Lion’s Pride Den Meeting Plan

Teaching young Scouts about reverence might seem like a big task, but it can be fun and meaningful. The Lion’s Pride Adventure helps Lions learn about respect for family traditions and beliefs. They also practice kindness by making something special for a loved one. This Lion’s Pride den meeting plan keeps things simple and engaging while covering all the adventure requirements.

Lions at this age learn best through hands-on activities and stories. This meeting gives them a chance to share about their own family traditions and hear about others. They will draw, create, and even enjoy a snack that connects to the lesson. There’s also a game to keep their energy up. Everything ties back to showing respect and being kind.

This meeting is designed to fit into one hour. It includes a gathering activity, a discussion, creative projects, a game, and a closing. The snack time provides a natural break while reinforcing the theme. The goal is to help Lions understand reverence in a way that makes sense to them. By the end of the Lion’s Pride den meeting, they will have a better idea of what respect looks like in their own families and in the world around them.

60 Minutes Total

Gathering Activity: Kindness Coloring Page (10 minutes)
Lions color a simple page with a positive message as they arrive.

Opening: Scout Oath and Reverence Discussion (5 minutes)
Recite the Scout Oath and discuss the meaning of reverence.

Activity 1: Family Faith Traditions Drawing (10 minutes)
Lions draw a picture of a family holiday or tradition and share with the group.

Game: Respect Relay (10 minutes)
A fun movement-based game to reinforce the idea of respect and listening.

Activity 2: Cheerful Greeting – Making a Card (10 minutes)
Lions make a card for someone special to show appreciation.

Snack Time: Holiday Treats (10 minutes)
Enjoy a snack related to a holiday or tradition while discussing different celebrations.

Closing: Connecting to the Scout Law (5 minutes)
Discuss what was learned, encourage completing the home activity, and end with a fun cheer.

Materials Needed for the Den Meeting

Coloring Activity

• Kindness-themed coloring pages (print beforehand)
• Crayons or markers

Family Faith Traditions Drawing

• Blank paper
• Crayons or markers

Respect Relay Game

• Beanbags (or small soft objects)
• Tape or cones to mark start and finish lines

Cheerful Greeting Card Activity

• Blank paper or pre-folded cards
• Crayons or markers
• Stickers (optional)

Snack Time

• Chosen snack (store-bought or homemade)
• Napkins
• Small plates or cups if needed

Things to Do Before the Den Meeting

• Print kindness coloring pages
• Gather all materials for drawing and card-making
• Set up an open space for the relay game
• Choose and prepare the snack
• Plan a simple closing cheer

Things to Ask Parents to Provide or Help With

• Bring a snack related to a holiday or tradition
• Help their Lion complete the home activity (attend a religious service or gathering)
• Assist with crafts or activities
• Help their Lion participate in discussions

For younger Cub Scouts, I like to start den meetings with something simple and quiet. A coloring activity helps Lions settle in as they arrive. It gives them something to do while they wait for everyone to get there. This also helps set the mood for the Lion’s Pride den meeting. Today, we will focus on kindness and respect, so a kindness-themed coloring page is a great choice.

Print out this simple coloring page or make your own. Have crayons or markers ready on the tables. As Lions arrive, invite them to pick a page and start coloring. Some will jump right in, while others may need a little encouragement.

While they color, walk around and chat with them. Ask questions like, “Who are you making this for?” or “What colors are you using?” This gives them a chance to start thinking about kindness. If a Lion finishes early, ask if they want to add more details or decorate the edges. Keep it light and fun.

This activity should last about 10 minutes. If some Lions are still coloring when it’s time to move on, that’s okay. Let them finish quickly while you transition to the next part of the den meeting. The goal is to have a calm and happy start so they are ready to listen and participate.

A Scout is Reverent: Understanding Respect

This part of the den meeting should take about five minutes. It helps Lions understand what reverence means. Keep it simple and short. Lions are young, and they learn best through discussion and examples.

Start by saying the Scout Law aloud: “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.” Lions do not need to memorize this yet, but hearing it often will help them learn it over time.

Now, focus on the last word: reverent. Ask, “What do you think reverence means?” Some Lions may have ideas, and others may not. Explain that being reverent means showing deep respect. We can be reverent toward people, traditions, beliefs, nature, or special places.

Give examples they can understand. Say, “We are reverent when we are quiet in a place of worship. We are reverent when we listen carefully to a story about someone’s faith. We are reverent when we stand silently for the flag.” Ask, “Can you think of a time when you showed respect?” Let a few Lions share. Keep the discussion short, so they stay focused. Then, transition to the next activity by saying, “Now let’s talk about how our own families show reverence!”

Drawing Our Family Traditions

This activity helps Lions think about their own family traditions. They will draw a picture of a holiday or special event their family celebrates. This helps them share what is important to them. It also helps them learn that different families have different traditions.

Start by asking a few simple questions. “What holidays does your family celebrate?” “Do you do something special for birthdays?” “What is your favorite family tradition?” Give each Lion a blank sheet of paper and some crayons or markers. Encourage them to draw a picture of a special family tradition. It could be a holiday meal, a religious service, or a fun event like decorating a tree or lighting candles.

While they draw, walk around and talk to them about their pictures. Ask, “What are you drawing?” or “Why is this special to your family?” Some Lions may need help thinking of an idea. You can suggest things like baking cookies, going to a special place, or spending time with family. Keep the conversation light and positive.

After about 10 minutes, ask each Lion to share their picture with the group. Let them explain what they drew and why it is important to them. Remind everyone to listen and be respectful. This activity helps Lions see that families celebrate in different ways, and all traditions are special.

Respect Relay: A Game of Listening and Kindness

Lions have lots of energy, so this is a great time to get them moving. The Respect Relay helps them practice listening and working together. It also teaches them that showing respect means paying attention and following directions. This game is simple, fun, and keeps them active.

In this game, Lions take turns completing small tasks while the rest of the group cheers them on. The tasks are simple but require listening. This helps them learn that respect is not just about words—it is also about actions. The game takes about 10 minutes and works best in an open space.

1. Set up a start line and a finish line a few feet apart.
2. Explain that each Lion will get a small task to complete before running back to tag the next person.
3. Give each Lion a task one at a time. Some ideas:
   • Walk to the finish line while balancing a beanbag on your head.
   • Hop on one foot to the finish line.
   • Take three giant steps, then three tiny steps.
   • Walk to the finish line while saying “Please” and “Thank you.”
   • Shake hands with the leader before running back.
4. The rest of the group watches and cheers. Remind them that cheering is a way to show kindness.
5. Keep going until everyone has had a turn.

At the end of the game, ask the Lions what they noticed. Did they have to listen carefully? Did they feel good when others cheered for them? Explain that respect is not just about being quiet; it is about paying attention, following directions, and encouraging others.

This game is a fun way to break up the den meeting and keep the Lions engaged. It also helps reinforce the idea that respect is shown through actions, not just words. After the game, they will be ready to settle down for the next activity.

A Card of Kindness: Spreading Smiles

Lions love to make things, and this activity gives them a chance to be creative while showing kindness. Making a card for someone special helps them practice appreciation and thoughtfulness. It is a simple way to remind them that small actions can make a big difference.

Start by asking the Lions to think of someone they care about. It could be a parent, a grandparent, a sibling, or a friend. Tell them they will make a card to show love and appreciation. Encourage them to think about what makes that person special. This helps them put meaning into their cards.

Give each Lion a blank piece of paper and crayons or markers. Let them decorate their cards however they like. They can draw pictures, write simple words like “I love you” or “Thank you,” and add stickers if you have them. Some Lions may need help writing, so be ready to assist or encourage them to draw instead.

After they finish, ask them to share who their card is for and why they chose that person. This helps them see how kindness connects us to others. Remind them to give the card to their special person after the den meeting. This activity takes about 10 minutes and leaves everyone feeling good.

Snack time is a great way to relax and keep the Lions engaged. Food is an important part of many traditions. This is a good chance to connect what they eat with what they are learning. Keep the snack simple, but choose something that relates to a holiday or tradition.

As the Lions eat, start a conversation. Ask, “What special foods does your family eat for holidays?” Let them share their favorite holiday treats. If they need help, give examples like birthday cake, Christmas cookies, or special family meals. Encourage them to listen and learn about each other’s traditions.

You can also talk about why food is important in celebrations. Say, “Food brings people together. Families share meals during holidays, just like we are sharing this snack today.” This helps them understand that food is not just about eating—it is about spending time with family and friends.

This part of the den meeting should take about 10 minutes. Keep it fun and light. If possible, choose a snack that ties into a tradition. If you can’t come up with something, here are some easy ideas:

• Sugar cookies – Popular for many holidays, like Christmas or Hanukkah.
• Fruit slices – Oranges are eaten during the Lunar New Year for good luck.
• Challah or bread rolls – Bread is part of many religious traditions.
• Cheese and crackers – Simple and common for many gatherings.
• Doughnuts or pastries – Often eaten during celebrations.
• Popcorn – A fun snack that works for many occasions.

Whatever snack you choose, make sure it is easy to serve and eat. Avoid anything messy or difficult for young Scouts. After snack time, the Lions will be ready for the closing activity.

At the end of the Lion’s Pride den meeting, gather the Lions in a circle. This is a good time to reflect on what they learned. Keep it simple. Ask a few quick questions, like “What does it mean to be reverent?” or “How can we show respect to others?” Let them share their thoughts.

Remind them about the home activity. Tell them to talk with their family about their faith traditions and attend a special service or gathering. Encourage them to share what they learn at the next den meeting. Keep it positive and exciting so they will want to do it.

Tie everything back to the Scout Law. Say, “A Scout is reverent. That means we respect our own beliefs and the beliefs of others. A Scout is also kind. We show kindness through our words and actions, like making cards for people we love.” Keep it short and clear so they can remember.

End with a fun cheer. One option is the “Lion Roar.” Say, “On the count of three, let’s all roar like strong and respectful Lions!” Count to three, and everyone roars together. This leaves them excited and happy as they head home.

Lion’s Pride Adventure

The Lion’s Pride adventure helps Lions learn about reverence and respect. They explore their own family’s faith traditions and learn that different families have different beliefs. This helps them understand the importance of faith and traditions in people’s lives. By talking about their own traditions, they begin to see the value in learning about others.

This adventure also teaches kindness and appreciation. Lions create something special to show love to someone they care about. This helps them understand that small acts of kindness can make others happy. Through these activities, Lions learn to respect others, appreciate their families, and be good friends.

See more resources for the Lion’s Pride Adventure here and here.

How long should this Lion’s Pride den meeting last?

The den meeting should last about one hour. Each activity is planned to keep the Lions engaged without feeling rushed.

What if a Lion does not know much about their family’s faith traditions?

Encourage them to think about holidays or special family gatherings. If they are unsure, they can draw a favorite holiday or a time when their family comes together.

What if a Lion finishes their drawing or card early?

Have extra crayons and paper available for them to add details or make another card. You can also ask them to share what they made with you or another leader.

What if a Lion does not want to talk about their family traditions?

Do not force them to share. Let them participate in the drawing and listen to others. They may feel more comfortable sharing later.

Can I change the Respect Relay game?

Yes. If space is limited, adjust the tasks or play a simple listening game instead. The goal is to help them practice listening and showing respect.

What are some good snacks for this Lion’s Pride den meeting?

Simple snacks that connect to a tradition, like cookies, fruit, or crackers, work well. Avoid messy or hard-to-serve foods.

What should I do if a Lion has food allergies?

Check with parents before the den meeting. Choose a snack that is safe for everyone or ask parents to provide an alternative for their child.

How do I encourage parents to help with the home activity?

Remind them at the end of the den meeting and send a quick email or text. Let them know it is a simple discussion and experience, not a big assignment.

What should I do if we run out of time?

Skip or shorten the game if needed. Make sure to cover the drawing and card-making activities since they are key parts of the adventure.

This Lion’s Pride den meeting helps Lions understand respect and kindness in a fun way. They learn about their own family traditions and hear about others. They practice listening, cheering for friends, and making something special for someone they love. These small lessons help them grow into kind and respectful Scouts.

The mix of activities keeps the den meeting exciting. The coloring page helps them settle in. The drawing lets them share something personal. The relay game gets them moving while learning about respect. The card-making teaches kindness, and the snack brings everyone together. Each part has a purpose, but it all feels like fun.

As den leaders, we help Lions learn by doing. They may not remember every detail, but they will remember the fun and the feeling of being part of something special. This den meeting gives them a chance to listen, share, and be kind. These are skills they will use as they grow in Scouting and in life.

At the end of the Lion’s Pride den meeting, send them off with a smile. Remind them to talk with their families about their traditions. Encourage them to keep showing kindness at home, at school, and everywhere they go. They may be little Lions now, but they are already learning what it means to be great Scouts.