Classify as we may, one is always left with an assortment of things that do
not fit anywhere or else would fit everywhere. There is an attraction about the
miscellaneous section and very often the most prized things end up in
Sundries."
The fact that we have not been able to classify these games exactly surely
adds point to the claim that Scouting is as full of variety as raspberry jam is
of pips, and we should never be content merely to follow an exact pattern but
should always try to be a little different, providing that in the difference is
something worth while.
105. Prisoners' Escape
The Scouts are prisoners of war planning to escape. They have to build a
bridge between two trees in the dark at a height of over 10 feet and get
everybody across. The whole operation has to be done in silence, and therefore
careful planning to the last detail has to be done in the Headquarters before
starting. Select two trees near the road, and if anybody passes along the road
the whole Troop has to" freeze" until the footsteps die away.
106. Crocodile Creek
Select four trees close together to represent trees growing in a creek
infested with crocodiles. The Scouts have to make a bed at least 4 feet from the
ground on which two Scouts could sleep out of reach of the crocodiles.
107. Obstacle Cross-country
The Scouts have to run over a course of 3 miles, in which there are six
obstacles to be overcome by means of ropes and staves, e.g. a Scout with a
broken leg caught in a tree, an electrified fence, a Scout caught in the railway
line and an express in the distance, a homicidal maniac to be overcome and
bound, a first-aid casualty, a code to be deciphered, etc.
108. Desert Island
Select three trees in line 10 yards apart. The first tree is the shore, the
second tree the bulwarks of a wrecked ship in a creek, and the third tree a
hatchway with the decks broken in between. The Scouts have to get into the
hatchway and back to the shore. Choose the distances so that one thick rope
supplied is not long enough. The Scouts have first to build a jetty into the
creek, then make a monkey bridge from the jetty up to the bulwarks 10 feet high
and get from the bulwarks to the hatchway along a single rope, also 10 feet
high. Boys may walk from one tree to another under a penalty of two minutes to
represent swimming. This operation takes one and a half hours, done in
star-light.
109. Far and Near
Leader while on a walk carries a card with each player's name (for scoring
purposes). He reads out a list of objects that he wants noted. Players report as
they note these, and best total wins. An object once scored by a player cannot
be scored again, but another example of the same may be scored by the same or
any other player, e.g. match, button, patch on clothes, broken window, piebald
horse, hairpin (latter to count two.)
110. Dodge Ball
Three Patrols at least, or three teams of eight. Square about 30 feet across
is marked out. One team collects in centre. Other two teams line opposite sides
of square, one to each side. Object is to kill by hitting with ball. Ball is
first thrown to centre team. One of them tries to hit one of other two teams who
can dodge anywhere outside the square. A catch is not a hit. Whoever gets ball
then tries to hit one of centre team; the two outer teams are thus attacking
centre team, which attacks both other teams. To prevent falling out of players,
Scouter can keep score of hits. When player is hit, ball is thrown out to
Scouter who throws it to centre team.
111. Cossack Relay
Half of each Patrol is mounted, pick-a-back, on the other half. A scarf, or
other easily grasped article, is placed half-way down the course, and is
surrounded by a chalk circle. The rider must pick up the object on the outward
journey and replace it in the circle on the return trip. This is played as an
inter-Patrol relay.
12. Tire Games
(1) Used as hoops. Bowling with one hand over straight or crooked course.
(2) Relay. Tire for each team in front. Run to tire, scramble through, and
back to place to set off next man.
(3) Short stake in front of each team 4-5 yards away; try to ring the peg
three times.
Variation.-As many throws as necessary but not consecutively. Distance of
pegs needs adjusting to size of boys.
(4) Short stake in front of each team, greater distance than in (3). Object
is to roll tire with one motion towards peg so that when it falls flat it rings
peg. Scores: three for ringing peg, two if tire rests on peg, one if tire
touches peg when flat on ground.
(5) Used as stepping-stones with second man to move them alternately round
course. Start again if foot outside tire. Second then covers course with third
moving tires.
(6) Two teams of almost any number. Tire used as ball. Goal scored when tire
touches wall or log, etc.
(7) Relay. Teams in file. At good distance in front, tire is held vertically,
resting on ground, by A.S.M. or last man. Every member of team runs up and
scrambles through tire in turn.
113. Burn the String
A cord is stretched about 18 inches off ground. Each Patrol has to collect
fuel, light a fire, and burn through the cord. First to do so wins, but points
should be given for organisation of the job.
114. Blindfold Compass Game
The ideal "pitch" is a soccer ground, though a smaller area would
do equally well. In the circle stand the Patrol Leaders; each Patrol goes to one of the
corners of the field, all Scouts being blindfolded, but not the Patrol Leaders. The
object of the game is to guide the Scouts from their corner to the opposite one,
the only directions allowed being compass directions. The Patrol wins which
first gets all its men at the opposite corner. If a Scout steps over the circle
he is disqualified, and the Patrol Leader is not allowed out of his circle.
115. Ships in a Fog
Each Patrol is blindfold in single file with hands on each other's shoulders
at some distance from their leader, who is not blind. Leader, by giving compass
directions, tries to pilot his ship through a given harbour-mouth formed, e.g.
by two trees. First team through wins.
Leader may not address his team by name but must rely on previously arranged
sound or code signals.
116. Torch Target
The Troop is drawn up in line at one end of an open field. The A.S.M. (or T.L.)
shines a torch from a given spot for thirty seconds or a minute. Each Scout is
then asked to give his estimate of the distance of the torch, and the
estimations are recorded. Each Patrol then confers, and gives a collective
estimation. Points are awarded on a target basis (i.e. five points for within 5
yards, four points for within 10 yards) and the average of the total score for
each Patrol is added to points gained for the collective estimation. The correct
distance should, of course, be announced and the torch put on again.
117. Ill-Fated Camp
Teams are sent in turn to a camp which they find in a state of wild disorder
after an attack. There is a corpse, a man labelled "Broken left
thigh," tracks leading to another labelled "Severe bleeding from right
wrist," and the tracks of possible assailants. Teams then act as they think
best.
118. Jungle Escape Day
This is suitable for a half or whole day expeditions. Two or more Patrols are
each assigned an area of woodland in which permission has been obtained to light
fires and to cut specific brushwood. Each Patrol is issued with an instruction sheet
giving the story of an airman's or a sailor's return to safety after bailing out over, or being
cast up on, the shore of jungle country. They are reminded that since fellows
who have been Scouts ought to be pretty good at this sort of thing, here is the
very opportunity they need to practise. They will want to provide for themselves
shelter, warmth, food, and defence, so points will be given for the following: a
two-man shelter from natural materials, cooking fire-several designs given, set
of casts of animal tracks, collecting of six leaves- each local tree is given a
tropical food plant equivalent, well-cooked twist, and a map of their portion of
the island showing scale and north points. More jobs could be included for
larger Patrols. Instructions are issued to Patrol Leaders well in advance so that they
can make preparations. This admittedly removes much of the surprise element but
is very necessary if the event is being tried for the first time. You will find
there is still plenty of room for surprises. Scouts can be passed for badges if
they complete on their own a job which forms an actual test.
119. Convoy Interception
This involves a more elaborate organisation and is especially suitable for
Senior Scouts, though it can be run successfully as a joint affair between Senior and Junior
sections of a Sea Scout Troop.
The convoy, consisting of a coxswain with a compass and a signaller, sets off
on a given course at a set time from one point A, and the intercepting vessel
with a similar crew sets off at the same time from point B. Compass bearings of
each vessel are taken by observers at A and B at fixed times and passed by
signal, with those times, to signal posts at H.Q., which should be between A and
B. From these posts they are taken by runners to two plotters, who lay them off
on a table by means of two arms pivoted at the centre of compass roses. The
compass roses are fixed to the table at points corresponding to the observation
posts A and B, so that by laying off the bearing of a vessel from each post its
actual position can be marked on the table. A convoy controller and an
interception controller note these positions, judge the courses being steered,
and send out course alterations to their vessels by a second set of runners and
signallers, the aim of the interception controller being to make contact between
the vessels, and of the other controller to avoid it. The game is best played on
a large tract of sand or marsh if the ships are represented by parties on foot,
but it can of course be played afloat if the conditions apply. Capture in each
case is by throwing a 30-foot life-line to touch any of the other crew, but
coxswains must be briefed to steer only the courses signalled, unless these are
taking them into real danger. Once again the need for preliminary explanations
reduces the surprise element, but this still crops up.
120. Obstacle Expedition
This would be best for a Saturday afternoon. Obstacles arranged must depend
on local conditions, but each Patrol starts at a different obstacle at the same
time and makes a circular tour. You must, therefore, have someone in charge of
each obstacle to explain the problem and to mark the Patrol efforts but NOT to
interfere with the Patrol Leader's leadership. You must see that the obstacles are out of
sight of one another, and it's as well to blow a whistle every twenty minutes
when each Patrol must move on to the next obstacle. Have a pow-wow afterwards,
each "judge" giving his criticisms, in a helpful way. A mock
presentation might end the game, and the whole gang proceed to your H.Q. for a
Troop tea.
These obstacles ought to be well within most Troops' powers of organisation:
Rescue one of Patrol who has climbed a tree, been seized with vertigo and
become "stuck."
Patrol to get across 6-feet high electric cable, to touch which means death.
A fifteen-foot stream is marked out. On one side is an important "despatch"
and the Patrol have to get it across to their side. The "stream" is
unswimmable.
Half of Patrol make a bow and arrow and aim at a target: the other half make
a rat-trap and demonstrate it.
Patrol blindfold to follow by touch a cord about 4 feet from ground; it
should be arranged to go across a ditch or two, round trees, and through bushes
and bracken. Patrol not finishing trail, which should be time-tested previously,
lose points, other points given for leadership.
121. Semaphore Search
This is an outdoor game to be played in a defined area of about half-mile
radius. It is in effect a form of Kim's Game but includes also practice in
signalling and in recognition of plants, trees, etc. It also calls for some
organisation on the part of the Patrol Leader and should be run as an inter-Patrol
competition.
If the area is not very well known to the Scouts the ordinary features of its
vegetation may be used as objects to be observed; if it is a very familiar place
it may be necessary to "plant" some objects-e.g. a clump of
rhododendron leaves may be tied to the bough of an ash tree, or a bunch of
willow-herb (or some other colourful flower) may be stuck through the ivy which
twines round the elm. The Scouter will have a list of the things that he wants
the Scouts to observe, and it need not contain more than ten to twelve objects;
it should include the rarer features of the flora and fauna of the district.
As the first step the Scouts will be turned loose in the area (under Patrol Leaders)
and told to observe all they can in fifteen minutes, but not to collect
specimens. At the end of this period the Scouter (or some expert signaller-perhaps
this is a job for the T.L.) will start signalling messages with flags from some
prominent place on the edge of the area. The messages will be form sentences in
the of short each asking for one object to be brought to one of the Scouters-e.g.
"Take the seed of an elm tree to A.S.M." "Pluck a rhododendron
leaf from an ash tree and take it to Skip," etc. Each message should be
signalled twice, at a good speed the first time and then immediately afterwards
at a much slower rate. The first Patrol to get the right object to the right
Scouter is, of course, suitably rewarded with points for the Patrol competition.
The signalling should go on continuously, one message following another without
interval. Thus the Patrol Leader will have to keep one or two Scouts reading and send
others off to find specimens as occasion demands
It may add a little amusement to include some moving object (e.g. a butterfly
or a dog) in the things required. Or, if you feel very vicious, ask for a hair
of your A.S.M.'s moustache.
The incentive to read a message signalled at a fast speed is very valuable,
all the more so as most people find it harder to read than to send. Stress
should be laid on the need for careful observation in the first fifteen minutes
and good organisation throughout, and objects should be chosen which will test
observation.
122. Scoops
Immediately after Flag and Inspection and the usual preliminaries, give each
Patrol Leader a large double sheet of cartridge paper (about the size, say, of a
Daily Herald) and tell them to produce a Patrol newspaper. The Patrol Leader must appoint
an Editor, maybe himself, and the others become reporters. Certain features
could be suggested, e.g. interviews with the Police Station Sergeant, an Engine
Driver, the Mayor, etc., hot news, cartoons, and so on.
123. Polar Expedition
Play when the temperature is below zero. The Patrols have to get over a
crevasse, build a rope ladder up a tree, throw a rope to another tree, pull it
back with their staves sheer-lashed together, cross the rope by the dead man's
crawl and go down the next tree by means of another rope ladder. Then give each
Scout a word. He has to run a quarter of a mile and report the word to the Troop
Leader who has to put the words together in the right order to make a message.
124. The Lunatic
As soon as inspection is over give the following note to the Troop Leader:
POLICE MESSAGE to: 20th Senior Scouts from: Chief Constable
"Raschid Au, a dangerous Indian lunatic, escaped to-day from the County
Mental Hospital. He was seen entering the School Playing Field five minutes ago.
He is dressed only in a loin cloth. He speaks no English. He may break out in
diabolical laughter and betray his whereabouts. He is a homicidal maniac, and
very dangerous. Please assist in his capture."
Previously plan for the biggest Senior Scout to strip to his gym shorts, and
give the rest of the Troop a run for their money in the dark.
125. Contests
For a quick fire Patrol competition try this:
Each Patrol is required to produce a lobstick and a ten rung rope ladder,
with which they must scale a tree without touching the trunk. The lobstick
consists of a crutch of thorn with a stone securely lashed in the fork and a
light line secured to the haft by means of a rolling-hitch. The only point to
watch in the construction of the rope-ladders is that the marline-spike hitches
are right way up.
"Anchorage Tug" will keep the Troop happy for half an hour or so on
a fine June evening. For this you require a patch of turf surrounding a
convenient tree or post. At the signal each Patrol sets up a three-two-one hold
fast in clock-wise fashion round the tree, to which a purchase is secured by
means of a rope strop. When the anchorages are installed (speed is not the
object), the strain is applied to each in turn and all hands, except the Patrol concerned, do their best to haul the pickets out of the
ground while the Scouter stands by with the stop-watch.
Or you might have an even more satisfying bust-up by setting up two
log-and-picket anchorages opposite each other at a distance of 30 yards or so
and rigging all available tackle between them so that an even strain may be
applied. Given sufficient blocks and sufficient pulling power, a glorious climax
is assured -without undue risk to life and limb, too: though you will, of
course, take all reasonable precautions.
126. Meeting at Midnight
This game can be played in a wood or along a road where there is plenty of
cover on either side. Scouts hide themselves along either side of a given track,
down which two Fifth Columnists presently walk (the S.M. and A.S.M.) As this
pair proceed they discuss details of a desperate plot, such as time,
meeting-place, password, members of gang, object of plot, and so on. When the
pair have reached the end of the stretch of track, chosen Scouts come out from
their hiding-places, get together in Patrols and write down all the details they
have overheard of the conversation. Points are awarded for the fullness and
accuracy of information given. If any boy is seen by the conspirators during
their walk he is debarred from giving information to his Patrol Leader
127. Pass Faster
Two teams form a circle, facing in, members of teams alternate. Leader of
each team has a ball, and they are on exactly opposite sides of the circle. The
ball is then passed or thrown by each player to the next right-hand member of
his own team. A dropped ball must be recovered by the dropper, who must regain
his place before continuing. Team whose ball overtakes the other wins.
If possible, the balls should be of different colours, or some more difficult
object may be used.
128. Scouter's Rucsac
The Scouter places, in partial concealment, along the verges of a footpath,
various articles which might fall out of a badly packed rucsac, e.g. toothbrush,
torch, match-box, fork, comb, brush, etc. Patrols stroll along path, and at end
of trail each Patrol makes up a list of the items seen in the order of seeing.
129. Rescue Party
Each Patrol selects a prisoner and a warder who are interchanged so that each
warder has charge of a prisoner from another Patrol. Each prisoner is fastened
to a rope about 25 feet long by a bowline about his waist, the warder holds the
other end. The warder moves off to a given spot by whatever route he likes at a
slow walking pace. The prisoner lays as good a trail as possible. After a
period, depending on the distance, the rest of the Patrol set out to rescue
their own man and capture the warder, if possible.
130. Reese Ball
A large sack stuffed with newspaper is put in centre of a small football
ground. One team starts each end. The team getting the sack or the major part of
it to their own goal first, wins. Violent or dangerous play not allowed; no
other rules.
131. Bean-bag Flag Raid
Object is to capture all bean-bags or other objects, release prisoners, and
then capture flag, when game ends. Players are safe in own half, but if touched
outside this are prisoners and go behind flag. Players who reach opposite
base-line without being touched have the option of releasing prisoner, in which
case they return hand in hand to own base-line before joining in again, or
taking bean-bags back, one at a time. In each case they get safe passage to own
base-line.
Bean-bags are spaced out along line, not in a heap.
132. Unbeaten Trail
The Scouter, having previously been over the trail, describes his journey
between two points but mentions no names by which route can be indicated.
Patrols then go to start and try to follow trail to second point, which they do
not know, solely by means of his description.
133. Tree Census
Scouter marks off an area and makes a list of trees to be found within that
circumference. Patrols then go out to make a census of trees to be found there.
Same could be done for flowers.
134. Tree Tag
(a) Give each player ten labels with names of ten trees common to area. Give
about twenty minutes to pin labels on trees named; no tree to have more than one
label. Player labelling greatest number correctly, wins.
(b) Players bring in any label except their own. Trees incorrectly labelled
are left, and player can later correct mistake and so get two points.
135. Plate Golf
Old ground-sheets folded to about 3 feet square represent holes and enamel
plates as balls. Links are laid out as desired to include hedges and streams,
etc., as bunkers. If a plate falls in one of these hazards it must be retrieved
and carried behind the bunker and one throw added to player's score.
Care should be taken to arrange holes some distance apart so that players do
not come in contact with a skimming plate! Old plates are specially recommended.
136. Stealing Sticks
Players in space divided into two equal parts. Sticks are placed at either
end and guarded by a "stick guard." A prison is marked out in each
half and guarded by a "prison guard." The object of the game is to
capture the opponents' sticks. When a player is tagged on enemy territory he is
put in prison, but can be released if a team-mate touches him.
137. Labels
Labels on which are different numbers are tied to branches of trees. Scouts
try to put their initials on them without being seen by two sentries who keep
guard, moving to and fro. Anyone seen by them has to sign their book and start
twenty paces off. Count up the numbers on the labels you have signed and
subtract one for every signature in book. Put the labels with the big numbers in
the most conspicuous places.
138. Fire-bucket Relay
Teams in file; about 15-20 yards in front of each team a bucket of water.
First player of each team runs and fetches the bucket, and it is passed down one
side of the team and up the other, the next player taking it back to its place,
comes back to send off the third, who copies first, and so on, each player going
to the back of the file as he finishes his run. First team to finish without
losing more than 1 inch of water wins. Measure water before and after.
139. Bridge Cutting
A message is written in signal code or, better still, signalled to one Patrol
to say that a bridge is to be destroyed, and that they are to go by a certain
route and save it. The other Patrol is sent a message to destroy it, and are
also given a route to go by, but a different one from the other.
The destroyers have to place a number of chalk-marks on the bridge. Either
starts off on deciphering their own message.
140. Boil the Water
Each Patrol (or pair) has a full billy of water. Fuel must be collected, fire
lighted, and billy hung over the fire. First to boil water wins. A teaspoonful
of soap powder added to water increases effect.
141. Fire Raid
Four or five small fires are laid, and each has a small flag beside it. There
are two teams with different coloured wool armlets who attempt to light the most
fires. When a fire is lit the lighter takes the flag, counting ten points. Each
team tries to prevent the others from lighting fires by breaking and capturing
the armlets. When an armlet is broken, the player is out" until he has
returned to the base for a new armlet. Capture of armlet counts two points.
142. Red Indian Patrol
Patrols of "Frontier Police" (S.M. and A.S.M.) are moving out to
head off a body of" Red Indians" (Scouts) who have been raiding. The
police have five minutes' start, and move along specified roads or tracks
between boundaries-say half a mile apart, according to the nature of the
country. The "Red Indians" have to get past the police and on to a
line (length of road between two points) representing their own frontier,
without being seen. Any Indian seen clearly enough to be recognised is
"shot." The police may halt and look round as often as they like, but
must not go back. Distance may be between one and two miles.
143. Turks and Russians
Two sides line up about 20 yards apart. One side then advances to a line
about 5 yards from their opponents and lies down facing them. On word
"Fire!" those lying down beat ground violently with both fists
stretched out in front. At "Charge!" the others waiting rush forward
and try to grab as many of the other side as they can before they get back to
original base. Prisoner joins captor's side, and game goes on, with other side
lying down and vice versa, until all are on one side.
144. Smugglers
Very simple stalking and chasing game. Troop is divided into two teams:
A Team-The Smugglers
B Team-The Police
A Team stands in a line with their backs to B Team while the Bs decide which
member of A Team each B will chase. Thus the Bs have one Scout only to chase,
but the As do not know who it is. As have a treasure, but the Bs do not know
whom the As appoint as "Captain" to bring the treasure home.
Teams separate-As to cover and Bs to defend home-both some distance from
home. Bs search each of their victims if they catch them. Change sides and As
become Police and Bs the Smugglers.
145. Hot Rice
One player has an old dixie lid, the others try to hit him with a ball. The
ball must always be thrown from where it drops, but may be passed to another
player. If the player is caught full pitch or is bit he at once drops the lid,
and his place is taken by the thrower or catcher, who may be thrown at as soon
as he has touched the lid.
146. Field Card Game
An old pack of cards is hidden at various points, the four aces, the four
threes, and four
tens, etc. etc., being hidden together-the hardest to find being the highest
cards. Troop is divided into four teams, each trying to collect cards of
different suit. Clues are given in a way which involves Scouting knowledge, e.g. in morse or semaphore, or by
means of a map, or a sketch is given of position of particular card, or using compass
directions thus:
"Towards the setting sun, Proceed at a run
When you reach a gate
Search for number eight," etc.
Tree knowledge, distance-judging can be introduced. Patrol wins which gets
highest score, counting by pips.
147. Freak Plant Hunt
Observation outdoors. A Patrol is sent out to spot three freak plants or
trees-previously "doctored" by the Scouters-in a given area. Some suggested freaks
are conkers growing on ash tree, acorns growing on hawthorn bush, etc.
148. Hide-and-Seek Relay
Some form of relay race is started and the leader slips out and hides
somewhere in the Camp area. As soon as they have finished the race each team
tries to find the leader and give him some object. First team to get their
prearranged object to the leader wins.
149. Homewards Despatch
Course is marked out of doors to suit area available, with same number of
stages as Scouts in each Patrol. Call stages A (start), B, C, etc. Patrol Leader
carries
written despatch from A to B; second at B signals message to third at C; third
then runs to fourth at D and gives verbal message; fourth writes it down and
runs home. Course can be lengthened to suit any numbers; variations could
include cycling, different methods of signalling, etc.
Patrols are timed to find best.
150. Hurdle Race
Patrol Leaders are given the message about the first "Hurdle" in
camp. It reads: "Hurdle
1. Difficulties exist to be overcome. Can you lead? Instruct your Patrol to
be at . . . . . (a certain place) by . . . . . (a given time am/pm) prompt.
They must not be seen leaving camp, nor on the way. Estimate the area of the
fields you come to, then be guided by circumstances." (The circumstances
are an umpire signalling in semaphore "Come here," when they have had
time to do the estimation.) Each Patrol Leader on arrival receives a verbal message, once
repeated:
"Hurdle 2. Follow the lane in the direction of But beware; there may be
spies! Note,
but do not follow them. Leave the lane if you see any good reason why you
should." (The good reason being a sign directing them to a well-known spot
of the river bank.) They are under observation down the lane, for silence,
order, etc. If they miss the sign, they go on down the lane, miss their turn and
have to wait till the following Patrol has gone through. On the river bank an
umpire gives them: "Hurdle 3. On the opposite bank you will see a piece of
paper for one of your number. Be careful whom you send, for only he may read it. Whosoever you send must keep one foot stockinged, shod and dry. Material
you ask for may be obtained from the S.M."
(The point of "One of your number" is that the message is for No. 2
and not the Patrol Leader himself, who would thus be leaving his men.)
A strong man might hop over. On the paper is written in morse: "Hurdle
4. Go now, silently but swiftly, to . . ."Here there is an umpire guarding
a deep chasm, a useful limb of a tree, and a rope to get over by. For getting
home (the route is circular, of course) various hurdles could be employed, or
two will fit together: "Hurdle 5. (a) A compass-reading, directing home ;
(b) smoke signal; (c) the Union Jack upside-down; (d) cries for help and a
wounded man. The first Patrol could (b) for the rest. A sketch of the course
occupies the first lots home.
Note.-This course takes one and a half to two hours, if considerable
intelligence is shown by the umpires and Patrol Leaders, and fifteen-minute intervals are
allowed between Patrols. The regular Patrol Leaders can be used as umpires; this pleases
them, and allows the Seconds to lead. The umpires need careful coaching. Patrols
may have to be held up, if the lot ahead go slowly. The course is so arranged on
rolling ground so that this can be done. Great speed is not encouraged.
151. Leaf Matching
In camp a Scouter goes out and collects as many sets of different leaves (or
flowers) as there are Patrols. They are arranged in a row. Patrols are allowed
five minutes to study leaves (flowers) and are then sent off to collect similar
ones.
152. Farm Census
If camping on or near a farm, send out Patrols to make a sketch-map of fields
and mark down the crop on each. Could be adapted for animals on farm, etc.
153. Potted Athletics
A good two-hour stunt in camp not to be taken too seriously! Such events as
the following might be included; throwing the mallet, hurling the plate,
pick-a-back race, and any other amusing ideas the Patrol Leaders can produce.
154. Spot the Colours
A number of small ends of various coloured wool are distributed over a
specified area, or along a trail. Each team tries to collect them.
Scores. Green 6, grey 5, brown 4, blue 3, red 2, white 1; or according to the
surroundings.
155. Blindfold Tent-Pegging
A peg is driven into the ground. Each player in turn starts about 6 yards
away blindfold; he turns round about three times and then tries to advance to
where the peg is and hit it with a mallet. No feeling must be allowed.
The player who hits it fairly on the top in the fewest blows wins.
156. Cold Day Obstacles
Start with an invisible-ink message which has to be heated. Each message
leads to the next, and the obstacles should be made as ludicrous as possible.
Some suggested obstacles are: the whole Patrol has to climb up a tree and touch
a branch 15 feet high; get through a very small gap in railings; get over a gate
using hands only; hop 100 yards; fill a medium bucket from a large bucket, using
mugs only, and buckets being 30 yards apart.
157. Deer Stalking
One player is the "deer" and goes and "browses" in a
wood. The rest try to get within 6 yards of him without being seen. If the deer
sees one he calls his name and points, and that player must retire 50 yards. If
the deer hears a stalker near him he may stampede, but not more than three
times. First player to get within 6 yards becomes deer.
158. Egg-if-I-Moo
Players' hats bunched together in centre of a 10-feet radius circle, players
round edge. One throws a tennis ball into one of the hats, not his own. If he
misses, a chip is put in his hat; if three times, another takes his place. Owner
of the hat in which the ball lodges runs in, picks up a ball, and then cries
"Halt ! "The rest run away but stop at the word. Player with the ball
may not leave circle and tries to hit one of the others with ball; if he fails,
a chip is put in his hat; one hit becomes IT. Team with fewest chips wins.
159. Payment by Results
(1) Improvise a rope of natural materials at least 6 feet long capable of
raising a bucketful of water, by direct lift, at least two feet. Price-£5.
(2) Make and fly a model glider capable of looping. Price-£5.
(3) Without blocks, rig up a tackle giving a three-one purchase. Price-£20.
(4) Improvise a rough-and-ready "water level" on the spirit-level
principle. Invent three possible uses for this on a permanent Camp site.
Price-£5.
160. Clumps
Each Scout has an "opposite number," and after being sent to
opposite sides of a circle about half a mile to a mile across, has to creep in
and meet him, without arranging a place of meeting. When a pair have met they
can start forming a clump by capturing by touch. Captives have to assist their
clump loyally, unless they see their opposite number walking about uncaptured. A larger clump can attack a smaller clump, but not vice
versa. Smaller clumps could scatter if attacked, so it is desirable to arrange a
secret meeting-place. If preferred, clumps can be invulnerable, and only lone
Scouts may be captured.
161. Attack and Defence
A ground about 600 yards long with a half-way line. One team at each end
guarding a number of objects (one for each member of the team). Each team tries
to capture its opponents' treasure and defend its own. A player can only be
caught when out of his own half and not when he is returning with a capture.
Prisoners are put behind their captors' base and must be released before any
more objects can be taken. Only one prisoner/object can be released/taken at a
time. Team with most objects and fewest prisoners wins.
162. Crocodile Dodge Ball
Players form a large well-spaced circle. One team forms a file, each man
holding on to the man in front of him, in the centre of the circle. The outside
players have a large ball (football) with which they endeavour to hit the last
man in the file. As soon as he is hit he goes to the front of the file and the
game goes on as before. When the whole team has been through, a new team takes
its place. The winning team is the one which stays in the circle the longest.
163. The Dodger
Players form a large well-spaced circle. One player (the dodger) in the
circle and two (or possibly three) outside. The idea is for the dodger to leave
the circle through a gap between two men and return through either of the
adjacent gaps without being touched by the men outside the circle. As soon as he
is caught, another player becomes the dodger. The winner is the dodger who
manages the greatest number of uncaught dodges.
164. Couple Rounders
The batting team are in pairs and a slightly larger ball, e.g. a soft tennis
ball, is used whilst the hand is used in place of a bat. The bowler pitches to
one of the batting pair (A). As soon as he has played the ball, he (A) attempts
to run a rounder. Meanwhile his partner (B) goes into the area between the posts
and as soon as the ball has been fielded the fielders attempt to hit him (B) by
throwing it at him. Should B be hit before A has run a complete rounder, both
are out. If A gets round before B is hit they have scored one rounder. The next
pair then bat, and so on, with the usual rules of rounders.
165. Non-Stop Cricket
The wickets are set up as shown. The bowler bowls the ball to the batsman. If
he hits it he must attempt a run to the wicket behind him and back. Meanwhile
the fielders return the ball as quickly as possible to the bowler, who
immediately bowls no matter where the batsman happens to be. Besides being
caught out, the batsman can only be bowled out (no stumping or running out). As soon as he is out the next
batsman comes in, but the bowler need not wait until he is in his crease.
Whenever the bowler has the ball he may bowl. A rounders' stick and a tennis
ball are best.
166. Camp Sardines
One of the Troop, known as the First Hider, is given about two minutes to
find a hiding-place from which he is not allowed to move after time is called.
At the end of the time allowed the others scatter and try to locate the First
Hider. When a Scout does locate him he "Plays Possum" and waits for an
opportunity to hide with him unobserved. Time limit necessary and only a brief
time should be allowed. First Finder becomes next First Hider; points given for
all finders.
167. Adventure Afternoon
Have an early salad or sandwich lunch. The Patrols parade ready to leave
camp, with bicycles or without. The Patrol Leaders are given the simple instructions:
"You and your Patrol are going to find adventure." Added to the
instructions can be either: "You will give an account at the Camp
Fire," or "You will write a concise report on your return,"
according to which particular form of training the Patrol Leaders at that time need most.
The value of the bicycles is that Scouts can go farther afield. Is it
necessary to say that each Patrol Leader should have an O.S. map of the district?
168. Prisoners' Chain
A home base is needed and a "prisoner" to begin the game. As soon
as he tags anyone the tagged player or prisoner joins hands with the original
prisoner or on either end of the chain of prisoners. If the chain breaks or if
one of the free players can break it, the prisoners must race for home. If they
are tagged on the way by one of the free players, the tagged prisoner must
"pick-a-back" the player as far as the base. As soon as all prisoners
are at base they join hands again and the chain sweeps out again. This is purely
an energy-releasing game. If the initial prisoner can be a volunteer T.L. or
A.S.M. this is an advantage.
169. Fetch It
This is another energy-releasing game which is also training in observation
and quick-wittedness. Scouts in some easy Patrol formation such as for relays,
Games Leader calls "Fetch me-an oak leaf" or what have you. Scouts
rush off, and points are awarded for the first three to hand in correct leaves.
The Games Leader should have a list of objects prepared, some small, some
larger, some easy, some difficult, some near, some far. A stinging nettle or
thistle can usefully be included.
170. Log Hauling Relay
Patrol event. Equipment: 6- or 8-inch log, 5 feet long (or a sandbag, bag of
leaves, etc.) rope for each Patrol. At the signal a Scout from each Patrol runs
from starting-line to the log or bag and ties a timber hitch round it. Then each
Scout ties a bowline on a bight on the other end of the rope, places it over his
shoulders like a harness, and all together they haul the log back across the line. Time depends upon the distance. Score ten
points for minimum time, and deduct for additional time or knots tied
incorrectly.
171. Wood Chopping Relay
Patrol event. Equipment: one axe, 8- to 10-inch (diameter) log. At the signal
first Scout runs up to log and takes six strokes, in an effort to chop the log
in half. He places the axe in the log and runs back to touch off the next Scout.
Second Scout takes six strokes. The number of strokes depends upon the kind of
wood. Leaders should estimate the minimum number of strokes, and score 10
points. Add five strokes, score 9 points; add five more, score 8 points, etc.
172. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Patrol event. Equipment: exhibit of leaves, flowers, twigs. Number determined
by locality. Each item is labelled. Scouts are told to bring in, and label
correctly, specimens corresponding to those on exhibit. Set a minimum time, and
score 10 points for time and accuracy. Deduct points for extra time and
incorrectly labelled specimens.
173. Biscuit-baking Race (without utensils)
Two-man event. Equipment: axe for each team, flour, water, wood pile. At the
signal Scouts build a fire, mix the dough, and bake biscuits, or twist on a
stick. Object-to present a well-cooked biscuit to the judge. Set a minimum time,
and score 10 points for time, with deductions for extra time and another 10
points to zero for quality of the biscuits.
174. Line Throwing
One-man event. Using 3/16-inch or 1/4-inch heaving line, throw three times
across target 5 feet wide from 30 feet in one minute. Score 5 points for each
throw, with deductions for each 1 foot from the target, 5 points bonus for
making three throws in time limit.
175. Compass Race
Four-man event (or complete Patrol). Equipment:
Compass for each group. Lay out a three-sided compass course in advance (one
per patrol). Courses to be similar in length and degree of difficulty. At each
change in direction of the course there should be a small stake, with a code
number or letter written on it. Scouts are given compass directions for finding
the three stakes. At the signal they start out, following their compasses. They
write down the code letter they find on the stakes. Set a minimum time for
completing the compass course, and score 10 points, with deductions for any
incorrect stakes recorded. Add two minutes, and score 8 points, etc.
176. Watery Grave
Played like "Blind Pirate" except treasure should be edible and the
Blind Pirate provided with a bucket of water and a mug; anyone hit by water is
handicapped by counting two hundred aloud before re-entering game.
177. Signallers v. Runners
A competition between a semaphore Patrol (or team), a morse Patrol and an
athletic Patrol getting a message to a certain point first. Distance at least a
mile. Some meditation as to length of message necessary by Scouter
beforehand-according to the capabilities of his signallers
178. Rabbit in the Trap
One Scout tied to a tree by one hand on long rope. Two or three other Scouts
of another Patrol heavily blindfolded try to capture and pin down the rabbit as
quickly as they can. Patrol against Patrol as a time test game.
179. Prisoners Calling
One Scout from each Patrol tied closely to a tree all within a few yards
radius. Rest of Troop blindfolded start from 50 or 60 yards away. The prisoner guides them to
his tree by using Patrol call. First Patrol to release their own prisoner wins.
180. Afternoon Tea Race
From word "Go" each Scout has to light a small fire and toast a
round of bread and then remove all traces of the fire. Time test for Troop
record.
181. Hot Dog Race
From word "Go" each Patrol to light a fire and, without using any
utensils excepting a mug and green sticks, has to make and cook a sausage roll
for each member of the Patrol; all traces of the fire must be removed. Each
Patrol should be given flour and sausage meat. Each cook must eat his own hot
dog after the judge has "passed" it for standard.
182. Mafeking
A number of ropes, rags or what not are placed on the top of a small mound
and defended by one side. The other side try to get them (one per man) and tie
them to some fence nearby. Best played in the dark. Change round after a time
limit.
183. Guy-Line Relay
A hawser is stretched tightly, but with a fair amount of "spring"
in it, between two trees at a height of about 8 or 9 feet above the ground. From
it a number of knotting ropes, each with a small bowline in the lower end, are suspended so that they just
touch the ground. A foot or so out from the rope on both sides tent pegs are driven
into the ground, one pair from each Patrol.
Patrols line up as for a relay at some little distance from the rope. At the
signal, Number One in each Patrol dashes up, grabs his rope, and by tugging and
straining tries to slip the bowline over one or other of the tent pegs, at the
same time doing his best to prevent the other players from doing likewise. When
he has succeeded, he runs back and the second player comes up, releases the rope
and transfers it to the other peg; and so on until everyone has had a go.
Variation. The game is played in exactly the same way but toggle ropes are
used, with two pegs set fairly close together so that the toggle may be slipped
over them.
See Also:
