Cheers, Yells, Applauses, Run-Ons, and Audience Participation

Cheers, yells, and applauses add energy to meetings and campfire programs. They are a way to get everyone up and moving for a very brief interlude.

Run ons are like mini skits. Sometimes they are in a series and are a recurring theme throughout a program. They are usually humorous and silly. Be prepared for groans and laughs!

Audience participation is an engaging way to tell a story or a joke. Often it is just a joke with actions. Sometimes groups are assigned a word or phrase. Whenever they hear it in the story, they respond by shouting out a different word or phrase, often silly.

• Cheers, Yells, and Applauses
• Run Ons
• Audience Participation

Do you have a cheer, yell, applause, run-on, or audience participation story that you’d like to share? Contact me and I’ll share it here.

Conservation and Ecology

These conservation and ecology cheers would fit in well with any pack meeting or den meeting focused on protecting our world.

There Ain’t No Flies on Me

We have always done this as a cheer with two groups. The idea is to see which group can be the louder. This makes a fun activity for a Pack meeting or a campfire program.

Bicycle Rodeo Applause and Cheer

The Bicycle Applause is a short action cheer that acts out going uphill and coasting back down. Scouts pretend to pump up a hill and then coast down with a loud cheer. It gets them moving and fits the bike theme.

The Bicycle Signal Cheer teaches hand signals in a fun way. Divide the group into four sections. Each part does a different motion like turning left, right, stopping, or pedaling. It’s a great way to review bike safety in a group setting.

Ice Applause and Snowball Applause

The Ice Applause and Snowball Applause are fun cheers for Cub Scout meetings or campfires. They are short, easy to teach, and don’t need any materials. Use them after a flag ceremony, skit, or when Scouts need a quick break. These work well with a winter theme but can be used anytime.

In the Ice Applause, Scouts walk in place and wave their arms like they’re slipping, saying “Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!” The Snowball Applause starts with pretending to scoop and pack snow, then throwing it and shouting “Splat!” Both help Scouts move and laugh together.

Wild West Cheers and Applauses

See a collection of Wild West-themed cheers and applauses that can be used to get people excited and pumped up for different activities. These include cheers like “Come and Get It!”, “Wagon Train Cheer” and “Westward Ho Cheer”, as well as playful applauses like the “Coyote Applause”, “Horse Applause”, and “Bandanna Applause”.

They’re All Over and All Around! I Can’t Get Away!

Run ons are the little brothers of skits. They are very brief intermission in a campfire program. Sometimes it is just a single interruption to the program, sometimes they are in series.

Stick Out Your Tongue and Touch Your Nose

This Stick Out Your Tongue and Touch Your Nose Audience Participation a classic corny joke. This would also work to help demonstrate the importance of clear communication when giving instructions.

The Story of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox

This audience participation story is based on the tall tale of Paul Bunyan and his ox, Babe. Scouts are divided into four groups. Each group listens for a certain word and responds with a shout and a motion. For example, when they hear “cold,” they say “Brrrr!” and shake like they are freezing.

The story is about a very cold winter when Paul Bunyan finds Babe in the snow. As the story is read, the audience acts it out. It keeps Scouts engaged and adds fun to any meeting or campfire. It’s simple, loud, and always gets laughs.

Why Do Audience Participation?

What is the purpose of cheers and applauses at a Cub Scout meeting?

They help break up the meeting and keep energy up. They give Scouts a chance to move and make noise in a controlled way.

When should I use a cheer or applause?

Use them right after a Scout does something great. You can also use them to transition between activities.

What is a run-on?

A run-on is a very short skit. It’s usually silly. Some groups do a series of run-ons with the same joke or theme.

Do we need to plan run-ons ahead of time?

Yes. Run-ons work best when Scouts know their lines. Keep them short and practice once or twice.

What is audience participation?

It’s a story or joke where the audience gets involved. Scouts might have to say something or make a sound when they hear a certain word.

Can I use these with older Scouts?

Yes, but adjust the content. Webelos, AOL Scouts, and middle schoolers like humor too. Just make it age-appropriate.

Where can I find ideas for cheers and run-ons?

You can look in Cub Scout leader handbooks or online. Many Packs also make their own.

How do I get shy Scouts to join in?

Start with group cheers. Let them see others having fun. Don’t force them, but invite them to help lead next time.

Are these required in the program?

No, but they are a tradition. They support fun and spirit, which are key parts of Cub Scouting.

Can I make up my own cheers or audience stories?

Absolutely. Just keep them short, fun, and appropriate for all ages. Let the Scouts help create them too.

Cheers, yells, run-ons, and audience participation are more than just noise. They keep Scouts involved. They bring fun to meetings and campfires. They help break up longer parts of the program and keep energy up.

These activities also help build confidence. When Scouts lead a cheer or perform a run-on, they learn to speak in front of others. They feel proud when the group laughs or joins in. Even shy Scouts often join the fun when the group is excited.

You don’t need to be a theater expert or a comedian. Keep it simple. Keep it short. Keep it Scout-appropriate. The main goal is to have fun and build spirit. That’s what keeps Scouts coming back.

So the next time your den or Pack is dragging, try a silly cheer or a short skit. Clap, laugh, and repeat!