4 Square | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts |
| Required: | 4 patrols volleyball or rubberball chalk |
| Preparation: | Mark a 16x16 square and divide it into four 8x8 squares. |
| Instructions: | Each patrol lines up at a corner of the play area. First player for each patrol enters his square. Patrol #1 serves the ball into square 2, 3, or 4 and then runs to the end of his patrol line while the next scout takes his place. When the ball enters your square, you must hit it out to either square from which the ball DID NOT come and then have your next patrol member take your place. For example, if #1 hits the ball into #3, then #3 can hit it to #2 or #4 but NOT to #3. When a patrol fails to return a hit, that patrol is penalized 1 point. The patrol with the least points after a set time wins. |
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4 Way Tug-o-War | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts, Bear Scouts, Webelos Scouts |
| Required: | 4 teams 4 25foot lengths of rope kerchief or rag |
| Preparation: | Tie the 4 lengths of rope together into a circle. Lay the rope out in a square on the ground with the knots at the corners. Put a rag in the very center of the square. |
| Instructions: | Each team lines up on a side of the rope square. On the 'GO' signal, everyone picks up the rope and starts pulling. After a set time limit, the stop signal is given and the team that has made the most progress away from the center marker wins. |
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Ace-King-Queen | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | 3 or more scouts 1 bouncing rubber ball |
| Instructions: | Ace-King-Queen is a "work your way up" game for any number of scouts with a hard floor and wall that can be hit by a small rubber ball. It's great as a gathering game or any time there's some dead time. Scouts line up from left to right, with the "Ace" on the far left, "King" next, then "Queen", "Jack", "10", ... and so on for as many scouts as exist. If playing on a sidewalk, each scout has his own square of cement to control - in a gym, tape on the floor can be used. The Ace serves the ball by hitting it with the palm of the hand so that it first bounces in the Ace's box one time, then hits the wall, then bounces in the King's box or any other box down the line. The player in that box must hit the ball in the same manner before it hits the ground twice. If he fails to hit the ball, he gets a point and moves to the far right end of the line while everyone else moves up. If a player hits the ball and it does not bounce first in his box before hitting the wall, or flies out of bounds, he gets a point and moves to the end of the line. A player can hit the ball into any other player's box, either up or down the line, or into his own box. He may hit it to himself a few times to line up just the shot he wants - sometimes a limit is set for self-serving. When a scout reaches a pre-determined score such as 7 or 15, he is eliminated while the field is whittled down to a champion. This is usually followed immediately by a new game. If there is no way to mark boxes on the ground, then the game is played in rotation and there is no self-serving. |
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Aerobic Tag | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | frisbee, beanbag, or nerfball a stopwatch |
| Instructions: | Mark off a large playing area. Divide into 2 teams or each patrol is a team. Referee keeps track of possession time. Object: Keep the item in your team's possession for a set length of time (20, 30, 60 seconds). Rules:
Be prepared to impose penalties for roughness, not getting rid of the item fast enough, or leaving the play area. |
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Alien Treasure | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts, Webelos Scouts |
| Required: | string 3x5 index cards reflective tape |
| Preparation: | Make an X of reflective tape on both sides of each index card. Punch a hole in the card and make a big loop of string through the hole. |
| Instructions: | Play this game at night, the darker the better. Before the game, go out through the woods and hang the cards from tree branches, distributing them over a defined area which should be quite large. Intergalactic smugglers from Orion were chased to Earth by a posse of cosmic marshals. Just before being captured, the smugglers jettisoned all their treasure and escaped. Their treasure looks like silver, but it floats in the air. Our job is to recover the treasure before the smugglers return to claim it. Tell the scouts the area boundaries and the time limit. Teams need to travel as a team, not singles. You can decide if they can break into buddy pairs or stay together as a whole team. You can either let teams head out and discover what the 'treasure' is or give them more direction to use their flashlights to illuminate the floating silver objects. You might have a reward for the most treasure returned or some reward for each piece of treasure. |
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All Aboard | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | 2x2 plywood for all to stand on, solidly raised off the ground 6 inches. |
| Notes: | An initiative game to have a group cooperate to reach a goal. |
| Instructions: | See how many scouts can stand on the platform with no body parts touching the ground. They must stay on board for 10 seconds. If an entire patrol can do it, try combining groups to set a record. |
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Alphabet Bag | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | paper grocery bag for each patrol. marker for each patrol. |
| Instructions: | Give each patrol leader a large paper grocery bag. Goal: Collect an item for every letter of the alphabet. Rules:
Best score wins. |
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Ankle Fights | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Instructions: | Draw a 6 foot or larger (depending on size of group) diameter ring. Players all stand in ring and grab their own ankles. On the whistle, try to push your opponent over, or make him let go of his ankles, or step out of the ring. If any of those happen, the scout leaves this round. Last scout wins the round. |
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Arm Knockout | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts |
| Notes: | Play patrols against each other as a competition. |
| Instructions: | Two opponents face each other laying on the ground and ready to do push-ups. Feet should be together and bodies stay straight. On 'Ready' signal, both scouts rise up into the push-up position and hold there. On 'Go' signal, each scout tries to knock his opponent's arms out so he falls to the ground. Scouts may not grab or pull - only knock or slap at opponent's arms. First one to fall or get tired and drop is out. |
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Arm Wrestling | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Notes: | Have members of each patrol battle against each other. |
| Instructions: | One scout from each patrol lays on his stomache on the floor, facing his opponent. Place right elbow on the floor in front and lock hands with opponent. On signal, be the first to force the back of opponent's hand down to the floor while keeping elbows on the floor. |
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Arm-Sling Relay | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts |
| Instructions: | Patrols line up on the starting line with one scout playing patient about 30 feet away. The patient needs to get his arm bound in a sling. On start signal, first scout in patrol runs to patient and uses his neckerchief to bind arm in sling. When the referee sees that the sling is correct, he signals the rescuing scout to remove the sling. The victim runs back to tag the next patrol member while the rescuing scout becomes the victim. If this is run as a race, know what the largest patrol size is and all patrols need to rescue that number of victims - some will go twice. |
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Atomic Particle Collecting | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Required: | Per team: - 1 pair work gloves - 1 plastic jar with lid - 1 paper plate - 50-100 popcorn kernels |
| Notes: | Depending on age of scouts, you may want to pop the corn kernels to make them easier to pick up. |
| Instructions: | Your space exploration team has been searching for new fuel sources across the galaxy and has discovered a planet with a source of highly radioactive fuel. Each small piece can power a city and is worth $10M. But, they can not be touched and extended exposure to them will kill you. Each team lines up single file at the start line. The plate is placed about 30 feet away covered with popcorn kernels. Each astronaut must:
At the end of a time limit, each team determines the value of the fuel they have collected. |
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Back Lift | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts, Bear Scouts, Webelos Scouts |
| Instructions: | Two scouts stand back to back and interlock arms at the elbows. On signal, each tries to lift the other off the ground. When both feet are off the ground, a point is awarded. |
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Backpack Packing | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts |
| Required: | Backpack for each patrol. Equal list of items for each patrol to pack in backpack. |
| Notes: | For more difficulty, have some items like unstuffed sleeping bag, inflated sleeping pad, 3 balloons that they can pop, unpacked mess kit. |
| Instructions: | Place empty backpack and all items around it for each patrol. Patrol lines up 20 feet from pack at starting line. On signal, first in line runs to backpack and packs in one item. Repeat until all items are in pack. Then, patrol leader or assistant carries pack back to patrol and patrol gives yell and sits down. |
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Ball of String Relay | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | Big ball of string for each patrol. Small metal washer for each patrol. |
| Preparation: | People on a team stand in a circle facing inward. |
| Instructions: | One scout holds the ball of string and the washer. On 'GO' signal, the scout keeps hold of the end of the string, but hands the ball of string to his neighbor. He then slides the washer onto the end of the string and slides it down the string to his neighbor. In this manner, the ball of string is passed around the circle with the washer following right behind. When the string is completely unwound, tie the washer to the end of it and wind the ball of string back up as it is passed backwards around the circle. Can give points for speed and size of finished ball - smaller is worth more. |
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Ball Scramble | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | a volleyball or similar ball |
| Preparation: | mark off a playing area with a side for each patrol - a triangle if three, a square if four, a pentagon if five patrols, ... |
| Instructions: | Each patrol gathers outside the play area on one of the sides. One scout from each patrol is blindfolded. When the ball is tossed into the middle of the play area, each blindfolded scout tries to locate it and retrieve it to his goal line. Patrol members yell directions to their retriever. When a scout finds and picks up the ball, his patrol receives 2 points. Any scout that tags the scout with the ball receives 1 point for his patrol. The patrol whose goal line the scout with the ball crosses receives 1 point. Play a set number of rounds to determine the winning patrol. |
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Ball Toss Relay | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | Ball, frisbee, or beanbag per patrol |
| Instructions: | Patrols line up with at least 10 feet between patrol lines. Patrol leader steps out in front of patrol about 20 feet and faces patrol. Each patrol leader is given a ball. The patrol leader throws the ball to the first scout in line. He catches it, throws it back, and sits down. Repeat until all scouts in patrol are sitting. If a scout misses the ball, he must go retrieve it and return to his position before throwing it. Optional: Extend the game by now rolling the ball. Once everyone is seated, roll the ball to the first scout who catches it, stands up and rolls it back. The patrol leader must roll the ball between the legs of standing scouts to the first sitting scout in line. |
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Balloon Basket | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Required: | different colored balloons for each team. one large container such as a refrigerator carton. |
| Instructions: | Give each scout on a team a balloon of the same color. Give balloons of a different color to all scouts on each other team. Place the 'basket' at one end of the room and have all scouts line up at the other end of the room. On 'Go' signal, everyone blows up their balloon until a judge says it is big enough. They then tap their balloons in the air across the room and try to bat them into the container. As soon as a scout's balloon goes in the container, he should run back to the start and do another balloon. Scouts that hold or carry their balloon must return to the start. When the container is full or a 2 minute time limit is reached, stop and count the balloons in the basket. The team with the most balloons wins that round. Save the blown up balloons for other balloon games. |
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Balloon Hanging | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | lots of balloons |
| Notes: | A fun, active game to play indoors. Now that you have all these balloons blown up, follow this with another balloon game such as Balloon Symphony, Balloon Artists, Balloon Bed, Balloon Juggling, and finally Balloon Stomp. |
| Instructions: | Pile all the deflated balloons in the center of the room. Assign each patrol a section of wall as their own. On 'Go' signal, members of each patrol grab a balloon, blow it up, rub it on their hair or clothes, and stick it to their wall. At the time limit, stop play and count which patrol has the most balloons on their wall - the winner! |
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Balloon Hot Potato | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | 6 or more balloons slips of paper, pencil |
| Preparation: | Write messages on the paper, slip one in each balloon, and blow them up. The messages could be like: 'Recite the Scout Oath' 'Tell the Scout Motto' 'Tell 3 components needed for a fire' Or, any other questions about your theme. |
| Instructions: | The group stands in a circle. The leader has the balloons. One at a time, a balloon is passed from player to player around the circle, until the leader blows a whistle. The player holding the balloon when the whistle blows goes to the center of the circle and sits on the balloon until it pops. He reads the note and performs the action or answers the question contained in the message. |
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Balloon Monster | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | 50 balloons and roll of tape for each team. |
| Preparation: | Mark a starting line and cone or marker around which contestants must race - about 30 yards away. |
| Instructions: | Each patrol blows up balloons to a minimum diameter - you might want judges to approve the sizes or have a loop of string through which the balloons can not pass. The tape is wrapped around the patrol volunteer with the sticky side out. Each balloon is stuck to this scout. When all balloons are stuck on, he runs around the course and back. 10 points for the first patrol finished, 7 for 2nd, and 3 for 3rd. 3 points for each balloon that is still on the runner at the end. This race favors larger patrols, so you may decide to have some sit out to even the teams. |
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Balloon Relay | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Required: | 6 balloons for each team. Different color balloons for each team makes it easier. 2 large garbage bags for each team. 2 sheets of paper and a marker for each team. |
| Notes: | This game differs from some other balloon games in that the scouts do not have to blow up and tie the balloons. Thus, it is suitable for younger scouts too. |
| Instructions: | Blow up the 6 balloons per team and put three in each garbage bag. Give each team their two garbage bags. Have each team number off. Have the even numbers of each team go to one side of the play area and the odd numbers go to the opposite side. Each group takes a garbage bag of balloons and sheet of paper with them. Give the marker to the first person of each team on the odd-numbered side of the play area. At the whistle, one scout from each team on the odd side starts tapping their balloon to the even side. When they get there, they have to tap their balloon into the garbage bag being held open by another player. Once the balloon is in the bag, the scout makes a mark on the sheet of paper with the marker and then hands the marker to the next player. That scout gets the balloon out, and taps a balloon to the odd side of the room to get his balloon into the garbage bag on that side. If a balloon pops, the player must go back to their bag to get another balloon and start tapping all over again. No carrying of balloons. It is fine for a balloon to hit the floor, and or be kicked. The scout just can’t take a step while holding the balloon. When a 2 minute time limit is reached, stop and count the marks on the sheets of paper. The team with the most balloons wins that round. (Variations, scouts can only kick the balloon, or use their hands, or use a ruler to tap the balloon) |
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Balloon Stomp | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | Small Balloons - 3 per scout String - 2 foot lengths |
| Preparation: | Blow up all the balloons very full so they are easier to pop. Tie a string to each balloon. |
| Instructions: | Mark off a safe play area with a circular rope. Tie a balloon to each scout's left foot. Everyone tries to stomp all the other balloons. When your balloon is popped, you leave the play area. Last one with a balloon wins. If played indoors, play in stocking feet to make smashed feet less of a problem. Have patrols play as teams to see which patrol is left. Even if you do not spell this out, it is good to have a very short reflection to discuss if it was fun, if there was any teamwork going on, what strategies worked. In this, as in almost all elimination games, if a patrol works together, they tend to have a better chance at winning. |
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Balloons Aloft | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts, Webelos Scouts |
| Required: | Large, inflated balloon for each patrol Markers |
| Instructions: | Each patrol draws a patrol symbol on their balloon. Goal: In a large play area, each patrol tries to keep their balloon in the air the longest. Rules:
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Bandage a Buddy | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts |
| Required: | kerchief for each scout |
| Notes: | This requires First Class skills. Bandages: Arm sling, sprained ankle, head wound, toothache, forearm cut, thigh cut, ... |
| Instructions: | Each patrol has a referee to judge the bandages. Pair off with buddies in patrols. The leader calls out a wound to be bandaged. He then gives the signal to start. One member of each pair uses his kerchief to bandage his partner. When the judge approves the bandage, it is removed and the other scout bandages the first one. All pairs in each patrol tie each bandage. When the judge has approved all bandages, the patrol gives their patrol yell to signal their completion of the round. When all patrols finish a round, the next wound is announced. |
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Bang the Can Relay | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Required: | 4 metal garbage cans, or coffee cans, or other items that can be hit and make noise. 2 dowels or sticks about 1 foot long for batons. |
| Preparation: | Set the 4 cans out in a large square raceway. |
| Instructions: | Divide in 2 teams or have patrols compete. One team has a starting line halfway between 2 cans. The other team's starting line is halfway between the 2 opposite cans. One team runs clockwise, the other counter-clockwise around the course. One scout from each team starts with their baton in hand. He runs around the square and must hit each can with his baton. If he fails to hit a can hard enough for the judge to hear, he must repeat his lap. When the scout finishes his lap, he hands off the baton to the next scout. The scouts waiting in line must stay out of the way of running scouts. |
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Banged Up Benny | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts, Webelos Scouts |
| Required: | Neckerchiefs. Folded up paper towels to use as sterile pads. List of wounds on paper for each group. |
| Instructions: | Split in groups of 4 to 6 scouts. One scout is Benny, he's all banged up from some terrible accident; the rest are rescuers. Scouts line up single file with Benny out in front of them 10-30 feet. Have first aid materials beside each Benny. On the leader's go signal, the first rescuer sees Benny, runs to him, and asks what is wrong. Possible injuries are: scalp wound (head bandage), thigh cut (pressure wrap), sprained ankle, broken arm (sling), hand or wrist cut (pressure pad). Rescuer applies his neckerchief and sterile pads as required where indicated. When complete, he asks Benny if there's anything else wrong. If Benny says "Yes", the rescuer calls for help. The next rescuer takes a turn helping Benny and then asks if there is more. When Benny says "broken legs", the scout needs to get help and two scouts carry him back in a four-hand seat carry with the other scouts spotting. This is used for serious practice in a fun way and there should be no time limit - try to have the scouts make good application of the dressings. |
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Barnga | ||||||||||||||||||
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts | |||||||||||||||||
| Required: | at least 10 scouts, preferably more card deck for every 4 to 6 scouts paper and pencil for each group print-outs of rule sheets below | |||||||||||||||||
| Preparation: | in each card deck remove all cards EXCEPT Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 of each suit. This leaves 28 cards. | |||||||||||||||||
| Notes: | This is more of a challenge and reflection than a game, but the card game is what helps us reach the reflection. | |||||||||||||||||
| Instructions: | Real Goal The goal is to raise awareness of cultural differences, especially when people move from one culture to another. Everyone will be playing the same game except that each group has just slightly different rules. When a player moves to a new group, unable to communicate, he will run into obstacles in winning a trick. When someone joins a new group, or moves to a new home, the rules in that new place are similar to what he is used to but with some important differences which he must figure out. When someone joins our group, club, circle of friends, neighborhood, we should be flexible and supportive when he doesn't quite "get it" how we do things here. Starting the Game
Once everyone knows how to play, the leader picks up all the rule sheets and announces that the real game is played as a tournament with no verbal or written conversation. Players can communicate with gestures and drawing pictures if needed. In this tournament, players rotate between groups this way:
Rules Sheets - a different one for each group. Print the sheet for each group and cross out the Ace and Trump portions so each group has a different trump suit and Ace high or low combination.
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Base Attack | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | tennis balls |
| Notes: | Keep an eye out for anyone throwing excessively hard. |
| Instructions: | The Empire has sent a group of star cruisers to destroy your rebel bases. Your job is to defend your base as long as possible. If played in a smaller group, one scout is the attacking star cruiser. If played in a large group, one patrol are the attackers. The attackers gather at one end of the play area. They are given the tennis balls to use as interstellar missiles. All other players scatter around the play area and stand with their feet spread more than shoulder-width apart. These are the Bases. A base is destroyed when a tennis ball passes between their legs. They can protect their base by bending at the waist and catching or deflecting thrown tennis balls. They may not bend their knees. When a base is destroyed, that scout sits down. Star cruisers can take up to 3 steps while carrying a missile, but only if they make star cruiser noises ( whatever those may be :-) ). If a star cruiser carrying a missile comes within 10 feet of a base, the gravitational pull will destroy the cruiser. (this is to give the bases a chance.) A destroyed cruiser stands on the sidelines until the round is over. The last base alive is the attacking star cruiser for the next round, or his patrol becomes the attackers. Referees along the sidelines may be needed, depending on the trustworthiness of the players. |
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Beachball Ballyhoo | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | 1 large beach ball per patrol |
| Instructions: | Each patrol has a beach ball that they hit into the air as many times as they can without it touching the ground. No one may hit the ball twice in a row. Count one point per hit and try for new records. Optional Competition:
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Beanbag Toss | |
| Intended for: | Tiger Scouts |
| Required: | 5 beanbags paper targets tape |
| Preparation: | Tape the targets to the floor so they don't move. Define a throwing line 10 or so feet away. |
| Instructions: | Each scout tosses the 5 beanbags at the targets. Completely on the target is 2 points, partially on is 1 point. |
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Benchball | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts |
| Required: | 2 benchs 1 or more volleyballs, rubber balls, or nerf balls |
| Preparation: | Lay out a rectangular play area such as a basketball court. Place a bench at each end. Mark a goalkeeper-only zone around the bench to keep opposing players from being too close. |
| Instructions: | There are many alternate versions of this game. General Play:
Alternative Rules to Mix In:
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Bicycle Races | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | bicycles marbles 4 coffee cans per patrol chalk |
| Instructions: | Slalom Race: Set the 4 cans 6 feet apart in a straight line. Mark a starting line. Rider cycles from the starting line weaving between the cans, around the last can, and back to the starting line. Next scout rides. If a rider touches a can or touches the ground, he must start his ride over. Fastest patrol time wins. Marble Drop: Draw a starting line. Place the cans in a straight line 8-10 feet apart. Each scout gets 4 marbles. Scout rides past the cans and drops a marble in each one. Score one point per marble. Lose one point for touching the ground or a can. Not a timed race. Turtle Relay: Using chalk, draw a 3foot wide path about 50 feet long. Mark the ends of the path with chalk. Split the team in half with half at each end of the path. Using one bike, a scout rides from one end of the path to the other as SLOWLY as possible. When the front tire crosses the end line, time is stopped until the next scout starts his ride. Time is deducted for touching the ground or having a tire touch the path edges. Slowest patrol wins. |
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Birds of a Feather | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | Slips of paper with a bird name written on each one - chicken, turkey, goose, duck, chickadee, crow. If you have 24 people, make 4 of each. If 42, make 7 of each. |
| Preparation: | Hand out a paper slip to each scout. |
| Notes: | Since the groups constantly change, there is no real team that wins. It should only take about three minutes to get a winner so many rounds can be played. If you are going to give out any small prizes, do it right after the round since you'll have no idea who gets the prize later. |
| Instructions: | On 'GO' signal, scouts mill about the room exchanging slips as many times as they can with as many different scouts as possible. They do not look at what is written on the paper. On 'STOP' signal, scouts stop and look at their paper. On 'FIND YOUR FLOCK' signal, scouts try to find all others of their kind and then sit down together. The last group to sit is out, taking their papers with them. Repeat until only one flock is left. Alternate: When finding your flock, you can only make the noise of the bird you have, no talking. Alternate: Use any animals rather than just these birds. |
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Bizz Buzz | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Notes: | Improve mental quickness and concentration. Good for a filler while sitting around. |
| Instructions: | Group sits in circle facing in. In a clock-wise direction, scouts count up from 1. Instead of 7 and all multiples of 7, and all numbers that contain 7, say 'Buzz'. For example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Buzz, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, Buzz, 15, 16, Buzz, 18, ... If there is a mistake, start over at 1 with the next scout in line. Once it is going well and the group has reached 50 or so, stop them and add 'Bizz' to the game. Now, substitute 'Bizz' for 5. For example, 1, 2, 3, 4, Bizz, 6, Buzz, 8, 9, Bizz, 11, 12, 13, Buzz, Bizz, 16, Buzz, 18, 19, Bizz, Buzz, 22, ... If the number is a multiple of 5 and 7, or has 5 and 7 in it, like 35 or 57 or 70 or 75, say 'BizzBuzz'! Try for a group record or reaching 100. Eliminate scouts that make mistakes until only the champion is left. |
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Blind Balloon Volleyball | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | rope plastic tarp 6 or so balloons |
| Preparation: | String the rope between two trees or two posts - at least a foot higher than the tallest scouts. Drape the plastic tarp over the rope so teams can not see each other. Mark court boundaries on the ground. |
| Instructions: | Divide into two teams. Object is to make the balloon touch the ground on the other team's side. Start a balloon on one side of the court. A team can hit the balloon as many times as they want before hitting it over the net. Add another balloon after scouts get the hang of it. Add more balloons if the skill level warrants them. |
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Blind Corners | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Preparation: | Mark out a square play area about 25 feet on a side. |
| Instructions: | One scout is it. He is blindfolded in the center of the play area. All other players stand in one of the four corners. 'IT' points to one corner (or as close as he can). All scouts in that corner step out of the play area and remain quiet. Leader counts off 5 seconds 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 while remaining scouts choose a corner. Repeat until only one scout is left and he gets to be 'IT' for the next round. |
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Blind Observations | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | Per scout: blindfold paper pencil Various other items |
| Preparation: | Give each scout a paper and pencil |
| Instructions: | Group into patrols, sit down, and blindfold everyone.
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Blind Referee | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | large rubber ball or nerf ball whistle blindfold |
| Preparation: | Divide into two teams. Have one non-blindfolded referee right on the center line to judge points. |
| Instructions: | One team on each side of the center line. The ball is placed on the center line. One person is blindfolded and given the whistle. When he blows the whistle, the game begins. When he blows the whistle again, whichever side of the center line the ball is on receives one point - even if the ball is in the air and has not touched ground on that side. Play resumes when he blows the whistle again. The team with the fewest points after a set time limit wins - 5 minutes. Mix teams after a few rounds if it is very one-sided. |
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Blob Tag | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Instructions: | Three scouts join hands and start out as the 'Blob' and they try to tag other scouts. When tagged, a scout joins the blob by grabbing the last hand in line. When the blob has at least 6 scouts, it can break into two 3-scout blobs. The blob can break and join whenever it wants, depending on the plan being tried. Last 3 scouts begin the next round as the blob. |
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Blowhard Relay | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Required: | straw for each scout item to race for each team |
| Notes: | Items should be light, such as styrofoam or paper, but not round like a ball. This should be done on non-carpeted floor, such as a gym or cafeteria floor. Depending on what holiday is close, you can use themed items, such as spiders and ghosts, elves and snowmen. |
| Instructions: | Each scout receives a straw. Teams line up at the starting line. The first scout in line is on his knees with the racing item in front of him. On 'GO', first scout in each team uses his straw to blow air at his item to move it around the course and back to the next scout. |
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Borg Tag | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Required: | yellow ribbons |
| Instructions: | One scout is the Borg. When someone is tagged, he is assimilated and becomes a Borg. He then helps assimilate more Borg. To identify the Borg, give every scout a yellow ribbon to keep in their pocket. When they are Borg, they tie it on their wrists or waists. The last human left can be the first Borg of the next round. |
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British Bulldog | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts |
| Notes: | This gets VERY physical. You may want to address your larger scouts aside before the game about handling smaller scouts. |
| Instructions: | One scout is the 'bulldog' and stands in the center of the play area. Everyone lines up at one end of play area. When the bulldog yells, 'British Bulldog', all scouts run to the far end of the play area, avoiding the bulldog. To capture someone, the bulldog must lift him completely off the ground long enough to yell, '1, 2, 3, British Bulldog!' He then becomes a bulldog too. The last player caught is the bulldog for the next round. |
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Bubble Gum Relay | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | 12 pieces of bubblegum or chewing gum for each patrol 1 paper grocery bag for each patrol 1 pair of work gloves for each patrol |
| Instructions: | Patrols line up in single file at the starting line. A closed bag containing gum and gloves is place 20 or 30 feet away from each patrol. The first player on each team runs to the bag, opens it, puts on the gloves, digs down into the bag for the gum, pulls it out, unwraps it and puts it in his mouth. He then replaces the gloves in the bag, closes it, and runs back to tag the next in line. Continue doing this until all the gum in the bag is gone - some scouts will do more than one trip. If using bubblegum, the first patrol to be in line and all have bubbles blown at the same time wins. Otherwise, the first patrol to have all members back in line wins. |
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Bucket Ball | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts |
| Required: | two cardboard boxes, bushel baskets, or plastic clothes baskets a basketball gym floor or flat surface |
| Notes: | sportsmanship, teamwork |
| Instructions: | Use the buckets as baskets. Play basketball as normal but the ball must stay in the bucket to score. Optional: Have each patrol be a team. When one team scores, the scored-on team is replaced with a fresh team. |
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Buddy Tag | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Required: | Need at least 12 scouts, the more the better |
| Instructions: | All players except for two form into buddy pairs and link one arm. Pairs spread out over area. There is one player as 'It' and one player being chased - the 'runner'. The 'runner' may run up beside any buddy team and link his arm with one free arm of a buddy. This makes 3 scouts together which is not allowed. So, the member of the buddy team that the 'runner' did not link arms with is now the 'runner'. 'It' can tag the 'runner' at any point. As soon as he is tagged, he is 'It' and 'It' is now the 'runner'. Usually, the tag is made when someone does not realize a 3rd has joined his team. Be careful about one scout being 'It' for too long. Change the game by having 2 Its and Runners at the same time. |
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Build It | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | blocks, scraps of wood, twine, sticks, ... any materials with which to build. |
| Instructions: | Make a pile of materials for each team. Each team has 2 minutes to inspect their materials, without touching anything. They also need to decide what they are going to build. Then, each team has 3 minutes to build their structure, without talking. Be sure to explain all the rules before they start so they can make a plan on how they will accomplish their goal. After the game, discuss how teams communicated without talking. Did someone just take over or did everyone co-operate? What would they do differently if they tried again? |
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Calendar Toss | |
| Intended for: | Tiger Scouts, Wolf Scouts, Bear Scouts |
| Required: | large pages from an old calendar buttons, bingo markers, other small items to toss. |
| Preparation: | lay the calendar pages out on the floor. Define a throwing line about 5-10 feet from the targets. |
| Instructions: | Each scout gets 5 or so markers to toss. If each scout has a different color item or throws at a different target, many can play at once. Object is to have markers land on dates on the calendar page. The date values are added up to determine the total score for a scout. Try to set the team's record score - this could be a very high scoring game. |
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Candle Relay | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts, Webelos Scouts |
| Required: | candle and box of matches for each team |
| Preparation: | Define starting line and turn-around point. |
| Instructions: | Patrols line up single file. Each patrol leader is given a candle and box of matches. On go signal, patrol leader lights candle and runs the course. When he gets back, he hands off the candle and matches to the next scout. If the candle goes out, the scout must stop and relight it. Each patrol makes the number or round-trips as there are in the largest patrol. Make it more interesting by having random tasks pulled from a bag - walk backwards, crawl, hop, hold candle above head or below knee, ... |
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Candy Dice | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | lots of m&ms or other small candies one dice |
| Notes: | This is a simple filler game with no skill required |
| Instructions: | Break into groups of 4 to 8 players, sitting in a circle. In the center of the circle put a pile of candies. One player rolls the dice. If it is a 6, he gets a candy. The dice passes to his right. As each scout rolls, if it is not a 6, the last scout that rolled a 6 gets another piece of candy. If it IS a 6, he gets a candy and becomes the 'candy collector' until someone else gets a 6. |
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Canoes and Compasses | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts |
| Required: | Canoe, 3 life jackets, 2 paddles, compass, and blanket for each team of 3 scouts |
| Notes: | If you make this a timed race, there is more chance of collisions in the water. |
| Instructions: | Set up some numbered buoys at least 100 feet from the shore of a lake, about 20 feet apart. Set up a starting point on shore for each team. From one starting point, take compass bearings to each buoy and write down the bearing for each numbered buoy. Also, write down the bearing on a separate slip of paper and put all these slips in a bag at the starting point. Repeat this for each starting point. A team of 3 scouts gets ready in a canoe. Two of the scouts are paddlers, and the third kneels in the middle, under a blanket, holding a flashlight and a compass. When the canoe is ready to go, the activity leader gives a slip of paper to the scout under the blanket. The slip of paper has a compass bearing written on it. When the activity leader starts the game, the paddlers paddle the canoe toward the buoys based on the directions given by the scout under the blanket. He should tell them to turn 'port' or 'starboard' as needed. When the canoe reaches a buoy, the number of the buoy is recorded on the slip of paper and the team returns for the next slip. The activity leader on shore takes the completed slip and gives the navigator the next slip from the bag. Repeat as many times as you have time for. |
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Capture the Flag | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | flag for each team. 40 foot rope per team. |
| Preparation: | Set up game boundaries with a center line. A football field sized area is good. |
| Instructions: | Create 2 teams. Each team displays its flag in plain view somewhere on its side of the play field. Each team also defines a jail area that is 10x10 feet - use a rope to define the area. Players attempt to steal the opposing team's flag and return it to their side of the center line without being tagged. If a scout has the flag and is tagged, the flag is dropped and remains there until another opposing player can steal it. The scout that is tagged is taken to the jail area by his captor. During this time, the captor can not capture any other players and the captive must go directly with his captor. Once in jail, a scout remains there until another of his team can run into the jail area without being tagged - this is a jailbreak. Decide if a jailbreak allows all captured scouts a free walk to their side or a certain number only. |
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Capture the Fort | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts, Webelos Scouts |
| Required: | soccer ball or NERF ball |
| Instructions: | At least 7 scouts per team. One team stands in a circle facing outward. Each scout places his left hand on the right shoulder of his neighbor and must keep it there. The team leader stands in the center of the circle. This is the fort. The other team spreads out outside the fort. These are the attackers. The soccer ball is a bomb. The leader drops the bomb to the attackers. They try to kick the bomb through the holes in the fort wall - between legs or between bodies. Or, they can kick it over the top of the wall. If the bomb touches the ground inside the fort, it explodes. The team leader in the fort can catch the bomb and throw it back before it touches the ground. The walls can use their bodies or right hand to deflect the bomb. Either switch sides after each explosion or after a set time limit. |
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Career Charades | |
| Intended for: | Tiger Scouts |
| Instructions: | Give scouts 4-5 minutes to think of a career they might like to be when they grow up and a charade to show that job. Then, play charades with each scout presenting their job and the rest of the group trying to guess what it is. You could play for fun or have each correct guess be worth 1 point for the whole group. |
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Catch 10 | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts |
| Required: | a ball neckerchiefs or ribbons |
| Preparation: | define the playing field - basketball court size is good. Divide group into 2 teams. Put neckerchiefs on 1 team's arm for identification. |
| Instructions: | One team starts with the ball. It is thrown to another teammate who yells "One!" At each successful catch, the next number is yelled. When a team reaches "Ten!" they receive one point. The other team tries to intercept the ball or knock it to the ground. On an interception, the scout yells "One!" and his team is now counting up. When the ball hits the ground, the team that was last counting loses control and the other team picks it up and starts counting up. The only physical contact should be incidental while going for the ball. Set a time limit or first team to a specific score. |
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Catch the Cane | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Required: | A walking cane or 3 foot long stick |
| Instructions: | Scouts number off. All scouts stand in a circle facing inward where one scout who is 'IT' stands with the cane. IT stands the cane on end and places his hand flat on the top of it. IT simultaneously shouts out a number and raises his hand so the cane starts to fall. The scout whose number was called races to the cane to catch it before it hits the ground. You can score however you'd like: - if you catch it, you GET TO be It. - if you miss it, you HAVE TO be It. - 1 point to It for dropped canes and 1 point to the scout for caught canes. |
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Catch the Thief | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Required: | 6 to 12 scouts |
| Notes: | If you have a fast policeman, he should become tired out as he runs over and over so many scouts naturally get turns as policeman. |
| Instructions: | Group sits in a circle facing inward toward the leader - the leader is the victim. One scout is chosen to be the policeman first. The leader says "Someone stole my wallet!" The policeman asks "What did he look like?" The leader gives a clue about the thief that identifies someone else in the ring. The policeman guesses the identity of the thief. If he is incorrect, another clue is given until he successfully guesses the thief. Once the policeman guesses the thief, both the thief and policeman run around the outside of the circle in the same direction back to their original positions. The first one back is the policeman for the next turn. |
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Catch Up | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | two basketballs or rubber balls or any balls |
| Instructions: | There must be an even number of scouts. All participants stand in a circle facing inward. Number off 1-2-1-2-1-2... This creates two even teams. Give one ball to a scout on team #1. Tell him to pass it to the next player on his team to his right. Let that team pass the ball all the way around the circle for practice. Then, give that ball to team #2 and let them practice around once. Now, give a second ball to the player on team #1 directly opposite the team #2 player that has their ball. On 'GO', players pass the ball to their teammate on their right with the goal of catching up to the ball of the opposing team. If the ball is dropped, the last scout on that team that touched it has to retrieve it, retun to his spot, and throw it again. Score a point when you catch up to the other team and then start another round. Try going to the left for a change. Try bounce passing for a change. |
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Caterpillar Race | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Preparation: | Draw a starting line. Place a chair or cone about 20-25 feet away for each team. |
| Instructions: | Each team lines up in single file. First scout bends over with hands on the ground. Each successive scout bends over and holds onto the ankles of the person ahead of him to create a caterpillar. On 'Go' signal, each team races forward around the chair and back to the finish line. If the caterpillar breaks, it must stop and reform before continuing on. |
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Chain Gang Escape | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts |
| Required: | rope for each scout - about 6 feet |
| Preparation: | Define starting line for each patrol. Pile ropes for each patrol about 20 feet from the line. Define finish line about 50 feet away. |
| Notes: | knot tying, patrol teamwork. |
| Instructions: | Your gang is being held unjustly in a state prison. The only way to escape is to get out of the prison yard by working on the chain gang and then making a run for it. Since this is a jail break, absolute quiet is needed. A 5 second penalty is added for each instance of talking. Each patrol lines up in single file. On 'Go' signal, each patrol leader runs to his ropes, picks them up, and returns. He takes one rope and passes the rest back so each scout gets a rope. The patrol leader ties a bowline knot in his rope, and slips it around his ankle. He passes the end of his rope to the next scout who ties his rope to it with a square knot. He then ties the rope around his ankle using a clove hitch and passes the end to the next scout. Repeat this all the way to the last scout. The last scout ties his rope on and then makes a bowline and slips it over his ankle. The last scout quietly signals the leader that the chain is complete. The entire patrol runs together to the state line (finish line) where they are safe. A referee checks all knots for correctness. Incorrect knots get a 10 second penalty. Broken knots get a 15 second penalty. Fastest patrol after adding time penalties wins. |
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Chicken Run | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | rubber chicken (or large bean bag) |
| Instructions: | Make two teams. Leader of first team throws chicken as far as he can and yells CHICKEN RUN! His team then bunches into as small a group as they can except for one scout who is the 'runner'. The runner runs around and around the group as fast as he can, yelling out the number of laps as he circles. Meanwhile, the other team runs to where the chicken landed and forms a line facing the chicken. The leader picks up the chicken and hands it over his shoulder to the scout behind him. That scout hands it under his legs to the scout behind him. This is repeated over-under all the way to the last scout in line. When the last scout gets the chicken, he throws it as far as he can and yells CHICKEN RUN! The teams switch roles running in circles and chasing the chicken for a set time limit. The team with the most laps wins. May have rule that each scout can only be a runner or thrower once during a game. |
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Circle Jump Rope | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Required: | rope with rolled up sock or knot tied in end for weight. colored sidewalk chalk |
| Preparation: | Draw a 6 foot diameter circle on the ground. Around this draw a 10 foot circle, then a 14 foot circle. |
| Instructions: | One leader stands in the middle of the circle and swings the rope around in a circle so it is at about floor level at the outer edge which should be just outside the largest circle. All scouts stand outside the circle waiting to start. On 'Go' signal, scouts enter the circle and jump over the rope as it comes by. If a scout lands in the outer circle, he gets 1 point, second circle gets 2 points, and inner circle gets 3 points for each time he jumps over the rope. If a scout is hit by the rope so he causes it to stop, he loses 3 points. Play until someone reaches 10 points. As scouts get better, those that move to smaller circles will accumulate points faster. The leader in the center can regulate the height of the rope by not swinging it too fast. He can swing it at his waist level which causes the inner circle to be more difficult to jump over. |
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Circle Suck-ups | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Required: | a large bowl a table a drinking straw for each scout 20 2-inch colored paper circles for each team - different color for each team. |
| Preparation: | Place the bowl in the center of the table scatter all the paper circles around on top of the table, mixing them well. Give each scout a straw. |
| Instructions: | Teams group at a starting line 10-30 feet from the table. On 'Go' signal, first scout in each team runs to table, sucks up a circle of his color with his straw and deposits it in the bowl. He then runs back and tags the next scout. Scouts can only touch their straw, nothing else. First team to collect all their circles wins or most collected at the end of a time limit. For more difficulty, have a bowl for each team back at their starting line. Each scout must suck up the circle and bring it all the way back to their bowl before the next scout goes. |
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Clothespin Tag | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | lots of clothespins |
| Instructions: | Give every scout a handful of clothespins to pin anywhere on their clothes where they can be reached by other scouts. On 'Go' signal, everyone tries to pull a clothespin off someone else. As soon as a clothespin is snatched, the scout that stole it kneels down. He pins the clothespin to his clothes. While kneeling, a scout is safe from having a clothespin taken. Set a time limit and see who (or which team) has the most clothespins when time is called. You may need to set rules to prevent kneeling too long or kneeling without first snatching a clothespin. |
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Cloud Puff Relay | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Required: | bag of cotton balls plastic spoon per scout |
| Instructions: | Object is to float the most clouds from the ocean to the mountains. Have 2 teams. Each team lines up in a single file. Each scout has a spoon. Have a set time of 2 or 3 minutes. On 'Go' signal, first in line at the ocean picks up a cotton ball cloud with his spoon. It is then passed down the line from spoon to spoon. If the cotton ball is dropped at any time during the passage, it is left there. The team to get the most clouds to the mountains at the end of their line, wins. Or, the winning team could be the first to deliver a certain number of cotton balls to the end. |
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Clue | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts |
| Required: | 3 pieces of paper and pencil for each scout. 3 paper bags. |
| Instructions: | Similar to the boardgame of Clue!, in this game, each scout needs to combine a victim, location, and weapon to kill off another scout. This game may take days to complete so it should be ongoing as part of a weekend retreat or week-long camp. To start, give each scout 3 pieces of paper and a pencil. Have each scout print their name on one piece of paper. Have each scout print a weapon, such as 'pencil', 'pinecone', 'wristwatch', ... on the 2nd piece of paper. Have each scout print a location around the campground or building on the last piece of paper - 'bathroom', 'firepit', 'front door', ... Put all the names in one paper bag, all the weapons in another, and all the locations in the third. Have each scout pull a name, a weapon, and a location. Check the name immediately - if it's your own name, draw again. Everyone must keep their three pieces of paper with them at all times. If this is not practical, they need to memorize the three items and play by honor. Each player's goal is to get their weapon and victim to their location and announce to them that they've been eliminated or show them the papers. This 'kills off' that player. The 'killer' inherits that scout's three pieces of paper and plans his next attack. The last scout left, or the scout who killed off the most players when time runs out, is the winner. |
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Collection of Silly Races | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | newspaper or sheets of paper |
| Instructions: | Newspaper Race - Two newspaper sheets required per player. Each scout must race to the turning point and back, stepping only on his newspapers with both feet. He steps on one, lays the other in front of him, steps on it, moves the first forward, and steps on it and so on. No Hands Get Up - Scouts run to turning point, stop, lie down on their backs, fold hands across chest and get up without moving their arms, and run back to finish line. Toe and Heel - Runner advances by placing one foot in front of the other so that the heel of the advancing foot touches the toes of the hind foot. |
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Compass & Map Relay | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts |
| Required: | For each patrol: compass, map, pencil, 8-12 index cards. |
| Preparation: | On each index card write the names of 2 towns or easily identified features of the map. Copy these cards for each patrol. |
| Notes: | practice map reading, orienting a compass. |
| Instructions: | Patrols line up single file. Place the cards and pencil for each patrol about 20 feet away from the start line. Give a compass and map to each patrol leader. On 'Go' signal, patrol leader runs out and picks a card. He locates the two points on the map and plots a bearing from the first point to the second. He writes his patrol name and bearing on the card and takes it to the judge. He then runs back to hand the compass and map to the next scout in line. |
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Compass Reading | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts |
| Required: | compass, paper, and pencil for each scout 8-10 stakes in the ground with arrow markers stapled to top. |
| Preparation: | Place the stakes out in the play area so that each arrow points at a distant object. Write a number on the stake or marker on top - 1 through 10. Each scout should write the numbers 1-10 on his paper, with 3 lines empty between numbers. |
| Notes: | Good for newer scouts to build compass experience. |
| Instructions: | Set a time limit of 6-8 minutes. On go signal, scouts go to any stake they want. At each stake, write down what object they believe the arrow is pointing at by the corresponding number on their paper. Then, figure the bearing from the stake to that object and write it down. (Or, just find the bearing of the arrow on the marker) When all stakes have been done or when time is called, each scout turns his paper into the judge. |
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Complicated Tag | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | a few rubber dodgeballs |
| Preparation: | Mark off a large playing area - at least 15 yards by 15 yards, larger for bigger groups. |
| Instructions: | The goal is to be the last scout eliminated. There are 3 ways to be eliminated:
When you are eliminated, you immediately sit down right where you are. You may no longer move from your waist down. You can still participate in the game in three ways. If you do one of these, then the other scout is eliminated and you get to stand and move again:
You may need to create rules for:
|
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Conquer Liechtenstein | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts |
| Required: | 5x5 foot mat or 6 foot diameter circle marked on ground |
| Instructions: | (Liechtenstein is a tiny country of 62 square miles in Europe.) Explain that the target area is Liechtenstein and their 'army' needs to conquer the territory and expel any opposition. Divide group into two teams. Teams start on opposite sides of Liechtenstein about 20 feet away. On 'Go' signal, teams race to Liechtenstein and try to get as many of their teammates in the target area as possible while keeping off the other team members. After 30-45 seconds, the team leader blows a whistle or gives 'STOP' signal. The team with the most members in Liechtenstein wins that round. Have teams regroup, strategize, and play again. People can be pulled or pushed, but you might need to add a rule that no clothes can be grabbed. |
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Counting Coup | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | 1 or 2 patrols blindfold markers such as paper squares or pennies for each scout |
| Instructions: | One scout is the Indian Chief blindfolded in the center of a circle. All other scouts stand outside the circle and one at a time stalk up to the chief attempting to count coup by touching him. If the Chief hears anything, he yells 'STOP' and the stalker must immediately freeze. The Chief points exactly where he thinks the creeping enemy is. The referee decides if the Chief was correct or not. The stalker must go by the referee's decision. If the Chief is correct, the enemy leaves his marker on the ground where his closest toe was resting and leaves the circle. If he is incorrect, the stalker continues on until he is caught or successfully touches the Chief's arm, which means he becomes the Chief. If no one touches the Chief, the closest one is chief next. Variation: Have two patrols against each other. Each patrol leader is the chief for his patrol. First have one patrol try to count coup. For every scout that reaches the Chief, the patrol gets 1 point. Leave markers on the ground for those that are detected. After each patrol goes, the one with the most coup counted wins. If none reached either chief, compare the closest markers from each patrol, then the next closest pairs, ... giving one point for the closest of each pair. |
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Counting Relay | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Required: | 20 or so clothespins or paperclips or rocks or ... for each team. |
| Instructions: | Each team lines up in single file. About 15 feet in front of each team, place a pile of items - no more than one scout can pick up. Make sure there is the same number in each pile. On 'Go' signal, the first scout in each team runs out and picks up his pile of items and runs back to the head of his line. One at a time, he passes an item to the scout behind him who passes it back down the line to the last scout. When the last scout has all the items, he carries them to the front of the team and sits down. All the members of the team sit down and yell out the number of items in their collection to indicate they have finished. |
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Crab Fights | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Instructions: | Everyone gets in crab position - on hands and knees with rear underneath. (Bear position is rear up in the air). On 'Go' signal, everyone tries to get other crabs to touch their rear to the ground. The last crab up, wins. Referees are needed to determine when a rear hits the ground. Could have a patrol competition. Could have a 'Patrol Leaders' round to see which patrol has the crabbiest leader. Alternative: have each patrol lined up on the play area border at different locations. The first scout in each patrol crabs into the fight. When a scout is knocked down, his patrol gets 1 point, he leaves, and the next scout in his patrol crabs in. The patrol with the fewest points wins. Patrols of smaller scouts will hopefully figure out alliances to combat larger scouts. |
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Crabs, Crows, and Cranes | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Preparation: | Draw two goal lines about 50 or more feet apart. You may want to define sidelines as well. |
| Notes: | See Giants, Elfs, and Wizards for a similar game. |
| Instructions: | Split group in half. Each team forms a shoulder to shoulder line facing the other team at midfield, about 10 feet apart. Name one team the 'Crows'. Name the other team the 'Cranes'. When the leader yells 'CROWS!', the Crows must run back across their goal line without being tagged by a pursuing Crane. If tagged, the scout stops and joins the Cranes for the next run. When 'CRANES!' is yelled, the pursuit is reversed. When 'CRABS!' is yelled, everyone should stay still - anyone that moves is transferred to the other team. The game ends when all people are on the same team and either the Crows or Cranes are extinct. |
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Crack the Cracker | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | broomstick or long pole. one long thread for each patrol 5 or 6 saltine crackers for each patrol |
| Preparation: | Tie a cracker to the end of a string by threading the thread through a hole in the cracker and tieing it. Tie another cracker to the thread about 6 inches above the first. Repeat for all crackers and then tie the thread to the broom. |
| Notes: | This is a fun competition that takes just a minute or two but makes a big mess. |
| Instructions: | Call up a volunteer for each patrol. The rest of each patrol will be cheering on their scout. Have two unbiased volunteers hold up the broomstick so the shortest scout will be able to reach the highest cracker with his mouth. Have the scouts line up behind the broomstick, facing the audience. Have one scout lined up behind each string of crackers. Have each scout clasp his hands behind his back. Objective: Using only your mouth, be the first scout to crack all your crackers off the string. You don't have to eat them, but the string needs to be completely clean. Alternative: Have each scout run up and crack one cracker on his patrol's string, then return and tag the next scout. This gets more scouts involved rather than watching. |
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Crocodile | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Preparation: | Mark the two banks of a river on the floor. |
| Instructions: | Split the group in half. One half goes to each side of the river. One scout is the crocodile in the river. Number off all people on each team. The crocodile calls out a number and the scout from each team with that number must run to the far bank without being tagged. If the crocodile tags someone, he switches places with him. If a scout does not leave his bank before the other running scout reaches his bank, then he switches places with the crocodile. This is to keep the game moving. No scoring, just for fun. |
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Dead Ant | |
| Intended for: | Tiger Scouts, Wolf Scouts, Bear Scouts |
| Required: | 3 to 5 blankets or hula hoops |
| Instructions: | Position the hoops randomly around the play area - these are the Ant Hills. Divide the group into 2 teams of Ants. From each team, choose 1 or 2 Yellow Jackets - these kill ants. Goals: ANT - The aim of the game is to be keep yourself and your fellow ants alive. YELLOW JACKET - Kill all the ants, by tagging them. Rules: Once an ant has been tagged, he must lay dead on the ground with legs and arms in the air. A dead ant can be revived by it's fellow ants if two of them carry the dead ant to an ant hill (one ant at either end using arms and legs for a safe carry). After the dead ant has been set on the ant hill it is alive and can continue playing. Yellow Jackets cannot tag ants when they are on ant hills. Yellow Jackets cannot tag ants when they are carrying a dead ant to an ant hill. Ants can only stay on ant hills for 5 seconds. The winning ant team is the team with the most ants left alive at the end of the time period. For a more difficult game, add more yellow jackets or less ant hills. |
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Dissolving Necklaces | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | for each scout: - alka-seltzer tablet - 18-inch string - plastic baggie |
| Preparation: | Poke a hole through a tablet and thread it on a string. Tie to make a necklace. |
| Instructions: | This game is for hot summer days and can be played in shallow water, on a beach, or anyplace where there is a water supply. Participants should wear swimsuits. Each scout puts on their necklace and fills their baggie with water. When the judge says, "GO!" everyone tries to spray the necklace of other scouts while keeping their own necklace dry. The tablets will dissolve when they get wet. When a scout's tablet dissolves, he is out of the game and goes to a designated area. Can play in teams or each man for himself. If not at a beach, the water supply should have a boundary around it inside of which is a free-zone for filling baggies. Also have a rule against staying in the free-zone for too long. By partially closing the baggie, it can shoot a good stream of water. |
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DodgeBall in a Circle | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | 10 or more scouts 2 or more rubber dodgeballs or other safe balls |
| Instructions: | Draw large circle - 40 feet in diameter. All scouts are dodgers inside circle except for 1 or 2 scouts that are throwers. Throwers stay outside the circle and try to hit dodgers inside with a ball. If hit, a scout leaves the circle and becomes a thrower. Last one left wins. Hits above the waist do not count and that thrower sits out the next round as a consequence. Dodgers can not catch the balls. If a ball bounces before hitting a dodger, it does not count. Alternative: Have all members of one patrol inside the circle and everyone else are throwers outside. When somone is hit, they sit out. Repeat for every patrol and then have winners from each patrol in the circle to find the grand champion. |
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Duck the Staff | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts |
| Required: | staff for each team(or broomstick) |
| Instructions: | Each patrol lines up in single file with at least 10 feet between team lines. Each patrol leader is given a staff and stands about 5 feet in front of his patrol line, facing them. On 'GO' signal, the patrol leader tosses the staff with two hands to the first in line. Leader may need to demonstrate that the staff is tossed, not thrown point-first. The first in line tosses it back to the patrol leader and then ducks down - and hopefully keeps his head covered. The patrol leader tosses the staff to the next in line and so on to the last in line. The last in line remains standing and the patrol leader tosses him the staff a second time. Then, the scout in front of him stands up and receives a toss and tosses it back. This is repeated until all teammates are again standing and the patrol leader throws the staff to the first in line. First patrol to go through the cycle and give a yell is the winner. The perceived danger makes the activity exciting, but being hit by a dropped staff is not harmful. As long as tosses are done with two hands and not point-first, there is no real danger. |
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Duck, Duck, Goose | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Notes: | In Minnesota, it is called Duck, Duck, Grey Duck |
| Instructions: | Scouts sit cross-legged in a circle facing inward. One scout walks around the outside of the circle, patting each scout in turn and saying, 'Duck'. When he pats someone on the head and says 'Goose' instead of 'Duck', that scout must jump up and chase him all the way around the circle back to the hole where he was sitting. If the chaser tags him before he reaches the hole, the chaser gets to sit down. Otherwise, he walks the circle saying Duck, Duck, Goose. This game goes on forever until scouts tire of it. It's good for a filler as scouts arrive. |
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Dungeon BreakOut | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts |
| Required: | blindfolds |
| Preparation: | Mark a starting line and a finish line about 25 feet away. |
| Instructions: | One patrol is blindfolded - they are the Dungeon Wall. They line up across the playfield at centerline with each scout's feet spread apart and touching the foot of the scout next to him. The other patrol is on the starting line and their job is to burrow under the Dungeon Wall and escape. The Dungeon Wall scouts have two booby traps that can spring and catch someone trying to escape - their hands which are held at shoulder height. When a Dungeon Wall player believes someone is burrowing under him, he can reach down with one hand to tag him. If he touches the escapee, that player is captured and thrown in the castle tower and the booby trap can be reset. If there is no escapee there or he misses him, then that booby trap is no longer usable and must be held behind his back. After a set time, about 3 minutes, tally the number of escapes and captures and switch sides. One point for each escape and one point for each capture. The patrol with the most points wins. |
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Execution Dodgeball | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts |
| Required: | 2 large inflated rubber balls |
| Preparation: | Best played in a gym. Divide the play area in thirds. |
| Notes: | Alertness, quickness. |
| Instructions: | Divide group in half. Team #1 goes in the center third of the play area. Team #2 is divided in half and half the team goes into each of the end areas. Team #2 throws balls at Team #1. When someone is hit below the shoulders, they join the end that threw the ball. (Possible rule is that if you hit someone in the head, you sit out the rest of the round.) Team #1 in the middle does not throw the balls - they just try to dodge and stay alive. The last two scouts in the middle section win and get to start with the balls in the next round. The original Team #1 members are now in the end sections while Team #2 is in the middle. |
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Exercise Relay | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Preparation: | For each team, write an exercise on a separate slip of paper and put in a bag or fold in half. Place papers at a point 30 feet or more from the team. |
| Instructions: | Each team needs an area in which to do exercises. Each team has a bag of paper slips about 30 feet from their area. On 'Go', the first scout of each team runs to their bag, pulls out one slip of paper, and runs back to the team. Everyone on the team performs the exercise. When the judge signals completion, the next scout runs to the bag, brings back a paper, and the team does it. Continue until the first team has completed a set number of exercises. Sample Exercises:
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Famous Visitor | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts, Bear Scouts, Webelos Scouts |
| Notes: | Improve deduction skills |
| Instructions: | Each patrol goes to a separate area as far away from the other patrols as possible to prevent accidental eavesdropping. Each patrol leader comes to the game leader and is told the name of the famous person for this round. Each patrol leader goes to a patrol other than his own and the patrol asks him Yes-No questions to figure out who he is. The first patrol to yell out the correct name wins 1 point. The patrol of the scout answering the questions for that team also receives 1 point. After a number of rounds, the patrol with the most points wins. Alternative: As a single team, work together in trying to guess the identities as quickly as possible. |
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Fighter Pilots | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Required: | balsa wood airplane kits. candy or other small prizes. |
| Instructions: | Give each scout an inexpensive balsa wood airplane glider or rubberband powered airplane kit. Give them enough time to do their best building the kit because they will be used in a competition next. Show how the airplanes can have their flight pattern adjusted by carefully modifying the tail and wings. Let the scouts practice for awhile. Set up a number of tasks to complete and give out a prize at each one. Possibly have an adult at each task and have the scouts rotate through in groups of 2 or 3. Tasks:
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Find It | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Required: | a small object such as a coin or thimble or key |
| Instructions: | Show the scouts the object. Have all the scouts leave the room or cover their eyes. Place the object in plain view, but someplace where it may be overlooked. Call the scouts back in to hunt for the object. When a scout finds the object, he should sit quietly in the center of the room until everyone has found it. If a scout or two are not able to find it, you can alter the game into "Hotter - Colder" to help them. The first scout to find the object gets to hide it next time. |
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Find the Leader | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Notes: | improve observation skills |
| Instructions: | All scouts sit in a circle. One scout is 'It' and leaves the room. One scout is chosen to be the 'Leader'. His job is to do a motion that all the other scouts follow - waving hand, clapping, blinking, scratching, ... 'It' is called back in the room and has 3 guesses to Find the Leader. |
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Fire Brigade | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Required: | 1 full water bucket per team. 1 cone, stick, or marker per team. |
| Preparation: | Draw start line and place cone about 30-40 feet out from start. |
| Instructions: | Have patrols line up single file at start line. Each patrol leader is given bucket of water. On 'Go' signal, patrol leader runs out around cone and back to end of line. He passes the bucket to the scout ahead of him who does the same up to the first scout in line who runs around the cone. Repeat for 10 laps. The first team to complete 10 laps gets 15 points, second team gets 10 points, third team gets 6 points - minus 3 points for each 1/2 inch of water lost. Special 5 point bonus for the patrol with the most water remaining. |
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First Aid Relays | |
| Intended for: | Boy Scouts, Webelos Scouts |
| Notes: | These are a handful of different First Aid games that can be fun and useful. Make sure scouts have been |