{"id":1838,"date":"2026-10-23T15:34:58","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T21:34:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.troop87.cc\/?page_id=1838"},"modified":"2026-10-23T16:14:06","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T22:14:06","slug":"meeting-activities","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.troop87.cc\/index.php\/meeting-activities\/","title":{"rendered":"Meeting Activities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;min-height:380px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-103\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.troop87.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/campfire.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.troop87.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/campfire.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.troop87.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/campfire-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.troop87.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/campfire-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-60 has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#0a1428\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#c9a227;font-size:0.8rem;font-style:normal;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:3px;text-transform:uppercase\">Troop Meetings<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meeting Activities<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Games and skill builders for troop meetings, indoors or outside as the light fades.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<style>\n.t87-act-page{background:#f7f3e9;color:#0a1428;padding:3.5rem 1.5rem 4rem;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important}\n.t87-act-page>*{max-width:1340px;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important}\n.t87-act-safety{background:#fff;border-left:4px solid #b3202a;border-radius:8px;padding:1.25rem 1.5rem;margin-bottom:1.75rem!important}\n.t87-act-safety-title{font-size:1.15rem;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 .35rem}\n.t87-act-safety-text{margin:0;font-size:1.05rem;line-height:1.6}\n.t87-act-filter{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;gap:.5rem;margin-bottom:1.75rem}\n.t87-act-btn{font:inherit;font-size:.95rem;font-weight:600;background:#fff;color:#0a1428;border:1px solid #0a1428;border-radius:6px;padding:.5rem 1.1rem;cursor:pointer}\n.t87-act-btn:hover{background:#ece6d6}\n.t87-act-btn.is-active{background:#0a1428;color:#fff}\n.t87-act-btn:focus-visible{outline:3px solid #c9a227;outline-offset:2px}\n.t87-act-count{color:#5f6470;font-size:.95rem;margin-left:.35rem}\n.t87-act-grid{display:grid!important;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fill,minmax(300px,1fr));gap:1.5rem}\n.t87-act-grid>*{margin:0!important;max-width:none}\n.t87-act{background:#fff;border-radius:8px;padding:2rem 1.75rem 1.5rem}\n.t87-act[hidden]{display:none}\n.t87-act>*{margin-top:0!important}\n.t87-act-title{font-size:1.25rem;font-weight:400;margin:0 0 .5rem}\n.t87-act-tags{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:.25rem 1rem;margin:0 0 1rem}\n.t87-tag{font-size:.75rem;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#b3202a}\n.t87-tag--outdoor{color:#0f1f3d}\n.t87-tag--time{color:#5f6470;letter-spacing:1px}\n.t87-act-desc{font-size:1.05rem;line-height:1.6;margin:0 0 1rem}\n.t87-act-need-label{font-size:.95rem;margin:0 0 .25rem}\n.t87-act-need{font-size:.95rem;line-height:1.5;margin:0 0 1rem;padding-left:1.2rem}\n.t87-act-tie{font-size:.9rem;color:#5f6470;margin:0;padding-top:.75rem;border-top:1px solid #ece6d6}\n.t87-act-cta{background:#0f1f3d;color:#fff;padding:3rem 1.5rem;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important}\n.t87-act-cta>*{max-width:1340px;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important}\n.t87-act-cta-title{font-size:1.5rem;font-weight:400;color:#fff;margin:0 0 .5rem}\n.t87-act-cta-text{margin:0;font-size:1.05rem}\n.t87-act-cta a{color:#c9a227}\n@media (max-width:480px){.t87-act-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.t87-act{padding:1.5rem 1.25rem}}\nbody:has(.t87-act-page) .wp-site-blocks>footer{margin-block-start:0}\n.t87-act-intro{font-size:1.15rem;line-height:1.7;max-width:46em;margin:0 auto 1.75rem!important;text-align:center}\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull t87-act-page is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"t87-act-intro wp-block-paragraph\">Planning a meeting every week is hard, and the best ones are fun and get everyone involved. Use these as a starting point: pick one or two that fit the night and keep it hands-on. This list will keep growing. When a patrol runs something that works, send it in so future leaders can use it too.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group t87-act-safety is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading t87-act-safety-title\">Before you head outside after dark<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-safety-text wp-block-paragraph\">Follow the <em>Guide to Safe Scouting<\/em>: use the buddy system, keep adults present, walk the area for hazards in daylight, and make sure every scout has a light. Requirement numbers below are from Scouting America\u2019s December 2025 rank requirements; check scouting.org if they change.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"t87-act-filter\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Filter activities\">\n  <button type=\"button\" class=\"t87-act-btn is-active\" data-filter=\"all\" aria-pressed=\"true\">All<\/button>\n  <button type=\"button\" class=\"t87-act-btn\" data-filter=\"set-outdoor\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Outdoor, low light<\/button>\n  <button type=\"button\" class=\"t87-act-btn\" data-filter=\"set-indoor\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Indoor<\/button>\n  <button type=\"button\" class=\"t87-act-btn\" data-filter=\"type-game\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Games<\/button>\n  <button type=\"button\" class=\"t87-act-btn\" data-filter=\"type-learning\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Learning<\/button>\n  <span class=\"t87-act-count\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group t87-act-grid is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group t87-act set-outdoor type-learning type-game is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading t87-act-title\">Flashlight Morse Code<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-tags wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"t87-tag t87-tag--outdoor\">Outdoor, low light<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag\">Learning<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag\">Game<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag t87-tag--time\">20\u201330 min<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-desc wp-block-paragraph\">Patrols stand at opposite ends of the field and flash short messages to each other in Morse code, then race to decode the other patrol\u2019s message. Start with SOS and three-letter words, then work up to full sentences.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-need-label wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You\u2019ll need<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list t87-act-need\">\n<li>A flashlight for each patrol<\/li>\n\n<li>A printed Morse code chart for each patrol<\/li>\n\n<li>Paper and pencils for decoding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-tie wp-block-paragraph\">Builds toward: Signs, Signals, and Codes merit badge (Morse code requirement)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group t87-act set-outdoor type-learning is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading t87-act-title\">Night Compass Course<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-tags wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"t87-tag t87-tag--outdoor\">Outdoor, low light<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag\">Learning<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag t87-tag--time\">30\u201345 min<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-desc wp-block-paragraph\">Before the meeting, an adult or older scout sets out a short bearing-and-distance course, marking each point with a reflector or glow stick. Scouts work in pairs with a compass and headlamp. Fading light forces them to trust the compass instead of eyeballing landmarks.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-need-label wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You\u2019ll need<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list t87-act-need\">\n<li>Compasses<\/li>\n\n<li>Reflectors or glow sticks for each point<\/li>\n\n<li>A course card with bearings and distances<\/li>\n\n<li>A headlamp for each pair<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-tie wp-block-paragraph\">Builds toward: Second Class 3a (compass) and First Class 4a (orienteering course)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group t87-act set-outdoor type-game is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading t87-act-title\">Glow-Stick Capture the Flag<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-tags wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"t87-tag t87-tag--outdoor\">Outdoor, low light<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag\">Game<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag t87-tag--time\">20\u201330 min<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-desc wp-block-paragraph\">The classic game, played at dusk. Every player wears a glow stick so everyone stays visible, and the flags glow too. Walk the field for holes and hazards in daylight first, mark the boundaries clearly, and switch to a walking-only rule once it\u2019s truly dark.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-need-label wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You\u2019ll need<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list t87-act-need\">\n<li>Glow sticks in two team colors<\/li>\n\n<li>Two glowing flags<\/li>\n\n<li>Cones or glow sticks to mark boundaries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group t87-act set-outdoor type-learning is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading t87-act-title\">Dusk Constellation Hunt<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-tags wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"t87-tag t87-tag--outdoor\">Outdoor, low light<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag\">Learning<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag t87-tag--time\">20\u201330 min<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-desc wp-block-paragraph\">On a clear evening, scouts use a star chart or sky app to spot the first stars and planets, then a few constellations as the sky darkens. Red lights protect night vision. In fall and winter it\u2019s dark enough right at meeting time.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-need-label wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You\u2019ll need<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list t87-act-need\">\n<li>Star charts or a sky app<\/li>\n\n<li>Red flashlights, or red cellophane over regular ones<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-tie wp-block-paragraph\">Builds toward: Astronomy merit badge 4a (identify 10 constellations)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group t87-act set-outdoor type-learning is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading t87-act-title\">Night Senses Sound Map<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-tags wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"t87-tag t87-tag--outdoor\">Outdoor, low light<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag\">Learning<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag t87-tag--time\">15\u201320 min<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-desc wp-block-paragraph\">Each scout sits alone, within sight of a buddy, for five quiet minutes with a card that has an X in the middle. They mark every sound they hear by direction and distance. Afterward, compare maps and talk about which animals are active at dusk.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-need-label wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You\u2019ll need<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list t87-act-need\">\n<li>An index card and pencil for each scout<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-tie wp-block-paragraph\">Builds toward: Nature study and Leave No Trace discussions<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group t87-act set-indoor type-game type-learning is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading t87-act-title\">Kim\u2019s Game<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-tags wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"t87-tag t87-tag--indoor\">Indoor<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag\">Game<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag\">Learning<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag t87-tag--time\">10\u201315 min<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-desc wp-block-paragraph\">Lay 15\u201320 small items on a table and cover them with a cloth. Uncover them for one minute, cover them again, and have each scout write down everything they remember. For a harder round, quietly remove or swap one item and see who notices.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-need-label wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You\u2019ll need<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list t87-act-need\">\n<li>15\u201320 small, varied items<\/li>\n\n<li>A cloth or towel<\/li>\n\n<li>Paper and pencils<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-tie wp-block-paragraph\">Builds toward: Observation skills for first aid and tracking<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group t87-act set-indoor set-outdoor type-game type-learning is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading t87-act-title\">Knot Relay<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-tags wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"t87-tag t87-tag--indoor\">Indoor<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag t87-tag--outdoor\">Outdoor, low light<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag\">Game<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag\">Learning<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag t87-tag--time\">15\u201320 min<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-desc wp-block-paragraph\">Patrols line up and the leader calls out a knot: square knot, two half hitches, taut-line hitch, bowline or clove hitch. The first scout in each line ties it, an older scout checks it, and the next scout goes. Works indoors or outside under a porch light.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-need-label wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You\u2019ll need<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list t87-act-need\">\n<li>One rope per patrol<\/li>\n\n<li>A post or chair leg for hitches<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-tie wp-block-paragraph\">Builds toward: Scout 4a, Tenderfoot 3a\u20133c, Second Class 2g and First Class 3b knots<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group t87-act set-indoor type-learning is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading t87-act-title\">First Aid Scenario Stations<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-tags wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"t87-tag t87-tag--indoor\">Indoor<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag\">Learning<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag t87-tag--time\">30\u201345 min<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-desc wp-block-paragraph\">Set up three or four stations, each with a written scenario such as a cut hand, a sprained ankle, a burn, or someone showing signs of shock. Patrols rotate through, treat a \u201cvictim\u201d acting out the injury, and explain what they\u2019d do next. Older scouts run the stations.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-need-label wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You\u2019ll need<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list t87-act-need\">\n<li>First aid kits<\/li>\n\n<li>Scenario cards<\/li>\n\n<li>Face paint for mock injuries (optional)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-tie wp-block-paragraph\">Builds toward: Tenderfoot 4a first aid<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group t87-act set-indoor set-outdoor type-learning type-game is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading t87-act-title\">Lashing Challenge<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-tags wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"t87-tag t87-tag--indoor\">Indoor<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag t87-tag--outdoor\">Outdoor, low light<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag\">Learning<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag\">Game<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag t87-tag--time\">30\u201345 min<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-desc wp-block-paragraph\">Each patrol gets staves and lashing cord and has to build a tripod, an A-frame, or a small camp gadget that can hold a backpack. Time it, then test it. Teaches square, diagonal and shear lashings.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-need-label wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You\u2019ll need<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list t87-act-need\">\n<li>Staves or broomsticks<\/li>\n\n<li>Lashing cord<\/li>\n\n<li>A backpack to test with<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-tie wp-block-paragraph\">Builds toward: First Class 3c\u20133d lashings and Pioneering merit badge<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group t87-act set-indoor type-game is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading t87-act-title\">Knot-and-Skill Steal the Bacon<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-tags wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"t87-tag t87-tag--indoor\">Indoor<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag\">Game<\/span> <span class=\"t87-tag t87-tag--time\">15\u201320 min<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-desc wp-block-paragraph\">Two teams line up facing each other, and each player gets a number. A rope sits in the middle. The leader calls a number and a knot, like \u201c3, bowline!\u201d Both players race for the rope, but a point only counts if the knot is tied correctly before the other player tags them.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-need-label wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You\u2019ll need<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list t87-act-need\">\n<li>A rope or neckerchief<\/li>\n\n<li>Space to run safely<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull t87-act-cta is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading t87-act-cta-title\">Have a favorite meeting activity?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"t87-act-cta-text wp-block-paragraph\">Send it to the Scoutmaster at <a href=\"mailto:bsatroop87@hotmail.com\">bsatroop87@hotmail.com<\/a> and we\u2019ll add it here.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<script>\n(function () {\n  var bar = document.querySelector('.t87-act-filter');\n  if (!bar) return;\n  var cards = document.querySelectorAll('.t87-act');\n  var count = bar.querySelector('.t87-act-count');\n  function apply(f) {\n    var shown = 0;\n    cards.forEach(function (c) {\n      var on = f === 'all' || c.classList.contains(f);\n      c.hidden = !on;\n      if (on) shown++;\n    });\n    count.textContent = shown + (shown === 1 ? ' activity' : ' activities');\n  }\n  bar.addEventListener('click', function (e) {\n    var b = e.target.closest('.t87-act-btn');\n    if (!b) return;\n    bar.querySelectorAll('.t87-act-btn').forEach(function (x) {\n      x.classList.toggle('is-active', x === b);\n      x.setAttribute('aria-pressed', x === b ? 'true' : 'false');\n    });\n    apply(b.getAttribute('data-filter'));\n  });\n  apply('all');\n})();\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Planning a meeting every week is hard, and the best ones are fun and get everyone involved. Use these as a starting point: pick one or two that fit the night and keep it hands-on. This list will keep growing. When a patrol runs something that works, send it in so future leaders can use [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1838","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.troop87.cc\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1838","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.troop87.cc\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.troop87.cc\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.troop87.cc\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.troop87.cc\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1838"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.troop87.cc\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1838\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1848,"href":"https:\/\/www.troop87.cc\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1838\/revisions\/1848"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.troop87.cc\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1838"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}