game-library/data/sources/camp-program-skills.txt

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Camp Programme Skills

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Camp Programme Skills
This handbook is a companion volume to the ’Camping Skills Handbook’ and aims to assist
in the development of more effective camp programme planning skills. As a basis we
have taken the suggested camp programme for an annual camp as suggested in the
’Camping Skills Handbook’ and expanded the ideas in detail. In effect this handbook is all
you require to plan and organise your camp programme.
The details on programme ideas are not complete in some cases and we would suggest
that you source other publications in your local library for further details or explanations.
This would be true in the case of kite flying for example.
All of the ideas in this handbook have been tried and tested in the field on many Scout
camps. Obviously every campsite is different so you will have to devise and change your
programme to suit that location. You can follow this handbook step by step or you can
mix and match ideas to suit yourself.
Our aim in producing this handbook is to provide new and experienced leaders with a
model camp programme and present some of the many ideas and opportunities an annual
camp presents for activity in the out of doors.
Young people who are members of our Association continually say that the most
important activities that they expect from Scouting are camping, hiking and friendship.
The highlight of every Troop programme should be the Annual Camp. This handbook will
help you to ensure that your Scouts experience the joy of a properly run and organised
camp.
Happy camping.
2 C A T H O L I C B O Y S C O U T S O F I R E L A N D

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Camp Programme Skills
Plane table mapping
C A T H O L I C B O Y S C O U T S O F I R E L A N D 3

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Camp Programme Skills
4 C A T H O L I C B O Y S C O U T S O F I R E L A N D

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Camp Programme Skills
Games for Patrol
No one knows when man first started to play games. Game leadership
We can assume that cave men had some form of
activity we would call a game, to distract him and his
Start off with your best game - one that is easy
family from their perilous existence.
to explain and enjoyable to play.
Ancient races used games as a means of teaching
Know your game thoroughly - the rules,
young men how to shoot a bow and arrow, wield a
boundaries, what is allowed and what is not.
sword, throw a spear or become nimble on their feet
to dodge a charging beast or enemy. They were
Have all the equipment readily available - balls,
developing skills on which their very existence
ropes, chairs, bean bags etc.
depended and their elders realised the importance of
games as a teaching and team building method.
Make sure you have enough space to play the
game in the way it is designed.
Games are an integral part of the Scouting
programme because they are a valuable teaching
Check the play area for hazards. Watch out for
method - as well as a means of developing many
rocks, fenceposts etc. if possible remove them
desirable characteristics in young people. Consider
from the play area. If not mark them, or use them
the physical aspect, games should stimulate the
as (cid:145)home(cid:146) bases.
growth and development of practically every muscle
and materially assist the bodily functions . The
Don(cid:146)t wear a game out - quit while everyone
circulation, respiratory, digestive and nervous
is still having fun.
systems are stimulated by almost all active, outdoor
games. Next , the mental value. The activities young
Be alert to signs of over exertion and never
people participate in must contain elements of
insist on someone playing the game if they are
excitement, competition and accomplishment. With
unwell
the other members of their team (Lodge, Six, Patrol)
they must learn to play and play fairly.. Games can
develop quick thinking, alertness and to some degree Explaining the game
- strategy.
Stand where you can be seen and heard by all
Games also act as safety valves allowing pent up
stress, tension and energy to be released. Games can
Insist on silence and undivided attention while
be educational. Games using ropes can teach knots,
you explain the game
Kim(cid:146)s games can develop the senses.
Show enthusiasm in both your manner and
Probably the most important (cid:145)learning(cid:146) derived from
voice.
games is the character development aspect where the
necessity for co - operation of all, teamwork, Patrol
Speak slowly and clearly so that everyone can
spirit, abiding by the rules and a sense of fair play,
understand.
are forcefully demonstrated.
Be sure you know the game and explain it step
by step - demonstrate if necessary.
Allow questions for clarification
Instill high ideals of sportsmanship and fair play
and insist on the rules being observed.
If the game obviously is not going well or is not
understood - call a halt and clarify haze areas
and then carry on with the game.
C A T H O L I C B O Y S C O U T S O F I R E L A N D 5

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Camp Programme Skills
Games Patrol Leader runs to the
other end of the play
area and touches a
Escaped Prisoners marker, on his return
passing the tennis ball
Equipment: for each
between his legs to
patrol - an assortment of
number two. The tennis
lengths of rope, of
ball is passed down the
varying thicknesses, an
line until it reaches the
old piece of canvas or
last Scout, who then
sheeting, etc.
runs to the front of the
play area and touches
Each Patrol must make a
the marker. The Scout
long rope suitable for
now stands in front of
lowering an escaped
the Patrol Leader and
prisoner out of the
passes the tennis ball
window. If someone can
back down the Patrol
actually be lowered out
through the legs. After
of a window on a rope,
all the Scouts in the
so much the better, but
Patrol have had a turn
the knots must be
checked first. the Patrol Leaders runs Heads has got into position 6
to the front of the Patrol
mts. in front of the last
and signals that his
Equipment; For each one, the next Scout at
Patrol is finished.
Elephants Patrol - 1 large ball, 1 the back of the line
Equipment: 4 staves, 4 Over and under bottle starts to jump, and so
lashings per Patrol on. The first Patrol to
The Patrols line up in finish leapfrogging is the
The staves are lashed The Patrols line up in file order and the first winner.
file order. The Patrol
together to form a 50cm pair of Scouts place the
square with the ends Leader runs to the front ball between their Knot loop relay
of the play area, and
protruding to form foreheads and put their Equipment: for each
touches a marker,
(cid:145)tusks(cid:146) ( the end of the hands behind their Patrol 1 length of rope
returns to the front of
staves which are backs. They deposit the
the Patrol and crawls
forming the (cid:145)tusks(cid:146) ball on top of the bottle The Patrols line up in
between the legs of the
should be covered by which is at the far end relay formation. At the
Scouts, through the
lashing a coat or other of the play area, before starting signal the first
Patrol, touches a marker
soft buffer to the ends they take the ball back Scout ties the rope into
behind the Patrol and
of the staves). A rider to the next pair. The a loop with a sheet
returns to his place over
sits on the (cid:145)elephant(cid:146) next pair go forward and bend, and passes it over
the backs of the Patrol.
thus formed and the rest transport the ball ( in his head and down over
When he is in place,
of the Patrol carry the the same way with their his body. He steps out
number two sets off
(cid:145)elephant(cid:146) into battle, foreheads) and after of the loop, unties the
over the back of the
charging other Patrols completion carry it back knot and passes the
Patrol Leader, runs to
until their rider is to the next pair and so rope to the next Scout
the marker in front, back
unseated or touches the on. who repeats the
and under the legs of
ground. procedure and so on
the Patrol, over the
Leap frog relay
down the line. The first
backs of the Patrol and
Patrol to finish is the
back into his place. This
Arch Relay The Patrols stand in winner.
is continued until the
Equipment: 1 tennis ball whole Patrol have had a rows with about 6
per Patrol turn. metres between each
Scout. The Scouts bend
The Patrols line up in over and the last one in
file order at one end of line leapfrogs over their
the play area. Each backs. As soon as he
6 C A T H O L I C B O Y S C O U T S O F I R E L A N D

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Camp Programme Skills
Bucket toss relay Tin Polo starting line. The first Leader then throws it
Patrol to finish is the back before he too sits
Equipment: for each
winner. down and the process is
Patrol - 1 tennis ball, 1 Equipment: for each
repeated until only one
bucket, 1 stave, chalk. Patrol - 1 stave, 1
Two handed carry Scout in the Patrol is
Preparation: Mark a river cylindrical tin with one
left standing. When this
about 1.25mts (4 ft) end removed
last Scout has returned
wide across the play The Patrols line up in
the stave to the Patrol
area The Patrols line up in file order. The Patrol
Leader he shouts (cid:145)Up(cid:146)
file order with the Patrol Leader and Assistant
and the Scout
The Patrols line up on Leader holding the Patrol Leader use the
immediately in front of
one side of the(cid:146) river(cid:146) stave. The tin is placed two handed carry and
him stands up in time to
and opposite them there upright at the far end of transport each Scout in
catch the stave. When
is a bucket. The Patrol the play area. The the Patrol in turn to the
he has returned the
Leader has a tennis ball second Scout in the far end of the play area.
stave the Patrol Leader
which he tries to lob Patrol gets on the back When all of the Patrol
he also shouts up and
into the bucket and of the Patrol Leader and has been transported the
the game continues until
when he succeeds he takes the stave. The tin third and fourth Scouts
all the Scouts in the
lifts the bucket over the must be picked up on carry the Patrol in turn
Patrol are standing up.
(cid:145)river(cid:146) with the stave, the end of the stave and back to their starting
without stepping in the carried right round the point.
river. On retrieving the Patrol, then returned to
ball he must return the its original position. The
bucket to the far side of rider then acts as horse
the (cid:145)river(cid:146). If he misses for the next Scout and
the bucket with the ball the pair repeat this
he must get the ball by process and so on down
polevaulting the (cid:145)river(cid:146) the Patrol.
and have another go.
After he succeeds the Pharaoh(cid:146)s Chair
rest of the Patrol have
their turns in the same
Equipment: for each
manner.
Patrol - 3 staves, 3
lengths of rope about 3
mts long
Balancing relay
The Patrol line up in file
Equipment: For each order with the
Patrol - 1 tray, 1 beaker equipment in front of
of water, a series of them. At the starting
obstacles signal they tie clove Challenge
hitches at either end and
The Patrols line up in in the centre of each Staves Each Patrol thinks up a
file order with an rope, and slide the stunt e.g. climbing a
obstacle course in front staves into the knots so Equipment; 1 stave for certain tree and making a
of each. Each member that they are at right each Patrol rope ladder to get down
of the Patrol must go angles to the ropes. The with. It then challenges
through the obstacle Patrol Leader stands on The Patrols line up with another Patrol to carry it
course holding its tray the middle stave and is the Patrol Leader in front out. If that Patrol does
with a beaker of water carried by the rest of the facing his Patrol. The not accept the challenge,
on it without spilling Patrol who hold the two Patrol Leader throws a or if they do not
any of the water. The other staves. Each stave to the first Scout, succeed the challenging
first Patrol to finish is a member is carried in turn who catches it, returns Patrol must demonstrate
winner. on the Pharaoh(cid:146)s chair it by throwing back to how it is done.
to a marker on the play the Patrol Leader and Sedan chair
area and back to the sits down. The Patrol
Equipment 2 staves, 1
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Camp Programme Skills
chair, ropes Equipment: 1 rope, 4 Each Patrol forms a eliminate all the
similar objects e.g. circles with their hands members of the Patrol as
Each Patrol has to build berets clasped. One Scout, the quickly as possible.
a Sedan chair and the (cid:145)Bull(cid:146), is selected from Each Patrol has its turn
Troop then have a The Patrols are in a each Patrol to go into an in the middle, and the
Sedan chair race. circle all holding on to a opposing (cid:145)ring(cid:146). At the Patrol who keep at least
loop of rope. Roughly starting signal each one member in the circle
Storm the castle two meters behind each (cid:145)Bull(cid:146) tries to break for the longest time is
Patrol is a beret or some through the ring. the winner.
Equipment ; a watch
other object. Each
Patrol pulls the rope so Rising Circles
The Troop forms a circle
that one of its members
and joins hands, with
can pick up the object.
one Patrol outside. This Each Patrol forms a
The first patrol to do so
Patrol tries to (cid:145)storm the circle. In each the
gains a point.
castle(cid:146) and endeavours Scouts sit cross - legged
to get all its members and with their hands
Dodger
inside the circle in the round each other(cid:146)s
quickest possible time. Equipment: a ball shoulders. In turn each
The Patrols take turns Patrol tries to rise
in being outside the The Troop forms a circle without breaking their
circle and the one that with one Patrol in the hold.
gets all its members in centre, who forms a
the circle in the fastest snake each member Blitzkrieg
time is the winner. grasping the waist of the
Scout in front. The
Scouts in the circle pass
One, two, three the ball around trying to
Equipment: Chalk or
sisal
A game for four Patrols.
A chalk or sisal square
is drawn/pegged down
just large enough to
hold a Patrol, in each
corner of the play area.
On the command (cid:145) One(cid:146)
each Patrol must move
to the square at opposite
ends of the play area.
On the command (cid:145)Two(cid:146)
they move to the square
across the room, on the
command (cid:145)Three(cid:146) they
move diagonally
opposite them. The last
get a chance of hitting Equipment: a ball
member of the Patrol to
(cid:145)Dodger - the last scout
reach the correct square
in the centre Patrol. The One Patrol stands in the
drops out.
rest of the Patrol centre of a circle formed
Circle Tug - of -
maneuvers to protect the by the rest of the Troop.
War (cid:145)Dodger(cid:146). When the When a player in the
(cid:145)Dodger(cid:146) is hit another middle is hit by the ball
Patrol goes in the he must dive out of the
centre. circle. The players in the
Bull in the ring circle have to try and
8 C A T H O L I C B O Y S C O U T S O F I R E L A N D

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Camp Programme Skills
Scout Engineering
Poles
Ropes , spars and Scout enthusiasm are the main who usually provide
Poles and spars are
ingredients of Scout engineering or pioneering as it is the facility of
relatively easy to come
know in Scouting circles. Pioneering provides the pioneering equipment
by and usually involve
opportunity for young people to build, think and be to campers and those
little cost. Most
part of a team. Through the activity of pioneering a who wish to partake
foresters will allow you
Patrol can come into its own and experience the real in pioneering.
to take light timber from
purpose of scouting - the Patrol or gang system
the forest provided you
So you have no
ask for permission.
Despite the myths that Scout programme is to excuses. If you decide to However you will have
may exist, pioneering be achieved then we purchase equipment do to provide transport and
only requires the must let the young so slowly and with care, manpower to take them
knowledge of one or two people work together in ropes and pulleys are from the forest floor.
knots. Namely, the clove its construction. expensive. Perhaps you Most pioneering projects
hitch and the reef knot, could allot some money require poles to be no
two of the simplest Equipment each year towards the bigger than 5 metres
knots to learn. After that The equipment required provision of such long with a diameter no
a basic knowledge of for any project will equipment. bigger than 75mm. If
stable structures is
include: they are any bigger than
desirable. However,
this they are hard to
experience will teach
Poles /spars manage and can as a
you the latter once a
Rope result lead to accidents.
number of structures
Pulleys
have been built. The
Sacking
secret of successful
pioneering is experience.
Most Units have some
Start small and simple,
form of pioneering
then progress to bigger
equipment which has
things. In this way
been accumulated over a
basic logistic problems
number of years. If you
associated with
are in such a Unit then
pioneering can be
you have no complaints
overcome - lifting poles,
and are ready for action.
tightening ropes,
For those who have no
stringing up pulleys.
tradition of pioneering
within their Unit the
Leaders beware
problem of participating
Scouting and particularly in this activity is not
pioneering is for young surmountable
people not leaders. We
all like building things You could contact
but somehow when it
comes to pioneering the another Unit locally
Leaders always want to to see if you could
take over, building the borrow some
project as Scouts look equipment.
on, assisting only in the
lugging of poles to the Some Regions have a
site and the testing of stock of such
the bridge or tower later. equipment for the
So remember use your purpose of use within
Patrols and assist not new Units
take over. If the full You could contact
development value of your local campsite
pioneering as part of the
C A T H O L I C B O Y S C O U T S O F I R E L A N D 9

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Camp Programme Skills
Within your store Rope You should at all times something that can be
therefore you should use light rope for brought over a period of
You will require a
have a selection of poles lashings in lengths of 3- time. Make sure they are
number of different
of various lengths (1 - 5 5 mts. Sisal and twine oiled regularly and
thicknesses of rope. Thin
metres). In this way do not really hold a big checked for cracks and
rope (20mm) for lashings
poles do not have to be structure together firmly signs of strain.
and larger (75mm+) for
cut and can be used over enough. Anyway with
rope bridges. If possible
and over again. If you set lashing ropes for Sacking
obtain hemp ropes.
are lucky to obtain your projects, they can
These are more Most pioneering projects
timber from a forest, be used again and again.
expensive than synthetic tend to be located near
debark the timber before
ropes but with trees so as to give a firm
it dries out. Your poles Pulleys
pioneering, where anchorage or support for
should also be stored
friction on a rope can be Pulleys are expensive, a structure. Ropes under
property so that air can
common, synthetic ropes so buy carefully. It is strain will damage the
circulate around them so
do not fair well. However hard to say how many bark of trees, therefore
that they can dry out and
most Units have a you will need but the need for protection
season. Twenty to thirty
selection of each type certainly six of various by sacking. Tough
poles of various sizes
because of cost and sizes will cover most fertiliser or coal bags will
will be sufficient to meet
these are used for projects. Pulleys are not do the trick, or a few
any of your pioneering
different purposes within necessary for most pieces of old canvas.
requirements.
a pioneering structure. projects so they are
Some safety
points
Never let anyone
slide down a rope
using their bare
hands.
Those taking part
should wear safety
helmets.
Never let anyone
climb a tree with a
coil of rope around
their body. Instead
climb with a ball of
sisal in their pocket
to be lowered to
bring up a heavier
rope.
Always have a First
Aid kit handy.
Access each project
carefully and make
sure ropes and poles
are suitable for the
task in mind.
10 C A T H O L I C B O Y S C O U T S O F I R E L A N D

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Camp Programme Skills
Lashings
Pioneering structures are Square lashing
built using a series of The square lashing is used
whenever spars cross at right
knots know as lashings.
angles to each other. There
Lashing use a method of
is three common types of
(cid:145)wrapping(cid:146) the rope
lashings used in this way.
around the spars, this
The traditional square
(cid:145)wrapping(cid:146) is called lashing, the Japanese square
binding. The binding of lashing, and the Norwegian
the spars coupled with square lashing. Each have
frapping - binding there own merits however, it
between the spars so as is easier to tie the Japanese
to tighten the bindings - and Norwegian lashings. It is
debatable as to the
create the lashing. There
difference in strengths of
are four types of lashing
each lashings as there are
- square, diagonal,
too many factors at play to
sheer, tripod. Each
do a comparative study. choice.
lashing has a specific Such factors as the type of
use and its strengths are spars used and the friction Traditional square lashing
best realised by using that is created between the This lashing is started by tying a clove hitch to the upright spar
the correct lashing at spars, the knot maker and under the spar crossing it. The lashing is then bound as shown
each stage of the his/her personal strength in completing 4 - 5 turns and with the bindings side by side.
project. which to tighten the knot and Frapping should then be applied between the spars so as to
When lashing spars the design of the structure tighten the bindings. The lashing is finished with a clove hitch
used. So whichever one you around the cross spar.
together it(cid:146)s important
use is a matter of personal
to use ropes of the
correct thickness and
length. For staves and
spars up to 30 mm in
diameter, use sisal. For
spars up to 75mm in
diameter use light rope.
As to length, 1 meter of
rope for each 25mm of
the combined diameter Japanese lashing
This lashing is applied by
of the spars. For
halving your lashing rope and
example, when using
placing a loop around the
timbers of 75 - 100mm
upright spar below the cross
spars you will need
spar. The two ropes are then
approx. 7 meters of rope bound around the spars in the
per lashing. same method as the tradition
lashing except the double
rope is used. When the
frapping has to be applied the
double rope is split and
working each end frapping is
applied by crossing over each
rope so forming the frapping.
One of the advantages of
frapping this way is that you
are able to get the frappings
tighter because you are
pulling against each other.
The lashing is finished by
tying a reef knot in the two
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Camp Programme Skills
Diagonal lashing
The diagonal lashing is used
to (cid:145)spring(cid:146) two spars together
that do not touch where they
cross. Begin with a timber
hitch around both spars .
Tighten it to draw the two
ends of the lashing rope.
spars together. Three or four
Norwegian Lashing
binding turns are made
The Norwegian method of
around one fork , four more
lashing again uses a doubled
around the other fork. The
rope. In this lashing however
turns should be beside each
we use the method of pulling
other not on top of each
against each other used in
other. A number of frapping
the frapping of the Japanese
should be made between the
method throughout the
spars to tighten up the
lashing process. The lashing
lashing bindings. Finish the
is finished with a reef knot
lashing with a clove hitch.
to tie the two end together.
Shear lashing
The shear lashing is used to lash to spars together that will
ultimately be spread apart to form a shear legs which are used
in a number of pioneering projects. This lashing can also be
used to join two spars together so as to give you a longer spar.
When the lashing is used in this way you need to tie two
lashings one at each end of the joint. The lashing is made by
making a clove hitch around one of the spars and then binding
the two spars together by a number of turns side by side,
usually about eight turns. When the binding is complete, a
number of frappings are tied between the spars, finishing the
lashing with a clove hitch around the second spar. You can
now open the spars to form your shear legs.
Tripod lashing
The tripod lashing is used to create a tripod with three spars.
Start the lashing by placing the three spars side up side ends
to ends butts to butts. Start with a clove hitch on one of the
outside spars and weave the rope around the spars in a figure
of eight motion. There should be eight or so bindings side by
side before you should apply a number of frappings between
each spar. Finish the lashing with a clove hitch on the opposite
outside spar. The three spars should then be lifted upright
before the legs are spread. This lashing unlike other must not
be over tight otherwise it will not be possible to spread the
legs correctly.
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Camp Programme Skills
C A T H O L I C B O Y S C O U T S O F I R E L A N D 13

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Camp Programme Skills
14 C A T H O L I C B O Y S C O U T S O F I R E L A N D

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Camp Programme Skills
Kite making
Almost everyone has, at some time, had the urge to
fly a kite and wind is the energy source needed for
maximum fun. Kite flying can offer a worthwhile,
relaxing and mentally satisfying pastime. Using
materials such as plastic and garden canes, plastic
bags and cardboard can make a perfectly good kite.
You could even make a kite from a tee - shirt if you
wish.
Dracula(cid:146)s Cloak
All kinds of simple kites can be made from paper.
Dracula(cid:146)s Cloak can be made from plain white paper,
but it looks much more sinister in purple or black. It
flies well in a gentle breeze.
The Black Mamba
The Black Mamba is constructed from a couple of
black plastic bags and a few plastic garden canes
and some tape.
Cut the rest of the bag into 160mm wide
Cut open a black plastic bag and lay on strips and tape together until you have a long
frame. Bend down top rod so that they are tail. Make two holes in the top and base of
Cut three lengths of plastic
110mm below the tip and tape to frame. the kite to attach the bridle. It maybe
cane and tape together as
Tape down the sides of the kite to provide necessary to adjust the bridle to obtain best
shown.
strength to sides of kite. flight condition.
C A T H O L I C B O Y S C O U T S O F I R E L A N D 15

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Camp Programme Skills
The Swooper
A simple kite constructed from a sheet of light paper, brown wrapping
paper is excellent. The line of the kite is attached to edge of paper
which needs to be reinforced with tape to prevent tearing.
Fold both ends into the middle. Cut the sides in the
Mark a centre line down the triangle pattern shown - the tip should be 70mm from
middle of your sheet of paper the tip of the kite. Reinforce the two fold spines by
but do not fold along this line as stapling along the line of the fold so creating a stiff
it will spoil flight performance. fold.
Cut out the two twin - fin
stabilizers. With stiff paper
they can be folded up.
Polythene fins will be floppy
until blown by the wind.
Strengthen the corners to take
the strain of the bridle. Its simplest to use strong
packing tape and to make a hole with a hole puncher.
Tie on a long bridle, two to three times the length of
the kite. Start off with 700mm, and adjust if
necessary.
Box Kite
The sails of this box kite
are made from
polystyrene tiles. They
can be brought from do
- it - yourself stores,
and come in standard
sizes - usually 300mm
square and in packs of
12. The frame is made
from 6mm diameter
dowelling.
Lay the tiles side by side on a
flat surface and tape the tiles
together. Then fold the tiles to
create a box and tape on the Cut the dowels to length (900mm) and glue and
inside. Make two sails in this tape to the inside of sails. Set into corners of tiles.
way. It will also be necessary to bridge the dowels with
a cross piece across the diagonal to keep frame
ridge. This can be done with short lengths of dowel
which are notched and glued into place.
The test flight is the moment of truth -
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Camp Programme Skills
Flight Testing
Adjusting the
balance
A kite that flies perfectly one
day may fly badly the next time
you take it out - this may be due
to a change of wind conditions.
Try moving the bridle ring.
Before flight, hold the kite by
have you built the kite properly/ will it fly, or will it the bridle ring. Adjust the ring so
crash. Hopefully it will soar like a bird, but you may
need to adjust the balance first. Always choose
open land to fly in, and don(cid:146)t try to fly the kite in
very strong winds or when the air is still.
Launching is easier with two people. Unwind 6 - 10
metres of line, and pull it taut. Make sure that your
helper is facing into the wind. He or she should
raise the kite into the air, with the kite facing the
wind. Pull firmly on the line - the kite should soar that the kite hangs at 20 - 30
degrees into the wind.
upwards. If it doesn’t, try walking backwards or
giving a few sharp tugs on the flying line.
Moving the bridle forward makes
the kite fly higher, at a flat
Flight Safety angle to the wind. This is good
Keep away from pylons, trees, houses and overhead wires.
Use gloves if it is very windy. Line can burn your flesh if it unwinds
suddenly.
Don(cid:146)t fly kites near airfields, or at heights which may get in the way of
aircraft.
Don(cid:146)t fly in stormy weather. Lighting could strike the kite, and kill you.
Don(cid:146) launch a kite if people or animals are walking past. for smooth winds.
Moving the bridle backwards
makes the kite fly at a steeper
angle. Use in medium to gusty
winds
Trouble shooting
The ideas in this short
Kite fails to rise: not Kite flies, then crashes: Kite spins or wobbles: presentation have been compiled
enough wind, bridle too bridle may need to be add more tail.
short, or tail too long shortened.
from material contained in the Kingfisher Step by Step range of
booklets - Making Kites by David Michael. The nature of this
Landing your kite presentation is to introduce kite flying as an activity on camp, it is
recommended that you purchase the book to improve your
To land your kite, wind strong, try pulling the knowledge of kite flying and for further kite designs.
in the line on your reel. line hand over hand until
If the wind is quite the kite comes down
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Camp Programme Skills
Water Fun
Confidence in the water Use sweets wrapped in Patrols form up in relay relay style or if on a
is the key to safe water aluminium foil or plastic fashion on the bank. beach which is wide and
activities. Most Young wrap. Drop a number of The first member of the shallow, all teams can
people will only be able pieces in waist deep patrol goes into the compete at one time.
to swim a short distance water. On a signal, water and on a signal he One Scout is the
or may not know how to everyone jumps in and blows a ball to a marker, wheelbarrow the other
swim. Some may even retrieves as many then places it on his grasps him by the ankles
be afraid of water and sweets as they can. belly and swims back to and direct him through
need encouragement to The person with the the start. He then tags shallow water. First
enter it. Water games are most sweets after 2 the next member, who team across the finish is
a good way of building minutes is the winner. repeats the action. The the winner.
confidence in the water Patrol who finishes first
and supplementing your Sponge finishing with all the Patrol out of Match race
normal swimming and the water is the winner.
This activity is a lot of One member of each
water activities.
fun. The sponges are Patrol swims a set
Water games should Dog race
balloons filled with distance with a match.
always be played in
water and are very For beginner only. A The object is to keep it
waist deep water to
awkward to handle once simple dog paddle race dry as he will be
encourage everybody to
out of the water. The required to strike it
take part and ensure
diver must put them in a Newspaper race when he reaches the
safety in the water. If
basket or bucket on the finish line. The winner is
One member of each
the water is too deep,
shore. the first to light their
confidence can be
match after then swim.
destroyed very quickly
Spoon race
Games
One member from each
Patrol swims a set
Float tag
distance holding an
A good game for those apple, potato or rock
just learning how to filled spoon in his mouth
float. One person is (cid:145)it(cid:146). (sideways work best). If
He tries to tag the he drops the object, he
others, but they are safe must dive to retrieve it.
as long as they are Candle Race
floating in any position -
One Scout from each
turtle, jellyfish, back or
Patrol must swim a set
prone float.
Horse and rider
In waist deep water,
pairs form horse and
Kick race relay
rider teams. The object
of the game is to try to Give each Patrol a beach Patrol swims a set
unseat the other riders. ball or kick board. In distance on his back
The last team still intact relay fashion, each carrying a newspaper.
and upright is the Scout swims around a He must hand the paper
winner. designated point, using to a judge at the finish
Sweet Hunt only a leg kick for line. The judge decides
propulsion. Each the winner on the basis
contestant holds the ball of whose newspaper
or board out in front of remained the driest.
him to keep his head up.
First Patrol to finish Wheelbarrow race
wins.
This race can be run
Ping pong relay
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Camp Programme Skills
distance with a lighted collect as many as member of the Patrol is with the largest number
candle. To prevent hot possible in a set time given a balloon which of members who manage
wax from dripping on to limit. they must direct around to escape (cid:145)Jaws(cid:146) is the
the swimmers skin, push a number of obstacles winner.
the candle through a Sailboat Race using their head only,
hole in a centre of a foil and return to the start
Every Patrol builds a sail
plate. The plate will act where upon the next Water Activities
boat from a piece of
as a handguard . member completes the (N.B. This also includes
scrap timber, using a
course. First Patrol to bathing )
stick and a piece of
Nightshirt relay complete the course is
cloth as a sail. Each
Before permitting water
the winner.
Each Patrol is given a t- Patrol are given identical
activities by Scouts, the
shirt. In relay style, each materials to ensure fair
Jaws
member of the Patrol play. Patrol may
This is a water version
races in shallow water to however design their
of British Bulldog.
a marker and back to the own boat using the
Choose one or more of
starting line. While basic materials. Testing
the good swimmers to
racing each Scout must is allowed before the
stay in the middle as
swim the distance and race to fine tune design
(cid:145)Jaws(cid:146). On a signal,
not run through it. On etc. When race is run
each Patrol tries to swim
his return to the start Patrols cannot assist
through the play area
line it is passed to the boats progress in any
without being touched
next Scout and so on. way.
Cork scramble by (cid:145)Jaws(cid:146) When caught
, the Scout joins (cid:145)Jaws(cid:146).
Balloon relay
Throw 20 - 30 corks
Continue crossing until
Each Patrol line up on
into swimming area.
time is called. The Patrol
the bank in relay
Patrols dive in and
fashion. The first
Extracts from water activities policy
Scouter or person responsible, must adequate insurance cover for the
be briefed to leave the water on
consider all circumstances, activity in which they are
hearing the signal.
including: participating. Before allowing a Scout
The age, experience, ability and to take part in any activity, the
The buddy system, in which a
state of health of each Scout. Scouter in charge must consider the
party of swimmers is organised
The suitability of water in respect of age, experience and reliability of the
in pairs who stay together is to
its depth, cleanliness and the Scout and the ability and experience
be used in all swimming parties.
of himself or any person in charge of
movement of the tide, current or On hearing the buddy signal
any activity. The Scouter should
undertow. (e.g. a long blast on a whistle)
always take whatever precautions a
The prevailing weather conditions the two swimmers join and
prudent parent would observe for his
and the weather forecast. raise hands. If a swimmer gets
own children. He must also know and
Local rules and warnings issued into any difficulties, he buddy
understand the water activities rules.
by Harbour or Navigation or other raises the alarm.
authorities relating to the water
Bathing
concerned.
The person responsible must post two
The number of participants. Lifejackets
good swimmers in such a place as to
give immediate help in case of an
The Scouter in charge should Lifejackets or buoyancy aids must be
clearly define the limits of the emergency. worn at all times in open sailing
activity area. craft, canoes and rafts of any kind.
The swimmer must be suitably
Scouters(cid:146) responsibility dressed, equipped with a lifeline
It is the responsibility of the Scouter and ready to take action
to ensure that the group has immediately.
An emergency signal (e.g. short
blasts on a whistle) must be
arranged and the swimmers must
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Camp Programme Skills
Rafting
Rafting is a great
activity for your Patrols
if suitable water can be
found. You can build
coragles using natural
materials to make a
frame and a covering of
a plastic sheet or you
can build some of the
more traditional rafts
illustrated here.
If barrels and drums
have to be used they
should be cleaned
carefully of there
contents both from the
safety of those taking
part and for the
environment. Barrels
should be made
watertight before use.
As with all water
activities you should
check the area of water
you intend using
carefully. It is quite
likely that Scouts will
fall into the water or will
push their rafts off the
edge so check the
bottom also for hazards.
Lifejackets should be
worn and the normal
safety precautions
should be taken.
Trimaran
This trimaran was designed by some inspired soul who
was attending a course at Gilwell Park.
It consists of five cardboard boxes sheathed in plastic
sheeting and sandwiched between two bamboo frames.
The lower frame which is not shown in the diagram gives
support to the main hull leaving the two outriggers to
ride the waves of freedom. If necessary, the bamboo
frames can be used on the double for strength, but in
fact the strain on them in water will be minimal.
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Camp Programme Skills
Inner tube rafts
By studying these sketches you’ll get enough clues to design
and build similar rafts yourselves. As you can see, it consists
primarily of 16 inflated inner tubes, in layers of 8, roped
together between a light wooden frame above and below. A
light frame is then lashed on top.
Log raft
Logs should be of softwood if possible, pine etc.
Hardwood logs have little buoyancy.
Equipment
10 No. 2.5 metre logs with 150 - 200 mm butts
1 No.3.5 metre diagonal support with 75mm butt
2 No.2.5 metre cross supports with 75 - 100 mm
butt
22 No. lashing lines 6 metres long
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Camp Programme Skills
Out rigger
Construct as per
diagrams, making sure
that your lashings are
tight and very secure.
Personal Raft
Anyone can make a personal raft simply by using a
lido. Why not have your Scouts construct their own
bush lido raft. All you need is a large plastic sheet (
heavy duty) bag which they can fill with grass and
other floatable debris and lash into a rectangular bed.
Alternatively, they can use a sheet of plastic to Rafts can be made from unorthodox materials for
achieve the same results as long as they remember to example
keep the joined area to the top and not take in water. with large inflated rubbish sacks or with plastic
bottles or similar containers
Raft Race
Once the rafts are finished have an inter patrol
raft race from far side of lake or down the river.
Rafts maybe rowed, sailed, poled around the
course.
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Camp Programme Skills
Treasure Hunt
A treasure hunt is advantage and providing It is necessary to each location. This helps
essentially a race to a they can deal with grid develop a storyline on the storyline and adds to
given place and the references and read a which the whole the mystery of the hunt.
location of the map competently they treasure hunt will hang. A variety of different
(cid:145)Treasure(cid:146). The winners should be able to seek The storyline allows the types can also aid the
of a treasure hunt are the treasure with ease. Patrols to get into the different levels of
usually that team that The hunt should provide spirit of the hunt. It also expertise in each Patrol.
have the most ingenuity a challenge for Patrols, adds credibility to the Those who are good at
and skill. The skill not disillusion them hunt. A treasure hunt coded messages don(cid:146)t
involves the cracking of because it is too difficult can be based on a have the advantage
codes and clues coupled to discover the treasure. number of storylines everytime.
with map reading skills Celtic Treasure buried as
and a quick thinking A treasure hunt a gift to the Sun God -
mind. suggestion this might involve clues Types of clues
The setting up of a written in Ogham and
This outline of a treasure
treasure hunt involves a drawings on stone. You
Reflection
lot of work on the part hunt can be adopted to may also have the
When you write a clue
of the organiser. any location. location of clues linked
in hand writing and then
Storylines have to be to the shadows cast by
copy it by reflecting it in
The first thing that is
developed and translated the sun etc.
a mirror the result is a
necessary is to make a
into a believable hunt. Pirate treasure usually
scrawl of swiggle lines
simple map of the play
The organiser should buried by Bluebeard or
which can be deciphered
area. The map should
not under estimate the some other famous
by reflecting the scrawl
include all the areas that
intelligence of the pirate. Brilliant story line
in a mirror. Usually you
clues will be found and
average Scout when for a seaside location
can use this only once
where the treasure is
setting up clues, Medieval Treasure hunt
in your treasure hunt.
located. This can be
however the clues based around Viking
The same effect can be
made by tracing over an
should not be so hard as raids and such thing as
used by reflections in
existing map however in
to discourage the Patrols the Ardagh chalice or
rivers or pools of water.
your final map delete
seeking the treasure. Book of Kells finds.
most of the detail such
The trouble with most Highwayman Treasure
Water
as contour lines etc. The
treasure hunts are that based around the
final map should have Water can be used in a
they can develop into a location of the booty of
the look of an old map lot of ways. You could
(cid:145)follow the leader(cid:146) hunt Red eyed Dick who was
whereby only the hide a clue under water
if all the clues follow caught and hanged
important features are in a bottle which you
each other. Teams just before he could collect
shown. On top of this have to fish out. Hide it
wait for another team to his hoard of treasure.
map you should create a under a waterfall, under
break the code or The suggested treasure
grid just like that on a bridges, panning of silt
discover the location of hunt would suit the
standard map. Any grid to collect pieces of tile,
a clue and follow them. highwayman storyline
reference giving in clues buckets to carry water to
This can be avoided by more than any other.
etc. will be based on a lever to lift a door etc.
using coded messages
this grid rather than the
so that it takes time to Clues
ordnance survey grid. Tiles
solve a clue or by
Around the edge of the Clues can be written on
setting Patrols off from
map will be draw a Clues can take may tiles which are then
different points meeting
number of elements - a forms. they can be broken and have to be
up only on the last clue.
clue, and a series of rhyming clues, coded put together like a
It is better to set up
numbers (see details clues, clues on the jigsaw to reveal clue. A
your treasure hunt with
later). Once this map is bottom of bottles, clues drawing on a tile could
the aid of a map rather
completed a number of in pictures etc. You show location of next
than relying on a deep
photocopies can be should endeavour to use clue.
knowledge of certain
made, one for each as many different Bottles and glasses
features in an area such
Patrol. locations and types of The bottom of bottles
as bridges, churches etc.
Storyline clues as possible rather and glasses or closed
Using a map each of the
than a typed card at bottles hanging on a
Patrols have the same
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--- PAGE 25 ---
Camp Programme Skills
string or in the front The treasure map
window of a shop can explains where the exact
provide some interesting location of the treasure
locations for clues. is. The map should
contain only the bear
Graveyards details e.g. a map of a
Graveyards offer a field , the location of a
wealth of places to hide beech tree, etc. On the
clues. You can use such map should be written
things as brass rubbings instructions of how the
on gravestones, dates treasure can be found -
on stones, or clues 10 paces from the tree
based around the in a southerly direction,
inscriptions on the 4 paces east, 6 north, 2
gravestones. You could east, Treasure buried 4
get really morbid and feet under......... this
write clues on bones type of approach adds
obtained from the local the final mystery to the
butcher and placed in a game. Having a big
graveyard. chest 4 feet under the
ground full of treasure (
Shops sweets and drinks) puts
All manner of different the final cap on it.
shops within a town can
be ideal places for
placing clues. It is not
necessary to have them
inside the shop so
creating a disturbance.
The shop window can
be an ideal place or a
community notice board
inside a big supermarket.
Directional devices
Such things as weather
vanes, sun dials, sign
posts can provide ways
of directing Patrols to
the next location. You
could also use a
telescope ( made from a
cardboard tube) or a
sighting stick fixed in a
tree from which the next
clue can be sighted.
Treasure Map
The final clue in your
treasure hunt should
lead you to the location
of the (cid:145)Treasure map(cid:146).
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Camp Programme Skills
Action Archery
If you think of archery as a big
bull(cid:146)s eye on a bale of straw with
archers trying to get the arrows to
hit the target area, may we
present an exciting alternative.
Action archery is far more fun
than conventional archery and
allows everyone in the Troop to
get involved.
A contest can be as simple as
putting a few plastic detergent or
milk cartons around a clearing in a
woods. Try to locate the plastic
jug bottles so that there is open
ground or a bank behind them for
safety reasons as well as
preventing your contest into an
arrow hunt. The Scouts warm up
by blasting a few jugs or billies
on the practice range before they
go on the trail. The practice
range also gives the shooters
something to do while they await
their turn on the trail.
A few difficult shots along the
trail from a tree crouch or between
a couple of boulders will add to
the fun.
Each container should be pegged
to the ground or tied to a branch
to avoid the target blowing away
and being knocked off its spot as
it is hit.
Equipment
A couple of bows and a dozen
arrows will do for a small Troop.
These bows could be brought in a
toy or sports shop or each Scout
could make their own - which is
more fun. Arrows should be of
the blunt type - better still with
rubber tips. If your Scouts are Prizes Scorecard and rules
making bows and arrows then
No prizes are necessary, but if Observe all regular safety
they should be protected by
you think they(cid:146)ll add to the fun, precautions. Go over the trail in
taping the tips with small balls of
they can be very simple ones. A pairs. Shoot three arrows at each
masking tape.
golden arrow (gilded or spray location. Keep one foot touching
The targets should be made from
painted) could be first prize, with the shooting stake ( or spot if it is
plastic containers. It is best to
a series of runner up prizes. a tree). When there is more than
use the type of container that has
one target or more than one
a handle. By using this type of
shooting stake, one arrow is
container it allows you to tie on
shoot at each target or from each
to the handle easily when trying
shooting stake. Score 10 points
to a peg.
for each hit. Verify your
opponents score.
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Camp Programme Skills
Layout of Archery Course
How to lay out a course
Select an area where their is a lot
of scrub ground comprising trees,
bushes and open spaces. Mark
out a trail with sisal or coloured
binder twine. Place the shooting
locations and shooting stakes on
alternative sides of the trail.
Make the shoots easy at first
increasing with difficulty as the
trail progresses. The targets
should be hung from tree
branches, poles and stakes in
such a way as they resemble a
hunting situation from behind
trees or through openings as you
stand with your foot on the
shooting line. See that no target
is in line of fire of any other
target. Add variety by setting
three targets at different distances
from the one shooting stake ( No.
5) and one target to be shot from
three shooting points (No.10). At
the entrance to trail set up a
shooting gallery with a tarp or
plastic backdrop for practice while
waiting.
Supervision
Broken lines on the diagram show
the path the archers take to return
to the trail after they pick up their Practice Range
arrows. Although the archers
bypass the trail at many points
the complete trail is necessary Under no circumstances should an
because it provides a safe passage arrow be fired into the air. It can
in both directions. be seen going up but once it turns
it is impossible to see it as it
Safety descends to earth.
Safety should be concerned of all
All arrows should be blunt and
Leaders and Patrol Leaders. No have rubber stoppers on the tips
messing of any kind should be or protected with masking tape
tolerated. The trail should be set (cid:145)ball(cid:146)
up as illustrated and in such a
way that arrows are being shot The forearm of your arm holding
Target suspended
into waste ground rather than the bow should be protected from
from tree limb the recoil of the bow string. A
across the trail or into another
piece of cardboard or plastic
target area. Teams should be
Everybody not shooting must wrapped around the forearm will
small, ideally two people but
stand behind the person taking do the trick.
certainly no bigger than four.
the shoot.
Before anyone is let on the course You can only fire arrows on the
the leader should set down Nobody should approach the course or in the practice area.
guidelines for the course. These target until all archers have fired Do not tolerate any sort of
might include:- at the target messing or playing with arrows in
the main camp area.
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Camp Programme Skills
Bow making
The finest wood for Each half should
making bows include gracefully taper from the
ash and yew. However, centre in an even plane
hazel and birch poles towards the tip. The
have also yielded good circumference should be
bows. You should seek kept as round as
out a seasoned pole not possible from the
a freshly cut branch. handgrip to the tip. One
This type of seasoned should never draw the
wood can be found on bow during construction
dead or uprooted trees to test it. testing can be
or perhaps trees that done by slightly bending
have suffered from fire. the bow at intervals and
A straight stave that is judging its strength or
free from knots and stiffness by sight and
small branches should weight. A good bow will
be selected, and the look good and will be
stave should be carefully graceful and light.
cut with a saw and not When the bow is
broken off. finished you should
The measurement of the grease the bow with fat
bow will vary with the or oil. the tip can be
available supply, but too notched to receive the
often staves are selected bow string. The tip can
that are too large in be a simple notch or you
diameter. the best can get a bit more
diameter is from 40 - 50 adventurous and carve a
mm in diameter at the tip from bone or horn.
handgrip. This should The bow string can be
be determined before the made from light line
bark is removed. The such as the type used
length should be on fishing lines or
approximately 120cm, fishing net repair (
but this will vary orange colour ). When
according to the height the string is put on the
of the user. A good bow you will need to
method of determining draw the bow a number
length is for one to hold of times and determine
the stave on a horizontal corrections that must be
plane extending from the made to the bow shape.
left shoulder to the tip straight will have a side facing away from This drawing of the bow
of the fingers of the natural bend to it which you then becomes the will also stretch the
extended right arm. can be determined by back of the bow. Only string so you will have
Once the stave is placing the butt of the after the bend is to take up the slack.
selected and measured, stave in the ground and determined should the Leather may also be
the bark should be holding the stave actual shaping of the bound around the bow
removed and the process vertical with the left bow commence. to provide a better
of shaping can begin. hand in the middle Place a light scratch on handgrip, you can also
The process of shaping where the handgrip will the stave where the insert a small piece of
should be done with be, you should then grip hand grip will be and metal, wood, or bone
care. It should be a the top of the stave with start to pare down the within this binding as an
gradual process rather your right hand and pull upper half of the bow to arrow rest to finish your
than a method of it towards you lightly. the tip. When one side bow.
hacking away the The stave will turn in is done then trim down
unwanted wood. Every your left hand and settle the other side comparing
stave, no matter how into its natural bend. the the taper as you go.
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Camp Programme Skills
Backwoods cooking
The secret to successful backwoods
cooking is to build a good fire that
will provide hot embers, for it is on
embers that we cook - not flames.
One of the problems with embers is
that they tend to become cool after a
short while. The keyhole fire solves
this problem. Build the fire in a large
circle area and pull the hot ashes
Cooking methods
through into the smaller circle where
the cooking takes place, as they are
Roasting
needed. A two inch bed of ashes is
required for successful backwoods For this method you will require a good bed of embers. For large
cooking, use beech or oak logs, as animals and birds you will need a spit construction over the fire. For
these will give longer lasting smaller animals and fish, the best way, is to peg them out on a board
embers. Charcoal can also be used or a flat piece of wood and stand this next to the fire to form a kind of
and it will hold the heat longer than reflector.
wood embers.
Aluminium foil can be used if you
want to take the easy way out. With
it it is possible to construct pots and
pans for cooking food or you can
place your food in an aluminium foil
envelope.
The pioneers and backwoodsman of Baking
the past used only those materials This method is useful if you want to cook a meal while you are away -
that could be found locally for a bit like a hay box oven. Dig a pit around 60cm (2 feet) deep and
creating cooking utensils. They 60cm (2 feet) across. Now light a fire in the bottom of the pit. Place a
often used leaves and clay as well thin layer of soil on top of the embers then place a number of leaves (
as ingenious cooking spits and cabbage leaves are best ) on top of the soil . Now place you food on
holders made from green twigs and top of the leaves covering it with more leaves. Cover this with more
branches soil and then light a fire on top of it. It will take a hour or more to
( green twigs and branches are less cook this food depending on how big the food is you are cooking.
likely to go on fire and are pliable so Another way of baking food is to wrap your food in leaves or grass
they can be worked). and then in mud. Then bury it in , or surround it with, a fire, and
leave it for an hour or more. When you break open the cast of clay,
Hygiene you will find that the grass has kept the food moist.
Although backwoods cooking is
considered to be primitive in
approach your food hygiene
methods should not be. Wash all
food before use and keep covered
until you intend to use it.
Clean up the area used after you are
finished and dispose of all food
scraps carefully. Don(cid:146)t forget to
clean your hands also after you have
finished eating as it is likely that it
will be your hands that you use to
Grilling
hold and eat the food with.
For this method, you will need some kind of grill which can be made
from green sticks, and a hot bed of embers. The disadvantage of
grilling food is that it tends to dry out.
Frying
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Camp Programme Skills
You will need some form of pan or grill base, usually
a flat stone which is placed in the fire to heat it up .
The stone is then cleaned off and food fried on it. It
may be necessary to place small pieces of twig
around such things as eggs to stop them rolling off
the stone.
Boiling
You will need some form of container. It is possible
to use a paper bag to boil up water the trick is to
ensure that the heat only touches that part of the bag
that has liquid behind it to absorb the heat. In stone
age times a water hole was created. Into this hole
were placed hot stones, heated on a fire nearby. This
resulted in heating the water and thus boiling the
food.
Orange eggs
Simple recipes
Cut an orange in half and eat out the contents
without breaking the skin. Break an egg into the
orange shell and place on embers and allow to cook. Container cooking
When done, eat from container.
It is possible to use food as containers for other
foodstuffs, such as, orange skins in which eggs can
Onion eggs
be cooked. Onion (cid:145)shell(cid:146) created by cutting an onion
Cut the onion in half after removing the outer skin. in half and scooping out the core of the onion and
Remove internal contents except for the remaining leaving three or four shins in place to form a
three outer layers. Break egg into shell and place on container. You can also use potatoes or pineapples in
embers. When cooked eat the onion container as well the same manner.
as its contents after removing the outer scorched
layer.
Spud egg
Halve a large potato. Hollow one half. Break egg into
hollow. Pin two halves of potato together with small
sticks and roast in hot embers.
Twists
Mix flour, water and a pinch of salt together to form
a thick dough, adding raisins and sultanas if you like.
Make a snake like roll of the dough and twist this
snake like fashion on a thick green stick ( with bark
removed). Support it over glowing embers turning
occasionally until the outside turns golden brown.
Baked Potato
Instant hot dogs Perhaps the easiest to cook backwoods . Take a
potato and place it in the embers of the fire. When it
Lay sliced onion on a cabbage leave add a sausage or
is cooked , after about 25 - 30 mins slice open the
two and place more onions on top. Wrap up the
skin and place a piece of cheese or butter on top.
cabbage leaf tightly and secure with a number of
small green sticks. Place in embers for about 7 - 10
mins turning occasionally .
Baked potato
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Camp Programme Skills
Simple Kebab
Remove the bark from a green stick and onto it spear
slices of bacon, mushrooms, sausage, carrot, tomato,
peppers, pieces of pork. Support the skewer over
glowing embers turning occasionally. Eat when the
meat is crisp and golden brown.
Fish
It will be necessary for you to clean and gut any fish
before you cook it. The fish should be cleaned thus:-
Wash the fish thoroughly in clean water
Remove the scales by scraping with the back
of a knife (that is not the shape edge),
working from the tail towards the head.
Cut the spine at a point just behind the gills
and tear the head off with a steady, slow.
forward motion. If you are careful, the fish
innards will come out with it.
Slice the belly open from tail to gills and
thoroughly clean the inside.
Finally, cut of the fins and tail and cook as
desired.
Cooking methods for fish
Wrap method - wrap fish in grass and cover in mud
and place on fire. Or wrap fish in cabbage leaf and
pin together a with small twigs and place on fire.
Planked method - Pin the fish flesh side forward on a
plank or piece of flat board and cook by reflected
heat, place a nob of butter on the fish when it is
cooking and later a splash of lemon - delicious.
Broiling method - Construct a broiler as shown and
place your fish in it cook of hot embers turning
regularly.
Fish cook very quickly so be careful you do not burn
them.
Meat and burgers
Meat and burgers can be cooked by a number of
methods some of which are described above such as
the Kebab method or the wrap method whereby the
meat is wrapped in cabbage leaves. Meat may also be
cooked using a broiler or by frying on a hot stone.
Burgers in leaves
Note: Cabbage leaves can replace foil in most Place three layers of cabbage leaves directly onto the
instances when using backwoods cooking hot embers and put the burgers or mince patties on
recipes. It is important that at no time should top of them. After approx. 10 minutes, turn the meat
rhubarb leaves be used, as they contain a over, putting it onto three new cabbage leaves.
highly poisonous resin. Repeat this process until the meat is cooked.
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Camp Programme Skills
Bivouacing -
an opportunity for adventure
A Scout(cid:146)s tent is his / her shelter situations that present themselves piece of material 5 mts X 2.5mts
against wind and rain. It must be at your chosen camping spot will plus some cloth tape to make
light to carry, easy to pitch, large make for interesting and exciting loops and a large plastic eyelet.
enough to provide a degree of alternatives. Some basic geometry will be
comfort and good enough to required to find the location of the
withstand the varying conditions Basically, bivouacing is a one or loops. When placing the loops on
that can be encountered. How do two person activity from the point the fabric allow enough length in
you achieve these basic of view of practicalities. the joint so that it does not rip off
requirements without spending a Therefore in a group situation you under strain. Access to a sewing
fortune ?. - the answer : may have 3 or 4 bivvy sheets. machine will also be necessary to
bivouacing The cheapest bivouac sheets can make seams around the edge of
be made of heavy duty plastic the sheet and to reinforce the loop
Bivouacing provides you with the sheeting which can be brought joints to the fabric. Use a core
means to explore wild countryside from any builders suppliers. spun thread when sewing, this
without the need to carry bulky However it has a limited life span has a polyester core surrounded
camping equipment. and there is the problem of by cotton. The cotton swells
Bivouacing complements the true condensation while sleeping under when wet to fill the needle holes
spirit of Scouting, adapting to the it. As an experiment for your and the polyester gives it
needs of any given situation, group if you have not being strength. To prevent water
using only available natural bivouacing before, plastic seeping through the seams, use a
materials and of course by being sheeting is the best option. It is seam sealant; clear Bostick or
prepared. cheap, a roll costs about £12 and Evostick or Clear polyurethane
Every tent design has its own that will give you enough Bostick may be used.
merits, whether it is extra bivouacs for everyone. If you
headroom, good stability in high consider bivouacing as a An even better method is to tape
winds or plenty of space to cook worthwhile long term activity then seam; see illustration . If you are
in if the weather is unkind. We you should consider making a using a piece of lightweight
suggest a design shown opposite more durable shelter using canvas canvas it will be necessary to
for a bivvy sheet from which it is or lightweight nylon tent material. proof the fabric when complete.
possible to made a large number
of different tent designs. These The design illustrated requires a
designs coupled with the
Bivouac Sheet Detail
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Camp Programme Skills
Some useful hints
If possible purchase some
elasticated loops, the type
used to hold luggage on a roof
rack. They are invaluable as
guy ropes and as they are
elasticated they tighten
themselves.
If you are using plastic
sheeting tie a small pebble or
marble into the plastic when
you want to attach a guy rope.
In this way you prevent the
plastic sheeting from ripping.
Be careful of building fires too
close to a shelter. Always take
into consideration wind
direction and speed.
Avoid gullies and stream beds
which sometimes seem to make
ideal bivvy sites until a sudden
burst of rain.
Always carry a small roll of
sisal or piece of rope to help in
case a handy branch or pole is
not available.
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Camp Programme Skills
History all around you
Most concerned citizens
feel their hackles rising
and their blood pressure
soaring at the
destruction of some
valued part of our
physical heritage - the
ploughing up of a
ringfort, the demolition
of a Victorian landmark,
even the felling of
mature trees. Yet every
day, unremarked and
unobserved, a little part
of our heritage of
knowledge slips quietly
as individuals and in particular personal evidence. The historian -
into oblivion as elderly
organised groups, to preferences. How many more correctly the
people take their folk
study, record and of these fields of archaeologist -
memories and their local
interpret the various research would interest interested in the pre
idioms to the grave, as
historical factors which you? Christian period may
public authorities and
have contributed Archaeological remains find (depending on
public firms discard
towards making our Local placenames where he or she lives) a
redundant records, as
towns and rural areas Old maps and prints variety of court tombs,
local landscapes are
what they are today - Public records portal tombs, wedge
modified and altered in
customs and attitudes, Local folklore tombs, passage graves,
minor but multitudinous
events and movements, Old Photographs crannogs, ringforts, hill
ways to serve the
topographical changes Biographies forts, promontory forts
communities changing
and developments, Heraldry and standing stones.
social and economic
personalities and Genealogy The person
needs. Can anything be
organisations. Old tracks and roads concentrating on
done? Should anything
Amateur historians, Boundaries religious history will
be done to preserve this
through their numerical Oral History study the pre -
perishable, transient and
strength, their local Local bibliographies reformation churches
irreplaceable inheritance?
background knowledge, Religion and monastic
Is there anything that
and their lifelong Education settlements, the holy
you can do?
interest in their locality Administrative history wells, the places of
are in a unique position Buildings pilgrimage, the stone
Are you a local
to document local Architecture crosses, the graveyards,
historian yet? history not only as a Military history modern churches both
The continuing matter of personal Law and Order Catholic and Protestant
dissipation, with the satisfaction but to Land and agriculture and modern religious
passage of time, of local provide the source Trade and industry houses.
historical material, is so material for future Transport Military historians may
widespread and so historical research by Public utilities encounter the remains of
unremitting that the others. Social life military encampments,
handful of professional Population barracks, scenes of
historians in our centres Why not study a ambush, earthworks,
of learning cannot be particular theme? Look around you castles, mottle and
expected systematically bailey fortifications and
Local history is by there(cid:146)s history
to ensure its so on. The (cid:145)Big
preservation. Their work definition specialised - a everywhere Houses(cid:146) with their
specialised study of a
must be complemented A study of topographical inhabitants are a subject
particular district. Yet it
by the efforts of an army features can itself of almost universal
provides a variety of
of local historians in produce an awesome interest. Those with an
study topics to suit
every district, working array of historical interest in administrative
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Camp Programme Skills
history will track down stream; some horse
the story behind the troughs, dry and empty,
public water supplies still remain; stone
and drainage works, the monuments remain,
road building schemes vainly trying to preserve
and public housing the memory of landlords
programmes, the public now forgotten. Manhole
works, the land reform covers like cats iron
divisions, the hospitals tombstones, preserve
and workhouses, the the memory of local
police barracks and authorities and public
prisons. Industrial utilities now defunct.
archaeological remains Even some hair salons
are everywhere, perhaps retain a red and white
requiring a sub division decor on their doorposts
into remains of mining raising questions about
activity, manufacturing the history of their
activity, agricultural trade.
activity, communications Yes, history is all
activity - even of around us - you cannot
settlement archaeology. escape - unless you
Even the local roads haven(cid:146)t noticed. Take a
raise many questions - walk along a road or
why was there a street and ask of
seemingly unnecessary everything you meet -
change in direction at a What traffic did it carry bearing the monograms why? Find the answers
given point? was there a ...and so on. of English royalty attest and you will already
former settlement there? The basic and simple their length of public have uncovered some of
Was there previously a roadside objects which service; village pumps the secrets of your
different road pattern? have survived to the still quench the human native place.
Did its replacement present can often cast thirst; horses no longer
indicate a change in light on days gone by. use the track beside the
location of habitation? Milestones in Irish miles local bridge which led
How old is the road? still exist, half forgotten, them from the roadway
Who built it and why? half buried in the down to the refreshing
hedgerows; post boxes
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Camp Programme Skills
An initiative game
The following activity is
based on three elements
- tracking, retrieving
instructions and the
incident itself.
Using fairly familiar
challenges with dramatic
renaming
(lighting a fire on water
becomes (cid:145)River ablaze(cid:146),
building a raft to cross
water becomes (cid:145)
Crossing the shark pool(cid:146)
and pitching a tent from
They lose 2 points for of water up a tree
outside a circle becomes every infringement (points lost for spilling Follow a compass
(cid:145)tent on quicksand(cid:146). The (such as a foot inside water) or in a immovable course or the location of
activity is run on the the tent pitching circle) plastic bottle into which each base is a grid
following system: and 10 points for failing no pointed object can be reference
to complete the placed. You could also
Elements: challenge on time. You place a rogue item at Make a bucket of sticky
Tracking, retrieval of may also consider each base just to goo and place a stick in
instructions, incidents awarding 2 bonus points confuse the Patrols. it, with a message
for the best team at each Instructions should be in saying the next clue is
Organisation: incident and 10 points the form of written (cid:145)down here(cid:146). The clue is
a roughly circular course for completing the messages or on tape in actually stuck
over open ground with challenge in half the each case , the written underneath the bucket
activities taking place at allotted time. messages may however but normally the scouts
bases repeated for each be written in code. don(cid:146)t think of this until
Patrol as they arrive at they have tried
How difficult you make
each base. Patrols the course is up to you. Other ideas could everything else.
should start at a
You should try to mix include
different base. Solve a puzzle set up
the most difficult
incidents with and easy Carry a hike tent the using pioneering poles
Arrangement: retrieval of instructions whole way round and along the lines of (cid:145)turn
Instructions and and vice versa, so that put it up at the very end these three squares into
challenges placed as four by moving two
instructions which were
close together as merely hidden required Remember a very long poles(cid:146). ( The way to do
possible but out of sight the Patrol to cross a number this is to experiment
of each other. with twigs before
mine field using spars,
heaving the poles
ropes, and pickets and a Gut a fish
Timing: about.)
simply pulley setup,
30 or 45 minutes at
while instructions which
each bases, according to Carry some pioneering
had been extracted from
the difficulty of the poles over a short
a billy inside a circle
course. the time limit is obstacle course before
(radius ten feet ) by
signalled by the blast of making something
means of bent sticks
a whistle. You may need reasonably simple.
about four feet long and
to allow time for base
short lengths of string
staff to reset the Hide batteries for a
led to bundles of
incident before the next cassette recorder around
firewood for the
Patrol arrives. a small area. When they
relatively easy task of
are found, the next clue
lighting a fire on water.
Marking: is on tape.
Instructions could be
Every Patrol is given
wrapped in plastic bags
100 points to start with.
and placed in a bucket
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Camp Programme Skills
Some suggested incidents
River transporter to provide each member
with a pair of swimming
This exercise requires
goggles smeared with
the Patrol to construct a
Vasoline - it is
set of sheer legs as
impossible to see out of
shown and transport the
them.
Patrol across a river.
The (cid:145)Bridge(cid:146) can only be
A variation (1) is to
constructed from one
suddenly declare the
side of the river and an
whole Patrol, apart from
extra spar will be
the assistant Patrol
required to push the first
Leader, snowblind and
person into an upright
the APL has to direct the
position. Once across
whole Patrol across an
the river the sheerlegs
can be controlled from halfway) by transferring ice flow one at a time
both sides of the river. water up the tree from using two icebergs
mug to mug. The Scouts (boxes) to walk on.
Electric fence should strategically
position themselves up Variation (2) using the Patrol member will die as
An electric fence is set
the tree so that it is swimming goggles pitch a result of his injuries.
up using a fruit cage net
possible to collect water a tent.
or the netting used to
from the bottom bucket Equipment: Two sets of
protect newly seeded
and pass it up the tree Variation (3) Set up a rough stilts ( or gear to
lawns. The problem is to
to the empty bucket. string trail which goes make them) some light
get the whole Patrol
around trees ,over rope.
over the net. as it is
Blindfold string branches, under logs
electricfied it cannot be
etc. A number of mugs
touched, and anyone trail
are connected to the Telephone cable
that does so requires There is little to beat a string through the
one minute(cid:146)s artificial well planned blindfold handles of the mugs. A This river stretches for
respiration by another string trail over various bucket of water is miles in each direction.
member of the team. A obstacles. All the Patrol provided at the start of The telephone lines
suitable collection of should be blindfolded the trail and an empty across it are made of a
materials to enable the except the Patrol Leader bucket at the end of the new substance which is
task to be completed who directs the Patrol trail. The Patrol are only destructible by fire.
should be available around the course. An invited to carry mugs Your job is to destroy
around the area. effective way of full of water over the the cable as near the
centre as possible. The
blindfolding the Patrol is string trail without
Mug Tree cable may not be
spilling a drop and
touched by hand.
Two buckets are depositing it in the
connected via a single empty bucket at the end
Equipment: what the
pulley. the bucket on the of the trail.
Patrol request within
ground is full of water,
reason.
the bucket up the tree is Snake pit
empty. Attached to
Your Patrol while
branches so that they
retreating from a hike
just reach the branch
because of injury to one
below are mugs. The top
of your Patrol have
mug will reach the top
come across a swamp
bucket, and the bottom
full of deadly snakes
mug will reach the
that can reach up to
bucket on the ground.
three feet. You must
The problem for the
cross the swamp to
Patrol is to get the two
reach the hospital in
buckets to balance
time otherwise your
exactly ( meeting
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Camp Programme Skills
Lighted candle Prussik Knot
Mark out an area about Using prussik knots get
six metres in diameter your whole Patrol up a
and place in the centre, rope into a tree or
about one meter apart, platform.
two jam jars, one
containing a lighted Radioactive
candle. Provide ample Drums
sisal twine. Instructions-
Radioactive material in
Working outside the
drums must be kept
area, reverse the
stable to ensure safety.
position of each jam jar
This is achieved by
in relation to each other.
placing the drums, 9 in
If the light goes out,
total, in a square 3
your failure will be
drums by 3 drums. The
complete. You have
drums have a radioactive
been warned!
value printed on them,
7, 3, 6, 9, 11, 13, 14,
Flood Warning
17, 10. To ensure
Within ten minutes the
safety, however, the
whole area will be
drums must total 30 on
flooded to a depth of
each branch ( vertically,
four feet. Darkness is
horizontally, and
approaching rapidly. A
diagonally)
beacon fire must be lit
to warn the villagers The wire
across the valley. the
An oil platform in the
only gear available is six
North Sea has lost its
spars, four lashing
power supply due to a
ropes, an old billy lid
blown out connection
and a box of matches.
box in the undersea
power supply. The
Time bomb
problem for the Patrol is
A bomb has been found.
to re - wire the
A wiring diagram of its
connection box. The
layout is available. The
task is made difficult by
problem is to de-arm the
the fact that the water is
bomb. The problem is
murky as the connection
that the drawing can
box is on the seabed.
only be seen by one
To simulate these
person who is in a safe
conditions each member
location away from the
of the patrol must wear
bomb. Communication is
swimming goggles
possible by walkie
smeared with Vasoline.
talkie. The Patrol
Visibility is totally
member must tell the
impaired. Colours can be
Patrol what the bomb
distinguished, but
looks like inside the box
numbers, writing or
and how they must de-
connector boxes - no
arm it.
way. A connection
sequence is provided on
the surface ( from a
position 20 yards away)
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Camp Programme Skills
Commando Course
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Camp Programme Skills
Orienteering
The attraction of Orienteering is a sport Planning a course
orienteering lies in its that does not require a
When planning an
versatility, as it can be lot of expensive
orienteering course it is
adapted to the needs equipment, so it is
important to remember
and abilities of any age easily organised. The
that the whole aim of
group. It can be basis equipment required
the course is to
organised as a team is a (cid:145)Silva(cid:146) compass, a
encourage skill in map
event or as an individual map, a number of
and compass work. It
competition and it markers such as flags to
should not be designed
requires a combination mark the points,
as a competition where
of skill, intelligence and punches if you want to
physical ability as a
fitness. be fancy or a letter
cross country runner is
painted on a pole if you
the all - important
Orienteering can be don(cid:146)t..
factor.
defined as (cid:145)navigation
on land(cid:146). It is finding
one(cid:146)s way through
unknown countryside
with the help of two
instruments : a compass
and a map.
AS a sport, it is known
as competitive route
finding. It demands from
participants the accurate
and speedy solution of a
set of problems which,
when solved, will take
the competitor through a
series of checkpoints
between the course(cid:146)s
starting and finishing
lines.
The process requires
both intelligence and
physical skill in crossing
country in the most
economical way, taking
into account the
limitations imposed by
slopes, vegetation,
weather and other
geographical conditions.
Orienteering is an
excellent sport for
Scouts as it utilises
many features of the
Scout programme - map
and compass, fitness,
adventure and outdoor
life. Many of the
qualities needed to be a
good orienteer will
already be present in a
good scout.
Equipment
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Camp Programme Skills
The quality of the course depends on
certain vital requirements
That suitable checkpoints are carefully sited
That a great variety of orienteering problems
should be set for the competitor
That the chance discovery of controls is avoided
That the start and finish arrangements are
efficient.
It is essential too that all maps are checked in
relation to the chosen area to make sure that what
is on the ground is also on the map and vice -
versa. Careful reconnaissance is required at the
planning stage.
Before the event the organisers put control flags
out in the forest on features. You supply the
teams with a map on which the control locations
are drawn. Teams then visit the control points and
punch their control cards at each location with a
punch or note the letter at the control point on
their card. The team who completes the course in
the quickest time is the winner.
The skill of orienteering is the careful planning of
one(cid:146)s journey around the controls. Often it is
easier to travel up a track and then across to the
control point than take a direct route through
undergrowth or forest. The skill is therefore in
map reading and understanding.
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Camp Programme Skills
Come Orienteering
12 tips for those new to orienteering
Don(cid:146)t run without counting your paces
Before you start, study map and legend
Get to know how fast you travel and how many
Get familiar with the general shape and layout of the paces it takes to cover certain distances. Once you
area - you don(cid:146)t want to waste time puzzling over know this information it is easier to find your exact
what’s high and low. What’s a fence and what’s a position on the map or as you travel up a pathway.
wall etc.
Don(cid:146)t ever assume you(cid:146)re right and the
Don(cid:146)t think of the competition as a race
map and compass are both wrong
It isn(cid:146)t its a time trail. The person you are trying to
Constant attention to the map and the features you
outrun may have been standing around for 10
pass along the way will ensure that you don(cid:146)t reach
minutes figuring out difficulties of terrain and maybe
this conclusion. Carelessness results in this
hours behind you in time.
statement being made.
Never run at absolute top speed
You should finish an orienteering course as you
would a good meal, feeling you would have enjoyed
just a bit more. You must never let yourself get
exhausted.
Try not to stop
Take a breather if you need to but keep moving, even
at a slow walk
Don(cid:146)t stand still if you(cid:146)re lost and can(cid:146)t
work it out.
Go back to the last known location and work out
your position from there.
Don(cid:146)t run on (cid:145)feel(cid:146)
Keep your map set, always even on a track. And in a
forest always run on the compass however roughly.
Don(cid:146)t rush off
Don(cid:146)t rush off to the next control position vaguely
without thinking. Plan your route carefully before
you move.
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Camp Programme Skills
Wide Games
The emphasis of a wide Types of wide
game is less on having a games
winner and a loser, but
Most wide games maybe
rather on having all
divided into the
winners. Everyone who
following types:
participates in a wide
game tests their skill
Treasure hunt
against the course rather
than a human adversary. Each of two or more
It gives us a chance to teams attempts to obtain
get into the open air; to a treasure and bring it to
healthy exercise; to safety against the
experience the benefits opposition of the other
of achieving the best we teams.
are capable of, and of
enjoying good Sample of treasure type
companionship and fun balance in terms of messages to team game
in the process. physical strength and leaders, to be opened at
scouting know how etc. the start of the game - Polar expedition
Hints and tips Make the rules of the messages should set out Each team is a group of
The well planned and game abundantly clear the theme, objectives, Polar explorers racing to
well staged wide game to everyone, verbally scoring, special rules, a the North Pole in
introduces romance and and in writing, with sketch map of area of competition with other
adventure into the (cid:145)attack(cid:146) and (cid:145)defence(cid:146) play and so forth. Use teams. At the North
programme. It helps potential in equal devises such as codes Pole they will find a flag
develop initiative and measure. and ciphers to add which Admiral Byrd
leadership qualities. It Be clear about method(s) intrigue. threw down from his
can be used to enhance of capture - the way an Most wide games take plane when crossing the
various Scouting skills. opponent is (cid:145)eliminated(cid:146) place on dry land - top of the world. The
It helps develop physical using such simple consider, too the flag (signal flag) must be
fitness and mental methods as a strip of potential in terms of brought back to the
alertness. coloured paper or ribbon rafts, canoes, rowing office of the
tucked in the belt at the boats. A Pirates geographical society
Have a good back. Provide a central Treasure caper on a real before the explorers(cid:146)
place where (cid:145)eliminated island is really brilliant. claim can be
Theme
personnel can acquire Always make it clear acknowledged
You can develop your
extra lives. from the start that
own themes from many aggressive, hooligan Seizure type
sources - historical Equipment behaviour will not be Each of two teams
events, adventure
Checklist tolerated for one attempts to bring a
fiction, crime stories, moment. Stealth, treasure from one spot
newspaper reports etc. Be sure all equipment is cunning and ingenuity to the other, at the same
At its best a wide game in good order and in are the names of the time trying to seize the
is a cross country affair. place well before the game - not violence. treasure of the other
Selecting and studying game starts. Always
team which is moving in
good territory - have first aid equipment
the opposite direction
preferably with a large handy and emergency
scale map in the field - wheels standing by just
Sample of seizure type
is an important prelude in case.
game
to planning in detail Time is most important.
your game on paper. Be very clear as to
The Opium Smugglers
When setting up starting and finishing
One of the teams are
opposing teams, make times, and signals.
smugglers, the other
sure, insofar as it is Use communication
border police. The
possible, that there is devises such as sealed
smugglers attempt to
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Camp Programme Skills
carry their (cid:145)Opium(cid:146) to a should create boundaries placed in the area and
certain spot, and at the Wide games come in to ensure a good game. half of the scouts
same time take away many different guises designated as defence,
from the policemen and really the extent and Light pursuit half as attackers. Both
much needed weapons scope are simply the sides are armed with
Played as with whistles
and ammunition. The bounds of your either flour bombs or
except that a torch is
policemen try to get the imagination. Here are a water bombs ( you
used. This version is
(cid:145)Opium(cid:146) and keep the few ideas covering might use small balloons
best played in scrubby
smugglers from taking straight fun to thinking to make water bombs).
areas where good hiding
the weapons. (cid:145)Opium to of or learning wide The attackers(cid:146) object is
places can be found.
and (cid:145)weapons(cid:146) are games. The fun ones are to get into the light and
carried in one or two short and good fun turn it off without being
Light pursuit with
packsacks. rather than of a longer killed! You are killed if
protection
variety. Just the thing you are hit directly by
to whip up a bit of Played as with light either a flour or water
Conquest type enthusiasm. pursuit except that the bomb. The game can be
person who catches the run several times to
Each of two attempts to
Whistles man with the light must ensure all scouts have a
conquer a specified spot
then get the light holder fair go.
of ground defended by An old favorite, but one
(unscathed) to a
the opponents, at the which many have not
particular point. All Flour and water
same time keeping the heard about. The idea is
players are armed with
opponents from to send one or two fights
flour bombs (made of
conquering its own people with whistles,
These are easy to
tissues filled with flour
piece of ground with instructions that
organise and are based
and sealed with
every 30 seconds they
on a flour and water
sellotape). The person
Sample of Conquest must blow their
bomb (cid:145)free for all(cid:146). Two
with the light (or
type game: whistles. Objects for the sides are picked and
persons) are the target
other Scouts to pursue
placed initially at a
of the bombs. (Good
The fight at the stockade the whistler (after distance. As in old
game for leaders to have
One team is Indians, the allowing him about a cavalry attacks both
the light)
others settlers. The minute to escape) and sides attack and plaster
Indians attack the capture him. The each other until you run
Defend the light
stockade and defend the person who captures out of bombs.
Indian village, the him becomes the new An area is roped or
settlers the opposite. whistler once the game marked out. A light is
To make it more is started again. Of Stalking through
exciting, two settlers special note is that you
occupied territory
may have been left in
the stockade. The Two sides are chosen
Indians are there to (or three). One side has
prevent them from a vital message to get
getting out and joining through the enemy lines
their friends, while the and must work out a
settlers are to bring method to get it through
them aid. Stockade and without their messenger
Indian village are being caught or (cid:145)killed(cid:146).
indicated with four poles The enemy must station
in the ground. themselves well hidden
Quickie Wide throughout the area.
When an enemy is
games
spotted either by the
messenger team or by
the defensive team, he
may be killed either by
removing a string taped
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Camp Programme Skills
to his arm ( or again by
using a flour or water
bomb). Once (cid:145)killed(cid:146) the
person is out of the
game. If the person
holding the actual
message is caught or
(cid:145)killed(cid:146), the defenders
win. If he gets his
message through, the
messenger team wins.
Best played in the dark,
or a well bushed area. If
played in the dark there struck our town. Heavy rains have flooded the
is always the marvellous area marked out on the attached map. Power
possibility that a man and phones are out of action. With other
may (cid:145)kill(cid:146) a member of organisations the Scouts are assisting with
his own team. emergency services.
Observation wide Requests for assistance are coming in to the
When dreaming up and
Rescue Operations Centre - at the Scout Hall -
games developing an exciting
on a spot clear of the floods.
theme for a wide game it
Variations on this theme
is easy, in one(cid:146)s
are almost endless. The
Your first call is to go to 7 Kate Avenue.
enthusiasm, to develop
idea is to send one team
ideas that can have
out with certain
Take two long, two short ropes with you, just
negative repercussions.
instruction to carry out.
in case.
Avoid political themes,
Another team is sent out
terrorist themes, themes
to shadow these and
You will receive further instructions there.
involving war and
make a full report at the
violence that may be
end. They must not be
Keep the Patrol together at all times.
interpreted in the wrong
observed by the first
way by members of the
team. The first team is
We(cid:146)re not going into all the details regarding
public who have no
advised that they will be
the above excellent theme - its just an
notion as to what a wide
shadowed. Points are
outstanding theme example that embraces a
game is all about.
scored by the shadow
wide variety of Scouting skills, and is packed
You have, with some
team for observing
with realistic excitement.
themes, to have
particular tasks.
opposing forces -
Avoid Themes
goodies and baddies -
Cyclone Gertie but do handle these
things in a sensitive
Cyclone Gertie has
commonsense way.
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Camp Programme Skills
It’s a Knockout
Many Troops and Venturer Groups have organised
(cid:145)Its a knockout(cid:146) competitions over the years modelled
on the T.V. series on the B.B.C. and R.T.E. In that
time a lot of tried and tested ideas have been
developed. We outline below some of the more
popular and practical ideas that have immerged. All
the games can be used by both sexes and over any
age range. As can be seen most rely on only a small
amount of general equipment normally found around
most halls and dens or easily obtained.
Undoubtedly, ideals for (cid:145)Knockout(cid:146) games will spring
forth when you have problems with equipment, so
most (cid:145)Knockout(cid:146) ideas can be changed to suit Shower bath
circumstances. When designing new games the main
One player throws water filled balloons to his partner
considerations are Fun, and safety.
who stands, on roller skates, on a central board. The
player catches the balloons and bursts it. Thrower
Some general points
moves around to next pile and throws them as
before, and so on. Game is played to a set time limit.
A series or programme of games must be planned
Greatest number caught and burst is winner.
in advance, be sure all equipment for the selected
games is ready and in good order. Have spare
Bouncing bomb
items available in case of breakages.
Work out timing for each game and allow time for First player throws ball on to board held by first
travelling to new games and for unforeseen couple, who bounce it on to the next couple and so
holdups. on to the catcher who places it into the bin. Do this
Before each game starts make sure everybody as often as possible in one and half minutes; team to
understands the game and it(cid:146)s objective. get most balls in bin in time limit is winner.
Be sure officials understand the method of
scoring. Jumping jacks
It is best to have no more than 4 teams in a This game is for teams of eight players. The aim is to
competition, as if all teams have to use the same get all the balls in the bin in the shortest time. Eight
equipment it can take a long time to complete balls or objects are spaced evenly down the course.
some games. First player gets into a sack and bounces down the
Teams should be distinquishable from each other course. Selects first ball/object, bounces down to the
perhaps by way of T-shirts, Patrol flags etc. bin and deposits it in the bin, hops out of sack and
Scoreboard should be clearly visible and runs back to start. The second player repeats process
continuously up to the minute, so that teams as picking up object number two and so on.
well as spectators may compare and monitor their
relative progress. Under - over
Teams should have 7 or 8 members but 6 will do
Four players carry a blanket, each holding a corner.
for most games.
They transport remainder of team one by one to
Have first aid kits readily available - accidents do
finish line. The carriers pass under each obstacle the
happen.
passenger over each. If the hurdle is knocked down
they must rebuild it and renegotiate it. Team with
most passengers over finish line in two minutes is
winner.
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Bumpy ride
One player pushes the wheelbarrow in which sits a
team mate holding a bucket of water over a course of
poles. They empty the remaining water in a bucket.
They then run back for more water and repeat course
until time limit expires. Winner is team with most
water in container.
Stepping stones
Each team stand in line on their box at start line. A
team of two people then carry each member and their
box to finish line in turn. Boxes are then placed on
top of each other and the whole team must stand on
top of the boxes in the shortest time.
Slalom Hockey
Each player in turn collects a ball and hockey stick,
dribbles through a series of slalom obstacles with the
hockey stick and on reaching the shooting area aims
to score a goal. then runs back for another ball and
tries again, person who scores the highest number of
goals in 30 seconds is winner.
Obstacles
Players using tin can stiles race down course, over
bench, round poles, over steps, bursts balloon and
over finish line. The fastest time wins.
Buck it up
One cyclist supports two buckets at either end of a
bar across the handle bars of his bike. As he cycles
down the course to the finish line two other players
run along side, throwing balls into the buckets. No
ball maybe used twice. Team with most balls at
finish line is winner.
Cycle - O - Rama
Both cyclists cycle round the two markers. As each
passes the box of footballs, he collects one ball and
drops it in the bin. Continuing around the markers
and collects another and so on. Winner is the cyclist
who put the most number of balls in bin.
Innafix
Pairs of players squeezed together inside inner tubes,
run up and down the course, collecting one football
between them at a time and deposit in a bin. Number
in bin at end of one and half minutes is winner.
Target discus
One player runs backwards and forwards to supply
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Camp Programme Skills
other team member who tries to throw discus into
target area. Highest score in given time limit is
winner.
Froggy waiters
Three players per team, all wearing flippers, carry a
tray holding one cup of water down a course. Empty
water into measuring container and repeat until
allotted time expires.
Target tennis
Three player from the team stand on a platform with
buckets. One stands with his back to them and holds
tennis racket. The fifth player throws tennis balls to
centre man who volleys it over his head to members
on platform, who try to catch it in bucket. Most balls
caught after 2 minutes is winner
Sack football
Each team line up in sacks with the aim to score
goals just as in soccer. First goal scored wins the
game. Run knockout competition among a number of
teams.
Wheelbarrow netball
One player picks up a ball and climbs into a
wheelbarrow which is pushed by team member to
shooting area. The passenger must get out of barrow
try to net the ball , return to wheelbarrow and repeat
process. Most balls netted is winner in set time limit.
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Experiencing Nature
The wilderness inspires feelings of awe and wonder, and one(cid:146)s
intimate contact with this environment leads to thoughts about
spiritual meanings and eternal processes. Individuals feel better Seeing
acquainted with their own thoughts and feelings, and they feel
(cid:147)different(cid:148) in some way - calmer, at peace with themselves, (cid:147) more
beautiful on the inside and unstifled(cid:148). They appreciate the slow pace
of things, and they appreciate their privacy and the chance to attend
to their own thoughts.
Kaplan and Talbot: 1983
The hand - oak exercise
Comparing the lines on our hand with the structure ,
Wild, remote and wilderness areas have always attracted many branches , roots of a tree, to highlight the symmetry
people. Adventures in our local wilderness either by hiking or
in humans which can also be seen in other living
camping can create a magical and memorable experience for those
things.
who take part. The magic of sleeping in a bivouac under the night
sky. The exhilaration of standing on top of a mountain or seeing the
beauty of sunrise and sunset over a wild landscape. We as Scouts Shapes -
have more opportunities than others to experience such adventures.
this exercise is similar to the above, however in this
These adventures will put us in close contact with our environment
and instill in us a greater appreciation of the elements which make it. case give each person a random shape / line drawn
Although it is more likely that in such situations you will ponder on the on apiece of paper and get them to find something in
greatness of creation and its wild beauty it is possible to experience the area that matches the shape( need not be the
and appreciate such experiences closer to home.
same size - could even be the form of a hill.
Have you ever been in a natural situation when you have experienced ( Comparison of humans to trees, shape of trees.
something special even wonderful. A realising of the world around you diversity of life living on tree)
and the part you play in it. The presence of God, the wonderment of
God(cid:146)s creation, you seem to lose awareness of yourself, so absorbed Camouflage exercise
were you by the experience. Such experiences may only happen to
you once in a lifetime while others may experience such a trill every Hiding yourself in a wood or undergrowth using
day. These experiences called peak experiences by psychologists natural materials to disguise shape. In setting up this
happen to most people at some time or another. exercise it is important that you do not disturb the
habitat. You should only use loose material to
Scouts are more likely to be high peakers as a result of their exposure
to the natural environment. disguise shape such as leaves, fallen branches and
cuts and grooves in the ground. It is important to
High peakers are more likely to point out that this is not a military exercise but an
activity which makes us more aware of animal
Find their lives more meaningful
camouflage.
meditate on life more frequently ( Diversity of animals (cid:145)hiding in the wood(cid:146) , life and
death in the woods, insects, lines and patterns, how
Know the meaning and purpose of life more consistently animals survive, hunting)
feel more confident and self assured
Baden Powell recognised the value of such experiences and it is one
of the primary reason why our programme is based in the out of doors.
By providing young people with opportunities to be outdoors in a
wilderness and wild countryside areas the likelihood of a young person
experiencing a peak experience are heightened. Baden Powell called
this element of Scouting woodcraft and described it as an
understanding and appreciation of the world around us. This had been
interpreted over the years to mean knowing the names of plants,
trees, etc. Woodcraft is more than a knowledge of the names of
plants etc but a deeper and more meaningful relationship with it. It
is the experiencing of nature through all the senses that provides the
mind with a more intensified picture of our surrounding which will
enable us to harmonize with the life of the planet.
These exercises will enable you to introduce nature to your section.
By using these exercises there is a greater chance that it will ignite
the spark in the participants of those elements which will lead to a
Stalking
peak experience.
Using camouflage and stealth to move or sneak up
seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling and tasting. It is on some animal or person. This exercise can also be
done by using a blindfold . This will allow the
participants to use other senses rather than sight to
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Camp Programme Skills
discover the location of their prey. The difficulty Tracks
with the blindfold method is that the participant must Finding and discovering tracks - what can tracks tell
distinguish between normal forest noises and those us - animal and human. This may be done in a sand
made by their prey. pit. ( The variety of tracks that can be seen , weight
( Animals hunting - cat and a bird - noise in a forest to depth relationship, water and mud, what can
distinct sounds, smell / scents of animals, using tracks tell us - directions, how many, what is
cover ) happening )
The layers of the forest
Lie down, crouch, climb a tree and look at the forest
from different perspectives. This activity can easily
be adopted to suit many other habitats.
( Discovering the many perspectives of a forest )
Ant farm / worm farm/ rooting log
Observation of insects, worms , and slugs in various
forms and at different levels - under leaves etc.
( to show different levels in a forest insect play their
part breaking down leaves, branches, etc to richen
soil - this is the recycling of nature, it is also
important that humans recycle their waste. ) Hearing
Colour Palette
Collect small specks of colour in an area to show the
array of colours present in an area. These specks can
be collected by place them on a piece of sticky paper Time alone
or label. Standing silent and alone in the forest, with no one
else in sight for a time of 10 minutes. participants
Colour matching could be asked to make a sound map/sound recording
Pieces of coloured wool are given out to the on a card. These cards could be placed on a map of
participants and they are asked to match the colour the area later. A variation of this exercise is to
with something natural. Or your could hide different blindfold the participants.
colours against vegetation and the participants are ( Oneness with nature, the sound of the forest, the
asked to collect as many of the hidden colours as wind, river rushing by, bird sounds , animals,
possible - you should point out that the bright insects)
coloured one are all easily identified and easily
collected but that it is harder to find those which Blindfold trail and rope walk
match the vegetation. Participants are paired and take turn to follow a rope
( Variety of colours present in a particular area and through the woods while blindfolded.
their collective effect in producing the colour seen - ( This activity will help to heighten the awareness of
it is not one colour green but the 40 shades of our other senses other than sight. )
green)
Mirror Walk
Walking along a track holding a mirror at your waist.
Mirror can also be held under your chin. It is possible
to combine this exercise with the hand- oak exercise
to pretend to be a squirrel and (cid:145)walk along the
branches(cid:146)
( Discovery of the world above - tree patterns, birds,
stars, cloud formations )
C A T H O L I C B O Y S C O U T S O F I R E L A N D 49