Tell It Like It Isn’t Game

Time: 10–15 minutes
Best For: Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Bears, Webelos, Arrow of Light Scouts, Scouts BSA
Advancement: Communication skills, character development activities
Energy Level: Low
Setting: Indoor, outdoor
Use For: Listening, clear communication, attention to detail
Scout Spirit: trustworthy

Tell It Like It Isn’t is a simple game that many Scouts already know. It fits well into Cub Scout meetings because it teaches strong communication habits. Leaders can use it to help Scouts practice listening and speaking in a calm and focused way. The game also brings the group together and builds comfort in a light setting.

This game supports the goals of the Scouting program. Scouts learn by doing, and this activity shows how words can change as they move from person to person. It gives everyone a chance to notice how easy it is to mix things up when we are not paying close attention. This lesson is useful for both younger and older Scouts.

Tell It Like It Isn’t also gives leaders a chance to guide good conversations. After a round, Scouts often laugh at how much the phrase changed. That moment opens the door to talk about clear communication and careful listening. These skills show up in many parts of Scouting, from outdoor skills to working as a team.

The game also helps remind Scouts about kindness. Sometimes words get changed on purpose or by mistake, and this helps Scouts think about how gossip can spread. Leaders can use this moment to teach respect and honesty. This makes the activity a strong fit for any meeting where you want to support character growth.

Tell It Like It Isn’t has been around for a long time. Many people grew up calling it Telephone. Some families have played it for generations. The idea is simple, and that is why it has lasted. One person whispers a message, and the group tries to keep it the same all the way around. Most of the time it changes, and that is part of the fun.

Games like this appear in many cultures. Some versions are used at parties. Others show up in classrooms to teach listening. In some places, the game is used to help children learn how stories can shift as they move from one person to another. No matter where you find it, the heart of the game stays the same. People enjoy seeing how much a message changes.

Teachers and youth leaders often use this activity to help show how rumors spread. Scouts can understand this right away. A message may start clear, but even small changes can cause confusion. Once the message reaches the last person, everyone sees how different it became. This makes a strong point about thinking before passing on information.

Some people also link the game to early communication challenges. Long ago, messages had to travel by word of mouth. They often changed before reaching the final person. The game shows why people learned to repeat things carefully. It also helps Scouts understand why clear words matter in many parts of life.

Today the game remains popular because it is simple, funny, and quick. It works in many settings, from school groups to Scout meetings. Leaders like it because it keeps Scouts active and thinking. Youth like it because they can relax and enjoy the silly results. This mix makes it a good choice for any group gathering.

Scouts learn a lot from Tell It Like It Isn’t. The game shows how easily a message can get mixed up. Scouts see that listening with care makes a big difference. When they try to pass the message on, they learn to slow down and think about the words they heard. This simple skill helps them in many other parts of Scouting, from giving directions on a hike to planning an activity with their patrol.

The game also supports the Scout Law. It reminds Scouts to be trustworthy. They try to pass the message along honestly without changing it. It also connects to being kind. Sometimes a message gets silly, but Scouts learn to handle the mix-ups with patience and respect. These ideas build good habits in a friendly way.

Younger Scouts, like Lions, Tigers, and Wolves, enjoy short and simple phrases. They may need help staying focused, so keeping the circle small works best. Older Scouts can handle longer or funny phrases. They may also enjoy writing their own messages, as long as a leader checks them first.

For Webelos and older youth, you can add a twist. Let them talk about why the message changed. Ask what could help keep information accurate in real situations. This helps them think about teamwork and good communication. It also helps them see how misunderstandings happen and how to prevent them.

Scouts of all ages like to move, so you can also try a standing circle or let them switch places after each round. These small changes keep the game fresh. No matter the version, the lesson stays clear. Listening matters, and our words can travel farther than we expect.

Materials
• None, but you may use index cards with short phrases if you want more control

Setup

1. Have the Scouts sit or stand in a circle.
2. Make sure everyone can hear the person next to them.
3. If you use index cards, choose a few simple phrases before starting.
4. Pick a Scout to begin the first round.

How To Play

1. The first Scout whispers a short phrase to the Scout on their right or left.
2. That Scout whispers what they think they heard to the next person.
3. The message continues around the circle, one whisper at a time.
4. The last Scout says the message out loud for everyone to hear.
5. The first Scout then reads or repeats the original phrase.
6. Choose a new starting Scout and repeat with a new phrase.

Notes

• For younger Scouts, keep phrases short and clear.
• For older Scouts, longer phrases add more challenge.
• Index cards help avoid inappropriate messages.
• Remind Scouts to whisper softly so others cannot overhear.
• Make sure Scouts stay respectful and do not tease anyone for mistakes.
• You may let the group stand if they need to move a bit, but keep the circle tight so they can hear.

Printable instructions for Tell It Like It Isn't

More Games

If you want more ideas after trying Tell It Like It Isn’t, I have a full list of other games that work well for meetings and outings. These activities help keep Scouts active and interested while learning simple skills. You can find them on my games page. I update this area often so leaders can always find something new to try with their group.

Tell It Like It Isn’t fits nicely with many of the games on that page. Some focus on teamwork, and others help with communication or quick thinking. I like offering a good mix so you can choose what works best for your Scouts. Visit the collection to see many options that fit all ages and meeting styles.

The Importance of Games in Scouting

What age group can use this game?

This game works well for all Cub Scout ranks. Younger Scouts do better with short phrases. Older Scouts can use longer and fun phrases. The game also works for mixed ages if you keep the pace steady.

Do I need any materials?

You do not need anything. Some leaders like to use index cards with simple phrases. This keeps the messages clear and appropriate.

How long does the game take?

Each round takes only a few minutes. You can run several rounds in a short time. This makes it easy to fit into a meeting.

What do Scouts learn from it?

Scouts learn about listening, speaking clearly, and staying focused. They also see how messages can change when people are not careful.

Can the game get too loud?

It can, so remind Scouts to whisper. A close circle helps keep the group calm.

How do I prevent inappropriate messages?

Provide written phrases on cards. This keeps the game safe and friendly.

Tell It Like It Isn’t is a simple whispering game that many Scouts already know. The group sits in a circle and passes a short message from person to person. By the time it reaches the end, the message has usually changed. Scouts always enjoy hearing the final result. It helps them relax and connect with each other.

This game teaches good habits in a gentle way. Scouts learn how hard it can be to keep a message clear. They also learn to slow down, listen, and think before speaking. These are skills they use in many parts of Scouting, from outdoor skills to group projects.

The activity also fits well with the values in the Scout Law. It reminds Scouts to be trustworthy as they try to pass the message along. It also helps them practice kindness when mistakes happen. This makes the game both fun and useful for any meeting.

Leaders can use the game with many age groups. Younger Scouts do well with short phrases. Older Scouts can handle longer ones. The game moves quickly, so it works well when you need a short activity with a clear lesson.