heavy rain starts and water is rising in the street.
Do not walk or drive through floodwaters. Move to higher ground and stay there.

It starts to hail during a baseball game.
Find shelter under a roof or inside a building. Protect your head and wait until the hail stops.

A thunderstorm starts while you’re swimming.
Get out of the water right away. Move indoors or to a safe building.

You hear on the news that a hurricane is coming.
Make sure your emergency kit is ready. Stay indoors and follow local instructions.

You’re walking home and see dark clouds and strong winds.
Go home quickly but safely. Be ready to go inside and stay away from windows.

You’re in a car during a thunderstorm.
Stay in the car with the windows up. Avoid touching metal inside the car.

The power goes out during a snowstorm.
Use flashlights instead of candles. Stay warm with blankets and do not use unsafe heaters.

You see a funnel cloud in the distance.
Go to a safe place right away, like a basement or small room without windows. Stay there until the storm passes.

It’s very hot and you’re playing outside.
Drink plenty of water. Take breaks in the shade or go inside to cool off.

You’re camping and hear thunder in the distance.
Go to a car or a building if you can. Avoid tall trees and open spaces.

You’re on a hike and it suddenly starts snowing.
Turn back if possible and seek shelter. Stay dry and keep moving to stay warm.

You see flash flooding signs while riding in a car.
Do not drive through flooded roads. Turn around and find a safer way.

You’re at school and there’s a weather drill.
Follow your teacher’s directions. Stay calm and move to the safe area.

You’re outside and feel your hair stand up from static.
That means lightning may strike nearby. Crouch low to the ground and stay away from tall objects.

You see a rainbow but it’s still raining.
Stay indoors until the rain and any storm has passed. Rainbows can appear even during bad weather.

You’re in a park and it gets very windy.
Move away from trees and playground equipment. Go to a safe building or car.

You’re riding your bike when the sky turns dark.
Stop riding and head home or to a safe place. Don’t stay outside if a storm is coming.

You hear on the radio that a blizzard is coming.
Stay inside and keep warm. Avoid travel and make sure you have supplies.

A tree falls down during a storm.
Stay away from the tree and any downed power lines. Tell an adult right away.

Your basement is filling with water from rain.
Go to a higher level of the house. Stay out of the basement and tell an adult.

Your tent is shaking from strong wind.
Leave the tent and find a stronger shelter. Stay low and protect your head.

You’re walking a dog and thunder starts.
Head home right away. Do not stay outside during a thunderstorm.

You see ice forming on roads while driving.
Slow down and drive carefully or stop if it’s too dangerous. Avoid sudden movements.

A weather alert pops up on a phone.
Read or listen to the alert. Follow the instructions and prepare to take action.

You’re on a field trip and the sky gets dark fast.
Tell a leader and find a safe place to wait. Stay together with your group.

The fire alarm goes off during a storm.
Leave the building if it’s safe. Follow fire drill rules and go to the meeting spot.

You’re in bed and the weather radio goes off.
Wake up and listen to the message. Go to your family’s safe place if needed.

You’re outside and your clothes are soaked in cold rain.
Go inside and change into dry clothes. Warm up with a blanket or heater.

Knowing what to do in bad weather keeps you and others safe. These short answers are easy to remember and use. Practice with your group or family so you’re ready when storms show up. Safety doesn’t have to be fancy—it just has to work.

Printable instructions for the What Would You Do? Weather Safety Game

Printable weather safety scenario cards

Is Cold Weather Camping Appropriate for Cub Scouts?

Cold weather camping with Cub Scouts can be safe and fun with the right planning. Young Scouts need extra care in the cold, so heated cabins are best for Lions, Tigers, Wolves, and Bears. Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts may camp in tents if the weather is not too cold and they have the right gear.

Leaders must help Scouts dress in layers, stay dry, and watch for signs of cold problems. Simple meals, warm drinks, and fun activities keep Scouts warm and active. With good planning and safety checks, winter camping can be a great experience.

Avoiding Hypothermia During Cold Weather Activities

Hypothermia is a serious danger in cold weather, especially when Scouts are outdoors for long periods. It can happen quickly if clothes get wet or if the wind is strong. Even cool temperatures can be risky if someone is not dressed right. Leaders and Scouts need to know how to stay dry and warm to avoid it.

The article explains what causes hypothermia, how to spot it early, and what to do if it happens. It also includes the COLD rule—Cover, Overexertion, Layers, and Dry—which is easy to remember and helps keep everyone safe. This is important information for all cold-weather activities.

Hazardous Weather Training Online Course

The Hazardous Weather Training at the BSA Online Training Center is a helpful course for all adult leaders. It covers what to do when the weather turns bad during outings. The training must be renewed every two years. Some of the material might feel like review, and some might not apply to your area. But it’s still good to go over it and refresh your knowledge.

All direct contact leaders must complete Hazardous Weather Training to be considered position trained. You don’t want to get caught in bad weather with Scouts and not know what to do. Training helps you make better choices and feel more prepared. The course takes some time, but you don’t have to finish it all at once. You can stop and come back later. It’s a good way to build your confidence and make sure you’re ready for whatever nature sends your way.

More Games

If you liked the “What Would You Do? Weather Safety Game,” you might want more game ideas for your Scouts. Games are a great way to teach skills while keeping Scouts active and involved. I’ve put together a list of games that work well for den meetings, patrol time, or campouts.

You can find the full list here: Games for Scouts. These games are sorted by age group and setting. Some are for indoors, some for outdoors, and many need little or no equipment. They’re easy to set up and fun to lead.

The Importance of Games in Scouting

What age group is this game for?

This game works well for ages 8 and up. You can adjust the difficulty for Cub Scouts or older Scouts.

How long does the game take?

It takes about 30 to 45 minutes. You can make it shorter or longer depending on how many scenarios you use.

Do I need special equipment?

No. You just need printed scenario cards and maybe a few props like a flashlight or umbrella.

Can I use this game indoors?

Yes. It works well in a classroom, meeting room, or other indoor space.

What do Scouts learn from this game?

They learn how to stay safe in different types of weather. They also learn to think quickly and make good choices.

Can the Scouts lead the game themselves?

Yes. Older Scouts can take turns reading the cards and leading the discussion.

What if a Scout doesn’t want to act out a scenario?

That’s okay. They can talk through what they would do instead of acting it out.

Can I use this game as part of a requirement?

Yes. It can help with requirements about weather safety and emergency preparedness.

The “What Would You Do? Weather Safety Game” teaches Scouts how to respond in weather emergencies. It uses real-life weather situations. Scouts act out or explain what they would do to stay safe. This helps them think through their actions and learn from each other.

The game works for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, or even Venturers. It is easy to set up and needs only simple materials. You can play it indoors or outdoors. The game fits well with safety and preparedness parts of the program.

Scouts build skills in decision-making and emergency response. It also helps them become more confident. They learn to help others, stay calm, and act quickly in a storm or other bad weather. You can adjust the game for different age levels or group sizes.

It’s a useful activity that teaches while keeping Scouts involved. And with 30 scenario cards, no two games are the same.