Trustworthiness: Bobcat Character Lessons
As part of the Bobcat Tiger Adventure, scouts are asked to explore what it means to be trustworthy. These character-building lessons go beyond definitions, it’s about helping kids understand how trust shows up in everyday life and how their actions affect others.
This post is designed to provide you with easy tools to help make this character lesson meaningful.
Requirement 3: Demonstrate your understanding of being trustworthy, helpful, or friendly.
What Is Trustworthiness?
Before diving into activities, start with a short group discussion. You can ask:
- What does it mean to be trustworthy?
- Can you think of someone you trust? Why do you trust them?
- What would happen if people stopped trusting each other?
Use real-life examples. Remind kids that being trustworthy means:
- Telling the truth, even when it’s hard.
- Keeping your promises
- Owning up to your mistakes.
- Being dependable (doing what you say you will do)
3 Simple Activities to Help Kids Practice Trust
These games and group activities are perfect for den meetings, classrooms, or homeschool settings. Each one helps reinforce trust in a fun, memorable way.
1. Blindfold Trust Walk
Supplies:
Blindfold
Items to make an obstacle course (tape, chairs, etc.)
Open Space (indoors or outdoors)
Instructions:
Split into pairs. One person is blindfolded while the other gives verbal directions to guide them through a short obstacle course. Then switch roles.
Discussion Questions:
How did it feel to trust someone else?
Was it hard to give good instructions?
What does this activity teach us about being trustworthy?
2. Acrostic Challenge: What Makes a Trustworthy Friend?
Supplies:
Paper
Pencil
Instructions:
Have the kids write FRIEND down the side of their paper. For each letter, they write a word or phrase that describes a trustworthy friend. (ex. Fair, Responsible, Encouraging, etc.)
You can also ask them to rate themselves 1–5 on how well they show those traits, and pick one to work on this week.
3. The Trust Tower Challenge
Supplies:
Plastic Cups or Small Paper Cups
Craft Sticks, Index Cards, or Small Building Blocks
A timer (optional)
Instructions:
Split into small groups and tell them their goal is to build the tallest tower possible using only the supplies provided. Here’s the twist: one person is the “builder”, but they can’t touch the materials. They have to rely on their teammates to follow their instructions.
Encourage rotating roles and allow time for each child to experience being both the builder and the helper.
Discussion Prompts:
How did it feel to trust others to build what you described?
Was it hard to give clear directions?
Why is it important to follow directions and work as a team?
What It Teaches:
This game reinforces that being trustworthy means listening carefully, following through, and supporting your team. It’s a fun and low-stress way to practice those skills with a bit of friendly competition.
Printable Discussion Questions + Coloring Page
Need something simple and ready-to-go? We’ve created a printable with discussion questions you can ask the kids as well as a fun coloring page.
Use the questions below or use our printable coloring page & discussion guide to spark meaningful conversations during your next meeting or at home. The questions are simple, open-ended, and kid-friendly. They are designed to help children think about real-life situations where trust matters.
Discussion Questions:
What does it mean to tell the truth even when it’s hard?
How can someone show they are dependable?
What does it feel like when someone breaks your trust?
Can you still be trustworthy if you make a mistake?
(Print out the full list of questions for use with your group)
Helping kids understand what it means to be trustworthy is one of the most important lessons we can teach.Through open conversation, fun activities, and reflection, you are building a strong foundation of character that will stick with them as they grow up.