Meeting plan

Lion / Build It Up, Knock It Down

Build It Up, Knock It Down Den Meeting Plan

Scouts build a structure with an adult partner, build another structure with the den or family, and make something intended to be knocked down. The three selected activities map to those separate steps.

Supported requirements

1, 2, 3

Adventure: Build It Up, Knock It Down
Rank: Lion (kindergarten)
Status: Elective
Selected activities: Build a block house with an adult partner; make a cup pyramid with the den; build and topple a domino line
Suggested meeting duration: 60 minutes
Estimated leader preparation: 10-20 minutes to check and sort reusable blocks, cups, and dominoes and prepare low tables; allow 10 minutes for collection and cleanup. Assumes up to six Scouts with adult partners and materials already on hand.

About this adventure

Scouts build a structure with an adult partner, build another structure with the den or family, and make something intended to be knocked down. The three selected activities map to those separate steps. See the adventure page for approved plans and handouts..

Safety and respect

• Use light, stable materials at floor or table height. Do not climb on structures or use furniture as supports.
• Keep blocks, cups, and dominoes away from mouths and walkways. Give each Scout a turn and allow adult-partner help.
• Knock structures down only on a clear signal, with everyone standing back. Use a gentle hand push on the domino line; no throwing.
• Check the materials for sharp edges or damaged pieces. Provide a seated or close-up building option.

Meeting preparation

Overall preparation effort: Low if all reusable materials are on hand. The combined workload is collecting three sets, checking pieces, setting up tables, and returning materials. A shopping trip for missing sets makes the affected activity and overall effort at least Medium.

• Confirm enough blocks for partner pairs, cups for one shared den pyramid, and dominoes for a short line. Do not assume the venue has them.
• Clear one tabletop area and a separate floor area for dominoes.
• Tell families that adult partners will build alongside Scouts. No food or cutting is planned.
• Prepare a simple boundary for the domino activity so children do not step into the line.

Supplies

• Reusable interlocking blocks
• Lightweight reusable cups
• Large dominoes or other stable, safe toppling pieces
• Tables or floor mats, if available

Pre and post meeting activities for scouts

Before

Bring a Lion adult partner. No advance building task is needed.

After

No additional work is required if the Scout participated in all three builds. If a meeting activity is missed or unfinished, arrange a later build with the adult partner or den and notify the leader when it is complete.

Completion checklist

• Requirement 1: Scout built a structure with an adult partner.
• Requirement 2: Scout helped build a structure with the den or family.
• Requirement 3: Scout built something intended to be knocked down and participated in safely knocking it down.

Sample Agenda

Leader notes and talking points

Welcome and opening (0:00-0:05)

• Set up: Place blocks on tables and keep cups and dominoes aside until needed.
• Say: “Today we will build together, try different ideas, and safely knock one structure down.”
• Ask: “What makes a building stay up?”
• Do: Show where Scouts may build and where people should walk.

Partner block house (0:05-0:20)

• Say: “You and your adult partner will make a little house. You choose where a piece goes; your partner can help.”
• Do: Let each pair build at its own pace. Adults may stabilize pieces but should leave meaningful choices to the Scout.
• Ask: “What would you like to add next?”
• Check: Observe each Scout placing or directing pieces as part of a structure built with the adult partner.

Reset and movement break (0:20-0:25)

• Do: Return blocks to the tub. Lead slow reaches and shoulder rolls; offer seated movements.
• Say: “Let’s put pieces away before we move to the next build.”
• Ask: “Is the walkway clear?”

Den cup pyramid (0:25-0:40)

• Say: “This one belongs to our whole den. Let’s take turns adding cups and helping the pyramid balance.”
• Do: Build from a broad base. Invite each Scout to place at least one cup, with partner help as needed. Let the group gently knock it down and rebuild if time permits.
• Ask: “What could we change to make it steadier?”
• Check: Every Scout contributes to a structure with the den or family; a spectator-only turn is not enough.

Transition to domino area (0:40-0:45)

• Do: Collect cups, inspect the floor, and mark the area where observers will stand.
• Say: “The dominoes stay on the floor. When we are ready, everyone steps back before the first piece falls.”
• Ask: “Where is a safe place to watch from?”

Build and topple (0:45-0:55)

• Say: “Let’s make a line that we want to fall, then use one gentle push to start it.”
• Do: Scouts take turns standing pieces with adults nearby. Keep the line short and away from doors and feet. Signal observers to stand back before starting.
• Ask: “What happened after the first domino moved?”
• Check: The Scout helps build the intended-to-fall structure and participates in the planned toppling, without throwing pieces.

Closing and completion check (0:55-1:00)

• Ask: “Which build did you help make with someone else?”
• Do: Thank adult partners, close with a den cheer, and check requirements individually. Arrange another opportunity for any missed build.