Let’s Play: Winter Fun and Games

Games are a big part of Cub Scouts. In winter, you can play your usual games with a winter twist. For example, if you have a relay where Scouts blow cotton balls with straws, call them snowballs. Add a snowman picture to the finish line to make it more fun.

If you live in a place with snow, go outside. Build snowmen and have a contest. Make snow forts and have a snowball toss game. Just remember to dress warm and watch for safety. And remember, if you are doing winter sports or winter outdoor activities with your Scouts, remember to follow the the Guide to Safe Scouting.

If you don’t have snow, play winter games inside. Try a snowball toss with white paper balls. Set up a “skating” race using paper plates on your feet. Or use spoons to carry “ice cubes” (marshmallows) across the room.

Winter Wonderland games help Cub Scouts stay active. They laugh, run, and work as a team. These games also help them use their imagination. That makes winter even more fun.

Easy Crafts for Cold Days

Winter is a good time to do crafts. Cub Scouts can make things that match the Winter Wonderland theme. You don’t need fancy supplies. Just use what you have.

One easy craft is a cotton swab snowflake. Use cotton swabs and glue to make snowflake shapes. Let the Scouts design their own snowflakes. Every snowflake is different, just like each Scout.

Another craft is tin can lanterns. Freeze water in an empty can, then punch holes in it using a nail and hammer. Make a star or snowflake shape. Put a tea light inside. These lanterns are fun and look great outside at night.

Another fun craft is making pinecone bird feeders. Tie a string to a pinecone, spread peanut butter on it, and roll it in birdseed. Hang it on a tree outside. This simple craft helps Scouts care for animals in winter. It also fits the Winter Wonderland theme by showing kindness to nature.

A Winter Wonderland Party

Many Cub Scout packs have a party in December. This is a good chance to use your Winter Wonderland theme. You can play games, eat snacks, and celebrate the season.

A fun game with a winter twist is “Snowball Scoop.” Fill a large bowl with cotton balls (the snowballs). Give each Scout a spoon and a small cup. They must scoop out as many cotton balls as they can in 30 seconds—but they have to keep one hand behind their back. It’s silly and fun, and the cotton balls are light, so it’s harder than it looks. This simple game fits the Winter Wonderland theme and brings lots of laughter to your party.

Give each Scout a small gift. It can be simple, like a patch, a toy car, or a pinewood derby keychain. Wrap the gift or put it in a mini stocking. The joy is in the surprise.

Add silly applause like Ice Applause or Snowball Applause. These add laughter to your party. You can also do a short skit or song. Keep things light and cheerful. That’s what a Winter Wonderland is all about.

Stories and Songs by the Fire

Winter is a great time for stories. You can tell the story of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. Make it an audience participation story. When Scouts hear certain words, they say something or do an action. It keeps them involved and makes them laugh.

Try singing some fun songs. One idea is The Twelve Days of Camping. It’s like the Christmas song but with Scout items. Scouts enjoy singing it and adding their own silly verses. Or sing the 911 song.

Another fun idea is the poem ‘Twas the Campout Before Christmas. It’s a Scouting version of the classic poem. Read it at your pack meeting. It adds fun to your Winter Wonderland theme.

Stories and songs bring everyone together. They are simple but powerful. They help Scouts feel like they are part of something special.

Sweet Treats to Share

Winter is a good time for baking. Snowball cookies are a nice treat. They are small cookies rolled in powdered sugar. They look like snowballs. Kids love them.

Another treat is Forgotten Cookies. You make them, then turn off the oven and leave them overnight. The next morning, you have yummy meringue cookies. Scouts can help make them at home or with the den.

Donut snowmen are easy to make. Just stack a few mini donuts. Use pretzel sticks for arms. Use candy for eyes, buttons, and a nose. You can even add a small piece of licorice for a scarf. This craft is fun and tasty.

You can also have a hot cocoa station. Let Scouts add marshmallows, whipped cream, or sprinkles. Serve it with your winter cookies. These treats make your Winter Wonderland meeting warm and cozy.

These snacks don’t need to be fancy. The goal is to share and have fun. Cooking or decorating together helps build teamwork. And everyone enjoys a sweet reward.

Giving Back in the Snow

Winter is a season of giving. Your Cub Scouts can do a service project as part of the Winter Wonderland theme. This helps them learn to help others.

You can make cards for people in nursing homes. Or put together small care bags with snacks, socks, and toiletries for shelters. Even young Scouts can help.

If your pack is part of a church, you might do a faith-based project. This could be collecting items for a food pantry or helping set up a holiday event. If your Scouts come from many different faiths, choose a project that works for everyone.

Helping others makes winter feel even warmer. A Winter Wonderland is not just about snow and games. It’s also about caring and sharing. Scouts can have fun and do good at the same time.

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