Lion hunt is a fun audience participation that has become a staple of Cub Scouting and it makes a great Lion advancement as well. And, it has historical significance to the very beginnings of the Boy Scouts of America, as you will see below.

Preparation

Materials: Lion Badge(s)
Camera (optional)
Setup: Dens should be grouped together
Ensure there is a clear path from the presentation area where the Cubmaster is to the Lion Den.
Stage the Lion awards in an easy-to-reach location.

STEM Facts
Adult male lions can weigh over 400 pounds (170 kg) and it takes a lot of food to sustain that. They can eat up to 88 pounds (40kg) of meat in a single meal! They don’t waste a thing either. Their tongues have sharp-pointed rasps, called papillae, which are used to scrape meat off the bones. Lions roar together to mark their territory. They can be heard from 5 miles away.

CUBMASTER: In 1909, William Boyce was on his way to africa for a safari when he stopped over in London, England and had his now-famous encounter with the unknown Scout. What you may not know is he was going to Africa to hunt lions and other wildlife… with a camera, not a gun. In honor of William Boyce, and in the interest of having some fun, we are going on a lion hunt!
<IF NEEDED, EXPLAIN HOW THIS REPEAT-AFTER-ME AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION WORKS>
With each verse, move towards the Lion den. There are 6 verses with the first 5 describing the Lion adventure required in order to earn the rank. Use appropriate actions in each verse. The Cubmaster  will move towards the Lion den with each verse and should arrive in front of the den after the 5th verse. The 6th verse returns the Lions, families, and Cubmaster to the front to award the badges. Repeat all of the actions as you step back through each of the 5 verses.

Verse 1:

CUBMASTER:
AUDIENCE:
CUBMASTER:
AUDIENCE:
CUBMASTER:
AUDIENCE:
CUBMASTER:
AUDIENCE:
CUBMASTER:

 

We’re going on a lion hunt
<We’re going on a lion hunt>
We’re going to find a big one
<We’re going to find a big one>
I’m not afraid
<I’m not afraid>
I have my camera
<I have my camera>
Wait! What’s that up ahead? It’s a fire!
We can’t go over it. We can’t go under it.
We can’t go around it.
We have to go through it!
This is going to take teamwork.
EVERYONE: Scoop it up, put it out.
Scoop it up, put it out.

Verse 2:

CUBMASTER:
AUDIENCE:
CUBMASTER:
AUDIENCE:
CUBMASTER:
AUDIENCE:
CUBMASTER:
AUDIENCE:
CUBMASTER:
We’re going on a lion hunt
<We’re going on a lion hunt>
We’re going to find a big one
<We’re going to find a big one>
I’m not afraid
<I’m not afraid>
I have my camera
<I have my camera>
Wait! What’s up ahead? It’s a desert!
We can’t go over it. We can’t go under it.
We can’t go around it.
We have to go through it!
We need to eat smart and hydrate.
EVERYONE: Munch, munch, slurp, slurp.
Munch, munch, slurp, slurp.

Verse 3:

CUBMASTER:
AUDIENCE:
CUBMASTER:
AUDIENCE:
CUBMASTER:
AUDIENCE:
CUBMASTER:
AUDIENCE:
CUBMASTER:

We’re going on a lion hunt
<We’re going on a lion hunt>
We’re going to find a big one
<We’re going to find a big one>
I’m not afraid
<I’m not afraid>
I have my camera
<I have my camera>
Wait! What’s up ahead?
The bridge is out!
We can’t go over it. We can’t go under it.
We can’t go around it.
We have to go through it!
Looks like a good service project. Rebuild!
EVERYONE: Pound, pound, saw, saw.
Pound, pound, saw, saw.

Verse 4:

CUBMASTER:
AUDIENCE:
CUBMASTER:
AUDIENCE:
CUBMASTER:
AUDIENCE:
CUBMASTER:
AUDIENCE:
CUBMASTER:

 

We’re going on a lion hunt
<We’re going on a lion hunt>
We’re going to find a big one
<We’re going to find a big one>
I’m not afraid
<I’m not afraid>
I have my camera
<I have my camera>
Wait! What’s up ahead? It’s a jungle!
We can’t go over it. We can’t go under it.
We can’t go around it.
We have to go through it!
This is going to be quite a hike.
EVERYONE: Trudge, trudge, look about.
Trudge, trudge, look about.

Verse 5:

CUBMASTER:
AUDIENCE:
CUBMASTER:
AUDIENCE:
CUBMASTER:
AUDIENCE:
CUBMASTER:
AUDIENCE:
CUBMASTER:

EVERYONE:
We’re going on a lion hunt
<We’re going on a lion hunt>
We’re going to find a big one
<We’re going to find a big one>
I’m not afraid
<I’m not afraid>
I have my camera
<I have my camera>
Wait! What’s this right here?
Its a den. Its a lion den!
And, I see <# of new Lions> Lions that have already made this journey we just completed.
<Say each of their names>
We need a leader to take us back to the front. Will you lead the way? Parents too. Hold hands everyone.

Verse 6:

CUBMASTER: Ready? Let’s go! Quickly!
Away from the Den!
<Exagerated running>
Through the Jungle!
<Stomp, stop, look about>
Over the bridge, needs more work!
<Pounding and sawing>
Into the desert, food and drink!
<Chew and drink>
Put out the fire!
<Scoop and slosh>

 

CUBMASTER: Thank you all for helping us to get back safely. You have shown the entire pack that you have learned the lessons of the Lion.
<Give the Lion Badges to a family member. Include a pin (parent’s pin will work) so they can pin the badge on the Scouts>
CUBMASTER: Parents, please pin the Lion badge on your Scout upside down as a reminder to do a good turn. When they have done their good deed, you may sew it on, right side up, and the pin is yours to keep.
CUBMASTER: Pack <Your Pack #>, let’s welcome our new Lions with a great big ROAR!
EVERYONE: ROOOOOOAAR!!