Native American Cub Scout Theme

Early in Scouting in the United States, Native American culture was woven in to the program as a reaction to the rapid industrialization going on in American cities.

Those live longest who live nearest to the ground, that is, who live the simple life of primitive times, divested, however, of the evils that ignorance in those times begot.

Ernest Thompson Seton

Introducing Native American themes to Cub Scouts can be a way to teach our younger Scouts how to appreciate different cultures. It should be done in a respectful way which honors the traditions of the First Americans.

Here are some ways to introduce your Cub Scouts to Native American culture using a simplified format which they can understand.

Here are some ideas which are loosely tied to this theme:

Picaria – A Native American Game

Picaria is a Native American board game. It is like a cross between tic-tac-toe and checkers. It could be used with Tiger, Wolf, or Bear electives or with a group working on the Indian Lore merit badge.

Hubbub – A Native American Dice Game

This is a traditional Native American game. The scoring systems seem to vary from one reference to another, so the system below is a simplified system which scouts should be able to follow.

Native American Prayer

Native American lore is an important part of the Scouts BSA and Cub Scout programs. This prayer is attributed to Chief Sealth (for whom Seattle is named).

Pahsahëman – A Native American Field Game

Pahsahëman is similar to football. It has been played by the Lenape of the American Northeast for many generations. These instructions include tips for adapting this game for use with scouts.

Tabletop Tipi Model

Scouts who are doing a Native American themed meeting or activity can create a simple tipi model to get the idea of how these versatile dwellings are constructed. We made these at a Cub Scout training session and they were very easy.

Arrow of Light Centerpieces

Janice recently wrote to me with this message: "I need your help! I've been assigned to help put together our Arrow of Light ceremony / banquet. I'm at a loss as to what to do for centerpieces. We'll have over 10 tables and we don't want to make it look too "blue and gold." Any ideas that you may have could really help me out a lot! " Sometimes simple centerpieces are the best.

S bar F Scout Ranch Grace

Our council has several properties, but the one most Scouts BSA attend for summer camp is S bar F Scout Ranch. This is the S bar F Ranch grace.

Why Opossum Has a Bare Tail

This is a Native American story which scouts of all ages can enjoy. It is also a cautionary tale for young men who like to build huge campfires.

Native American Games

I've decided to work on Bear Elective 24 - American Indian Life. They have studied Native American culture this year in school and made model villages.