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Observation
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Good observation, and proper use of our senses are of untold value to us all.

Scouts should be trained in observation from when they first enter the Troop. Our training should intensify as their time in scouting goes by.

Games both indoors and outdoors can be devised to expand a Scouts mind and help them recognize and appreciate their powers of observation.

SIMPLE OBSERVATION ACTIVITIES

KIM'S GAME Everyone's favorite - but - ask the Scouts especially those that do the same thing every time this activity is on the Troop program. Now is the time to try some variations on a Kim's Game theme. Replace the items with small containers each containing either a substance to taste (with a cocktail stick or an item to smell. Scouts either taste or smell the items, then after a short break they are instructed to make a list of them. Put small items into sealed cloth bags. By feeling, determine the item inside by touch.

VISUAL OBSERVATION

Arrange with your other section leaders to re-arrange certain items on their uniform before arriving at the meeting. Some ideas - wrong color garter tabs, wrong color hat badge, lanyard in wrong pocket, Membership Badge on wrong pocket etc...

Immediately after Flag Break, Scouters retire, and a P.L. in the know asks the Troop if they saw anything wrong with their leaders before and after Flag Break.

Write observations down - Patrols may confer.

DEDUCTION ON OBSERVATION

Produce a variety of items which relate to a hobby or job that could be associated to one of the leaders. From the deduction and indirect questions the Scouts are to determine to whom they relate.

DEDUCTION BY SIGHT

At some time early in your program, have a stranger enter the Troop Room on some message. Spend some time, ( about one minute) talking to the person. The Scouts will most probably take no notice at all of this incident. After they have left, and some time later, ask the scouts to describe that person as best they can. They should include dress, stature, abnormalities, and items carried (if any).

DEDUCTION BY SET INCIDENT

(You will require an area of smooth sand, slightly dampened)

Before the Scouts are invited to look at the area, some form of simple incident should have taken place there, which has left marks, footprints etc. in the sand. From this observation a deduction of what, who, etc.., took place can be determined.

Basic observation is built into us all, but being able to expand upon this basic information is an art which can be learned to our advantage.

See Also:

More Kim's Games

Traditional Training Handbook
©2003 Baden-Powell Scouts Association

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