Hands On Activities at Den Meetings

A reader sent in this question:

My son is now a Webelo, been in cub scouts since the end of kindergarten he signed up. Our den leader does 90% paperwork and talking at den meetings on the items in the handbook. Is this they way it is or are there other packs and dens that do hands on activities to accomplish same goals? My son is very bored – along with 2 other kids there – and want to quit. Have been begging to since last year. I would like to know if there is a possibility of finding another pack that operates differently so they are not so bored. Thanks for your help!

Cub Scouts is meant to be fun. It’s built around doing things, not just talking about them. Kids should be building, creating, playing, exploring, and learning by doing. When meetings feel like a long school lesson, kids get bored. That’s not how it’s supposed to be. Webelos especially should be doing hands-on activities to finish their adventure requirements. If they’re just sitting and listening every week, something is not right.

Sometimes, den leaders don’t realize the kids are bored. They may think they have to go over every detail in the handbook. But kids tune out when there is too much talking. Parents notice when kids start to dread meetings. If three kids are asking to quit, that’s a big sign something needs to change. Parents should speak up and ask questions.

You’re not alone if you’re seeing this problem. Other families have gone through the same thing. It’s okay to ask if this is normal. It’s not rude to look for a better experience for your child. Your son joined Cub Scouts to have fun and learn new things. That should still be happening. If it’s not, it’s worth asking why.

Sometimes a new pack or a new den can make all the difference. Each pack does things a little differently. Some are more active and fun than others. If your son is bored every week, it might be time to explore other options. But first, try to understand what’s going on and whether it can be fixed.

Some den leaders spend a lot of time on paperwork. They go over handbooks and talk through each step of the adventure. This is usually not because they want to. Often it’s because they feel like they have no choice. They may be trying to keep records, check requirements, and catch up on things that were never done at home. They get stuck doing everything themselves.

If kids don’t complete parts of adventures at home, the den leader may try to cover it all during meetings. This turns meetings into catch-up time instead of fun time. That’s when it starts to feel like a class. Leaders can feel stressed and rushed. They may stop doing activities just to get everything “done.” That’s not fun for them or the kids.

Another reason could be that the den leader does not have help. Den leaders are volunteers. They don’t get paid. Many of them have full-time jobs. They are trying their best, but they can burn out. When they don’t have other parents helping, they may start cutting corners. That’s when the hands-on parts fall away. It’s easier to just talk through things and hand out papers.

Sometimes leaders think they need to “teach” every requirement out loud. But Cub Scouts is not school. Kids are supposed to explore, create, and discover. If a leader doesn’t understand that, they may fall back on long talks instead of planning games or projects. In this case, a little guidance and support from parents can help shift the approach.

Before looking for a new pack, try talking to the den leader. Ask if they need help. Be kind and respectful. Don’t blame them. Just say you’ve noticed your son is bored and misses doing more hands-on stuff. Offer to help bring some of the fun back. Ask what parts of the program they could use help with. Most leaders will welcome the support.

See if other parents feel the same way. If they do, invite them to join the conversation. Don’t gang up on the leader, though. This should feel like a team meeting, not a complaint. Let the leader know you want to make the meetings better for all the kids. Offer to take on small tasks. Maybe you can run a simple game. Another parent might bring supplies or set up a craft.

One big help is splitting the load. For example, one parent can be the “paperwork helper.” They check who finished what, collect forms, and mark things down. That frees up the den leader to run the activities. Another parent can handle snacks or cleanup. If everyone does a little, the leader can focus on making meetings more exciting for the kids.

You can also help plan adventures in fun ways. Instead of talking through a requirement, turn it into a game or project. Build something. Go outside. Try a field trip. There are many ways to meet the same goals while having fun. The handbook gives ideas, but you don’t have to follow it word-for-word. The goal is to learn and grow, not just check boxes.

One great way to bring meetings to life is by inviting guests. Webelos adventures often line up with real-world skills. For example, an engineering adventure could include a visit from someone who works in construction or design. The emergency preparedness adventure could include a visit from a firefighter or EMT. Kids love when new people come in and share what they do.

Parents often know people who can help. Sit down as a group and make a list. Maybe someone’s uncle is a woodworker. Maybe a friend is a park ranger. Once you have names, offer to reach out and invite them. This takes pressure off the den leader. It also shows the kids that learning can happen in exciting, real ways.

Scouting America provides a number of specific ideas for completing requirements with engaging age-appropriate activities. Check out the Den Leader Resources.

You can also turn adventures into mini field trips. Go to a nature center, fire station, or factory. Even a trip to a local park can make a meeting better. Doing something outside the usual meeting room can spark new interest. If trips aren’t possible, even changing the format of the meeting—like using stations or hands-on rotations—can make it more fun.

It doesn’t take a huge change to make things better. One fun activity each meeting can turn things around. Kids will look forward to meetings again. They’ll feel more like Cub Scouts and less like students stuck in a lecture. And when they’re having fun, they’ll want to keep coming back.

If you’ve tried offering help but nothing changes, it may be time to look for a new pack. Not every pack is the same. Some are more active, more welcoming, and better supported by parents. A pack with more energy and more parent involvement can make all the difference. Your son deserves to enjoy his time in Scouts.

Start by asking around. Other families in your area may know of good packs. Look for one that does lots of outdoor activities, field trips, or service projects. Visit a meeting or event before switching. See how the leaders and parents interact. Watch the kids. Are they engaged? Are they having fun? Trust what you see.

Changing packs is not quitting. It’s choosing a better fit. It shows your child that their interests matter. They are not stuck. You’re helping them find a place where they can grow and thrive. And you may be surprised—when your child is in the right environment, they may love Scouting again.

It’s okay to speak up and ask for more. Cub Scouts is supposed to be fun and active. If it isn’t, that needs to change. You’re not being a troublemaker. You’re being a parent who cares. That’s what kids need. You have the power to help make Scouting better—for your child and for others, too.

Welcome to Cub Scouts

Are Cub Scout meetings supposed to feel like school?

No. Cub Scout meetings should be fun. Kids should be doing activities, not just sitting and listening. The goal is to learn by doing things like games, crafts, projects, hikes, and visits from guests.

Why does our den spend so much time on paperwork and talking?

Sometimes the leader feels pressure to cover everything from the handbook. If kids don’t do things at home, the leader may try to do it all at the meeting. If there’s no help from parents, it can be hard to plan fun things.

What should a Webelos meeting look like?

A Webelos meeting should include hands-on activities. Kids might build something, play a game, or talk with a guest. They should be moving, learning, and having fun. There can be some talking, but it should not be the whole meeting.

Can parents help make meetings better?

Yes. Parents can help a lot. They can check paperwork, bring supplies, run games, or help plan activities. When parents help, leaders can focus more on the fun parts of the program.

What if the leader won’t accept help?

That can be hard. If the leader doesn’t want help and meetings stay boring, you may want to look at other packs. Some packs are more active than others. It’s okay to find a better fit for your child.

Can we switch to another Cub Scout pack?

Yes. You can switch packs at any time. Just find one that works better for your family. Look for a pack that does lots of hands-on fun and where kids are excited to come each week.

How can we find a better pack?

Ask around in your area. Visit another pack’s meeting or event. Watch what the kids are doing. See how the leaders and parents work together. You’ll know it’s a good fit if the kids are happy and involved.

Is it wrong to ask for better meetings?

No. It’s okay to speak up. You are helping your child and others, too. Cub Scouts is supposed to be fun. If it isn’t, something needs to change. Parents can help fix that.

Cub Scouts is not meant to be boring. Kids should not feel like they are stuck in another classroom. They should be active, excited, and learning through doing. Meetings should include games, crafts, projects, and guests. If your child is bored, it’s okay to ask why. You are not being difficult. You are looking out for your child.

Many den leaders try their best but don’t have enough help. When parents step in to support the leader, the whole den improves. One small change can make a big difference. More hands-on fun means happier kids and stronger learning.

Sometimes leaders don’t want help, or the style doesn’t change. That’s when it might be time to explore a new pack. Not all packs are the same. Some are more hands-on, more organized, or better supported by parents. It’s okay to look for a pack that fits your child’s needs better.

Remember, Cub Scouts is about growth and fun. Your child should look forward to meetings, not dread them. If things aren’t working, you have the right to speak up, help out, or move on. Scouting is better when everyone works together—and when kids are having fun.