I Can Do That With One Hand Behind My Back Game

The I Can Do That With One Hand Behind My Back game is a fun activity where Scouts learn to work together and understand challenges others might face. In this game, each Scout pair is given materials to make a lunch. One Scout puts their left hand behind their back, and the other uses only their right hand. They wear plastic gloves on their free hand. This setup helps them understand how to manage tasks with limited abilities.

First, the Scouts need to make a jelly sandwich and cut it in half using only one hand each. They must coordinate and help each other to complete this task. After making the sandwich, they put it into a plastic sandwich bag. The game requires them to use teamwork and communication effectively, emphasizing the importance of cooperation.

Next, the Scouts package their other items—baby carrots and cookies—each in separate plastic bags. They then place all three bags into a brown paper lunch sack. This part of the game continues to challenge them to accomplish tasks with “one hand behind my back.” It encourages them to think creatively and work closely together.

At the end of the game, the Scouts discuss their experience and share the food they prepared. This is a good time to talk about the challenges they faced and what they learned about working with limitations. The activity may also open a discussion on disability awareness, helping Scouts realize the importance of empathy and adaptability.

Materials: (for each pair)

• One pair plastic gloves
• One brown paper lunch sack
• 2 pieces of sandwich bread
• about 1 tablespoon of jelly (in a small container or bowl)
• 4 baby carrots in a (in a small container or bowl)
• 2 cookies (in a small container or bowl)
• 3 plastic sandwich bags
• paper plate for making the sandwich
• knife for spreading jelly and cutting sandwich)

Preparation

Arrange the items required for each pair on a table. Make sure the stations are set far enough apart that they don’t get their things mixed up with another pair.

Instructions for I Can Do That With One Hand Behind My Back

1. Have the Scouts wash their hands.
2. Divide the Scouts into pairs.
3. For one Scout in the pair have one hold his left hand behind his back. For the other Scout have him put the right hand behind his back. (For Cub Scouts it might be helpful to put a sock on the hand so they remember not to use it.)
4. Have them put a plastic glove on their free hand.
5. The pair must make a jelly sandwich and cut it in half.
6. Then they must put the jelly sandwich in a plastic sandwich bag.
7. They should put their carrots in a plastic bag.
8. They should also put their cookies in a plastic bag.
9. Next they should put all three plastic bags in their brown paper lunch bag.

Notes for I Can Do That With One Hand Behind My Back

The two scouts will have to talk to each other to get their lunch made.

When the game is over, let them divide up the food and eat it. They can fee their hands first or they might want to do it with one hand behind their back.

Take some time afterwards to talk about what they needed to do to get their lunch put together. There might also be an opportunity to talk about disability awareness here.

Printable instructions for the I Can Do That With One Hand Behind My Back Game

The Importance of Games in Scouting

Wolf Cubs Who Care Adventure

The Cubs Who Care adventure for Wolf Cub Scouts focuses on understanding and respecting people with disabilities. It includes activities and discussions that encourage empathy and awareness, such as learning about various types of disabilities, how to communicate with those who have disabilities, and how to help others.

The I Can Do That With One Hand Behind My Back game is a perfect fit for this adventure. It gives Scouts a hands-on experience of managing tasks with a physical limitation, promoting a deeper understanding of the daily challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, and reinforcing the importance of teamwork and communication.

Webelos Aware and Care Adventure

The Aware and Care adventure for Webelos is designed to deepen their understanding and respect for individuals with disabilities. Through various activities, Scouts explore different types of disabilities, learn about accessibility and the importance of inclusivity, and engage in service projects that aid the community.

Incorporating the I Can Do That With One Hand Behind My Back game into this adventure can be highly beneficial. This game challenges Scouts to perform tasks with one hand, simulating the experience of having a physical limitation and fostering empathy. It enhances the learning objectives of the “Aware and Care” adventure by providing a practical, empathetic experience related to overcoming physical challenges.

Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge

The Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge encourages Scouts BSA members to gain a deeper understanding of people with disabilities and the issues they face. The merit badge includes learning about various disabilities, exploring accessibility and legislation, and engaging in community service that benefits people with disabilities.

An ideal activity to include in this merit badge curriculum is the I Can Do That With One Hand Behind My Back game. This game provides a practical experience of what it’s like to manage a task with a significant physical limitation. By participating in this game, Scouts can experience the daily challenges that individuals with disabilities may encounter, enhancing their empathy and awareness as they work towards earning this merit badge.

Special Needs Awareness Program Feature for Scouts BSA

The Special Needs Awareness program feature for Scouts BSA is designed to educate Scouts about the various types of disabilities and the daily challenges individuals with special needs face. It also emphasizes the importance of inclusion and how Scouts can help make their communities more accessible for everyone. Activities include learning about different disabilities, discussing how to assist and interact with individuals with special needs, and exploring relevant laws and resources.

Integrating the I Can Do That With One Hand Behind My Back game into this program can be a valuable addition. This game simulates the experience of having a physical limitation, helping Scouts understand and empathize with the obstacles that people with disabilities often encounter. This hands-on activity reinforces the program’s goals of fostering greater sensitivity and awareness among Scouts.

More Games

See a diverse collection of games for Scouts, which are designed to be fun, educational, and adaptable for various scouting events and meetings. This I Can Do That With One Hand Behind My Back game is just one example of the many resources available on the site that can be used to enhance the scouting experience, teaching valuable life skills and lessons in an engaging way.

What do we need to play the I Can Do That With One Hand Behind My Back game?

You need plastic gloves, a brown paper lunch sack, sandwich bread, jelly, baby carrots, cookies, plastic sandwich bags, a paper plate, and a knife for spreading.

How do we start the I Can Do That With One Hand Behind My Back game?

First, wash your hands. Then, pair up the Scouts. One Scout puts their left hand behind their back, and the other puts their right hand behind their back. Put on a plastic glove on the free hand.

What is the main task in the I Can Do That With One Hand Behind My Back game?

The main task is to make a jelly sandwich with one hand, cut it in half, and then pack it with carrots and cookies into a lunch sack, all with one hand behind your back.

Can we use both hands during the I Can Do That With One Hand Behind My Back game?

No, each Scout must keep one hand behind their back throughout the game. This helps learn how to manage with limited use of hands.

What should we do after finishing the sandwich?

After making the sandwich, pack it in a bag. Do the same with the carrots and cookies. Then, place all bags into your lunch sack.

Is there a discussion after the I Can Do That With One Hand Behind My Back game?

Yes, talk about how you worked together with one hand behind your back. Discuss what was hard and what you learned. This is also a good time to talk about disability awareness.

The I Can Do That With One Hand Behind My Back game is not just about making a sandwich. It teaches Scouts valuable lessons in teamwork, communication, and empathy. By working with only one hand, Scouts experience firsthand the challenges some people face every day.

This activity encourages creativity, problem-solving, and cooperation, making it a meaningful and enjoyable experience. Ultimately, it opens up important discussions about disability awareness and helps Scouts appreciate their abilities and those of others around them.