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Fun on the Run Lion Adventure for 2024

The Lion Fun on the Run Adventure is a great way for Lion Cub Scouts to learn about staying healthy. In this adventure, Lions explore how to eat well and stay active. They also learn about keeping clean by washing their hands at important times. These activities teach Lions how to take care of their bodies every day.

fun on the run lion belt loop

This adventure helps Lions understand why physical fitness and good nutrition are key to a healthy life. By being active and eating foods from all the food groups, Lions can grow strong. They also learn why rest is important and how it helps their bodies recover and stay healthy.

Working on the Fun on the Run Adventure, Lions do activities that are fun and good for them. They practice these healthy habits in their den meetings and can share what they learn with their families. This helps everyone understand how to be healthier.

Lions enjoy the Fun on the Run Adventure because it involves games and teamwork. It’s not just about sitting and learning; it’s about doing. As they work on this adventure, they build friendships and learn how to work together with other Cub Scouts. This makes learning about health and fitness enjoyable and memorable.

Requirements for the Fun on the Run Lion Adventure

Fun on the Run Lion Adventure Requirements

  1. Identify the 5 different food groups.
  2. Practice hand washing. Point out when you should wash your hands.
  3. Be active for 20 minutes.
  4. Practice methods that help you rest.

Resources for the Fun on the Run Lion Adventure

Learning About Food Groups

Identify the 5 different food groups.

For the first requirement of the Lion Fun on the Run Adventure, Lion Cub Scouts learn about the five food groups. These groups are fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. Understanding these groups helps Lions make healthy food choices.

  • Colorful Chart: Make a big chart with pictures of different foods. Each food group can have its own color. This visual aid helps Lions remember what fits into each group.
  • Sorting Game: Bring in real foods or pictures of foods. Ask Lions to sort them into the correct food groups. This hands-on activity makes learning fun and interactive.
  • Food Group Relay: Set up a relay race where Lions run to a box, pick a food picture, and race back to place it in the correct food group bin. This game adds physical activity to the learning process.
  • Story Time: Make up a story about a character who eats from all the food groups throughout the day. Discuss the story and ask questions about the foods the character ate.

Here are some options for fulfilling Fun on the Run requirement 1:

  • Snack Time
    • Cub Scouts bring and share their favorite food from one of the five food groups. 
    • Supplies: crayons, pictures of food, food from home, plates, napkins, hand washing area, cups, drinking water, forks or toothpicks, instructions, cleaning supplies, tables and chairs, index cards, and marker
    • indoor, low energy, a week or more prep
  • That Food is in the Wrong Group
    • Activity for Cub Scouts to identify food groups and what doesn’t belong. 
    • Supplies: Lion handbook, crayons
    • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
  • What Food Group Do I Belong To?
    • Use play food to help Cub Scouts identify the five different food groups. 
    • Supplies: assorted plastic or toy foods from different food groups, small boxes, black marker, pillowcase, stopwatch
    • indoor, high energy, 3 to 5 days prep

These activities help Lions understand and remember the different food groups, making it easier for them to choose healthy foods.

Keeping Clean with Hand Washing

Practice hand washing. Point out when you should wash your hands.

The second requirement of the Lion Fun on the Run Adventure focuses on hand washing. Teaching Lions when and how to wash their hands helps prevent the spread of germs and keeps them healthy.

  • Glow Germ Demonstration: Use a special lotion that simulates germs and glows under a black light. After Lions touch things around the room, show how the “germs” spread. Then, have them wash their hands and check them under the light again to see how clean they are. Learn more here.
  • Hand Washing Song: Teach Lions a fun song to sing while they wash their hands. The song should last about 20 seconds, the recommended time for effective hand washing. This makes the process enjoyable and memorable. Try singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star at a slow tempo. Or sing If You’re Happy and You Know It, the Alphabet Song, or Mary Had a Little Lamb twice for example.
  • When to Wash Hands Poster: Create a poster with Lions that lists important times to wash hands, such as before eating, after using the restroom, and after playing outside. Let the Lions draw illustrations for each point.
  • Hand Washing Contest: Set up a station with soap, water, and towels. Have Lions see who can do the best job washing their hands, judged by an adult. This encourages thorough hand washing while keeping it fun.

Here are some options for fulfilling this requirement:

  • Bubbles Good Clean Fun
    • Cub Scouts pop bubbles and wash their hands. 
    • Supplies: bubbles with wands, sink, hand soap, paper towels, posters
    • outdoor, high energy, 3 to 5 days prep
  • Happy Birthday Clean Hands
    • Practice handwashing and learn to wash your hands while singing happy birthday. 
    • Supplies: sink, hand soap, paper towels, posters
    • indoor, low energy, minimal prep
  • Steps To Washing Your Hands
    • Practice handwashing and put the steps to washing hands in the right order. 
    • Supplies: crayons, sink, hand soap, paper towels, posters
    • indoor, low energy, 3 to 5 days prep

These activities not only teach Lions the importance of hand washing but also show them the correct way to do it and the most important times to wash their hands.

Staying Active and Having Fun

Be active for 20 minutes.

The third requirement of the Lion Fun on the Run Adventure is about being active for 20 minutes. This helps Lion Cub Scouts learn the importance of daily physical activity for good health.

  • Animal Walks: Set up a fun obstacle course where Lions pretend to be different animals. They can hop like frogs, waddle like ducks, or crawl like bears. This makes moving fun and imaginative.
  • Dance Party: Have a dance party with music that Lions enjoy. Lead them in simple dance moves, or let them create their own. Dancing is a fun way to stay active and helps build coordination.
  • Scavenger Hunt: Organize a scavenger hunt where Lions need to run or walk to find clues or items. This keeps them moving as they explore and solve puzzles.
  • Fitness Challenge: Create a series of simple fitness challenges like jumping jacks, running in place, or balancing on one foot. Make it a game where Lions can earn points for their team.

Here are some options for fulfilling this requirement:

  • It’s Time for Lions to Dance
    • Have a dance party with Cub Scouts and adult partners. 
    • Supplies: play list, speakers, and timer
    • indoor, high energy, 1 to 3 days prep
  • Lion Freeze Tag
    • Play a game of Freeze Tag. 
    • Supplies: sports cones and timer
    • outdoor, very high energy, minimal prep
  • Lion Says
    • Play a game of Simon Says. 
    • Supplies: timer
    • indoor, moderate energy, minimal prep

These activities encourage Lions to be active in a playful and engaging way. They learn that moving and exercising can be part of everyday fun.

Relax and Recharge

Practice methods that help you rest.

The fourth requirement of the Lion Fun on the Run Adventure teaches Lion Cub Scouts about different ways to rest and relax. Rest is important for staying healthy and helps the body recover after being active.

  • Quiet Time Story: Read a calm, soothing story to the Lions during a quiet time session. Choose a spot where they can sit or lie down comfortably. This helps them understand how quiet activities can be restful.
  • Breathing Exercises: Teach Lions simple breathing exercises. Show them how to breathe in slowly through their nose and out through their mouth. This can calm the body and mind.
  • Gentle Yoga: Lead Lions through a few gentle yoga poses that focus on slow movements and stretching. Yoga can help relax both the body and mind.
  • Making a Restful Space: Have Lions create a small, restful area in the meeting space using pillows and blankets. They can use this space when they feel they need to rest during activities.

Here are some options for fulfilling this requirement:

  • Animals Sleep Just Like Me
    • Learn that animals sleep and rest too, but some do so during the day and some during the night. 
    • Supplies: Lion handbook, crayons
    • indoor, low energy, minimal prep
  • Music Can Soothe the Savage Beast
    • Learn how music can influence your ability to rest and relax. 
    • Supplies: play list and speakers
    • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
  • What Time is Bedtime?
    • Supplies: Lion handbook, crayons
    • Adult partners work with Cub Scouts to establish good bedtime habits. 
    • indoor, very low energy, minimal prep

By practicing these methods, Lions learn that rest is not just about sleeping but also about taking quiet moments to relax and recharge during the day.

Safety Resources

Before any activity, check the SAFE Checklist to make sure everyone is safe. Everyone involved in Scouting America activities should know the Guide to Safe Scouting and other relevant guides or books. Also follow any state or local rules that are more strict than Scouting America rules and guidelines.

Before the Adventure:

  • Look at the Food Allergies safety moment.
  • Check each Cub Scout’s health form for any food allergies.
  • Ask if anyone has dietary needs because of their religion or culture.
  • If someone has severe allergies and carries an EpiPen, make sure another adult knows how to use it. Learn more by checking the anaphylaxis safety tips.
  • Read the Keep Your Food Safe guide to learn how to handle and prepare food properly.

See complete safety information here.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Fun on the Run Lion Adventure

What is the Lion Fun on the Run Adventure?

It’s an activity for Lion Cub Scouts that teaches them about being healthy through eating right, staying clean, being active, and resting.

Why do Lions need to learn about food groups?

Learning about food groups helps Lions choose healthy foods to eat, which is important for their growth and health.

How can hand washing help Lions?

Hand washing keeps germs away and helps Lions stay healthy by preventing sickness.

What are some fun ways to be active for 20 minutes?

Lions can play games, dance, do an obstacle course, or go on a scavenger hunt to stay active.

Why is resting important for Lions?

Resting helps Lions’ bodies and minds recover after being active, so they can feel refreshed and ready for more activities.

Can family members help with the Fun on the Run Adventure?

Yes, family members should join the activities, help Lions practice what they learn, and encourage them to stay healthy. Lions always work with an adult partner.

Sprinting Towards Health

The Lion Fun on the Run Adventure is designed for Lion Cub Scouts to learn about staying healthy in a fun and active way. This adventure teaches Lions about the importance of eating nutritious foods, washing hands, being active, and getting enough rest. Each part of the adventure helps Lions understand how these habits contribute to a healthy life.

First, Lions identify different food groups, which helps them make better food choices. Next, they practice proper hand washing techniques, learning when and how to wash their hands to keep germs away. Lions then engage in 20 minutes of physical activity, which shows them fun ways to stay active. Finally, they learn about different methods to relax and rest, understanding that rest is crucial for their health.

These activities are not only educational but also interactive and enjoyable, making learning about health an engaging experience for the young Scouts. Through games, stories, and hands-on practice, Lions gain valuable life skills that promote long-term well-being.

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