Stick Out Your Tongue and Touch Your Nose
Audience Participation
Audience participation is an important part of Cub Scout pack meetings. Scouts are often asked to sit and listen. After a while, they need a chance to move and laugh. Short activities help reset their focus. They also help parents feel included instead of sitting on the sidelines.
Activities like this fit well into Cub Scouting. They are quick and easy to run. They do not need supplies. Everyone can join in, no matter their age. These moments help keep meetings fun and active while still staying organized.
This activity also supports learning goals in Scouting. Scouts learn to listen closely to directions. They see how words can be confusing if they are not clear. That lesson connects to leadership, teamwork, and following instructions, which are all part of the program.
Pack meetings work best when there is a mix of talking and doing. A simple stunt or cheer can break up a long agenda. It helps the Cubmaster manage energy in the room. It also reminds families that Scouting is meant to be shared and enjoyed together.
Why Everyone Ends Up Laughing Anyway
Silly group activities have a long history in Scouting. Cheers, run-ons, and stunts have been used for many years. They help groups feel connected. They also lower stress and help Scouts relax. When everyone does the same thing, it builds a sense of belonging.
Many of these activities are passed down by leaders. A Cubmaster learns one trick and shares it with the next. Over time, these moments become part of a unit’s culture. Scouts remember them long after they forget the meeting details.
These activities also reflect how Scouts learn best. Cub Scouts learn by doing. They learn by watching adults set the example. When leaders join in and look a little silly, it shows that it is okay to try and make mistakes.
Small traditions like this give meetings personality. They help each pack feel unique. They also remind everyone that Scouting values fun, laughter, and learning together.
Stick Out Your Tongue and Touch Your Nose
Cubmaster: Everyone stand up! Parents also! Now I want to see how many of you can stick out your tongues and touch your noses.
Most will try to touch their tongues to their noses. It is a very funny sight. After about 30 seconds to a minute, the Cubmaster intervenes.
Cubmaster: You are doing it the hard way. I’ll show you the easy way.
The Cubmaster sticks out his tongue and simultaneously touches his nose with his finger.
More Resources
Cheers, Yells, Applauses, Run Ons, and Audience Participation
If you liked Stick Out Your Tongue and Touch Your Nose, you may want more ideas like it. My Cheers, Yells, Applauses, Run Ons, and Audience Participation collection has many options. Cheers, yells, and applauses add energy to meetings and campfires. They get everyone up and moving for a short break. These quick moments help Scouts refocus and stay engaged.
Run ons are short, silly skits. They are often done in a series during a meeting or campfire. Be ready for groans and laughs. Audience participation works well for jokes or short stories. Sometimes groups listen for a word and shout a response. These ideas are easy to use and work well with Scouts of all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age group is this activity best for?
This works best for Cub Scouts. Younger Scouts enjoy it the most. Older Scouts and parents still join in and laugh.
How long does the activity take?
It usually takes one or two minutes. It is meant to be very short. Stop once most people have tried it.
Do I need any supplies?
No supplies are needed. You just need a leader to give clear instructions.
When should I use this activity?
Use it when Scouts have been sitting for a while. It also works well before or after announcements.
What is the point of the activity?
It helps Scouts move and laugh. It also shows why clear directions matter.
Can parents take part?
Yes. Parents should stand up and join in. That makes it more fun for everyone.
Seeing Is Not Always Hearing
Stick Out Your Tongue and Touch Your Nose is a short activity for pack meetings. It works well when Scouts have been sitting for a while. Everyone stands up, including parents. The Cubmaster gives a simple instruction that sounds clear at first.
Most people try to touch their tongue to their nose. That is hard and looks funny. After a short time, the Cubmaster shows the easy way. He sticks out his tongue and touches his nose with his finger at the same time.
The surprise is what makes this work. People hear one thing but see another. It gets laughs and helps Scouts relax. It also makes a point about listening and giving clear directions.
This activity fits well into Cub Scouting. It is quick and needs no supplies. It works with any group size. It also reminds leaders that simple words can still cause confusion.

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