Have you ever heard of a shooter, a taw, a boss, a mibs, or kimmies? Bet you have and just don’t know it. These are names of marbles. Marbles are those round glass things that you can play with just about anywhere and have been around since the mid-1800s. That’s what makes them so much fun! There are so many things you can do with marbles. There are marble games that you can play and games that use marbles. You can even make up fun games using marbles. Individual and teamwork, helping others, learning rules ,and being a good sport are part of marbles, too. Remember the Scout Oath and Law when playing games and sports.
Rationale for Adventure
In this adventure, Bears will learn about a game that has entertained people since the time of ancient Egypt and has been an important part of scouting since its early days. They will experience individual competition and teamwork, helping others, learning rules, and being a good sport.
Requirements
Complete requirements 1-4. Requirement 5 is optional.
- Discuss with your family and den the history of marbles, such as where and when the game began. Talk about the different sizes of marbles and what they are made of and used for.
- Learn about three different marble games, and learn to play one of them. Learn how to keep score. Learn and follow the rules of the game. Play the game with your family, friends, or your den.
- Learn four or five words that are used when talking about marbles. Tell what each of the words means and how it relates to playing marbles. Share this information with your den.
- Complete one of the following:
- With your den or family, make a marble obstacle course or marble golf course. Share what you create. Invite everyone to go through your course.
- Create your own game using marbles, and design rules for playing the game. Share the game you created with your den, family, or friends. Explain the rules and how to play the game.
- With your den or family, create a marble race track. Have at least two lanes so you can race your favorite marbles against each other.
- Make a marble maze.
- With the help of an adult, make a marble bag to hold marbles.
Takeaways for Cub Scouts
- Using observation and listening skills
- Following instructions
- Working as a team
- Developing creativity
- Living the Scout Oath and Scout Law
- Helping others
- Practicing sportsmanship
- A Scout is friendly
Historical Requirements
2015 Handbook Requirements
Bear Handbook, page 218
Bear Den Leader Guide, page 147
Bear Elective Adventure: Marble Madness
- Discuss with your family and den the history of marbles, such as where and when the game began. Talk about the different sizes of marbles and what they are made of and used for.
- Learn about three different marble games, and learn to play the marble game “ringer.” Learn how to keep score. Learn and follow the rules of the game. Play the game with your family, friends, or your den.
- Learn four or five words that are used when talking about marbles. Tell what each of the words means and how it relates to playing marbles. Share this information with your den.
- With the help of an adult, make a marble bag to hold marbles.
- With your den or family, make a marble obstacle course or marble golf course. Share what you create. Invite everyone to go through your course.
- Create your own game using marbles, and design rules for playing the game. Share the game you created with your den, family, or friends. Explain the rules and how to play the game.
- With your den or family, create a marble race track. Have at least two lanes so you can race your favorite marbles against each other.
- Make a marble maze.
