Bear Roaring Laughter Adventure

This information is for the Cub Scout program before the June 1, 2024 updates. After June 2024, all Cub Scouts should use the updated program requirements. See here.

The Roaring Laughter adventure for Bear Cub Scouts is a fantastic journey into the world of humor, creativity, and communication. As our young Scouts embark on this adventure, they’re not just learning to crack jokes or spin yarns; they’re developing critical skills that will serve them throughout their scouting journey and beyond.

This Roaring Laughter adventure encourages Bear Cub Scouts to explore what makes them laugh, fostering a sense of joy and lightheartedness that’s essential for building resilience and a positive outlook. Through practicing tongue twisters, they’ll enhance their verbal dexterity and improve their ability to communicate clearly and effectively, even in tricky or challenging situations.

Creating their own stories with missing words introduces Bears to the basics of storytelling and creative writing, promoting imagination and empathy by considering different perspectives and ideas. This activity also serves as a gentle introduction to the importance of language and word choice in conveying meaning and emotion.

Playing games and sharing jokes with their den members not only strengthens social bonds but also teaches them the value of shared experiences and the role humor can play in building community and teamwork.

Lastly, practicing and performing run-ons at pack meetings or campfire programs offers a safe and supportive environment for Scouts to develop public speaking skills and confidence, all while contributing to the fun and camaraderie of scouting events.

In essence, the Roaring Laughter Cub Scout adventure is about more than just laughter; it’s about cultivating creativity, communication skills, and a sense of community, all while having a great deal of fun. These are invaluable skills that will help Bear Cub Scouts navigate the adventures of scouting and life with a smile.

Bear Roaring Laughter Adventure Requirements

Complete at least four of the following:

1. Think about what makes you laugh. Write down three things that make you laugh.
2. Practice reading tongue twisters.
3. Create your own short story. Remove some nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs from the story, leaving blanks.
   Without telling the story, have a friend insert his or her own nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs in the story you created.
4. With a partner, play a game that makes you laugh.
5. Share at least two jokes with members of your den to make them laugh.
6. Practice at least two run-ons with your den, and perform them at a pack meeting or campfire program.

Printable Requirements and Checkoff Sheet for the Bear Roaring Laughter Adventure

Printable requirements for the Bear Roaring Laughter adventure

Bear Roaring Laughter check off sheet to keep track of your den’s progress

What Makes You Laugh?

This list can help Scouts start thinking about what makes them laugh and share those ideas during their Roaring Laughter adventure activities:

• Funny Animal Videos: Clips of animals doing silly or unexpected things.
• Jokes and Puns: Simple, kid-friendly jokes or clever puns that play on words.
• Comic Strips or Cartoons: Humorous illustrations or comics, especially those aimed at children.
• Silly Songs: Songs with funny lyrics or amusing performances.
• Physical Comedy: Slapstick humor or people making funny faces and gestures.
• Funny Stories or Anecdotes: Short, amusing stories about funny incidents from real life or imagination.
• Tongue Twisters: Challenging phrases that are funny to say and often lead to humorous mistakes.
• Magic Tricks Gone Wrong: When a magic trick doesn’t go as planned, in a harmless and funny way.
• Bloopers: Mistakes or accidents during film, TV shows, or when playing games that turn out to be funny.
• Word Play and Riddles: Clever use of language that makes people think and laugh.
• Imaginative Play: Dressing up or playing roles that lead to humorous situations.
• Funny Books or Poems: Reading material that is designed to make readers laugh.
• Memes or Internet Challenges: Popular online content that is meant to be funny or absurd.
• Tickling: A physical interaction that often leads to laughter (though it’s important to remember that not everyone enjoys being tickled).
• Exaggeration or Hyperbole: Making something seem bigger, better, more, or worse than it is in a funny way.

Encouraging Scouts to explore what makes them laugh not only helps them complete their Roaring Laughter adventure but also allows them to reflect on the joy and positivity that humor brings into their lives. Remember, laughter is a universal language that brings people together, making it a perfect tool for fostering camaraderie and friendship within the den.

Tongue Twisters

Tongue twisters are a fun and engaging way to practice pronunciation and improve speech clarity, making them a perfect fit for the Bear Roaring Laughter adventure. Here are five classic tongue twisters along with tips for mastering them:

“She sells sea shells by the sea shore.”

Start slowly, focusing on the difference between the “sh” and “s” sounds. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

“Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”

Pay attention to the “p” sounds. Try to keep them crisp. Break the tongue twister down into smaller sections if needed, then put it all together as you improve.

“How can a clam cram in a clean cream can?”

Focus on the transition between the “cl” and “cr” sounds, practicing them separately before attempting the whole tongue twister.

“Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear, Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair, Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn’t very fuzzy, was he?”

This one is all about the rhythm. Try tapping your foot or clapping as you say it to keep a steady pace, which can help with timing and pronunciation.

“I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.”

The challenge here is the speed and the play on the similar sounds of “I scream” and “ice cream.” Practice saying “I scream” and “ice cream” separately, focusing on making the distinction clear, then combine them as you get better.

General Tips for Saying Tongue Twisters

• Start Slowly: Accuracy is more important than speed. Begin by saying the tongue twister slowly and clearly.
• Practice Regularly: Repetition is key. The more you practice, the easier it will become.
• Break It Down: If you’re struggling with a particular tongue twister, break it down into smaller parts. Practice each part separately, then gradually combine them.
• Record Yourself: Sometimes, what we think we’re saying isn’t what others hear. Record yourself saying the tongue twister to identify areas for improvement.
• Have Fun: Remember, the goal is to enjoy the process. Don’t get frustrated. Laugh at the mistakes, and keep trying.

Tongue twisters are not just a test of diction and pronunciation; they’re a playful way to engage with language and share some laughs with friends and family. Perfect for the Roaring Laughter adventure!

Writing and Reading Mad Libs

Creating a short story with blanks, similar to Mad Libs, is a wonderful way to spark creativity and laughter among Bear Cub Scouts. Here are some tips to help Scouts successfully complete requirement 3 of the Roaring Laughter adventure:

• Start with a Simple Story Idea: Choose a basic story outline or a familiar tale. The story doesn’t have to be long or complicated; even a simple plot can become hilariously entertaining when transformed into a Mad Lib.
• Identify Key Words to Remove: Go through your story and pick out nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs that, when removed, will allow for the most creative and humorous substitutions. Make sure there’s a good mix of word types to ensure variety.
• Create Clear Blanks: Replace the words you’ve removed with blanks, and indicate the type of word (noun, verb, adjective, adverb) that should be filled in. This helps guide the person completing the Mad Lib to insert appropriate words.
• Include Instructions: Before the story begins, include a list of the words (by type) that need to be filled in, in order. This way, the person filling in the blanks won’t know the story’s context, making the end result more unpredictable and funny.
• Encourage Imagination: When asking friends or fellow Scouts to fill in the blanks, encourage them to be as creative, silly, or unexpected as they like. The funniest Mad Libs often come from the most imaginative word choices.
• Read It Aloud: Once the blanks are filled in, read the story aloud to the group. Hearing the story with the new words can make it even more amusing than reading it silently.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t worry if your first attempt doesn’t turn out as funny as expected. Try again with a different story or with different words removed. Each attempt will help you get a better feel for which words make the funniest replacements.
• Make It Interactive: Turn the activity into a game where each Scout contributes a word in turn, without knowing the story. This adds an element of surprise and increases the laughter when the story is finally read out loud.
• Use Visuals: If possible, include some drawings or pictures in your story that might also have missing elements to be filled in. This adds another layer of fun to the activity.
• Celebrate Creativity: After reading your Mad Libs story, celebrate the creativity and humor of the contributions. This not only makes for a fun experience but also encourages Scouts to think creatively and enjoy the process of storytelling.

Creating and filling in a Mad Libs story is not just a great way to fulfill a requirement; it’s an opportunity to bond, share laughs, and foster a love for language and storytelling within your Bear Den.

Games for Laughter

For requirement 4 of the Bear Roaring Laughter adventure, playing a game that makes everyone laugh is key. Here are some easy and fun games that can be enjoyed by Bear Cub Scouts, promoting laughter and camaraderie:

• Charades: A classic game where players silently act out a word or phrase, such as a movie title or animal, while their teammates try to guess what it is. The fun comes from the creative and often humorous interpretations of the clues.
• Pictionary: Similar to charades, but in this game, players draw the word or phrase on paper while others guess what it is. The laughter often comes from the funny drawings and the wild guesses they inspire.
• Telephone: Scouts sit in a circle, and the first player whispers a message to the person next to them. The message is whispered around the circle until it reaches the last person, who says it out loud. The final message is often hilariously different from the original.
• Two Truths and a Lie: Each Scout takes a turn to say three statements about themselves: two truths and one lie. The rest of the group has to guess which statement is the lie. This game can lead to funny revelations and surprising facts about each other.
• Silly Simon Says: Play a round of Simon Says with a twist by including silly actions like “Simon says hop on one foot while patting your head.” The more ridiculous the actions, the more laughter you’ll generate.
• Freeze Dance: Play music and have the Scouts dance. When the music stops, everyone must freeze in their current position. Anyone caught moving after the music stops is out. Use funny music or silly dance moves to make the game more entertaining.
• Animal Noises Game: Assign each Scout an animal noise. Everyone walks around the room, and when you call out two animal noises, those Scouts must find each other based on the sounds alone. This game is sure to generate lots of laughs with the funny noises and the searching.
• Balloon Keep Up: Give each Scout a balloon that they must keep in the air using only their breath. The challenge and inevitable mix-ups and collisions can be quite amusing.
• The Laughing Game: Scouts sit in a circle, and one by one, each tries to make the person next to them laugh using only silly faces or sounds. The only rule is you can’t touch the other person. It’s harder than it sounds and can cause a lot of giggles.
• Wacky Relay Races: Set up relay races with silly challenges, such as walking backward, hopping on one foot, or balancing a beanbag on their head. The focus is on fun and laughter rather than speed.

These games not only fulfill the requirement of playing a game that makes you laugh but also help Scouts learn the value of teamwork, communication, and the joy of just being silly together. Remember, the goal is to have fun and share a laugh, making every game a perfect choice for the Roaring Laughter adventure.

Won’t You Smile Game

For a game that combines the challenge of staying stone-faced with the warmth of camaraderie, try the Won’t You Smile Game. Scouts form a circle with one person, “It,” in the center. “It” approaches someone, says their name followed by, “If you love me, won’t you please, please smile.” The challenge for the approached Scout is to reply, “You know I love you, but I just can’t smile,” without cracking a smile. If they smile, they become “It” and the game continues. It’s a delightful way to foster connections and bring about laughter, perfect for fulfilling the Roaring Laughter adventure.

Jokes

Sharing jokes is a fantastic way to bring smiles and laughter to your Bear Den.

Short Jokes

Why don’t eggs tell jokes? Because they might crack up!

What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear!

Why did the math book look sad? Because it had too many problems.

What did one wall say to the other wall? “I’ll meet you at the corner!”

Longer Jokes

The Talking Dog

A boy sees a sign in front of a house: “Talking Dog for Sale.” Intrigued, he rings the bell. The owner tells him the dog is in the backyard. The boy goes into the backyard and sees a dog sitting there. “Do you talk?” he asks.

“Sure do,” the dog replies.

Amazed, the boy asks, “What’s your story?”

The dog looks up and says, “Well, I discovered my ability to talk when I was young. I wanted to help the world, so I told the CIA. In no time, they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders because no one would suspect a talking dog.

I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running. But the jet-setting really tired me out. I knew I wasn’t getting any younger and I wanted to settle down. So, I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security work, mostly wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded several medals. Now, I’m just retired.”

The boy is amazed. He goes back to the front and asks the owner what he wants for the dog. The owner says, “Ten dollars.”

The boy says, “This dog is amazing! Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?”

The owner replies, “He’s a liar. He didn’t do any of that stuff.”

The Lost Penguin

A man finds a penguin walking down the street. Feeling concerned, he picks up the penguin and takes it to the police station. “I found this penguin wandering the streets. What should I do with it?” he asks.

The police officer thinks for a moment and says, “Why don’t you take it to the zoo?” The man thinks that’s a great idea and leaves.

The next day, the police officer sees the man walking down the street again, but this time the penguin is wearing sunglasses and a sunhat. Surprised, the officer asks, “I thought you were going to take that penguin to the zoo!”

The man replies, “I did, and we had a great time! Today, we’re going to the beach!”

The Three Hikers and the Genie

Three hikers are walking through the woods when they find an old lamp. One of them picks it up, rubs it, and out pops a genie. The genie says, “Thank you for freeing me! As a reward, I will grant each of you one wish.”

The first hiker says, “I wish I was richer.” Poof! He’s holding a chest full of gold.

The second hiker says, “I wish I was living on a beach.” Poof! He disappears and is living his dream on a tropical beach.

The third hiker, feeling a bit lonely now, says, “I wish my friends were here with me.” Poof! The other two hikers reappear beside him in the woods.

Run Ons

Requirement 6 of the Bear Roaring Laughter adventure encourages Scouts to practice and perform run-ons at a pack meeting or campfire program. Run-ons are short, humorous skits or jokes that usually involve a quick exchange of dialogue or a simple action designed to get a quick laugh. Here are some ideas and examples that Bear Cub Scouts can use to fulfill this requirement:

Ideas for Run-Ons:

• Misunderstanding: Use wordplay or misunderstandings for quick, humorous exchanges. For example, one Scout could ask another for help “pitching a tent,” but the second Scout comes on stage with a baseball and glove, ready to pitch.
• Classic Jokes: Turn classic jokes into short skits. For instance, a Scout walks onstage carrying a stick, another Scout asks, “Are you a tree?” and the first Scout replies, “No, I’m leaving.”
• Silly Warnings: One Scout acts as a sign-holder with a sign saying “DANGER: Do not touch!” Naturally, another Scout comes along, touches the sign, and acts surprised when nothing happens.
• Unexpected Outcomes: Skits where one Scout asks another to do something simple, but the task is completed in an unexpected way. For example, asking a Scout to “draw a boat” and they literally pull out a pencil and paper to draw a picture of a boat.

Examples of Run-Ons:

The Lost Quarter

• Scout 1: (searching the ground) “I lost my quarter!”
• Scout 2: (helps look) “Where did you lose it?”
• Scout 1: “Over there.” (points offstage)
• Scout 2: “Then why are we looking here?”
• Scout 1: “Because the light is better!”

Invisible Bench

• Several Scouts walk onstage and mime sitting down on an “invisible bench.”
• Another Scout walks up and asks what they’re doing. They say, “Sitting on this invisible bench.”
• The newcomer says, “But I moved that bench over there this morning!”
• The seated Scouts all fall down.

Time Fly

• Scout 1: (carrying a flyswatter) walks onstage, looking around.
• Scout 2: “What are you doing?”
• Scout 1: “Trying to catch time flies.”
• Scout 2: “Time flies? Don’t you mean ‘time flies when you’re having fun’?”
• Scout 1: “Exactly, I’m trying to catch some fun!”

The Echo

• Scout 1: shouts towards the wings of the stage, “HELLOOOO!”
• Offstage Voice: (returns the echo) “Hellooo!”
• Scout 1: (smiling) “I love hearing the echo, it makes me feel less alone.”
• Scout 2: (walks onstage) “What echo? I’ve been trying to get your attention to give you back your lost hat!”

These run-ons are quick and easy to prepare, and they don’t require props or costumes, making them perfect for a spontaneous laugh. Encourage Scouts to be creative, have fun, and perhaps even come up with their own run-ons. The goal is to share laughter and enjoy the camaraderie of scouting.

More Run Ons: They’re All Over and All Around! I Can’t Get Away!

For the Bear Cub Scouts embarking on the Roaring Laughter adventure, adding a sprinkle of humor to your pack meetings or campfires can be as simple as performing some hilariously corny run-ons. Whether it’s someone lamenting the omnipresence of their belt, the unavoidable reality of wearing clothes, the playful paranoia of being chased by squirrels because “I’m nuts,” or the inescapable charm of corny run-ons themselves, these quick jokes are perfect for a laugh. Each skit, with its simple setup and punchline, encourages Scouts to engage with the audience and each other, creating moments of joy and shared laughter that embody the spirit of the Roaring Laughter adventure.

Caption Contest Activity

Kick off your Roaring Laughter adventure with a hilarious photo caption contest! Display absurd or unusual photos at your event, inviting Scouts to write and submit silly captions. Have parents or youth leaders pick the top captions for a fun reveal. This activity is a fantastic way to spark creativity and laughter, making it a perfect gathering activity for the Roaring Laughter theme.

BSA Roaring Laughter Video Resource

What is the main goal of the Bear Roaring Laughter adventure?

The Bear Roaring Laughter adventure aims to explore the concept of humor and laughter, teaching Bear Cub Scouts the importance of joy and fun in building friendships and improving communication skills. Scouts will engage in creative activities to discover what makes them laugh, share that joy with others, and develop their storytelling abilities.

How can a Bear Cub Scout complete the Roaring Laughter adventure?

To complete the Roaring Laughter adventure, a Bear Cub Scout must complete at least four out of the six available activities. These include writing down things that make them laugh, practicing tongue twisters, creating a fill-in-the-blank story, playing a game that induces laughter, sharing jokes with their den, and practicing run-ons for a pack meeting or campfire program.

Can Bear Cub Scouts work on the Roaring Laughter adventure at home?

Yes, Bear Cub Scouts can work on parts of the Roaring Laughter adventure at home, such as writing down what makes them laugh, practicing tongue twisters, and creating their fill-in-the-blank story. However, sharing jokes and performing run-ons are activities best experienced within the den or pack setting to fully embrace the communal aspect of laughter.

What materials are needed for the Roaring Laughter adventure?

Materials for the Roaring Laughter adventure may include paper and pencils for writing jokes and stories, any props or games that encourage laughter, and possibly a book of jokes or tongue twisters. The specific materials can vary based on the chosen activities and the creativity of the Scouts and leaders.

How does the Roaring Laughter adventure benefit Bear Cub Scouts?

The Roaring Laughter adventure benefits Bear Cub Scouts by enhancing their communication skills, boosting their confidence in public speaking, fostering creativity, and encouraging a positive and joyful outlook. It also strengthens bonds within the den and pack through shared laughter and fun experiences.

Are there any prerequisites for starting the Roaring Laughter adventure?

There are no specific prerequisites for starting the Roaring Laughter adventure. It’s designed for Bear Cub Scouts of all levels and can be embarked upon at any point during their Bear year.

What are some examples of games that can be played for the Roaring Laughter adventure?

Games for the Roaring Laughter adventure can include classic party games that encourage laughter, such as charades, Pictionary, or any improvisational games that get the Scouts acting silly and laughing together. The key is to choose games that are inclusive and enjoyable for all participants.

How can Bear Cub Scouts share their jokes with the den?

Bear Cub Scouts can share their jokes during a den meeting as a part of a formal “joke-telling” session or informally during breaks or while working on other activities. Another fun idea is to organize a mini talent show where Scouts can perform their jokes and run-ons.

What tips can help Bear Cub Scouts with their tongue twisters?

Tips for mastering tongue twisters include starting slowly to get the pronunciation right, then gradually increasing speed. Practice makes perfect, so repeating the tongue twisters multiple times can also help Scouts improve their diction and verbal agility.

Can the Roaring Laughter adventure be combined with other adventures or activities?

Yes, the Roaring Laughter adventure can be combined with other activities, especially those that involve storytelling, performing arts, or any activity where humor and creativity can be woven in. Leaders can get creative in how they integrate laughter and joy into various aspects of the Scouting program.