Lion’s Cub

Name and Purpose

• Lion’s Cub is a quiet-movement game built on listening, stillness, and sneaky spatial awareness.
• Players practise focus, body control, and patience , great for a calm moment in a busy day.

a.k.a.

• Sneaky Cub; Silent Thief; Keeper and the Cub

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 8-16 | 6-20 players | 10-20 minutes | Quiet outdoor space or large cleared indoor room; flat, even ground

Materials

• 1 stuffed animal or soft object (the cub)
• Optional: a blindfold for the Lion for increased challenge
• Flat, even ground with no tripping hazards

Quick-Run Card

1. One player is the Lion, sitting with their back to the group, the stuffed animal behind them.
2. Players take turns sneaking up silently to try to retrieve the cub.
3. The Lion listens; if they hear someone, they call “Roar!” and point in that direction without turning around.
4. If the Lion points correctly, that player returns to the group and the next player tries.
5. If a player retrieves the cub without being heard, they become the new Lion.

Setup and Boundaries

• The Lion sits at least 5-10 metres from the group, back turned
• Place the stuffed animal directly behind the Lion, just within reach
• Define a starting line where all sneakers begin
• Signal: two short whistles = pause and gather; one long whistle = reset
• Check ground for roots, wet patches, or debris before play

How to Play

1. One volunteer (or chosen player) becomes the Lion. They sit with their back to the group, with the stuffed animal placed just behind them.
2. Players in the group take turns sneaking up as quietly as possible toward the cub. Only one player moves at a time.
3. The Lion listens carefully. They do not peek. If they hear movement, they call “Roar!” and point in the direction they think the sound came from , without turning around.
4. Staff confirm whether the point is accurate. If correct, the sneaking player returns to the starting line and the next person tries. If the Lion’s point is off, the sneaker continues.
5. If a player successfully retrieves the cub and returns to the starting line without being heard, they become the new Lion and the round resets.
6. Second Circle: players waiting at the starting line can act as Sound Judges , they listen carefully and give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down on whether the Lion’s point was accurate. This keeps everyone involved.

I-OPt Options

• Start , A (Active): Volunteer to be the Lion or be the first sneaker
• Start , S (Support): Help place the stuffed animal; keep the starting line orderly
• Start , Q (Quiet): Watch the first round carefully before taking a turn
• Start , O (Observer): Observe from a comfortable distance; join as a Sound Judge
• Mid , A (Active): Sneak with full commitment , slow, deliberate, low to the ground
• Mid , S (Support): Act as a Sound Judge and help staff confirm the Lion’s accuracy
• Mid , Q (Quiet): Take your sneak turn at a calm walking pace , no rush
• Mid , O (Observer): Stay as Sound Judge; join a sneak turn when you’re ready
• Late , A (Active): Challenge yourself with a faster or more daring sneaking route
• Late , S (Support): Encourage quieter players to take a turn
• End , A (Active): Take one final sneak attempt for the last round
• End , S (Support): Help return equipment and choose the next Lion
• End , O (Observer): Share what strategy seemed to work best

Inclusion Adaptations

• Players who cannot move quietly due to mobility aids can be the permanent Lion role or take on the Sound Judge role , both are central to the game
• For players who are sensitive to sudden loud sounds, replace the “Roar!” signal with a raised hand or a firm “Got you!”

Stewardship Moment

• Use a camp-owned stuffed animal or any soft object from the craft bin , no need to purchase anything
• After play: check the play area for any items left behind and return the stuffed animal to storage

Consent

• Pre-brief: “This game is about listening and moving quietly. For those not comfortable moving silently across the space, the Sound Judge role is just as important , you’re the ones who decide if the Lion’s call was right.”
• Mid-game check: After two rounds, pause. “For those not comfortable with any element, an observer or helper role is another option. Thumbs up, sideways, or down.”
• Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can step into the Sound Judge role at any time without explanation and rejoin sneaking whenever they choose.

Risks and Mitigation

• Players bumping into each other while sneaking: enforce one-at-a-time turns clearly before play
• Uneven ground causing trips: do a visual safety sweep before the game; walk the space with the group
• Lion role feeling isolating if no one is caught for many rounds: staff can limit turns to 45 seconds per sneaker and rotate the Lion every 3-4 turns

Warm-Up Suggestions

• “Ninja Walk”: the whole group walks from one end of the space to the other as silently as possible , no talking, no stomping
• “Freeze on the Signal”: walk freely; on one whistle, everyone freezes completely , good for practising sudden stillness

Debrief Questions

• What? “What did you do to move more quietly? What gave people away?”
• So What? “How did it feel to have to rely only on your hearing? What surprised you?”
• Now What? “When is careful, quiet attention a useful skill in real life?”

Cleanup and Reset

• Return the stuffed animal to storage
• Check the play area for any items
• Reset takes under one minute , choose a new Lion and begin