The Guide Me Game is a great way for Scouts to practice communication and teamwork. In this game, one Scout gives instructions while others follow them, making it a fun way to build trust. It also helps with problem-solving as Scouts learn how to guide their teammates to the correct objects.
This game fits well into the Scouting program because it encourages cooperation and leadership. Scouts learn to listen carefully and give clear directions. They also practice working together to reach a goal. It’s a good team-building activity that helps Scouts develop important skills.
Scouts of all ages can enjoy this game, from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA and Venturers. Younger Scouts will find it fun to explore how to follow directions, while older Scouts can focus on improving their leadership abilities. The game can be adjusted for different age groups by changing the difficulty of the course.
The Guide Me Game can be played indoors or outdoors, making it flexible for different meeting locations. It requires simple materials, so leaders can easily set it up. This game helps Scouts build confidence in their communication skills and teamwork, which are key parts of the Scouting program.
Learning to Lead
Scouts learn many important lessons from the Guide Me Game. One of the main skills they practice is communication. The leader must give clear directions so the blindfolded teammate can find the right object. The blindfolded Scout learns to trust their teammate and listen carefully. This helps both the leader and the blindfolded Scout improve how they give and receive instructions.
This game ties into the Scout Law, especially the points of being “Helpful” and “Trustworthy.” The leaders must be helpful by giving good directions to their teammates. The blindfolded Scouts show trust by following the leader’s instructions, even though they can’t see. This builds a sense of teamwork and shows how the Scouts depend on one another to succeed.
The Guide Me Game also teaches patience. Both the leader and the blindfolded Scout need to take their time to complete the task. Rushing can lead to mistakes, like knocking the object out of reach. Learning to slow down and think before acting is a valuable lesson for all Scouts.
This game works well for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturers. For Cub Scouts, leaders might use larger objects, like balloons, and have fewer of them in the playing area to make it easier. For Scouts BSA and Venturers, leaders can make the course more challenging by adding obstacles or using smaller objects.
For younger Scouts, the focus is often on following directions and building trust with teammates. Older Scouts can take it further by practicing leadership and communication in more complex situations. This game helps them develop confidence in guiding others and being responsible for the success of the group.
Overall, the Guide Me Game is a fun and educational way for Scouts to build important life skills. It encourages leadership, trust, patience, and teamwork, all while fitting easily into any meeting or campout.
How to Play
Materials:
- Several small flags or objects (half marked with one color, half with another color)
- Blindfolds (one for each Scout except the leaders)
- Large open space for the playing area
Setup:
- Mark off the playing area, either indoors or outdoors.
- Scatter the flags or objects randomly in the playing area. Make sure to have equal amounts of each color.
- Divide the Scouts into two teams, each with a different color (e.g., blue team and red team).
- Choose one leader for each team. The other team members will be blindfolded.
- Each team should stand at their base, outside the playing area.
Game Play:
- The leader for each team gives verbal instructions to one blindfolded team member.
- The blindfolded Scout must follow the leader’s directions to find one of the objects of their team’s color (e.g., blue team collects blue objects).
- Once the blindfolded Scout finds an object, they must return to base with it while still following the leader’s instructions.
- When the Scout returns with the object, remove the blindfold and choose the next blindfolded Scout.
- Repeat until all of one team’s objects have been collected.
- The first team to collect all their objects wins.
Notes:
- Only one blindfolded Scout from each team should be in the playing area at a time.
- Blindfolded Scouts should move slowly to avoid accidents.
- Teams cannot collect the other team’s objects.
- For younger Scouts, use larger objects like balloons or cones. For older Scouts, use smaller objects and consider adding obstacles in the playing area to increase the difficulty.
More Resources
More Games
If you’re looking for more fun games like the Guide Me Game, check out this resource on my site. You’ll find a variety of games that help Scouts learn teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. Whether you’re planning a meeting or a campout, these games are easy to set up and great for Scouts of all ages. Explore more game ideas here: Games for Scouts.
Here are a couple more games which involve blindfolds:
Tent Pitching Competition (Blindfolded): This is a fun and challenging activity for Scouts that focuses on teamwork and communication. In this competition, Scouts work in teams to pitch a tent while blindfolded, with one team member guiding the others using only verbal instructions.
Sleeping Guard Game: Scouts practice patience and observation. One Scout stands guard while the others try to approach without being seen. It builds stealth and focus, while teaching Scouts to stay alert.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Guide Me Game
What age group is the Guide Me Game best for?
The Guide Me Game works well for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturers. You can make it easier for younger Scouts and more challenging for older ones by adjusting the course and objects.
How many Scouts can play the Guide Me Game?
The game works best with at least four Scouts, two per team. You can have as many Scouts as you like, just divide them into equal teams.
What materials do I need for the Guide Me Game?
You will need several small objects or flags (in two different colors), blindfolds, and a large open space to set up the playing area.
How long does it take to play the Guide Me Game?
The game usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how many Scouts are playing and the difficulty of the course.
Is the Guide Me Game safe?
Yes, as long as Scouts move slowly and follow instructions. Make sure the area is clear of hazards, and remind Scouts to be careful while blindfolded.
Can we play the Guide Me Game indoors?
Yes, the game can be played indoors or outdoors. Just make sure the space is large enough for the Scouts to move around safely.
Trust Your Team
The Guide Me Game is a great way for Scouts to work on communication and teamwork. In this game, each team has a leader who gives directions to blindfolded teammates. The goal is to guide the blindfolded Scout to collect objects in the team’s color and return them to the base. Teams must rely on good instructions and careful listening to succeed.
This game teaches several important skills. Leaders learn how to give clear, helpful directions, while the blindfolded Scouts practice trusting their teammates. Scouts improve their communication skills and learn the importance of patience. Rushing through the course can lead to mistakes, so taking time and moving carefully is key.
The Guide Me Game can be adapted for different age groups. For younger Scouts, larger objects and a simple setup work well. Older Scouts may enjoy a more challenging course with obstacles or smaller objects to find. It’s a flexible game that can be played indoors or outdoors, making it a great option for many different Scouting events.
Leave a Reply