Mountain Lion Den Meeting Plan: Free Resource for 2026

The Mountain Lion Adventure is a great way for Lion Cub Scouts to learn about the outdoors. This Mountain Lion den meeting teaches them how to be prepared, stay safe, and explore nature with curiosity. Lions will go on a walk, practice using important outdoor gear, and learn what to do if they ever get separated from their group. They will also discover the difference between wild and domesticated animals.

This Mountain Lion den meeting plan is designed to be fun and hands-on. Lions will play games, act out real-life situations, and spend time outside. The activities will keep them moving and engaged while teaching them useful skills. They won’t just hear about outdoor safety and preparedness—they will practice it.

Download the Mountain Lion Den Meeting Plan

Along the way, Lions will build confidence and teamwork. They will learn to pay attention to their surroundings and think about the world in new ways. Most importantly, they will have a great time with their den while exploring nature together.

By the end of this Mountain Lion den meeting, Lions will be more prepared for outdoor adventures. They will know how to take care of themselves, how to recognize important things in nature, and how to respect the animals around them. It’s a perfect mix of learning and fun, setting the stage for a lifetime of adventure.

Timeline for the Mountain Lion Adventure Den Meeting Plan

Total Time: 60 Minutes

Gathering Activity – Guess the Cub Scout Six Essentials (5 minutes)
Lions reach into a bag and guess each item by touch. Covers Mountain Lion Requirement 1. Helps them recognize essential outdoor items.

Learning the Cub Scout Six Essentials – Packing and Role-Playing (10 minutes)
Lions pack a small bag with the Six Essentials and act out scenarios where they would use each one. Covers Mountain Lion Requirement 1. Teaches preparedness and practical use of essentials.

Outdoor Walk – Exploring Nature and Identifying Natural vs. Man-Made Objects (20 minutes)
Lions take a short walk, use their Six Essentials, and play “I Spy” to classify objects. Covers Mountain Lion Requirement 2. Develops observation skills and awareness of nature.

S.A.W. Safety Lesson – Whistle Practice and Reverse Hide-and-Seek (10 minutes)
Lions learn and practice the S.A.W. (Stay, Answer, Whistle) method through a whistle activity and a game of Reverse Hide-and-Seek. Covers Mountain Lion Requirement 3. Reinforces outdoor safety and staying put when lost.

Local Animals Activity – Wild vs. Domesticated Matching Game (5 minutes)
Lions sort animal pictures into wild and domesticated categories and discuss local wildlife. Covers Mountain Lion Requirement 4. Teaches respect for animals and understanding of different habitats.

Snack (5 minutes)
Simple snack time. Allows Lions to relax and socialize.

Closing Reflection (5 minutes)
Discussion about what they learned. Connects to the Scout Law points of Brave (staying in one place if lost), Helpful (being prepared), and Reverent (respecting nature). Ends with a Cub Scout cheer.

Preparation for the Mountain Lion Adventure Den Meeting

General Supplies

• Small bags or backpacks for each Lion
• Printed or drawn pictures of animals (wild and domesticated)
• A bag to hold the Six Essentials for the gathering activity
• Labels or signs for sorting games (e.g., “Wild” and “Domesticated”)

Cub Scout Six Essentials (for activities and demonstration)

• First aid kit
• Water bottle (filled with water)
• Flashlight
• Trail food (granola bars, crackers, or fruit)
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, or sunglasses)
• Whistle

For Outdoor Walk

• Safe walking route planned ahead of time
• List of natural and man-made items Lions might see
• Printed scavenger hunt sheets (optional)
• Binoculars (optional, but fun for spotting animals)

For S.A.W. Safety Lesson

• Extra whistles if Lions do not have their own
• A safe outdoor or indoor space for playing Reverse Hide-and-Seek

For Snack Time

• Simple, easy-to-serve snacks (crackers, cheese sticks, apple slices, granola bars)
• Napkins and a trash bag for cleanup
• Water for drinking if needed

Things to Do Before the Den Meeting

• Choose and prepare the den meeting location (indoor space and outdoor walk area)
• Print or draw animal pictures for the matching game
• Gather Six Essentials and place them in a bag for the gathering activity
• Plan the walking route and check for safety
• Make sure whistles work and are ready for the S.A.W. activity

What to Ask Parents to Help With or Provide

• Have Lions bring a small backpack if they have one and if possible their own six essentials
• Send a reminder for Lions to dress for the weather, especially if it’s sunny or cold
• Ask for snack donations if needed
• Request extra whistles if families have extras to share

Having everything prepared ahead of time will make the Mountain Lion den meeting run smoothly. Parents can be a great help, especially for the walk and snack time. This will keep the Lions engaged and ensure they have fun while learning!

What’s in the Bag?

This gathering activity is a quick and fun way to introduce the Cub Scout Six Essentials. It takes about five minutes and gets Lions thinking about what they need to bring when they go outside. They will use their sense of touch to guess what’s inside a mystery bag. This makes learning feel like a game.

Lions are young, and they learn best by doing. Instead of just telling them what the Six Essentials are, we let them feel the items and try to figure them out. This keeps them engaged and makes them curious. They will be excited to reach into the bag and take a guess.

This activity also helps them focus. It encourages them to pay attention to details. They will notice shapes, textures, and sizes as they feel each item. This will help them remember these important items later when they really need them outdoors.

1. Prepare the Bag – Before the den meeting, place the six essential items in a bag. These are a water bottle, flashlight, first aid kit, whistle, trail food, and sun protection (like sunscreen or a hat). Use a bag that Lions can’t see through.
2. Gather the Lions – Have them sit in a circle. Explain that inside the bag are things that help Scouts stay safe outdoors. Their job is to reach in, feel an item, and guess what it is.
3. Start the Game – One at a time, each Lion reaches into the bag without looking. They feel an item and make a guess. If they don’t know, they can describe what they feel, and the group can help.
4. Reveal and Discuss – After all six items are guessed, take them out one by one. Say what each item is and briefly explain why it is important. Keep it simple. For example, “The water bottle helps us stay hydrated so we don’t feel tired.”
5. Wrap It Up – Once all items are revealed, ask a few quick questions. “Which one do you think is the most important?” “Have you ever used one of these before?” This helps them connect the items to real life.

Lions love surprises, and this game makes learning fun. It also gets them thinking about being prepared. They might not always remember a list, but they will remember reaching into that bag and feeling the items.

This is a great way to start the Mountain Lion den meeting. It sets the stage for the rest of the adventure. By the time they move on to packing their own Six Essentials, they will already be familiar with what each item is and why it matters.

Activities for the Mountain Lion Adventure Den Meeting Plan

Pack It Up! Learning the Six Essentials

This activity helps Lions learn what to bring when they go outside. It takes about ten minutes. They will pack a small bag with the Cub Scout Six Essentials. Then, they will act out different situations where they might need each item.

Lions learn best when they can touch and use things. Instead of just telling them about the Six Essentials, we let them pack their own bag. This makes it more real for them. They will remember better because they are doing it themselves.

Role-playing helps them understand why each item is important. They will pretend to use the items in real situations. This makes it fun and helps them think about how to be prepared.

1. Prepare the Bags – Bring small bags or backpacks for each Lion. If they have their own, they can use those. Gather the Six Essentials: a water bottle, flashlight, first aid kit, whistle, trail food, and sun protection (like sunscreen or a hat).
2. Lay Out the Essentials – Put all six items on a table. Have the Lions stand around the table so they can see everything.
3. Pack the Bags – One by one, ask the Lions to pick up each item and put it in their bag. As they pick up an item, explain why it is important. Keep it simple. “The water bottle helps you stay strong and not get tired.”
4. Role-Playing Scenarios – After their bags are packed, call out pretend situations. Ask the Lions what they would do and which item they would use.
   • “It’s hot and sunny. What do you need?” (Sun protection)
   • “You feel hungry on a hike. What will help?” (Trail food)
   • “You have a small cut. What should you use?” (First aid kit)
5. Make It Fun – Let the Lions act it out. If they need water, have them pretend to take a sip. If they use a whistle, have them blow it (just once to keep it from getting too loud).

This activity makes the Six Essentials easy to remember. Lions get to see, touch, and use each item. Packing their own bag helps them feel responsible. Role-playing helps them connect the items to real situations.

This is a great way to build confidence. Lions will know how to take care of themselves when they are outside. They will feel proud of their own outdoor pack, ready for adventure!

Nature Hunt: Finding What’s Natural and What’s Not

This activity takes about 20 minutes. Lions will go on a short walk and use their Six Essentials. As they walk, they will look for things in nature and decide if they are natural or man-made. They will also play a fun game of “I Spy” to keep them engaged.

Lions love to explore. This walk will help them pay attention to the world around them. They will learn to notice details and think about how things fit into nature. They will also practice using their Six Essentials, like drinking from their water bottle or putting on sun protection.

This activity encourages curiosity. Lions will start to see nature in a new way. They will learn that some things, like trees and animals, are part of nature. Other things, like benches and buildings, were made by people.

1. Pick a Safe Walking Path – Choose a short, easy route. A park or a nature trail is a good option. Make sure there are both natural and man-made things to see.
2. Pack the Six Essentials – Before starting, have Lions take out their Six Essentials. Remind them that these items help them stay safe outside.
3. Start the Walk – As you walk, encourage the Lions to look around. Ask them to point out things they see. Guide them with simple questions:
   • “Do you see something that was made by nature?”
   • “Can you find something that people built?”
4. Play ‘I Spy’ – To keep them engaged, play a game of “I Spy.” Give clues about something natural or man-made. For example, “I spy something green that grows tall.” (Tree) or “I spy something with wheels.” (Bicycle)
5. Use the Essentials – Throughout the walk, remind them to use their Six Essentials. Have them take a sip from their water bottle, adjust their sun protection, or use their whistle (if appropriate).
6. Wrap It Up – At the end of the walk, gather the Lions and ask a few questions. “What was your favorite thing you saw?” “Was there something you found that surprised you?”

Lions love being outside, and this activity makes learning fun. It helps them slow down and notice the world around them. They will begin to understand how nature and people’s creations exist together.

By using their Six Essentials, they also practice being prepared. This simple walk builds skills that will help them on future adventures. Plus, they get to burn some energy while exploring with their friends!

Stay, Answer, Whistle! A Game to Stay Safe

This activity takes about ten minutes. Lions will learn what to do if they ever get lost outdoors. They will practice the S.A.W. method: Stay, Answer, Whistle. They will also play a game of Reverse Hide-and-Seek to practice staying put and being found.

Young children may not always know what to do if they get separated. This lesson teaches them in a way they can remember. The key message is simple: stay in one place, answer when called, and use a whistle to help others find them.

Lions love to play games, so we turn this safety lesson into a fun activity. When they practice using their whistle and answering calls, they will feel more confident. This could help them stay safe on future outdoor adventures.

1. Explain S.A.W. – Gather the Lions and explain what S.A.W. means.
   • Stay – If you get lost, don’t walk around. Stay where you are.
   • Answer – If someone calls your name, answer loudly so they can find you.
   • Whistle – If you have a whistle, blow it three times to signal for help.
2. Practice Whistle Signals – Give each Lion a turn to blow their whistle three times. Remind them that three short blasts is the signal for help.
3. Play Reverse Hide-and-Seek – Pick one Lion to be “lost.” They stay in one place while the others search for them. The “lost” Lion blows their whistle or calls out to help the others find them. Repeat with different Lions taking turns.
4. Wrap It Up – After the game, ask a few questions. “What should you do if you get lost?” “Why is staying in one place important?” “How can a whistle help?” Let them share what they learned.

Lions learn best through action. This game helps them remember S.A.W. by practicing it in a safe setting. They will understand that staying in one place makes it easier for people to find them.

By using their whistle and answering calls, they gain confidence in what to do if they ever get lost. This lesson could make a real difference on future outdoor adventures!

Wild or Pet? A Fun Animal Sorting Game

This activity takes about five minutes. Lions will look at pictures of different animals and decide if they are wild or domesticated. This helps them understand the difference between animals that live in nature and animals that live with people.

Lions love animals, and this game lets them learn in a fun way. Some animals, like dogs and cats, are part of our daily lives. Others, like deer and owls, live in the wild. This activity helps Lions think about where animals belong and how they survive.

Talking about wild and domesticated animals also teaches respect. Lions will see that wild animals should stay in their natural homes, while domesticated animals need people to care for them. This helps them understand the importance of protecting nature and being kind to animals.

1. Prepare the Animal Pictures – Print or draw pictures of different animals. Choose some that are domesticated and some that are wild. Suggested animals:
   • Domesticated: Dog, cat, cow, chicken, horse, sheep
   • Wild: Deer, raccoon, owl, fox, eagle, bear
2. Lay Out Two Categories – Set up two areas, one labeled “Wild” and one labeled “Domesticated.”
3. Sort the Animals – Show one animal picture at a time. Ask the Lions, “Is this animal wild or does it live with people?” Let them take turns placing the picture in the right category.
4. Discuss – After all pictures are sorted, ask a few questions. “What makes an animal wild?” “Why do some animals need people to take care of them?” “Have you seen any of these animals before?”

Lions enjoy looking at animals, and sorting makes learning fun. This simple game helps them understand the difference between pets, farm animals, and wild animals.

By talking about where animals live and how they survive, Lions learn respect for nature. They see why wild animals should stay in their natural habitat and why pets and farm animals need care. This builds an early understanding of responsibility and kindness toward animals.

Refuel and Chat

This part of the den meeting takes about five minutes. Snack time gives Lions a chance to relax and talk with their friends. They get to take a break before the closing activity. A small snack helps them stay focused and happy.

Lions are always full of energy, but they also need time to slow down. This is a great moment for them to sit together and enjoy a simple treat. It also gives them a chance to share their thoughts about what they learned.

Snack time can also be a time for discussion. You can ask them questions about their favorite part of the Mountain Lion den meeting. Keep it simple and fun. Let them share their thoughts while they eat.

• Choose a Simple Snack – Pick something easy to serve and eat. Crackers, cheese sticks, apple slices, or granola bars work well. Avoid anything too messy.
• Set Up a Snack Area – Have the Lions sit together in a circle or around a table. This helps them feel included and part of the group.
• Start a Conversation – While they eat, ask them fun questions. “What was your favorite part of today?” “Did you see anything cool on our walk?” “Which animal did you like best?”
• Keep It Short and Simple – Once everyone is finished, remind them to throw away their trash. Then, get ready for the closing activity.

Lions love to talk and share. Snack time lets them connect with their den in a relaxed way. It also gives them a chance to reflect on what they learned.

A quick snack keeps them happy and ready for the rest of the den meeting. It’s a simple way to build friendships and make the den meeting more fun.

Thinking Back on Our Adventure

This closing reflection takes about five minutes. It helps Lions think about what they learned during the Mountain Lion den meeting. This is a good time to remind them how these lessons connect to the Scout Law.

Lions may not always remember everything right away, but talking about it helps. Ask simple questions to guide their thoughts. Let them share what they found fun or interesting. Keep the discussion short and positive.

This is also a great moment to connect the activities to the Scout Law. Being Brave means staying in one place if they get lost. Being Helpful means being prepared with the Six Essentials. Being Reverent means respecting nature and the animals that live there.

1. Gather the Lions – Have them sit in a circle so everyone can see and hear each other.
2. Ask Simple Questions – Guide the discussion with questions like:
   • “What was your favorite part of today?”
   • “Why do we carry the Six Essentials?”
   • “What should you do if you get lost?”
   • “How can we be kind to animals and nature?”
3. Connect to the Scout Law – Explain how today’s adventure showed different parts of the Scout Law. Use simple words. “You were Brave when you learned to stay put if lost. You were Helpful when you packed your Six Essentials. You were Reverent when you learned to respect nature.”
4. End with a Cheer – Finish on a fun and energetic note. A great cheer for this meeting is the Mountain Lion Roar. Say, “On the count of three, let’s do our best lion roar! One, two, three—ROAR!”

Ending the Mountain Lion den meeting with a reflection helps Lions remember what they learned. It also reinforces good habits like being prepared and respecting nature.

The cheer makes the den meeting end on a high note. It leaves the Lions excited for their next adventure.

Resources

Mountain Lion Adventure

The Mountain Lion Adventure helps Lion Cub Scouts learn about nature and outdoor safety. They start by learning the Cub Scout Six Essentials, which are important items to carry on outdoor adventures. They practice packing these items and learn how to use them. Then, they take a nature walk with their den or family, using their essentials while exploring. During the walk, they identify things that are natural and things that are man-made.

Lions also learn the SAW (Stay, Answer, Whistle) method, which teaches them what to do if they get lost. They practice using a whistle to signal for help. Lastly, they learn about local animals and sort them into two groups: domesticated (like pets and farm animals) and wild (like deer and squirrels). These activities help Lions develop awareness, safety skills, and a love for the outdoors while having fun with their den and family. Learn more about the Mountain Lion adventure here.

See more resources.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Mountain Lion Adventure Den Meeting

How long should this Mountain Lion den meeting take?

This Mountain Lion den meeting should take about 60 minutes. Each activity is planned to keep Lions engaged without feeling rushed.

What if I don’t have a good outdoor space for the walk?

If you don’t have access to a park or trail, use a nearby schoolyard, playground, or even a safe sidewalk area. Focus on identifying natural and man-made objects in the environment.

Do Lions need to bring their own Six Essentials?

It’s great if they do, but it’s not required. You can provide the Six Essentials for the activities or ask parents to bring what they have.

What kind of snack should I serve?

Keep it simple and easy to clean up. Crackers, cheese sticks, apple slices, or granola bars work well. Avoid messy or sugary snacks.

How do I keep the Lions focused during the walk?

Use games like “I Spy” or a simple scavenger hunt to keep them engaged. Ask questions and encourage them to point out what they see.

What if a Lion has trouble using a whistle?

Some young children may struggle with blowing a whistle. If needed, have them practice calling out loud instead. The important lesson is making noise to be found.

Can I adjust the activities for my group?

Yes! If your Lions need more time for an activity, adjust the schedule. Keep the focus on learning through play and exploration.

How can parents help during the Mountain Lion den meeting?

Ask parents to help with supervision, snack time, or bringing supplies. They should also join in the walk and help guide discussions.

What is the main goal of the Mountain Lion adventure?

The goal is to teach Lions how to be prepared, stay safe outdoors, and respect nature. They will also build confidence while having fun.

Lions, Learning, and Lots of Fun!

This den meeting is a great way to get Lions excited about exploring the outdoors. They will learn how to be prepared, how to stay safe, and how to respect nature. Through hands-on activities, they will practice using the Cub Scout Six Essentials, play games to learn about safety, and discover the difference between wild and domesticated animals.

Lions love to move and play, so this meeting keeps them active while they learn. The gathering game sparks curiosity, the outdoor walk encourages observation, and the role-playing helps them understand real-life situations. By the end of the meeting, they will feel more confident about being outside and knowing what to do in different situations.

This adventure also connects to important values in the Scout Law. Lions will practice being Brave by learning what to do if they get lost. They will be Helpful by preparing for outdoor activities. They will show Reverence by respecting nature and animals. These lessons will stay with them as they continue their Scouting journey.

With some simple preparation, this meeting will be fun and rewarding for everyone. The Lions will leave excited for their next outdoor adventure, feeling proud of what they learned. And of course, they’ll have a great time roaring together like real Mountain Lions!