Stage & Story

Flag break, Grand Howl, and introduction to the Stage & Story trail. Explain that over four nights Cubs will create performances and crafts that celebrate Scouting creativity.

Cubs walk around the hall. When the leader claps, they freeze in a pose that represents a word the leader calls out (e.g. "hero," "scared," "explorer," "campfire"). Builds body awareness and confidence in expression.

Teach the three-part skit formula: Setup (who, where, what), Twist (something unexpected happens), Punchline/Resolution (funny or meaningful ending). Show one example skit performed by leaders. Hand out a "Skit Planner" sheet with the three sections.

Patrols brainstorm skit ideas (camping disasters, first-night-at-Cubs, animal adventures). Each patrol writes a short script (2–3 minutes) using the Skit Planner. Leader circulates to help with structure and ensure every Cub has a role.

Each patrol runs through their skit twice. Encourage projection (loud voices!), facing the audience, and clear actions. Leaders give one positive note and one improvement tip per patrol.

Quick circle: "What was hardest — coming up with the idea or performing it?" Preview Night 2 (storytelling). Close with the Cub Scout Promise.

Flag break, Grand Howl, and recap of Night 1. Ask Cubs what they remember about skit structure (Setup, Twist, Resolution).

Sit in a circle. Leader starts a story with one sentence. Each Cub adds one sentence, building on the previous. If a Cub gets stuck, the group can offer a word to help. Go around twice. Builds listening and improvisation.

Leader tells a published Aboriginal Dreamtime story appropriate for Cubs (e.g. "Tiddalick the Frog" or "How the Birds Got Their Colours"). Use a picture book or visual aids. Afterwards, discuss: "What lesson does this story teach? Why do you think people have told this story for thousands of years?" Acknowledge that these stories belong to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Each patrol creates an origin story for their patrol animal/name. "How did the Echidnas become the bravest patrol?" Use storytelling techniques from the Dreamtime discussion: a problem, a journey, and a lesson learned. Cubs write or draw their story on large paper.

Each patrol tells their origin story to the group. Encourage expressive voices and gestures. After each story, the audience gives a "silent cheer" (jazz hands) and one Cub from another patrol says what they liked about it.

Ask: "What makes a story worth retelling?" Preview Night 3 (craft night). Close with the Cub Scout Prayer.

Flag break, Grand Howl, and overview of tonight's craft activities. Show finished woggle examples to build excitement.

Show Cubs photos of knots and non-knots (twisted rope that isn't actually knotted). Cubs guess "Knot!" or "Not!" by holding up thumbs up or down. Fast-paced and silly. Introduces the idea that craft involves careful technique.

Demonstrate a Turk's Head woggle using paracord (3-lead, 4-bight works well for Cubs). Break it into steps: (1) wrap, (2) tuck, (3) follow the lead around twice. Leaders and helpers circulate. For Cubs who finish early, show a leather slide woggle as a second option. Every Cub should leave with a wearable woggle.

Each patrol creates a large collaborative art piece for their patrol corner — a banner, totem, or mural featuring their patrol animal, name, and origin story from Night 2. Use paint, collage, or markers on canvas or large cardboard.

Display all patrol art. Cubs walk around and leave a sticky note on each patrol's piece with something they admire. Read a few sticky notes aloud. Discuss: "How does making something together feel different from making something alone?"

Preview the final Performance Night. Remind patrols to polish their skits and bring any props. Close with the Cub Scout Promise.

Flag break, Grand Howl, and welcome to Performance Night. If parents or Joeys are invited as an audience, welcome them too. Set the stage area.

Stand in a circle. Leader teaches three Aussie tongue twisters ("Six thick thistle sticks," "Red lorry, yellow lorry," "She sells sea shells"). Cubs practise getting faster. Great vocal warm-up before performing.

Patrols get 10 minutes for a final run-through. Leaders check costumes/props and remind Cubs of performance tips: face the audience, speak loudly, have fun.

Each patrol performs their skit (2–3 minutes each). The audience (other patrols, leaders, guests) applauds after each. A leader MC introduces each patrol with flair.

Leader reads a short bush poem (e.g. a kid-friendly excerpt of Banjo Paterson or C.J. Dennis). Then 2–3 volunteer Cubs share their patrol origin stories from Night 2 or recite a poem they have prepared. Audience gives jazz-hands applause after each.

Circle up. Each Cub shares their proudest creative moment from the four nights. Leader summarises the trail journey: "You've written, performed, crafted, and told stories — that's real creativity." Hand out certificates or trail completion tokens.

Thank any guests. Final Grand Howl and Cub Scout Promise. Celebrate the completion of the Arts & Literature SIA trail.