Lion’s Roar Den Meeting Plan

Young children are naturally curious, and they are still learning how to stay safe in the world around them. The Lion’s Roar adventure helps them build awareness of personal safety in a fun and engaging way. This adventure teaches Lions how to recognize unsafe situations, react appropriately, and seek help when needed. These skills help them feel more confident and prepared.

This Lion’s Roar den meeting plan includes hands-on activities that make safety lessons easy to understand. Lions will watch a short video about staying safe, practice calling for help, and learn how to cross the street carefully. They will also role-play calling emergency services and play a game to practice running to a trusted adult. These activities encourage movement and participation, keeping young Scouts interested and engaged.

This Lion’s Roar den meeting is designed to be fun while reinforcing important safety lessons. Lions will work alongside their adult partners, helping them feel comfortable with the skills they are learning. They will also enjoy a themed snack that ties into one of the key safety topics.

By the end of the Lion’s Roar den meeting, Lions will have a better understanding of how to respond to unsafe situations. They will learn to be aware of their surroundings and take action if they feel unsafe. Most importantly, they will know that they can always go to a trusted adult for help. This adventure helps young Scouts build a strong foundation of safety skills they can use every day.

60 Minutes total

Gathering Activity: Safety Coloring Pages (5 minutes)
As Lions arrive, they color pages featuring a stop sign, crosswalk sign, caution sign, and traffic light. Leaders can talk with them about what they see in the pictures to introduce safety concepts.

Requirement 1: Protect Yourself Rules Video and Discussion (20 minutes)
Watch the Protect Yourself Rules video (with parental permission). Pause to ask simple questions and reinforce key points. If a video is unavailable, discuss safety scenarios using pictures or a short worksheet for at-home completion.

Requirement 2: Shout, Run, Tell Relay (10 minutes)
Set up a starting line and a safe zone. Each Lion shouts “Help!” or “Stop!” then runs to their adult partner and tells them what happened. Repeat until all have practiced. Emphasize that this is how they should react if they feel unsafe.

Requirement 3: Emergency Services Role-Play (10 minutes)
Explain when to call 911. Use a toy phone or printed phone keypad for practice. Lions pretend to call an emergency operator, stating their name, location, and what help they need. Leaders can act as the emergency operator to guide them.

Requirement 4: Safe Crossing Practice (5 minutes)
Create a pretend crosswalk using tape or chalk. Demonstrate stopping, looking left-right-left, and crossing safely. Lions practice with their adult partners.

Snack: Stoplight Fruit Cups (5 minutes)
Serve small cups with red (strawberries), yellow (bananas), and green (grapes) fruit. Talk about how the colors relate to safety and stopping at crosswalks.

Closing: Safety and the Scout Law (5 minutes)
Lions share one safety rule they learned. Connect the lesson to being brave and trustworthy in the Scout Law. End with a simple cheer or reflection on how safety helps them be good Scouts.

Materials for the Den Meeting:

• Printed coloring pages (stop sign, crosswalk sign, caution sign, traffic light)
• Crayons for coloring activity
• A device to play the Protect Yourself Rules video (tablet, laptop, or TV)
• Toy phone or printed phone keypad for 911 practice
• Tape (for marking a pretend crosswalk if indoors) or chalk (if outdoors)
• Small cups for the snack
• Strawberries (or red apples), bananas (or pineapple), green grapes (or green apples) for the stoplight fruit cups
• Napkins for the snack

Things to Do Before the Den Meeting:

• Print out enough coloring pages for each Lion (link)
• Test the video on your device to make sure it plays correctly
• Gather or print a toy phone or paper keypad for emergency call practice
• Mark a pretend crosswalk in your meeting area using tape or chalk
• Wash and prepare the fruit for the stoplight snack
• Plan a simple closing reflection and cheer

Things to Ask Parents to Provide or Help With:

• Ensure they have given permission for their Lion to watch the Protect Yourself Rules video
• Help their child participate in activities, especially the Shout, Run, Tell relay and Safe Crossing practice
• Assist with snack preparation if needed

Having everything ready beforehand will help the meeting run smoothly and keep the Lions engaged.

This gathering activity will take about five minutes. As the Lions arrive, give them coloring pages with pictures of a stop sign, a crosswalk sign, a caution sign, and a traffic light. Have crayons ready so they can start coloring right away. This will help them settle in and get focused.

While they color, talk to them about the pictures. Ask simple questions like, “Where have you seen this sign before?” or “What do you think this sign means?” Let them share their ideas. If they don’t know, give them a simple explanation. For example, “A stop sign tells cars to stop so people can cross safely.” Keep it short and easy to understand.

This is a great way to introduce safety concepts in a relaxed way. Coloring keeps their hands busy while they start thinking about what they will learn. If they finish early, ask them to point to a color in their picture and say why they picked it. This helps them stay engaged while waiting for everyone to arrive.

Once all the Lions are there and have had a few minutes to color, gather them together to start the next activity. Let them know they will be learning about safety today. If they want, they can take their coloring pages home to show their families. This helps reinforce what they learned.

Watch and Learn: Staying Safe Every Day

This activity will take about 20 minutes. First, make sure all parents or guardians have given permission for their Lion to watch the Protect Yourself Rules video. This video teaches simple safety rules in a way that young children can understand. It helps Lions learn what to do if they ever feel unsafe.

Play the video for the group. Watch closely with them. Pause the video at key moments to ask simple questions. You can ask, “What would you do in this situation?” or “Who is a trusted adult you can go to for help?” Give them time to answer. If they are unsure, help them with an easy explanation. Keep the discussion short and positive.

After the video, ask the Lions what they learned. Let them share their thoughts. Some may remember different parts, and that is okay. Repeat the most important ideas in simple words. Tell them that learning safety rules helps them be strong and smart.

If you cannot show the video, use pictures or a simple worksheet instead. Show a picture of a child in a tricky situation and ask, “What should they do?” This keeps the lesson interactive. If a worksheet is used, have the Lions take it home to complete with a parent. This helps families continue the safety talk at home.

Shout, Run, Tell: A Game to Stay Safe

This activity will take about ten minutes. It helps Lions practice what to do if they ever feel unsafe. They will learn to shout for help, run to a trusted adult, and tell them what happened. This is a simple but important skill. By turning it into a fun game, they will remember it better.

1. Set Up the Area – Choose a space where Lions have room to run. Mark a starting line and a safe zone a short distance away. The safe zone is where their adult partners will stand.
2. Explain the Rules – Tell the Lions they will take turns. When it is their turn, they will pretend they are in a situation where they need help. They will shout “Help!” or “Stop!” as loud as they can, run to their adult partner, and tell them what happened.
3. Start the Game – Have the first Lion stand at the starting line. When you say “Go!”, they shout, run to their partner, and say something like, “Someone tried to grab my backpack!” or “I saw something scary!”
4. Repeat for Each Lion – Keep going until every Lion has had a turn. If they are shy, encourage them to be loud and strong. Remind them that their voice is a powerful tool to get help.

After everyone has had a turn, gather the group together. Remind them that if they ever feel unsafe, they should Shout, Run, and Tell. They do not have to handle scary situations alone. A trusted adult will always help them. Ask them why it is important to use their loud voice. Help them understand that shouting can scare away danger and bring help quickly.

Calling for Help: Learning How to Dial 911

This activity will take about ten minutes. It teaches Lions when and how to call 911. Young children need to know that emergency services are there to help them. They should understand that calling 911 is only for real emergencies. By practicing, they will feel more confident if they ever need to make a real call.

1. Explain When to Call 911 – Tell the Lions that 911 is only for big emergencies. Give simple examples like a fire, someone who is very hurt, or a stranger trying to take them somewhere. Ask them, “Should you call 911 if you can’t find your toy?” (No.) “Should you call if there is a fire in your house?” (Yes.)
2. Show How to Call 911 – Use a toy phone or a printed phone keypad. Show them how to press 9-1-1 and explain that they should stay calm and speak clearly.
3. Practice a 911 Call – Have each Lion take turns pretending to call 911. You act as the emergency operator. Ask them questions like:
   • “What is your name?”
   • “Where are you?” (They can say their home or a pretend location.)
   • “What is your emergency?” (Let them make up a pretend emergency, like “My house is on fire!”)
4. Remind Them to Stay on the Line – Tell them that once they call 911, they should not hang up until the operator tells them to. They should listen carefully and answer any questions.

After every Lion has practiced, review the main points. Ask them when they should call 911. Make sure they understand that 911 is only for real emergencies, not for fun or practice at home. Remind them that emergency workers are there to help them when they really need it. Encourage them to talk to their families about what to do in an emergency at home.

Look Both Ways: Learning to Cross Safely

This activity will take about five minutes. Lions need to learn how to cross streets safely. They may walk near roads with their families, so it is important that they know the right steps. This practice will help them remember to stop, look, and listen before crossing.

1. Set Up a Crosswalk – Use tape indoors or chalk outside to make a pretend street with a crosswalk. Make it big enough for the Lions to walk across with their adult partners.
2. Demonstrate Safe Crossing – Show the Lions how to cross safely.
   • Stop at the edge of the pretend street.
   • Look left, right, and left again to check for cars.
   • Listen for traffic sounds.
   • Walk straight across, not running.
   • Make eye contact with drivers before stepping forward (if there are real cars around).
3. Practice with Adult Partners – Have each Lion hold their adult partner’s hand and cross the pretend street. Remind them to say out loud, “Left, right, left.”
4. Talk About Parking Lots – Remind the Lions that parking lots can be dangerous too. Cars move in all directions, and drivers may not see them. They should always stay close to an adult and watch carefully for moving cars.

After everyone has practiced, ask the Lions why it is important to look both ways. Let them share what they learned. Encourage them to practice safe crossing every time they are near a road. Remind them that being careful helps keep them safe.

This snack will take about five minutes. It is a simple and fun way to reinforce what the Lions learned about stoplights and crossing streets safely. They will enjoy a healthy treat while talking about traffic safety.

1. Prepare the Fruit Cups – Before the meeting, fill small cups with three types of fruit:
   • Red – Strawberries or red apples
   • Yellow – Bananas or pineapple
   • Green – Grapes or green apples
2. Explain the Stoplight Colors – As the Lions eat, ask them about the colors in their cup.
   • “What does red mean on a stoplight?” (Stop!)
   • “What does yellow mean?” (Slow down or be careful!)
   • “What does green mean?” (Go!)
3. Connect It to Crossing Streets – Remind them that stoplights help people and cars know when to stop and go. Ask, “Why is it important to wait for the green light before crossing the street?” This will help them remember to always follow traffic signals.

As they finish their snack, remind them that safety rules help keep everyone safe. Encourage them to tell their families about the stoplight colors and what they mean. This simple snack reinforces an important lesson in a fun and tasty way.

This closing will take about five minutes. It is important to end the meeting by reinforcing what the Lions learned. This helps them remember the safety rules and feel proud of what they practiced.

Gather the Lions in a circle. Ask each one to share one safety rule they learned today. If they need help, give a few examples: “Look both ways before crossing the street” or “Call 911 in an emergency”. Let each Lion have a turn. This helps them feel confident and shows that they were paying attention.

Talk about how learning safety rules connects to the Scout Law. Being brave means knowing what to do in a scary situation and taking action. Being trustworthy means following safety rules and listening to trusted adults. Remind them that when they use these skills, they are showing they can make good choices.

End with a fun cheer to wrap up the meeting on a happy note. Try the “Be Safe” Cheer: Say “Be Safe!”, and have the Lions echo it. Say “Be Smart!”, and they repeat it. Then say “Be Scouts!”, and they shout it loudly together. This cheer reinforces the lesson and gives them a fun way to remember it.

Lion’s Roar Adventure

The Lion’s Roar adventure teaches young Cub Scouts about personal safety. Lions learn how to recognize unsafe situations and what to do if they feel in danger. They practice shouting for help, running to safety, and telling a trusted adult. These skills help them feel more confident and prepared. They also learn how to call 911 in an emergency and when it is the right time to ask for help.

Lions also practice being safe near roads and in parking lots. They learn how to stop, look both ways, and cross streets carefully. They understand the importance of making eye contact with drivers and staying with an adult in busy areas. This adventure helps Lions be more aware of their surroundings and make safe choices. Learning these skills at a young age helps them stay safe every day.

See more resources for the Lion’s Roar adventure here.

How do I get permission for the Lions to watch the Protect Yourself Rules video?

Before the Lion’s Roar den meeting, ask parents or guardians for permission. You can send a quick email or text message to confirm. If a parent does not give permission, provide a safety worksheet for the child to complete at home instead.

What if I can’t play the Protect Yourself Rules video during the meeting?

If you cannot show the video at the Lion’s Roar den meeting, talk about safety using pictures or simple role-playing. You can also send the video link to parents so they can watch it at home with their child.

How do I help shy Lions participate in the Shout, Run, Tell relay?

Some Lions may feel nervous about shouting. Encourage them to try their loudest voice. If they are still unsure, have the whole group shout together first. Let them practice at their own pace.

What if a Lion dials 911 for fun after this Lion’s Roar den meeting?

Remind the Lions that 911 is only for real emergencies. Explain that calling when there is no emergency can stop someone who really needs help from getting it. Encourage parents to talk with their child about when to call 911.

How much space do I need for the Safe Crossing practice?

A small open area is fine. If indoors, mark a crosswalk with tape. If outdoors, use chalk. The Lions just need enough room to take a few steps across.

What if I don’t have enough time to do all the activities for the Lion’s Roar den meeting?

If needed, send home a simple worksheet for the emergency services practice. Make sure to do the Protect Yourself Rules lesson and at least one hands-on safety activity during the meeting.

Can I change the stoplight fruit snack to something else?

Yes, you can use any snack that works for your group. If fruit is not an option, try colored crackers or candy in red, yellow, and green. The important part is talking about what the colors mean.

How do I connect this Lion’s Roar den meeting to the Scout Law?

Talk about how learning safety rules helps Lions be brave because they know what to do in a scary situation. It also makes them trustworthy because they follow rules and listen to safe adults.

What should I tell parents after the meeting?

Let them know what safety lessons their child learned. Encourage them to practice safe crossing and talk about when to call 911 at home.

This Lion’s Roar den meeting gives Lions a strong start in learning how to stay safe. Through hands-on activities, they practice shouting for help, running to safety, and telling a trusted adult. They learn when to call 911 and how to cross the street carefully. These are simple but important skills that will help them in real-life situations.

By making safety lessons fun, Lions are more likely to remember what they learn. Playing games, acting out emergencies, and using their voices help them feel confident. Working with their adult partners also helps them feel supported as they practice these new skills.

This Lion’s Roar adventure also ties into the Scout Law. Learning how to stay safe helps Lions be brave when facing new situations. Following safety rules shows that they are trustworthy. These lessons help them grow as Scouts and as young learners.

As they leave the Lion’s Roar den meeting, Lions should feel proud of what they learned. Encourage them to share their new safety skills with their families. The lessons from this meeting will stay with them as they continue their Scouting journey.