Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox

Audience participation stories are a great way to get Cub Scouts moving and having fun at pack meetings. These types of activities help break up long periods of sitting and keep energy levels up. When Scouts and families join in together, it builds excitement and keeps everyone engaged. It’s also a fun way to involve parents in the meeting.

The Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox story is a good example. It’s silly, loud, and full of action. Each group has a word to listen for and a motion to go with it. The whole audience gets to participate. It works well with large or small groups and doesn’t need any props or costumes.

This activity fits right into the Cub Scout program. It supports the idea that Cub Scouting should be active and fun. Den leaders and Cubmasters can use it during meetings to help Scouts release energy, laugh, and work together as a group. It also helps build listening skills in a fun way.

You can use this story during a winter-themed pack meeting or at a blue and gold banquet. It doesn’t take much time, but it makes a big impact. It helps Cub Scouts stay focused and enjoy the program. It’s a good fit for all ages, and it’s easy for leaders to lead.

Scouting has always used silly skits, cheers, and stories to bring Scouts together. These activities are part of the culture of Cub Scouting. They help break the ice and keep things fun. Many pack meetings and campfires include a time for loud and silly group stories like the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox story.

These types of stories help build a sense of tradition. Scouts love hearing tall tales and legends. Folk heroes like Paul Bunyan are larger than life, which fits right in with the way Cub Scouts like to think big. These stories have been passed down for years from one group of Scouts to another.

Audience participation stories like this one also bring everyone into the action. It’s not just the Scouts who join in. Leaders, parents, and siblings can all take part. It helps everyone feel connected. That builds a strong Scouting community and creates memories that last.

Silly traditions like this are often the things Scouts remember most. They might forget what snack they had or what badge they worked on that night. But they’ll remember shouting “Mighty!” and pretending to lift something heavy while laughing with their friends. That’s part of what makes Scouting special.

Divide the audience into four sections and give them these instructions:

Group 1: When you hear the word “cold” say “BRRRRRRRR!” and shake like you are shivering
Group 2: When you hear the name “Paul Bunyan” say “Mighty!” and make strong man arms
Group 3: When you hear the name”Babe the Blue Ox” say “Swish swish” and move your arm like it is a swishing tail
Group 4: When you hear the word “ton” say “Heavy!” and pretend you are lifting something heavy

Now read the following story. When you get to a _____, pause so the group can do their sound and action.

One winter it was so cold _____ that the snow was blue. It was so cold _____ that if you talked, the words came out of your mouth frozen. To hear what somebody else said, you had to pick up the words and take them over to the fire so they would thaw.

During that cold _____ winter Paul Bunyan _____ went out walking. He heard a sound coming from the blue snow. He dug around a little and found a tiny ox. It was completely blue. So Paul Bunyan _____ took the little ox home with him and he named it Babe the Blue Ox _____ .

Just like everything else that Paul Bunyan _____ was with, the creature grew and grew and grew. If you watched him you could see him growing. Babe the Blue Ox _____ ate a ton _____ of hay for breakfast. He ate another ton _____ for lunch. And then he ate another ton _____ for dinner.

Paul Bunyan _____ used Babe the Blue Ox _____ to haul a load of logs. Babe the Blue Ox _____ loved the cold _____ winter because logs would slide easier on the icy road. The giant beast did not like summer as much. So Paul Bunyan _____ took a ton _____ of butter and smeared it all over the road. So then Babe the Blue Ox _____ like the summer as much as the cold _____ winter.

Printable copy of The Story of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox (An audience participation story)

Why Do Audience Participation?

Cheers, Yells, Applauses, Run Ons, and Audience Participation

Looking for more fun ways to get your Scouts involved? Try cheers, yells, run-ons, and audience participation stories. They bring energy to meetings and campfires and get everyone moving for a short break.

Visit my Cheers, Yells, Applauses, Run Ons, and Audience Participation page for ideas, including the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox story. You’ll find quick activities that are easy to lead and sure to get laughs.

What is an audience participation story?

It’s a story where the audience joins in. They listen for certain words and respond with a sound or action. This helps keep Scouts active and listening.

How do I set it up?

Divide the group into four sections. Give each section a word to listen for, a phrase to say, and a motion to do. Explain it clearly before you begin.

How long does it take?

About 5 to 10 minutes. It’s short but fun. A good way to break up a longer meeting or program.

Can younger Scouts do it?

Yes. Even Lions and Tigers can join in. Keep the instructions simple, and repeat them if needed.

Do I need props or supplies?

No. You just need the printed story and a group of Scouts. That’s it.

When should I use this activity?

Use it during pack meetings, campfires, or any time the group needs a short, fun break. It works indoors or outdoors.

What if the group is small?

No problem. Give each Scout more than one word, or let them choose their favorite. It still works.

Do adults join in too?

Yes! Ask parents and leaders to join a group. This helps show Scouts that it’s okay to be silly and have fun.

Can I change the story or actions?

Yes. Make changes to fit your group. Just keep it simple and active.

Where can I find more stories like this?

Check the cheers, yells, and audience participation section on Scouter Mom’s website for more ideas.

The Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox Audience Participation Story is a favorite at pack meetings and campfires. It gets everyone involved with simple actions and funny responses. Scouts and adults are divided into groups. Each group listens for a specific word and reacts with a motion and a shout. It’s loud, silly, and active.

The story follows Paul Bunyan as he finds Babe the Blue Ox during a very cold winter. As the tale is told, the audience gets to act out the story. Each time they hear “cold,” “Paul Bunyan,” “Babe the Blue Ox,” or “ton,” they jump into action.

This kind of story adds energy to meetings. It works well with small or large groups. It also builds listening skills in a fun way. Best of all, no supplies are needed. Just the printed story and a group ready to move and laugh.