Cheers, Applauses, 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.

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
• Audience Participation

Do you have a cheer, yell, applause, 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 are quick energizers for Scout meetings. They focus on simple themes like recycling, solar power, wind, clean air, and ocean waves. Scouts respond with motions and group shouts. The cheers are easy to teach and easy to remember. They work well during den meetings, pack meetings, or campfires.

These activities also support Scouting values. They connect to the Outdoor Code and remind youth to care for the world around them. They help with listening skills and teamwork. No supplies are needed. You can even let Scouts take turns leading.

There Ain’t No Flies on Me

The There Ain’t No Flies on Me Cheer is a simple call-and-response activity that adds quick energy to a Scout gathering. The group splits into two sides, and each side takes a turn shouting the lines while pointing at themselves or the other group. Scouts enjoy the friendly contest as each side tries to be louder. Because the words are short and easy to learn, everyone can join in without practice.

This cheer works well at pack meetings, campfires, or any moment when the group needs a change of pace. Leaders often use it to wake up a tired crowd or to mark a shift in the program. The motions help younger Scouts stay focused, and the shared noise brings the group together. It is fast, fun, and simple to add to any meeting plan.

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

Wild West cheers and applauses help Scouts stay active and engaged during meetings or campfires. Each response uses a small action or sound that matches a Western theme. Scouts learn the motions quickly, and the whole group can join in at the same time. These cheers are short and easy to add anywhere in a program.

Leaders use them to celebrate good work, fill gaps, or bring the group back together. The Western theme supports imagination and adds humor without extra materials. These cheers help build group spirit and become part of the shared traditions Scouts enjoy passing on to others.

Stick Out Your Tongue and Touch Your Nose

Stick Out Your Tongue and Touch Your Nose is an audience participation activity for Cub Scout meetings. The Cubmaster asks everyone to stand and follow a direction. Most people misunderstand the instruction and try to do it the hard way. The reveal comes when the Cubmaster shows the simple solution.

This activity works as a quick break in a meeting. It gets people moving and laughing. It also helps show why clear communication matters. It is easy to lead and works well with Scouts and parents together.

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 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.

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, 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 take part in audience participation, 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!