Curiosity, Intrigue, and Magical Mysteries

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Elective

Curiosity, Intrigue, and Magical Mysteries is about magic tricks and secret codes. You'll learn a trick, show how it works, and write messages only your friends can crack. It's fun to puzzle and surprise people.

Why it's worth it

How did that coin disappear? What does this secret message say? In this adventure you'll learn a magic trick, find out how it fools people's eyes, and write messages in code. Magicians and code-breakers both notice details other people miss and practice until they get it right. You'll practice those skills too, and have a lot of fun surprising your family.

Start this week

Ask a librarian to help you find a book of easy magic tricks for kids.
Pick one trick and practice it five times in front of a mirror.
Write the alphabet with your adult and put a number under each letter, A is 1, B is 2, and so on.

Requirements · 4

Every official requirement and part, numbered to match Scouting America, in plain language. Sign off against the official wording (opens in a new tab).

Requirement 1
Learn and practice a magic trick, then share it with your den or family
Tip: Pick a simple card or coin trick from a library book and practice it in front of a mirror before you share it.
For example: Try the "disappearing coin": put a coin on the table, cover it with a cloth, and secretly slide it into your lap as you lift the cloth. Practice until your hands move smoothly, then show your family.
Requirement 2
Show your den, family, or adult partner how a magic trick works
Tip: After your trick, show your den the secret and explain how it fools the eye.
For example: After your show, explain the secret: "The coin went into my lap while you watched my other hand. Magicians get you to look where they want." That's called misdirection.
Requirement 3
Write your name in a secret code
Tip: Try a simple code, like numbers for letters, and write your name in it.
For example: Using A=1, B=2, C=3, the name MAX becomes 13-1-24. Write your own name in numbers and see if your adult can figure out who it is.
Requirement 4
Write a message in your code and challenge your den, family, or adult partner to read it
Tip: Write a short message in code and see who in your den or family can solve it first.
For example: Write "MEET AT THE SWING" in your number code and give it to a friend in your den with the code key. Time how long it takes them to crack it.

Talk about it together

What part of your magic trick was the hardest to get right?
How did people react when you showed them the trick?
Why do you think people like to be fooled by magic?
What kind of secret code would you invent if you made your own?

Helpful reads

Cub Scouts: a guide for families, How Cub Scout ranks and adventures work from kindergarten through fifth grade, what an adult partner does, and how to keep it fun at meetings and at home., Families · Leaders · 4 min read

For leaders & parents

Give each Tiger a simple code key so everyone can join the decoding challenge.
Let Tigers perform tricks for each other in a small magic show.

People & places that can help

Public library — Picture books and videos on the topic; librarians can help find more.
Your den leader — Can share den plans and help you sign off what you've done.
Curiosity, Intrigue, and Magical Mysteries adventure page (opens in a new tab) — Den activities for magic tricks and secret codes.
PBS KIDS (opens in a new tab) — Puzzle and mystery games that build code-cracking skills.

Tiger, Rank · 7 requirements

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Tips, examples, and questions are ideas from experienced leaders, not extra requirements. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.