Human Knot Game

The Human Knot Game is a team-building activity that encourages cooperation, communication, and problem-solving. Scouts BSA and Venturing groups often use it as an icebreaker or to build teamwork in small groups. Since it focuses on working together to solve a challenge, this game fits well with Scouting’s goals of developing leadership and cooperation.

In this game, participants work together to “untie” themselves from a knot formed by holding hands in a circle. They must twist, turn, and maneuver without letting go of each other’s hands. This requires the group to listen, plan, and communicate clearly. Success comes when everyone works together, making it a great way to practice collaboration.

The Human Knot Game also works well at Cub Scout Pack meetings, especially when focusing on core values like Cooperation. Adding a couple of older Scouts or adults to each group can help guide younger Scouts as they learn how to work together. This makes it a good activity for all ages in Scouting.

With no materials needed and minimal setup, this game is easy to organize at meetings, campouts, or team-building events. It can be adjusted for different group sizes by creating several smaller groups. The game is fun and brings Scouts together to focus on communication and teamwork.

The Human Knot Game teaches Scouts important skills like patience, communication, and teamwork. To succeed, everyone in the group must work together and stay focused. Scouts quickly learn that they need each other’s ideas and cooperation to untangle the knot. This game connects well with the points of the Scout Law, especially being Helpful, Friendly, and Cheerful. Scouts have to encourage each other and stay positive to solve the puzzle.

In this game, Scouts also learn to lead and follow at different times. Some Scouts might notice a solution and try to guide others, while others will have to listen and move in ways that help the group. Learning when to step up and when to follow is an important lesson for any team. This also ties into being Obedient in the Scout Law, as each person must work with the team’s decisions for the group to succeed.

This game works well for different ages with small adjustments. For Scouts BSA and Venturers, the Human Knot Game is challenging but fun. They usually need little guidance and can solve the knot on their own. For younger Scouts, like Cub Scouts, having one or two older Scouts or adults in each group can help keep things moving smoothly. Younger Scouts often need reminders to be patient and to think before they move.

Cub Scouts may also benefit from a simpler version where only a few people form a knot at first. This makes it easier for them to understand the basic idea without getting too frustrated. As they get used to it, more people can join the circle to make it more challenging. This helps younger Scouts build confidence while still focusing on cooperation.

For very large groups, divide the Scouts into smaller groups of about eight to ten people. This keeps the game manageable and gives everyone a chance to participate fully. Smaller groups also mean everyone has a voice and can contribute. It helps Scouts feel like an important part of the team, which builds a sense of belonging.

Overall, the Human Knot Game is a simple but powerful way to teach Scouts to work as a team. By focusing on communication, cooperation, and respect, Scouts experience firsthand how teamwork can solve problems. This game makes it clear that each person’s actions affect the group, a lesson that can be applied to many other Scouting activities and challenges.

Materials

• None

Setup

1. Divide the group into smaller groups of 8–10 people if you have a large number of players.
2. Ask each group to form a circle and stand close together.
3. Explain the rules and goal of the game: to untangle into a single circle without letting go of each other’s hands.

Game Play

1. Each player reaches across the circle and grabs one hand of a different person (not the person standing next to them).
2. Then, each player grabs a hand of another different person with their other hand. Each person should be holding hands with two different people, creating a “human knot.”
3. The group must now work together to untangle themselves without letting go of anyone’s hands. They may need to twist, step over, or duck under each other.
4. Continue until the knot is untangled into a single circle or two smaller circles.

Notes

• Safety: Remind players to move slowly and be careful not to pull on each other’s arms. Watch out for twisting too tightly or stepping on each other’s feet.
• Variations for Younger Players: For Cub Scouts or younger players, start with only a few people in each knot to keep it simple. Older Scouts or adults can guide the younger players if needed.
• Large Groups: If your group is very large, create several smaller knots and see which group untangles the fastest.

This game is fun for all ages and teaches teamwork, patience, and communication.

Printable instructions for the Human Knot Game

The Importance of Games in Scouting

More Games

Looking for more games like the Human Knot Game to build teamwork and have fun with your Scouts? Visit my games page for a variety of activities that teach cooperation, problem-solving, and communication. You’ll find ideas for indoor and outdoor games that work for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturers. These games are great for meetings, campouts, and team-building. Explore new ways to engage your Scouts with games that promote learning and growth while keeping everyone active and involved.

How many people can play the Human Knot Game?

The game works best with 8 to 10 people in each group. If you have more people, split them into smaller groups to make it easier to untangle.

What if the knot can’t be untangled?

Sometimes, it’s impossible to fully untangle the knot. If the group is stuck, the leader can let them break one connection to help finish the game.

Is the Human Knot Game safe for younger Scouts?

Yes, but remind everyone to move slowly and watch out for each other. For younger Scouts, have an adult or older Scout nearby to guide them.

Can the Human Knot Game be done indoors?

Yes, the game can be played indoors as long as there’s enough space for everyone to move around safely without bumping into walls or furniture.

Do you need any materials for this game?

No, the Human Knot Game doesn’t need any equipment or materials, just enough space for everyone to stand in a circle.

How long does the game usually take?

It typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes to untangle a group, but the time can vary based on the group size and how well they work together.

The Human Knot Game is a simple team-building activity that brings Scouts together to solve a problem as a group. The game starts with everyone standing in a circle and grabbing hands with two different people across from them. This forms a tangled “knot” that the group must untangle without letting go of each other’s hands. To do this, players will need to communicate, move carefully, and work together.

This game encourages skills like cooperation and patience. It also connects well with the values of the Scout Law, such as being Helpful and Friendly. Scouts must support each other to figure out the best moves to untangle the knot. They often have to think ahead and help guide others in the right direction.

The Human Knot Game works for all ages, though younger Scouts may need some extra guidance. Older Scouts or adults can be on hand to help younger groups, making it easier for them to succeed. It’s also a flexible game for different group sizes. If there are too many players, smaller groups can be made to keep things manageable. This game requires no materials, just a positive attitude and a willingness to work as a team.