Songs

Leading Songs

• Anyone can lead a song
• People have a fundamental urge to participate - watch them tap toes, sway, hum, etc
• Songs can be a tool to build morale and bind a group together - example, marines on the march and their ‘cadence count’

Tips

• Select songs that fit the occasion:
  • Are you trying to be solemn or zany?
  • Calm them down or pump them up?
  • Don't use a song that is inappropriate for the occasion
• Establish pitch by trying the song softly to yourself, then out loud so all can hear. Or, if you have access to a musical instrument, you can establish pitch that way too.
• If the group gets it wrong, don’t be afraid to stop and start over.
• Use easy to follow hand motions: faster/slower (by showing the beat), louder/softer (hands up or down), stop, etc
• ‘Beam’ a smile
• Start with lively action songs, end with inspirational songs
• Teach songs at den meetings in preparation for a Pack meeting.
• You may only have to sing a few notes loud to get the song started, then sing like everyone else.
• There is a Cub Scout Song Book - ask your Pack to get a copy for you to use.

Teaching a song

• Always warm up the group using a well known song before trying new ones
• Provide copies of the words unless it is an extremely well known song
• Tell everyone the name of the song
• Always practice a song by singing it to yourself first - never do it the first time with a group.
• Musical accompaniment helps - use a piano, guitar, harmonic, or pre-recorded CD
• Begin with an upward motion followed by a decisive downward motion - start singing on the downbeat
• Don’t worry if people don’t jump in right away.

Different types of songs

• Greeting songs - welcome new members or open a meeting
  • Hail, Hail, The Gang’s All Here
  • Hi, Cub Scout
• Action/fun songs - Physical activities that go along with the song, variations in the song, or leader/response songs
  • I’ve Got That Cub Scout Spirit
  • Ravioli
  • Bingo
  • If You’re Happy and You Know It
  • The Grand Old Duke of York
  • There’s a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea
• Rounds - Multiple groups (each group sings the same part but at different times)
  • Row, Row, Row Your Boat
  • Three Blind Mice
• Patriotic and inspritational
  • America the Beautiful
  • God Bless America
  • This Land is Your Land
• Campfire songs
  • Home on the Range
  • I’ve Been Working on the Railroad
  • Oh Susanah

Cub Scout Song Resources

• Cub Scout Song Book (BSA publication)

• Starter Songs Print these sheets and give copies to your scouts.

• MacScouter Song page