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DELTA – An Ethics in Action Program For Boy Scouts.

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Chapter Three

Part Two: DELTA Activities-Scout Skill Events

Scout Skill Events

CENTIPEDE RACE

Objective:

For a human chain to travel as quickly as possible together.

Procedure:

Have the group line up single file facing in one direction. The first person should reach between his legs with his left hand and grab the right hand of the person behind him with his left hand. The second then reaches between his legs with his left hand and so on until the entire group is joined. On a signal from the starter, the group must travel (A.) as far as possible in a given time or (B.) travel set distance as fast as possible.

Rules:

Scoring:

  1. Record the distance the group traveled, or…
  2. Record the time it took the group to travel the set distance.

Processing:

You may consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group takes it.

(Give the group the option to try the activity a second time.)

Materials:

RESCUE ROPE I

Objective:

For the group to throw a rope to a "victim" and coil it as quickly as possible.

Procedure:

Select a victim and place him twenty feet from the throwing line. One at a time, each member of the group throws the rope to the victim, coils the rope and hands it to the next person. They should attempt to do this as quickly as possible.

Rules:

Scoring:

Time event after signal to begin and record number of people in the group that throw. Subtract five seconds for each throw within reach of the "victim." Calculate the average time.

Processing:

You may wish to consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group take it.

(Give the group the option to try the activity a second time.)

Materials:

THE VENERABLE STRING BURN

Objective:

For a group to light a fire as quickly as possible that will burn through a string suspended 18 inches over it.

Procedure:

Tinder and kindling are gathered by the group after a starting signal. They then light a fire and build it until it burns through the string suspended about 18" above the pit.

Rules:

Scoring:

Processing:

You may wish to consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group takes it.

(Give the group the option to try the activity a second time.)

Materials:

"SIMON SAYS"

Objective:

To respond to any orders given by a leader that is preceded by "Simon Says."

Procedure:

The group gathers in front of "Simon." Simon gives orders to the group. The orders may or may not be preceded by "Simon Says." The group must respond only to the "Simon Says" orders. If someone follows an incorrect order or follows a correct order incorrectly, they are out. The process continues until only one person remains.

Rules:

Scoring:

Rate performance on a scale of 1-20 on the basis of cooperation, speed, skill and spirit.

Processing:

You may wish to consider these questions as a starting point and then let the, discussion go where the group takes it.

(Give the group the option to try the activity a second time.)

Material:

None.

KNOT AND LASH

Objective:

To demonstrate the ability to tie basic scout knots and lashes.

Procedure:

Each member of the patrol is given the opportunity to demonstrate the knots from the Camping Skill Award, the Square Knot, Clove Hitch, Sheet Bend, Taut Line Hitch, Two Half-Hitches and Bowline.

As a group, they should demonstrate the square, diagonal and shear lash.

Rules:

Scoring:

The group will be scored on the number of tasks completed. For each of the six knots: 5 points if each can tie, 3 points if some can tie and 1 if no one can tie.

For each lash: 10 points if each can tie, 5 points if the group can tie and 1 point if no one can tie.

Processing:

You may consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group takes it.

(Give the group the option to try this activity a second time.)

Materials:

"IS IT AMERICAN?"

Objective:

To list and describe things that are American.

Procedure:

Give the group a piece of paper. As a group, they must list persons, places or things that are American. They should be able to explain each item on the list.

Rules:

Scoring:

The group will receive 1 point for each different "American" item they list.

Processing:

You may wish to consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group takes it.

(Give the group the option to try the activity a second time.)

Materials:

Paper and pencil.

LOG DISASSEMBLY

Objective:

Each participant must cut through a small log.

Procedure:

In relay fashion, the group must each cut through a small log. This is to be done as quickly and safely as possible.

Rules:

Scoring:

Record the average time of the group.

Average = Total Time divided by Number of Group Members)

Add five seconds for each unsafe action.

Processing:

You may wish to consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group takes it.

(Give the group the option to try this activity a second time.)

Materials:

CONSERVE AND OBSERVE

Objective:

To increase and improve an awareness of the environment and observation skills.

Procedure:

The group is divided by the facilitator into four groups. They are SCRIBES, SEERS, HEARERS, and FEELERS. There is only one SCRIBE. The other three groups should be roughly equal. The HEARERS and the FEELERS are blindfolded. When all this is done, the group is instructed to go out and observe as much as possible in five minutes.

The SCRIBE records all observations on paper.

The SEERS observe only what they can see.

The HEARERS observe only what they can hear.

The FEELERS observe only what they can feel.

Rules:

Scoring:

The group is awarded one point for each different item listed.

Processing:

You may wish to consider these questions as a starting point and then

let the discussion go where the group takes it.

(Give the group the option to try the activity a second time.)

Materials:

RAPID TRANSIT

Objective:

To demonstrate the skills required for transporting persons in an emergency situation.

Procedure:

Pair off the group. Line pairs along one end of an field or area. The pairs will be transporting one another from one side of the area to the other using First Aid transport techniques.

The first leg, they demonstrate the walking assist.

The second leg is done using single person carries.

The group then triples up and demonstrates two person carries for the third leg.

Next, the group transports one victim using a group carry.

For the last leg, the group must carry a different victim on a stretcher made from scavenged material. This is all done as quickly as possible.

Rules:

Scoring:

Time event after the signal to begin until everyone has done the entire schedule of carries satisfactorily.

Processing:

You may wish to consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group takes it.

(Give the group the option to try the activity a second time.)

Materials:

Stopwatch or watch with a second hand.

IN A FIT OF FITNESS

Objective:

To determine the average fitness level of the group.

Procedure:

The group will do a set of fitness activities. The results are averaged so the object is to have the highest average that the group can obtain.

The activities are: sit-ups, standing long jump, a 50-meter dash and a 600-meter run/walk.

Rules:

Scoring:

Scoring is based on the average of the group. Averages must be calculated before scoring.

Sit-ups 50-Meter Dash ------------------- -------------------------- less than 40 1 Pt. more than 8.2 s 1 Pt. 41-45 2 pts. 8.2-7.6 s 2 pts. 46-50 3 pts. 7.6-7.0 s 3 pts. more than 50 4 pts 7.0s or less 4 pts.

Pull-Ups 600-Meter Run/Walk ------------------- -------------------------- less than 5 1 Pt. more than 2:35 min. 1 Pt. 5-7 2 pts. 2:35-2:15 min. 2 pts. 8-9 3 pts. 2:15-2:00 min. 3 pts. more than 9 4 pts. 2:00 min. or less 4 pts.

Long Jump

less than 1.75m 1 Pt. 1.75-2m 2 pts. 2.1-2.25m 3 pts. more than 2.25 4 pts.

Processing:

You may wish to consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group takes it.

(Give the group the option to try the activity a second time.)

Materials:

"WHAT"S THAT? SAY AGAIN."

Objective:

To convey a message from one person to another correctly.

Procedure:

Line up the group three feet apart. Instruct the group that a message will be given to the person at the head of the line. Each person in turn will hear the message and repeat it to the next person in line until the message is at the end of the line. That person will repeat the message aloud to the group.

Rules:

Scoring:

The group is awarded two points for each correct word and five points if the correct concept is conveyed.

Processing:

You may wish to consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group takes it.

(Give the group the option to try the activity a second time.)

Materials:

A set of ten 12 word sentences.

EMERGENCY HIKE

Objective:

To determine the resourcefulness and preparedness of the group in a emergency situation.

Procedure:

The group is told that they have to leave in five minutes on an emergency twenty-five mile hike. They are to pool the materials of the group that they have with them and to determine their own preparedness. Scouts should be encouraged to be creative. After five minutes, go over the materials of the group and have them explain why the items are included.

Rules:

The group is not allowed to return to their camp.

Scoring:

One point for each useful item.

Processing:

You may wish to consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group takes it.

(Give the group the option to try the activity a second time.)

Materials:

Paper and pencil to record the list.

MY TREE

Objective:

For the group to learn to identify a tree using senses other than sight.

Procedure:

The group pairs off in a central area. One person in the pair is blindfolded and is turned around three times. After this, his partner leads him on a round about way to a tree. The blindfolded person is allowed to observe the tree using any sense but sight. When he is finished, he is led, still blindfolded, back to the start. The blindfold is then removed and the scout tries to find his tree. Repeat the process with roles reversed.

Rules:

Blindfolded scouts should be lead in a safe manner.

Variations:

Have them locate a rock, patch of ground, etc.

Scoring:

5 pts. for locating the tree and 5 bonus pts. for finding it within 2:00 minutes.

Processing:

You may wish to consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group takes it.

(Give the group the option to try the activity a second time.)

Materials:

Blindfolds.

Watch.

"WHICH WAY DO WE GO?"

Objective:

For a patrol to correctly complete the compass course assigned.

Procedure:

Divide the patrol into teams of two or three people. Place a numbered stake in the ground for each patrol’s course. Ask the patrol members to follow the course and to place a numbered stake marked "END" where they end up. Each team should be responsible for one leg of the course to assure that all participants gain experience using a compass.

Compass courses:

Scoring:

The correct finishes to the three courses are as follows:

Processing:

You may wish to consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group takes it:

(Give them the opportunity to try the activity again to improve their score.)

Materials:

MAP MAKING

Objective:

For the group to learn to translate the environment onto a map.

Procedure:

Each group is provided with a pencil and paper. Then they are instructed to map an area near the campsite. They may map any area. After receiving the instructions, the group may leave the area to do the mapping. They have one hour to complete the map.

Rules:

The group may not trespass into another’s area without permission.

Scoring:

Processing:

You may wish to consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group takes it.

(Give the group the option to try the activity a second time.)

Materials:

BLIND TENT PITCH

Objective:

To perform a simple task without sight or talking.

Procedure:

The group is given a two-person, or similar, tent. They are instructed to pitch the tent properly, but they are blindfolded and told not to speak.

Rules:

Use weights instead of stakes.

Scoring:

Time needed to pitch the tent.

Processing:

You may wish to consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group takes it.

(Give the group the option to try the activity a second time.)

Materials:

FAHRENHEIT 212

Objective:

For a group to light a fire and boil a pint/quart of water as quickly as possible.

Procedure:

Tinder and kindling are gathered by the group after the starting signal. They start a fire and build it until a pint/quart of water suspended 6" from the ground comes to a boil.

Rules:

The group receives two matches.

Scoring:

Time needed to boil water. Subtract thirty seconds if only one match is used. Subtract one minute if second attempt is better than the first.

Processing:

You may consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group takes it.

(Give the group the option to try the activity a second time.)

Materials:

WHAT DO I FEEL?

Adapted from JLTC Scoutcraft file.

Objective:

To identify 15-20 items from memory.

Procedure:

Gather the group into a circle and blindfold them. Give the first person an item to be felt and identified quietly. When done, the item is passed to the next scout and another item is taken. This is repeated until all the items have been passed around. The group then removes their blindfolds and records as many of the items as possible.

Rules:

Scoring:

The group receives 5 pts. for each correct item identified.

Processing:

You may wish to consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group takes it.

(Give the group the option to try the activity a second time.)

Materials:

MICRO-TRAILS

Objective:

For the group to set up a nature trail on a small scale.

Procedure:

The group receives one meter of string and 10-12 toothpicks. They are to chose an area in a field to set up a "micro-trail." They select a starting point, mark it with a toothpick and tie a string to it. Then, using the string, they mark a trail using other toothpicks to mark interesting sites on the trail. When the group is done, they bring the judge on a "micro-trail" hike.

Rules:

Scoring:

1-5 pts. for knowledge of nature.

1-5 pts. for creativity in trail construction.

1-5 pts. for interpretive work on trail hike.

1-5 pts. for group involvement and input.

Processing:

You may wish to consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group takes it.

(Give the group the option to try the activity a second time.)

Materials:

One meter length of string

Toothpicks

BIRD MAKING

Objectives:

To create a drawing of a specialized bird based on_a descriptive name._

Procedure:

The group is given a descriptive name of a bird (e.g. red-bellied walleye stabber, three-legged Holstein-holder, etc.). The group must then interpret the name and design of a bird that fits the description. They then draw a picture of the bird.

Rules:

They have a fifteen minute time limit.

Variations:

The names could be plants, animals, etc.

Scoring:

1-5 pts. for correctness. (Does it fit the name?)

1-5 pts for artistic ability.

1-5 pts. for nature knowledge.

1-5 pts. for creativity.

Processing:

You may wish to consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group takes it.

(Give the group the option to try the activity a second time.)

Materials:

RESCUE ROPE II

Adapted from Rescue Race JLTC Scoutcraft file.

Objective:

For the group to rescue an endangered victim.

Procedure:

Each member of the patrol is given a 5-6 foot length of rope. Then the "victim" is placed about 30 feet from the group. On a signal, the patrol must tie the ropes end to end using square knots. When the rope is completed the group must coil the rope and throw it from the imaginary shore line to the victim. The victim must catch the rope and tie a bowline around his waist. If the victim can’t reach the rope, the group must recoil and throw the rope until the victim catches it.

Rules:

Scoring:

Record the time of the event and add 15 seconds for each incorrect knot.

Processing:

You may wish to consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group takes it.

(Give the group the option to try the activity a second time.)

Materials:

GUESSTIMATE

Objective:

To develop the ability to determine height, distance, temperature and wind speed using simple tools.

Procedure:

Provide the group with reprints of the following from the Boy Scout Handbook (taken from the 1979 BSA Handbook).

Tell the patrol that using those guides they will be asked to estimate certain measurements. Give them a number of things to estimate – a tree, a flagpole, a road, a river, a fire, the wind, several small objects.

Rules:

The group may not use any traditional measuring devices.

Scoring:

(Using standards established by the facilitator using appropriate procedures)

10 or 25 pts. for each exact measurement (within 5%)

8 or 20 pts. for each measurement within 10%

6 or 15 pts. for each measurement within 25%

4 or 10 pts. for each measurement within 50%

2 or 5 pts. for each measurement within 200%

Processing:

You may consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group takes it.

Materials:

HIGH SPEED SCOUTING

Objective:

To test the basic knowledge of scouts on scout items.

Procedures:

Explain to the group that they will be taking a short test on Scouting. At the start, you will uncover a poster with the test on it. For one or two minutes the scouts will be able to work on the test by themselves. At the end of the time, they should set aside their papers and pencils and the test should be covered. Points are given only for correct answers so they should write as much as possible.

Variations:

Rules:

Processing:

You may consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group takes it.

Material:

HIGH SPEED SCOUT TEST

The answers and points will be within parentheses 0.

STICK IT TO ‘EM

Objective:

To assemble and disassemble a shear lashed pole.

Procedure:

Divide the patrol in half and place the two groups on opposite sides of a 20 foot space. On each side the groups will find 3 – 7′ lashing spars and 2 lengths of lashing rope., On a signal from the judge, the two groups lash spars into a pole, pass it across the 20 foot space to the other group. Each group must disassemble the three poles it receives.

Rules:

If the pole touches the ground between the two spaces, the pole has to be brought all the way back and be re-passed. Care should be taken to prevent injury.

Scoring:

Time for the event.

Processing:

You may wish to consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group takes it.

(Give the group the opportunity to try the activity a second time.)

Materials:

MISSOURI (THE "SHOW-ME" STATE)

Objective:

To improve the training skills of scouts.

Procedure:

Explain to the group that they are going to teach a scout skill to you. They will have a set time to prepare for the demonstration and the topic will be selected by drawing from a set of topics.

Let them know that you are from Missouri (the "show-me" state) and that you have to see something, you cannot simply be told.

Have a set of 25-30 simple scout skill demonstration topics in a hat or bowl. Have them draw out three topics, select one and begin to prepare for the presentation.

After the time to prepare is completed, have the group teach the skill to you.

Variations:

Scoring:

Judge the group on the following criteria:

Processing:

You may wish to consider these questions as a starting point and then let the discussion go where the group takes it.

Materials:

Demonstration topics.

Demonstration Topics.

These are example demonstration topics. You may use these or think of others.

CREATE YOUR OWN GAME OR SCOUT SKILL!!

Just follow this simple format and you can design lots of scout skill events. "The New Games Book and the More New Games" edited by Andrew Fluegelman, "Cowstails and Cobras and Silver Bullets" by Karl Rohnke, and "The Cooperative Sports and Games Book" and the "Second Cooperative Sports and Games Book," by Terry Orlick are great resources for more games. These games should also be put into the following format.

Title:

Something creative, funny, or intriguing pertaining to the activity

Objective:

A simple one or two line description of the objective.

Procedure:

A straightforward description of how the event should happen. Written in a manner that is easy for Scouts to understand. No need to be overly detailed considering the nature of the activity.

Rules:

Limit rules where possible. They should be safety guidelines and not restrictions on the activity whenever possible.

Scoring:

Provide a scoring criteria for the Scout Skill Events only. Initiative games are not scored. The scoring should encourage participation and provide attainable goals for all participants.

Processing:

Provide the facilitator with a starting point for processing. There should be 6-12 specific questions for him/her to ask the group. Review the "Processing and Presenting Cooperative Activities" section at the front of the handbook. Another helpful resource is the "Idea Notebook," pp 95.

Materials:

To make it easier for the people doing the activity, provide most of what’s needed.

CO-OPERATIVE ACTIVITIES FORMAT

Title:

Objective:

Procedure:

Rules:

Scoring:

Processing:

Materials:

On Your Own!

Here’s a self guided activity for scouts to try on their own at a camporee or in a skill-o-rama. Give it your best shot! When you have done what you can, bring it to the registration area.

  1. Say the Scout Oath.______ Law.______ Motto.______ Slogan._______
  2. Who is William Boyce?_______
  3. How many pounds in a kilogram?_______
  4. Who is Ben Love?_______
  5. Signatures of five Scout Masters:
  6. Signatures of five SPLs.
  7. Co1lect 15 pieces of litter.
  8. Where is Philmont?_______
  9. What year did Cub Scouts start?_______
  10. Introduce a stranger to another stranger.
  11. Tie a square knot. taut line hitch. clove hitch.
  12. Give the Scout Sign. Scout Handshake.
  13. Signature of a professional Scouter.
  14. Signature of the Scout Executive.
  15. What county are you in?
  16. Do 50 jumping jacks.
  17. What county is Many Point in?
  18. Draw a map on the back.
  19. What is the-Official Boy Scout Magazine?
  20. Who is the HONORARY President of the BSA?
  21. Do a Good Turn.
  22. Tie a sheep shank.
  23. Police your Campsite.
  24. Count all the troop flags.
  25. Do something nice for your Scoutmaster.
  26. Name the seven ranks of scouting.
  27. "Box a compass."
  28. Teach something new to someone.
  29. Find a pinecone.
  30. What does O.A. stand for?
  31. What is Baden-Powell’s first name?
  32. Where is the BSA National Headquarters?
  33. What is the address of the Viking Council BSA office?
  34. What is the State Tree? State Drink
  35. What does DELTA stand for?
  36. Demonstrate the Scout Law?
  37. Wear your uniform.
  38. How many parts are there to the Safe Swim Defense Plan?
  39. Give Your Patrol name. Patrol Call.
  40. Show your Patrol Flag.
  41. Help an adult leader with a task.

Table of Contents Ch. Three/part I Ch. Three/part III

April 14, 1996