Hone Your Skills | The Singing Scoutmaster

Attention Getters

Before you can lead a song, tell a story, or give instructions, you need the group's attention. The traditional Scout method-holding up the Scout sign or Cub Scout sign and waiting for quiet-is a great first tool to teach, and it's worth keeping as your baseline. But it's a passive signal: it depends on Scouts noticing you, and it can leave the last few stragglers (the ones deepest in a conversation or game) feeling singled out once they realize they're the only ones still talking. A more proactive attention getter gets you there faster and pulls everyone in without anyone feeling caught out. Pick the one that fits your style and the age group in front of you-you don't need all of them, just one or two that become 'yours.'

Traditional

• Scout Sign / Cub Scout Sign: Raise the sign silently. As Scouts notice, they raise their own sign and go quiet, which helps spread the signal through the group. Teach it early and use it often so it becomes automatic-but pair it with a more proactive method for noisy or spread-out groups.

Spoken Call-and-Response

You call out a short line, Scouts answer with a matching line-simple, quick, and needs no props. Pick one and stick with it for a season so it becomes automatic; rotating through too many at once just means Scouts hesitate over which response applies.

• "A Scout Is...": Call "A Scout is..." and have the group answer with a point (or all twelve) of the Scout Law-"Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful!" Ties the attention getter directly to what they're already memorizing for rank advancement.
• "We Are the...": Call "We are the..." and the group answers with your unit's name-"Pack!" or "Troop!" Simple pride-builder that works for any age.
• "Webelos!": For a Webelos den, call "Webelos!" and have Scouts answer "Do our best!"-straight from their own motto.
• "If You Can Hear My Voice...": In a calm, normal speaking voice (not a shout), say "If you can hear my voice, clap once." A few nearby Scouts will clap. Follow with "If you can hear my voice, clap twice," and more join in as they notice the first claps. Each round pulls in Scouts who heard the previous round's claps but not your voice, so the group gathers itself in-no one is called out for not listening yet.
• "1, 2, 3, Eyes on Me": You say "1, 2, 3, eyes on me," Scouts reply "1, 2, eyes on you." Short, rhythmic, and easy for even the youngest Cubs to remember.
• "Macaroni and Cheese": You say "Macaroni and cheese," Scouts reply "Everybody freeze!" Handy when you need bodies to stop moving, not just voices to quiet down.
• "Hocus Pocus": You say "Hocus pocus," Scouts reply "Everybody focus!"
• "Peanut Butter": You say "Peanut butter," Scouts reply "Jelly time!"

Visual & Rhythmic Cues

• Clap-and-Repeat Rhythm: Clap a short, distinct rhythm (not just a plain beat-something with a bit of syncopation is easier to notice and fun to echo). Scouts repeat the rhythm back to you. Keep clapping new rhythms until the echo comes back loud and clear from the whole group. Works well with any age and needs no explanation once Scouts have done it once.
• The Clapping Wave: Start clapping a fast, steady rhythm yourself-no talking. Scouts notice and join in until the whole room is clapping in unison. Once everyone's locked in together, suddenly drop your hands to your sides. Scouts mimic the drop and freeze in silence. Great for a big, noisy room since it needs no raised voice to start or stop.
• Lights: Flick the room lights off and on once. Indoor den meetings only, but instant and needs no voice at all.

Auditory Tools

• Doorbell or Chime: A small wireless doorbell button with a pleasant chime cuts through chatter without anyone raising their voice-good for an indoor meeting room.
• Meditation Chime or Hand Drum: A single tap or ring is a calm, consistent "time to listen" cue that doesn't compete with the noise level.

Echo Phrases (Silly Call-and-Response)

This is the bigger sibling of the spoken call-and-response above: instead of one line, you chain several silly, nonsense phrases together, with Scouts echoing each one back before you move to the next. The absurdity makes it fun to join, and each new phrase catches a few more ears. Finish with a line that signals you're done and ready to talk, like "Let's start over!" or "Okay, settle in!" It takes more setup and energy than the simpler tools above, so save it for when a plain clap rhythm or a calm "eyes on me" isn't cutting through-a good extra option to have, not your everyday go-to.

• "Oh! A milkshake!" (repeat)
• "A sticky sticky waffle." (repeat)
• "A mozzarella pizza." (repeat)
• "All the eggs, all the eggs are broken!" (repeat)
• "That was really nothing!" (repeat)
• "Let's start over!" (repeat, then you have the floor)

Make up your own phrases to fit the moment-Scouts will start listening for what silly thing you'll say next.

Whichever method you use, the goal is the same: gather the group's attention without shaming the Scouts who were last to notice. A proactive, self-escalating call works better for that than a single passive signal, because everyone gets pulled in by the group around them instead of being caught out alone.

Tips For Leading Songs

• Set the Mood: Songs can create enthusiasm or set a quiet and serious mood.
• Relax and Have Fun: Enjoy yourself and don't forget to smile!
• Know Your Material: Have available a variety of songs suitable to the age group and know them well.
• Include Everyone: A campfire should be fun for all, not a chance for a few to show off!
• Accompaniment is Optional: Musical accompaniment is nice but not necessary.
• Find the Right Pitch: Take a minute to find the right pitch for a song before starting. If you find the pitch is wrong, don't be afraid to change it.
• Use Body Language: Elaborate arm movements are not necessary, but body language and simple motions stir up enthusiasm and keep the group together.
• Plan Ahead: For a campfire or other events, plan a sequence of songs in advance so there are no gaps in the program.
• Match Songs to Program: Use lively songs to keep energy high, action songs to help get the wiggles out of the audience, and quieter songs as the program comes to a close.
• Lead, Don't Ask: Don't ask them what they want to sing; sometimes, it's better to just tell them what to sing as the songs they choose may not be appropriate.
• Know When to Stop: Don't over do a good thing; know when to stop.
• Make it Your Own: Pick a song or two that become 'your song.'
  • Good staff members become known for 'their song.'
  • Most importantly, let other staff have 'their song,' to spread the enthusiasm.
• Sing Often: The more they sing the more they will enjoy it. Sing every chance you get!
• Lead with Spirit: Remember, if your spirit to teach is low, then so is their spirit to learn.
• Keep Your Sense of Humor: You don't have to have a concert-quality voice to enjoy singing. Even a cracked note can add to the fun if you don't take it personally.
• Show Enthusiasm: Remember, 'Enthusiasm can't be taught, it has to be caught!' Get into it!
• Create Friendly Competition: If you are having trouble getting kids to sing, consider making it a competition by splitting up the group and pitting one group against the other for 'most enthusiastic'
  • I like making this side 'group 1' and this side 'group (pause) B'

Tips For Teaching New Songs

• Use Echo Teaching: To teach a song, sing a line and have the group sing it back to you. Sometimes the tune may take some practice.
• Include Songs Everyone Can Sing: Remember to include songs that everyone can sing:
  • Familiar songs
  • Echo songs (Repeat After Me)
  • Songs with easy choruses
  • Songs to familiar tunes
• Repeat-After-Me Works Best: Repeat-After-Me-style songs are great to teach because they have shorter verses, taught one line at a time.
• Use Visual Aids: Write the words in large print on sheets that are held down front (some use window shade material, vinyl or laminated poster board so words are waterproof and can be used again).

Tips For Teaching Rounds

Rounds provide a good introduction to singing in parts. Because they are 'team singing' they help the unsure singer learn her part. It is advisable to teach a round first as a regular song and only after the group is familiar with the song to try it in rounds.

In presenting rounds:

• Teach It First: First have the entire group sing through the entire song together until you feel that they know it.
• Divide the Group: Divide the group into the number of parts needed.
• Place Strong Singers: Try to put a strong singer or song leader with each of the parts.
• Set Expectations: Be sure that the group knows how many times through to sing the round: usually this is as many times as there are parts. Sometimes, the song/round is sung until some task is completed.
• Cue Each Part: Cue each part as indicated in the round.
• Try a Chord Finish: For a different 'finish' you can have each group hold their part when the group reaches the end of the round. In this way, the round will end with a pleasing chord conclusion.

Song Leading and the Communication Merit Badge

Campfire songs aren't just entertainment. When you lead a song, you aren't just performing. You're communicating with an audience, reading how they respond, and adjusting as you go. That's exactly what the Communication merit badge is about, and a campfire lets you practice it for real instead of on a worksheet.

Campfire Skills Are Communication Skills

• Introducing a song and its background: Organizing your thoughts and speaking clearly.
• Teaching a song to the group: Adapting your message to your audience.
• Leading verses, choruses, and motions: Nonverbal communication, timing, and keeping the audience engaged.
• Getting a quiet group to join in: Building rapport and encouraging participation.
• Introducing skits, stories, and other performers: Making introductions and smooth transitions between speakers.
• Recovering when a song falls flat or the group gets restless: Watching for feedback and adapting on the spot.
• Planning a whole campfire program: Organizing a presentation and putting material in the right order.
• Closing with a Scoutmaster's Minute: Delivering a meaningful message with purpose.

Requirement 8: Plan and Emcee a Campfire

This is a direct match. Requirement 8 asks you to plan a troop or crew campfire program (or a court of honor or interfaith worship service), have the patrol leaders' council approve it, write the script, prepare the program, and serve as master of ceremonies. That means you:

• Plan: Pick a theme and balance songs, skits, stories, and quieter moments.
• Prepare: Write your introductions, transitions, and the full running order.
• Lead: Emcee the program, introduce each act, lead the group songs, and keep things moving.
• Evaluate: Afterward, think about participation, pacing, and what you'd do differently next time.

Our Plan Your Campfire page walks you through building the program, and the Campfire Builder helps you put the lineup together and print it.

Requirement 6: Teach a Skill

Requirement 6 asks you to plan how you'll teach someone a skill, prepare teaching aids, carry out your plan, and then check with your counselor whether the person learned it. Teaching your patrol a new song could fit: use the echo-teaching and visual-aid tips above, then see whether they can sing it back without you. Get your counselor's approval on the plan first.

Using Instruments at the Campfire

Musical instruments can add energy, rhythm, and fun to campfire songs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, there are many ways to enhance the musical experience for everyone.

• Playing While Someone Else Leads: If you're not comfortable leading songs, you can still contribute by playing an instrument while another person leads the singing. Follow their tempo and energy level, and provide a steady rhythm to support the group.
• Playing and Leading: If you can play and sing at the same time, you can serve as both song leader and accompanist. Practice the songs ahead of time so you can focus on engaging the group while keeping the music going.
• Keep It Simple: You don't need to be a virtuoso. Simple chords, steady rhythms, and enthusiasm go a long way. The goal is to support the singing, not overshadow it.
• Ukuleles and Guitars: These are classic campfire instruments that are portable and easy to learn. Even knowing a few basic chords (C, G, D, Am, F) opens up hundreds of songs.
• Kazoos: Kazoos are fun, inexpensive, and require no musical training. They're perfect for adding a playful element to songs.
  • How to Make a Comb Kazoo: Take a pocket comb and wrap a piece of wax paper or tissue paper around it. Hold it to your lips and hum—the paper vibrates to create a kazoo-like sound. Simple and fun!
• Shaker Eggs and Percussion: Shaker eggs, tambourines, hand drums, and other simple percussion instruments add rhythm without requiring musical knowledge. Pass them out to Scouts to get everyone involved in making music together.
• Homemade Percussion: Get creative with DIY instruments:
  • Fill empty water bottles with rice, beans, or small pebbles to make shakers.
  • Use upside-down buckets or pots as drums.
  • Tap sticks together for rhythm.
  • Clap, stomp, and use body percussion.
• Practice Beforehand: Whether you're playing guitar, shaking eggs, or leading a kazoo chorus, practice the songs ahead of time so you can focus on engaging the group during the performance.
• Encourage Participation: Hand out simple instruments to Scouts and let them join in. Even non-musicians can keep a beat on a shaker or drum, making everyone feel included in the music-making.
• Volume Control: Make sure instruments enhance the singing rather than drown it out. Encourage players to listen to the group and adjust their volume accordingly.

Learn to Play: Free Resources

Want to be the one strumming at the next campfire? You don't need lessons or an expensive instrument to start. These free sites can take you from your first chord to leading a song on your own. Learn three or four chords, practice a song you love, then teach it to your patrol.

• Our Song Collection - Every song with chords shows a chord diagram for each chord used. Use the 🎸/🎵 button to switch between ukulele and guitar charts.
• Ukulele Tricks - Free beginner ukulele lessons covering tuning, first chords, and strumming patterns.
• The Ukulele Teacher (YouTube) - Free video lessons for beginners, plus step-by-step tutorials for hundreds of popular songs.
• Doctor Uke - Free ukulele song sheets with chord diagrams and recordings to play along with. Good practice once you know a few chords.
• Ukulele Gent (YouTube) - Weekly ukulele play-along sessions. Strum along with familiar songs to build your speed at changing chords.
• JustinGuitar - A complete, free, step-by-step beginner guitar course with video lessons.
• FaChords Guitar - Free online tools for learning guitar chords, exploring scales, and practicing rhythm and ear training. The chord transposer moves a song into a key that fits your voice and finds chord shapes you can play.

Building a Kazoo Marching Band

This activity combines crafts with musical performance and is perfect for Cub Scout-aged children. Scouts build their own decorated kazoo horns and then perform together as a marching band. It's creative, fun, and gives every Scout a chance to shine—no musical experience required!

Materials Needed

• Plastic Funnels: One per Scout (various sizes work—larger funnels make more impressive horn bells).
• Garden Hose Segments: Cut into varying lengths, one per Scout. Short segments (12-18 inches) create trumpet-style horns, while longer segments (3-4 feet) can be coiled into French horn-style circles.
• Kazoos: One per Scout—these serve as the mouthpiece of the horn.
• Colorful Vinyl Tape: For wrapping and decorating the hose segments (various colors add personality).
• Foam Shapes: Stickers, stars, letters, or other craft foam pieces for decoration.
• Optional: Glitter tape, ribbon, feathers, or other embellishments to personalize each horn.

Assembly Instructions

• Attach the Kazoo (Mouthpiece): Insert the kazoo into one end of the garden hose segment. This is where the Scout will hum to make the sound. Make sure it's secure and airtight.
• Attach the Funnel (Bell): Insert the funnel into the other end of the hose segment. It should fit snugly—use duct tape if needed to secure it. This becomes the horn's bell that projects the sound.
• Shape Your Horn: For longer hose segments, coil the hose into a circle (like a French horn) and secure with tape. Shorter segments can be left straight (like a trumpet).
• Decorate the Hose: Let Scouts wrap their hose segments with colorful vinyl tape in spirals, stripes, or whatever patterns they like.
• Add Foam Shapes and Embellishments: Scouts can stick foam shapes, letters (their initials or patrol names), stars, and other decorations to personalize their horns.
• Test the Sound: Have each Scout hum into their kazoo to make sure it works. Adjust if needed.

Performance Ideas

• Grand Entrance: Line up the kazoo marching band and march into the campfire ring or assembly, playing a simple tune. Keep it simple—just getting everyone in formation and marching in is a success!
• Choose Simple Songs: Pick songs everyone knows with easy, repetitive melodies—"Row, Row, Row Your Boat," "When the Saints Go Marching In," or "Yankee Doodle" work great.
• Assign a Band Leader: One adult or older Scout serves as the conductor, leading tempo and cuing when to start and stop.
• Practice Together: Run through the songs a couple of times before performing so everyone knows when to play and when to rest.
• Encourage Enthusiasm: Remind Scouts that volume and energy make the performance fun. The sillier, the better!

Tips for Success

• Pre-Cut Materials: Have hose segments pre-cut to save time during the activity.
• Allow Creativity: Let Scouts express themselves through decoration—no two horns should look the same!
• Set a Time Limit: Give Scouts 20-30 minutes to build and decorate, then move to practice and performance.
• Take Photos: Capture the band in action—it makes a great memory and can be shared with families.
• Keep It Light: This activity is about fun and participation, not musical perfection. Celebrate the noise and the effort!

Tips For Telling Stories

• Know Your Audience: Tailor your stories to the age group and interests of your audience. Younger scouts might enjoy whimsical tales, while older ones might appreciate more complex narratives.
• Create Atmosphere: Set the mood by describing the surroundings, the crackling of the fire, and the night sky. Engaging all the senses helps immerse your audience in the story.
• Build Tension: Introduce suspense and build anticipation. Use pauses and changes in tone to create a sense of drama. This keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.
• Use Vivid Descriptions: Paint a vivid picture with your words. Help your audience visualize the characters, settings, and actions. This enhances the overall experience of the story.
• Incorporate Personal Experiences: Share personal anecdotes or experiences related to the theme of the story. Real-life stories can be especially captivating and relatable.
• Vary Your Tone and Pace: Keep your storytelling dynamic by varying your tone and pace. Speed up during exciting parts and slow down during moments of reflection or suspense.
• Involve the Audience: Encourage audience participation by asking questions, seeking opinions, or even inviting them to contribute to the story. This creates a more interactive and engaging experience.
• Know Your Story: Practice your story beforehand so you're familiar with its flow. This helps you maintain confidence and ensures you won't stumble over your words.
• Include a Lesson or Moral: Many traditional stories have a moral or lesson. Consider incorporating one into your narrative, especially if you're telling stories in a scouting context.
• Be Animated: Use facial expressions, gestures, and body language to enhance your storytelling. Your enthusiasm will naturally draw in your audience.
• Keep it Appropriate: Be mindful of your audience's age and sensitivities. Ensure that your stories are age-appropriate and align with the values of the scouting community.
• Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice storytelling, the more comfortable and effective you'll become. Experiment with different stories and styles to find what works best for you.

Becoming a Great Storyteller

Becoming a great storyteller is a rewarding journey that combines practice, creativity, and understanding of your audience. Whether you're telling campfire tales, family anecdotes, or performing at events, these tips will help you start and improve:

• Know Your Stories: Start simple with short, familiar stories like fables or tall tales, and build up to longer narratives. Choose stories you love, as your enthusiasm will shine through.
• Learn the Structure: Every great story has a clear structure:
  • Beginning: Introduce characters, setting, and conflict.
  • Middle: Build tension or excitement.
  • End: Resolve the conflict or surprise your audience with a twist.
• Master Delivery: Practice storytelling out loud, vary your voice and tone, and use gestures to enhance the story. Make eye contact and engage your audience with rhetorical questions or pauses for effect.
• Practice Regularly: Tell stories to friends and family or at small gatherings. Record yourself to identify areas for improvement, and turn real-life events into compelling narratives.
• Learn from Others: Watch skilled storytellers at events or online. Listen to podcasts like The Moth or StoryCorps, and read aloud to improve your rhythm and timing.
• Adapt for Your Audience: Tailor the story's length, tone, and content to your listeners. Add humor and relatable details to keep them engaged.
• Build a Repertoire: Collect a variety of stories, such as fables, myths, personal anecdotes, and tall tales. Categorize them by mood and occasion to ensure you're always prepared.
• Start Small, Then Grow: Begin with family gatherings or community events, and gradually build confidence to perform for larger audiences.
• Make It Your Own: Add your personality, humor, and unique details to make the story memorable and engaging.
• Utilize Resources: Explore books like The Storyteller's Start-Up Book by Margaret Read MacDonald or podcasts such as The Moth and StoryCorps. Look for local workshops or online platforms to practice.

By practicing and sharing stories consistently, you'll develop the skills and confidence to captivate any audience. Your journey will be full of fun, connection, and creativity-happy storytelling!