Lion Fun on the Run Den Meeting Plan

The Fun on the Run Lion Adventure helps young Cub Scouts learn how to take care of their bodies through healthy eating, staying active, washing their hands, and getting enough rest. Lions will explore these topics through hands-on activities, games, and a fun snack. This Fun on the Run den meeting plan keeps them moving and engaged while reinforcing key health habits.

Lions learn best through doing, so this den meeting is structured around interactive experiences. From sorting food groups to running an animal obstacle course, the goal is to make learning fun. The activities also help Lions develop teamwork and listening skills.

By the end of the den meeting, Lions will understand the importance of eating a balanced diet, practicing good hygiene, staying active, and getting enough rest. They will also connect these healthy habits to the Scout Law, focusing on being clean and cheerful.

Total Time: 60 minutes

Gathering Activity: Food Group Sorting Game (5 minutes)
As Lions arrive, have them participate in a simple sorting game. Provide pictures of different foods or toy food items and ask them to place each one into the correct food group bin. This introduces them to the five food groups in a hands-on way.

Learning About Food Groups: Snack Time Activity (10 minutes)
Provide a snack that includes at least two food groups, such as cheese and whole-grain crackers or apple slices and yogurt. Talk briefly about what food groups the snack belongs to. Ask Lions to name other foods from those groups.

Hand Washing Fun: Glow Germ Demonstration (10 minutes)
Apply glow lotion to the Lions’ hands and have them touch various surfaces. Use a black light to show where the “germs” have spread. Then, have them wash their hands and check again under the light to see if they removed all the “germs.” Discuss when they should wash their hands during the day.

Get Moving: Animal Walk Obstacle Course (20 minutes)
Set up a short obstacle course where Lions must move like different animals—hopping like frogs, crawling like bears, waddling like ducks. This keeps them engaged while meeting the requirement for 20 minutes of activity. If needed, follow with a quick game of “Lion Says” (a version of Simon Says) and/or a dance party to make up any extra active time.

Time to Rest: Breathing Exercises (5 minutes)
After all the activity, guide the Lions in a simple breathing exercise. Have them sit or lie down comfortably and practice slow, deep breaths in and out. Discuss how resting helps the body recover and why sleep is important.

Closing and Scout Law Connection (5 minutes)
Gather the Lions and briefly review what they learned. Connect the activities to the Scout Law, emphasizing “A Scout is Clean” (hand washing) and “A Scout is Cheerful” (having fun while staying healthy). Encourage them to practice these healthy habits at home. End with a simple cheer or a Cub Scout motto to reinforce teamwork.

Materials Needed for the Den Meeting

Food Group Sorting Game:

• Pictures of different foods or toy food items. These Food Group Go Fish cards would work.
• Five labeled bins or containers (one for each food group)

Snack Time Activity:

• A healthy snack that includes at least two food groups (examples: cheese and whole-grain crackers, apple slices and yogurt)
• Napkins and plates
• Drinking water and cups
• Hand soap and paper towels for washing hands before eating

Glow Germ Demonstration:

• Glow lotion or powder  (Get it here)
• Black light
• Soap and water for hand washing
• Paper towels

Animal Walk Obstacle Course:

• Cones, mats, or simple markers for the course
• A list of animal movements to demonstrate (hopping, crawling, waddling, etc.)
• Optional: music for a short dance party

Breathing Exercises:

• A quiet space for Lions to sit or lie down
• Optional: a short, calming story or soft music

Closing Activity:

• A printed copy of the Cub Scout motto (optional)

Leader Preparation Before the Den Meeting

• Gather all materials and set up the food sorting game and obstacle course in advance
• Test the glow germ demonstration to ensure the black light works
• Prepare and bring the snack or arrange for another leader to provide it
• Plan a simple cheer or closing activity to reinforce learning
• Review the Scout Law points to discuss during the closing

Parent Involvement and Requests

• Ask parents to provide a small snack from one of the food groups if they would like to contribute
• Request that parents remind Lions to wear comfortable clothing and shoes for active play
• If possible, ask a parent to assist with the glow germ activity and hand washing station
• Parent or adult partners should stay and participate in activities, especially helping Lions through the obstacle course

As Lions arrive, give them a simple but engaging activity to introduce the topic of healthy eating. Set up a table with five labeled bins, each representing a food group: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. Provide a collection of food pictures or toy food items and have Lions take turns placing them in the correct bin.

If they need help, guide them with hints like, “This food comes from cows and helps make strong bones” for dairy, or “This food grows on trees and is sweet” for fruit. This activity warms up their thinking about nutrition while allowing them to move around and interact.

This game works well because it’s hands-on and allows Lions to learn by doing. It also keeps them engaged as they wait for everyone to arrive. Once all the foods are sorted, quickly review the correct answers and explain why each food belongs in its group.

Snack time is a great way to reinforce healthy eating. Serve a snack that includes at least two food groups, such as cheese and whole-grain crackers or apple slices and yogurt. Before eating, talk about what food groups are represented. Ask Lions to name other foods that belong in those groups.

Encourage discussion by asking questions like, “What are your favorite fruits?” or “What are some proteins you eat at home?” This helps Lions connect what they’re learning to their everyday meals.

Since this snack ties into the lesson, make sure to model good hygiene by having the Lions wash their hands before eating. This also transitions smoothly into the next activity on hand washing.

Hand Washing Fun: Glow Germ Demonstration

Proper hand washing helps prevent sickness, and this demonstration makes it fun. Use a glow lotion or powder that represents “germs” and apply it to each Lion’s hands. Have them touch objects around the room, like tables, chairs, or their own faces. Then, turn off the lights and use a black light to show where the “germs” have spread.

Lions will be amazed at how much they’ve “contaminated” surfaces without realizing it. Then, have them wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water. Afterward, check under the black light again to see if any “germs” remain. If necessary, demonstrate proper hand-washing steps: scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, washing between fingers, and rinsing well.

Wrap up by asking Lions to name times when they should wash their hands, like before eating, after using the restroom, or after playing outside. This activity makes hand washing fun and memorable.

Get Moving: Animal Walk Obstacle Course

Now it’s time to get active. Set up a short obstacle course with cones, mats, or other simple markers. Assign a different movement at each station, such as hopping like a frog, crawling like a bear, waddling like a duck, or skipping like a rabbit. Demonstrate each move before starting.

Lions love using their imaginations, so encourage them to really act like the animals. If needed, add a second round where they race against time or work as a team to complete the course.

If more activity time is needed, follow up with a quick game of “Lion Says,” a version of Simon Says that incorporates fun movements. Another option is a short dance party where they move freely to music. The goal is to keep them moving for at least 20 minutes while making it exciting.

Time to Rest: Breathing Exercises

After all that movement, help Lions understand the importance of rest. Have them sit or lie down in a comfortable space. Guide them through simple breathing exercises: inhale slowly through the nose for a count of four, hold for a second, then exhale slowly through the mouth for four counts. Repeat a few times.

Explain that deep breathing helps our bodies relax and recharge, just like sleep does at night. Ask Lions when they feel tired during the day and what they do to rest.

If time allows, read a short calming story or play soft music to reinforce the idea of relaxation. Helping Lions recognize when they need to rest is just as important as teaching them to be active.

Gather the Lions in a circle and review what they learned. Ask, “What was your favorite part of today’s den meeting?” and “What is one thing you will practice at home?” Encourage responses to reinforce learning.

Connect the activities to the Scout Law, focusing on “A Scout is Clean” (hand washing and good nutrition) and “A Scout is Cheerful” (having fun while staying healthy). Remind them that taking care of their bodies helps them feel their best every day.

End with a simple cheer, such as a “Lion Roar,” where everyone gives a loud “ROAR!” together. You can also close with the Cub Scout motto: “Do Your Best!” This leaves them feeling excited and proud of what they accomplished.

Fun on the Run Lion Adventure

The Fun on the Run Lion Adventure teaches young Scouts how to stay healthy every day. Lions learn about the five food groups and how eating a variety of foods helps them grow strong. They also discover why washing their hands is important and when they should do it to stay clean and avoid germs. These lessons help them understand how to take care of their bodies.

Lions also stay active by moving and playing for at least 20 minutes. They learn that exercise keeps them strong and full of energy. Rest is just as important, so they practice ways to relax and recharge. By learning these habits, Lions build a strong foundation for a healthy life.

See more resources for the Fun on the Run Lion Adventure here and here.

What if my meeting space is small?

If space is limited, adjust activities to fit. The animal walk can be done in a straight line instead of an obstacle course. For movement time, try “Lion Says” or a short dance party instead of running activities.

How can I make the food group sorting game easier for Lions?

Use fewer food items and focus on just three groups instead of five. Give hints or use color-coded bins to help them match foods correctly. Keep it simple and fun.

What if a Lion does not want to eat the snack?

Offer a variety of snack choices if possible. If they don’t want to eat, let them still participate by naming the food groups. The goal is to learn, not to force them to eat.

What if I don’t have a black light for the glow germ activity?

If you don’t have a black light, you can still show how germs spread. Put a small amount of glitter or flour on their hands and have them touch objects. Then, have them wash their hands and check if all the glitter or flour is gone.

How can I help Lions stay focused during the Fun on the Run den meeting?

Keep activities short and hands-on. Give clear, simple directions. Use lots of movement and fun challenges to keep them engaged. If they get distracted, bring them back with a quick cheer or a Cub Scout sign.

What if a Lion gets tired or overwhelmed?

Let them take a break. Have a quiet corner with a chair or blanket where they can sit for a minute. Remind them that resting is part of being healthy too.

Can parents help with this Fun on the Run den meeting?

Yes! Parents can help with snack time, hand washing, or setting up the obstacle course. They should also join in the activities to make it more fun for everyone.

What should I do if a Lion doesn’t want to participate?

Encourage them, but don’t force them. Let them watch first and then invite them to join. Sometimes, seeing others having fun helps them feel comfortable.

What is the most important part of this Fun on the Run den meeting?

The most important thing is that Lions have fun while learning about being healthy. Keep the mood light, stay flexible, and enjoy the activities with them.

This Fun on the Run den meeting plan helps Lions learn how to take care of their bodies in a fun way. They discover how to eat healthy, wash their hands, stay active, and rest. These are important habits that will help them as they grow. By using games, hands-on activities, and movement, they stay engaged and excited to learn.

Lions love to move, so keeping them active is key. The obstacle course, sorting game, and dance party make learning fun. Snack time helps them understand food groups while enjoying something tasty. The glow germ activity is always a favorite, and it teaches an important lesson about hand washing. Ending with a breathing exercise helps them calm down and understand why rest is important.

This den meeting also connects to the Scout Law. Lions practice being clean by washing their hands and choosing good foods. They learn to be cheerful by having fun while staying active. Encouraging them to share these lessons with their families helps build good habits at home.

Den leaders should remember that young Scouts learn best through doing. Keeping things simple and fun will make this a great den meeting. Lions will leave with big smiles, new knowledge, and hopefully a good night’s sleep after all that activity.