S'mores and troop nights are an American tradition.
Scout Troops often plan a "troop night" as a special event, where all the troop members participate in a fun group activity. Plan your troop night well in advance so that all scouts will be able to participate in the event. Depending on the age of your troop and the location of your event, you may want this to be a doubly special night by making it a sleepover party. Does this Spark an idea?
Pinewood Derby
A pinewood derby is often associated with Boy Scouts, though girls can be equally excited by the challenge of creating a miniature car. About two weeks before the Derby, troop leaders should provide supplies and circulate clear guidelines for the troop members to follow. Issue a kit to each troop member that consists of a block of pine, nails, and four wheels; instruct the scouts to each make a car using only the items you distributed.
At the troop night, you may want to supply paint, glue, and decorations so that scouts have an opportunity to decorate their cars. The highlight of the night is a race among the cars to determine which car is the quickest. Set up a makeshift track with boards or simply choose a hill that is near your location.
Campfire Sing-Along
Campfires have long been staples of troop nights. Whether at the beach, in the wilderness, or in a park, campfires are the perfect accompaniment to a night of music. Have someone bring a guitar and lead the scouts in singing the troop's favorite songs. Teach your troop at least two new songs to add to the mix.
Simple songs that are sung in rounds often are popular with younger troops. Also include the classic campfire dessert, s'mores. You will need graham crackers, chocolate bars, marshmallows and sticks for roasting marshmallows. S'mores are comprised of chocolate and roasted marshmallows sandwiched between two graham crackers.
Book Club Event
Make your troop night an educational experience by inaugurating a troop book club. Your night should be planned well in advance to give each trooper the time to read the book. You may want to circulate a worksheet for your troop members to complete. They can refer to their worksheet during your discussion. On the night your troop gets together, try breaking the troop into smaller sections so all members have the opportunity to talk. Troop leaders should direct the discussion about characters, plot, and morals of the book.
Night Walk
A night walk is the perfect time to star gaze.
Nighttime is a great chance for troops to experience nature from a different perspective. Arrange a night walk at the nearest public park or nature center. If possible, enlist a guide for the walk, such as an employee who is well versed in local terrain, flora, and fauna. Or have a troop member who is familiar with the site lead the excursion. Prepare ahead by teaching the troop about animals they might see and discuss ways humans and animals can live in harmony together.
Recruit plenty of adults for a night-walk event to ensure that all troop members stick together. Using the buddy system and having plenty of flashlights will make the walk safer. If the walk takes place under a clear sky, try teaching the troop about constellations.
Tags: your troop, troop members, troop night, your troop night, graham crackers
