Hubbub – A Native American Dice Game

Hubbub is a traditional Native American dice game that is simple and fun. It is a great game for Scouts to learn because it helps build connections to history and culture. The game also encourages teamwork and friendly competition. It is easy to set up and does not require special equipment.

This game can be used in many Scouting programs, including Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing. It fits well into activities that explore Native American traditions. Scouts can play it during meetings, campouts, or special events. It works well for small groups or as part of a larger gathering.

Hubbub can also teach skills like counting and strategy. Scouts need to think about scoring and keep track of their points. It is a good opportunity to practice fairness and sportsmanship while having fun.

The materials for Hubbub are simple, and Scouts can make the dice themselves. Crafting the dice and collecting sticks adds a creative element to the game. This makes it a great choice for a hands-on activity that combines learning and fun.

Hubbub is a traditional Native American game with a long history. Many Native American tribes played variations of this game, and it was often a part of community gatherings. It was a way to bring people together for fun and friendly competition. The game is simple, so it could be enjoyed by all ages.

The dice were often made from natural materials like plum pits or small stones. Each tribe had its own version of the game, so the rules and scoring could be different. Some versions were played just for fun, while others had a more serious purpose, like teaching skills or settling disputes.

Hubbub is more than just a game. It is a connection to Native American traditions and history. By learning and playing it, Scouts honor the creativity and resourcefulness of Native cultures. This respect is an important part of Scouting.

Playing Hubbub today helps keep this tradition alive. It shows how something as simple as a game can carry meaning and bring people together. Sharing the origins of Hubbub can also start conversations about Native American history and values.

Scouts can learn many things from playing Hubbub. It teaches math skills, like counting and scoring, in a fun way. Players also practice patience by waiting their turn and focusing on their rolls. The game helps develop good sportsmanship because Scouts must handle both winning and losing respectfully.

Hubbub also teaches respect for Native American culture. Scouts learn that this game has a long history and is part of Native traditions. Talking about the origins of Hubbub can spark interest in learning more about Native American communities. Respect for other cultures ties into the Scout Law, especially the points “Reverent” and “Kind.”

The game works well for different ages. Younger Scouts, like those in Cub Scouts, can enjoy the basic rules. Leaders can make the game easier by simplifying the scoring. For older Scouts, the standard rules work well. Venturers or Scouts BSA might also enjoy creating their own dice from natural materials.

Hubbub also encourages creativity. Making the dice and sticks is part of the fun. Scouts can decorate their game pieces to reflect their patrol, den, or crew. This can connect to the Scout Law point “Helpful,” as Scouts can assist each other with the crafting process.

The game fits many situations. Use it during a meeting about Native American culture or as a quiet campfire activity. It’s a good option for small groups. Scouts can even make a competition out of it at larger events. The materials are easy to pack, so the game can go anywhere.

Scouts walk away from Hubbub with more than just game skills. They practice teamwork, learn about history, and experience creativity. Hubbub is a great example of how Scouting activities combine fun with learning and growth.

Equipment / Materials

• 1 flat-bottomed bowl or pie dish
• 5 dice (traditionally made from plum pits or small wooden pieces; bottle caps also work)
• 50 sticks (use small sticks, craft sticks, or toothpicks)
• Markers or paint for decorating dice

Setup

1. Decorate the dice:

• On three dice, mark one side with a star. Leave the other sides blank.
• On the other two dice, mark one side with an X. Leave the other sides blank.

1. Place the 50 sticks in the center of the play area. This is the “stick pile.”
2. Give the bowl or pie dish to the first player.

How to Play

1. First player rolls the dice: Toss all five dice into the bowl or pie dish.
2. Score the roll based on the following rules:
   • All blank sides up = 1 point.
   • Two X sides up (with any combination of blanks and stars on other dice) = 3 points.
   • Three star sides up (with any combination of blanks and Xs on other dice) = 3 points.
   • All five dice showing a marked side (stars and/or Xs) = 8 points.
   • Any other combination = 0 points.
3. Take sticks from the pile: The player takes a number of sticks equal to the points they scored.
4. Next player’s turn: Pass the bowl to the next player, who rolls the dice and scores the same way.
5. Game ends when the stick pile is empty: Each player counts their sticks. The player with the most sticks wins.

Variations

• Simplified Scoring for Younger Scouts: Only count blanks and marked sides. Skip the combinations of stars and Xs.
• Creative Dice-Making Activity: Scouts can make dice from clay, stones, or bottle caps before playing.
• Timed Game: Set a timer for a shorter game. The player with the most sticks when time is up wins.

Safety Notes

• Use non-toxic markers or paints for decorating dice.
• Ensure sticks are smooth and free of splinters.
• Avoid tossing the dice outside the bowl to prevent them from becoming a choking hazard for young children.

Hubbub is a fun and easy game to learn. It combines creativity, history, and friendly competition, making it a great addition to any Scouting activity.

Printable instructions for Hubbub

The Importance of Games in Scouting

Picaria

Picaria is a Native American board game similar to tic-tac-toe or checkers. The board can be drawn on the ground, or you can use a printed template. Players take turns moving pieces to try to create a row of three. It’s a simple game that works for all ages and teaches strategy and planning.

Like Hubbub, it connects Scouts to Native American traditions and is easy to set up with basic materials. Picaria is a great option for meetings, campouts, or cultural activities. It’s another way for Scouts to have fun while learning about history and working together.

Pahsahëman

Pahsahëman is a Native American field game similar to football. It comes from the Lenape people of the American Northeast. Scouts can try this modified version that works well for groups and encourages teamwork and physical activity. The game involves passing and running with a ball while trying to score points.

It connects Scouts to Native American traditions and teaches respect for history. Pahsahëman is an active game that works well during outdoor meetings or campouts. It’s a fun way to combine exercise with learning about the culture of the Lenape people.

More Games

Looking for more games like Hubbub to share with your Scouts? Visit my games page for a variety of games that are perfect for meetings, campouts, and other Scouting activities. You’ll find ideas for active games, quiet games, and games that teach skills or teamwork. Explore the collection and pick the ones that work best for your group. Check it out here: Games for Scouts.

What is Hubbub?

Hubbub is a traditional Native American dice game. It is simple and fun, and players compete to collect the most sticks by scoring points with decorated dice.

What materials do I need to play Hubbub?

You need a flat-bottomed bowl, five dice, and 50 sticks. You can make the dice from small wooden pieces, stones, or bottle caps. Use toothpicks, craft sticks, or small twigs for the sticks.

How do you score points in Hubbub?

Points are based on how the dice land. For example, all blank sides up is 1 point, and two X sides up is 3 points. A roll with all marked sides up is 8 points.

Can younger Scouts play Hubbub?

Yes! The game can be simplified for younger Scouts by using basic scoring rules, like only counting blank and marked sides.

What do Scouts learn from playing Hubbub?

Scouts practice counting, fairness, and respect for Native American culture. It also encourages creativity if they make their own dice and sticks.

Can we make our own dice for the game?

Yes! Making dice is part of the fun. Use materials like wood, stones, or clay, and decorate them with markers or paint.

How many people can play at once?

Hubbub works best with two players, but you can have multiple pairs playing at the same time.

Are there safety concerns with this game?

Make sure sticks are smooth to avoid splinters. If younger kids are playing, supervise to ensure small items like dice aren’t put in mouths.

Hubbub is a traditional Native American dice game that is easy to learn and fun for Scouts. The game is played with five dice, a bowl, and sticks for scoring. Players roll the dice and earn points based on how the dice land. The goal is to collect the most sticks by the end of the game.

The game has deep cultural roots. Many Native American tribes played Hubbub during gatherings, and it was often a way to bring people together. By playing Hubbub, Scouts can learn about Native American traditions and show respect for their history.

Hubbub also helps Scouts practice important skills. It involves math for scoring, patience for waiting turns, and good sportsmanship when competing. Creating the game pieces is a hands-on activity that adds to the experience. Making dice from natural materials connects Scouts to the resourcefulness of Native cultures.

This game is flexible for different ages and settings. Younger Scouts can use simple scoring rules, while older Scouts can stick to traditional scoring. Whether it’s part of a meeting, a campout, or a cultural lesson, Hubbub is a great choice for Scouts to learn, grow, and have fun.