Weekly Scout Newsletter - Monsters of the Wilderness Oct 29, 2024

Hey, hey, Scouts and Scouters!

Jack here, holding down the fort while Daddy’s assistant is off enjoying some well-deserved time off. Daddy’s running the whole show himself this week—and doing a pretty fine job if you ask me. We’re both thrilled to have some rain and cooler weather, which means I’m not panting quite as much.

When you head out for Halloween this week, remember to wear a reflective collar or have a glow stick around your tail for safety, especially if you're dressed in those spooky costumes. I’ve been sniffing out the “monsters” for this issue, and I’ll tell ya, some of them are only scary if you let your imagination run wild. Daddy says they’re just make-believe, but he’s bringing me to the Troop lock-in this weekend anyway. I mean, I don’t want to be left alone with ghosts and goblins, real or not!

Jokes, Trick Questions, Riddles, and Challenges

• Why did the skeleton go to the party alone? Because he had no body to go with him!
• What kind of monster loves to play tricks on Halloween? A "prank-enstein!"
• Why don’t bats ever get cold? They always “hang” out with their friends!
• Riddle: I’m a creature that comes out at night, flies without wings, and gives many people fright. What am I? (Hint: It’s friendlier than you think!)
• Riddle: I have no arms or legs, yet I knock at your door. Who am I? (Answer: A ghost!)
• Quick Challenge: How many “monsters” can you name that actually help our planet? (Hint: bats, spiders, and even worms!)

Craft Ideas

• Spider Web Dreamcatchers: Scouts can make these webs using sticks, yarn, and beads to create “spooky” dreamcatchers inspired by spider webs.
• Glow-in-the-Dark Bat Bracelets: With glow-in-the-dark beads, scouts make bat-themed bracelets, perfect for Halloween trick-or-treating.
• Monster Masks: Provide paper plates, markers, and craft materials to create masks of “misunderstood” creatures, like wolves or bats.
• Pumpkin Planters: Scouts decorate small pumpkins and plant a small seedling inside, bringing a “spooky” gardening twist to their craft.

Ideas for Recruitment and Fundraising

• Monster Costume Contest: Host a costume contest at a local fall event. Charge a small entry fee and invite families to see creative “monster” costumes.
• Creature Safari Night: Plan an evening hike where scouts dress up as misunderstood creatures like bats or wolves. Include a storytelling session to teach families about these animals.
• Spooky Campfire Fundraiser: Set up a storytelling night where attendees donate to hear tales from the “wilderness.” Scout-led skits can add fun to the night.
• Spooky Science Fair: Scouts can showcase Halloween crafts or experiments about misunderstood creatures. Sell tickets or offer Halloween-themed crafts for donations.

Scouting Resources

Halloween Comes Once a Year

https://wackyscouter.org/resources/pre-openings_holidays_christmas/halloween-comes-once-a-year_465

This spooky ceremony is perfect for setting the Halloween mood at your next pack meeting. With dim lights or a candlelight processional, the Cubmaster recites a short, playful verse that conjures classic Halloween imagery like witches, ghosts, and “the man on the moon.” The ceremony closes with the Pledge of Allegiance, offering a blend of Halloween fun with patriotic respect. This resource is a great way to make meetings memorable and enhance the festive spirit.

Ghost with One Black Eye

https://wackyscouter.org/resources/wolf_leaders_webelos-crossover/ghost-with-one-black-eye_1795

This skit involves a “ghost” who frightens three unsuspecting pedestrians, each of whom finds a coin on the ground. The humor builds as each character reacts, and it concludes with a twist that adds a touch of Scout-style humor. Perfect for den or troop meetings, this skit is simple, requires minimal props, and gets a laugh while keeping a spooky theme. Great for scouts with a flair for acting and humor.

Halloween Stew Closing Ceremony

https://wackyscouter.org/resources/flag-closing_contact-_pre-openings/halloween-stew-closing-ceremony_823

In this closing ceremony, “witches” stir a “Halloween stew” while celebrating the scouts’ hard work and accomplishments. The ritual reflects on ranks achieved and encourages scouts to continue their progress, ending with a thoughtful farewell. This simple ceremony, complete with rhyming verses, reinforces scouting values in a light-hearted, seasonal way. It’s a creative way to close out a Halloween-themed meeting and boost motivation for upcoming goals.

Spooks from Fireland
Ideal for Fire Prevention Week, this skit uses ghostly characters to share safety lessons. Each “ghost” represents a different fire hazard—from smoking in bed to playing with matches—making it an engaging and educational activity. With seven characters dressed as “spooky” ghosts, scouts deliver memorable safety messages in a fun way. This skit creatively combines Halloween excitement with valuable lessons, reminding scouts of the importance of fire safety.

Halloween Helpers
This Halloween-themed opening ceremony involves Cub Scouts presenting themselves as classic Halloween characters—such as black cats, ghosts, and goblins—who offer to “help” create a playful, spooky atmosphere. Each scout reads a short line while holding up a corresponding paper “creature” they crafted, adding to the fun ambiance. The ceremony concludes with the “spirit of October” thanking them for their help in making Halloween “frolicsome instead of sober.” This activity encourages participation, creativity, and a lively start to any Halloween-themed meeting.

Spooky Batty Games

Bat and Moth Tag
This game mimics bat echolocation! The "bat" is blindfolded and tries to tag "moths" who make clicking sounds to help guide them. Played outside or in a large indoor space, you’ll need a blindfold and a group of 8+ scouts. Game rounds last around 10-15 minutes and build awareness and listening skills.

Monster Relay Race
Set up a relay race with scouts wearing monster costume pieces. They pass items like monster gloves or fangs before tagging the next teammate. This outdoor game can handle large groups, runs for about 20 minutes, and needs space for running.

Spider Web Toss
Lay a "web" using masking tape or yarn. Scouts toss plastic spiders onto the web, with sections worth different points. This works indoors or outdoors, and is ideal for small groups. A 15-minute game that combines aiming skills with Halloween fun.

Creature Scavenger Hunt
Hide creature cutouts or toys like spiders and snakes around the area and provide clues for each hiding spot. Ideal for larger groups and outdoor settings, this 30-minute activity encourages teamwork and observation skills.

Nature Myths and Legends Trivia
Create a trivia game to debunk myths about creatures like wolves, bats, and spiders. Use true-or-false and multiple-choice questions. This indoor activity suits teams of 4-8 scouts and takes about 20-25 minutes, blending fun with educational moments.

Haunted Trading Post

These are affiliate links, and we receive a small commission which helps us keep WackyScouter running. All items are chosen for good ratings or personal use.

Campfire Stories for Kids - $7.99
https://amzn.to/4fhHNI8
Perfect for fireside storytelling, this collection features both funny and spooky tales, ideal for scouts who love a good story under the stars. Share ghostly legends and laughs, making it a great addition to any camping trip.

Short & Shivery: Scary Halloween Stories - $7.99
https://amzn.to/3NGPEn9
A collection of chilling folktales from around the world, this book is perfect for adding a thrill to Halloween nights. Filled with spooky stories that will capture the imaginations of scouts of all ages.

Glow-in-the-Dark Paracord Set - $12.99
https://amzn.to/3NNq13K
Add a spooky twist to crafting with glow-in-the-dark paracord. It’s ideal for creating bracelets, lanyards, and other survival items that light up at night, adding visibility and fun to Halloween events or nighttime adventures.

INCLY Small Bat House Kit - $17.99
https://amzn.to/48oev8u
Encourage conservation with this easy-to-install bat house kit, providing a safe shelter for local bats. A fantastic outdoor project that promotes habitat preservation and can be set up at the scout campsite or at home.

Scoutmaster Minute: Seeing Beyond the Mask

Scouts, as Halloween nears, we're surrounded by spooky stories and creatures of the night – witches, goblins, and ghosts, all in good fun. But let’s pause for a moment to talk about a different kind of mask, the ones people wear in real life. Sometimes, people may look or act a bit different, and like those Halloween costumes, it’s often just on the surface.

Some folks may have scars or medical conditions that change how they look, and others express themselves in unique ways that might seem unusual at first. But remember, the Scout Oath and Law encourage us to be kind and respectful toward everyone, to see beyond the surface, and to treat others with honor and compassion. Just like our scout family values each person’s unique skills, we should extend that acceptance to everyone we meet.

So, as you enjoy the spooky sights and costumes this season, remember that real “monsters” don’t look any particular way. Those Halloween frights and thrills are all in good fun, but kindness, patience, and understanding are what make us strong and honorable Scouts. And, of course, be careful with real-life creepy-crawlies out there – some of nature’s critters, like spiders and snakes, are best admired from a safe distance.

Let’s keep the fun lighthearted, and remember that kindness is the greatest treat of all.

Closing Thoughts from Jack

Well, Scouts, Halloween’s almost here, and I’m gearing up to hide under the couch from all those trick-or-treaters. Remember, not all spooky things are as they seem—some creatures just want to lend a paw or wing! Be safe out there, carry a glow stick or two, and always be respectful of the little (and big) critters you meet along the way. Here’s to a monster-ific Halloween!

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Keep on Wacky Scouting!