YMCA Adventure Guides: Storytelling
Stories are used in the YMCA Adventure Guides program in many settings, including meetings, campouts, adventures, and car trips. Stories are both enjoyable and educational—they can convey a lesson and encourage questions more effectively than more direct methods. Included here is an example of the stories told in YMCA Adventure Guide Programs. For other story ideas, check out the member manual Friends Forever.
The Dog and His Reflection
A dog, to whom the butcher had thrown a bone, was hurrying home with his prize as fast as he could go. As he crossed a narrow footbridge, he happened to look down and see himself reflected in the quiet water. But the greedy dog thought he saw a real dog carrying a bone much bigger than his own.
If he had stopped to think, he would have known better. But instead of thinking, he dropped his bone and sprang at the dog in the river—only to find himself, seconds later, swimming for dear life to reach the shore. At last he managed to scramble out, and as he stood sadly thinking about the good bone he had lost, he realized what a stupid dog he had been.
Be grateful for what you have. If you get greedy, you might end up with nothing at all.
Storytelling Resources
For more story ideas, check out Chicken Soup for the Kid’s Soul and other Chicken Soup stories. Another old standby is Golden Nuggets by Jim Shoel.