Alright, Scout Leaders! Is the thought of another game of Dodgeball making you want to hide in the Q-store? Are your Scouts predicting your every move when it comes to Tag? If you’re nodding along, then listen up! I’m here here to rescue your troop nights from the dreaded game-rut. I’ve got five cracking new games up my sleeve – all requiring minimal kit but a whole heap of energy and enthusiasm. Let’s banish the boredom and bring on the fun!

1. Scatterball: A Twist on Dodgeball

This high-energy game is a fantastic alternative to traditional dodgeball, getting everyone moving and thinking strategically.

• Materials Needed:
  • One or more soft balls (e.g., foam balls, volleyballs).
  • Cones or markers to define a large playing area (optional but helpful).
• How to Play:
  1. Define a large playing area. One Scout (or leader) starts as “It” in the middle of the area.
  2. All other Scouts scatter around the playing area.
  3. “It” tries to hit the other Scouts with the ball (aiming below the shoulders is a good safety rule).
  4. If a Scout is hit by the ball thrown by “It” (or another Scout who is “on”), they are “out” and join “It” in the middle. They now also try to get the remaining Scouts out.
  5. Scouts in the middle can retrieve the ball and throw it from where it lands or pass it to another Scout who is “on” (in the middle) to throw.
  6. Scouts who are not “It” (those still “in”) can run and dodge but cannot touch or throw the ball.
  7. The game continues until only one Scout remains “in.” That Scout is the winner and can start as “It” for the next round.
• Why This Game is Great: It’s incredibly active, promotes dodging and throwing skills, and encourages teamwork among those who are “on” in the middle. As more players join the middle, the dynamic changes, requiring new strategies from those still “in.”
• Big Man Tip: For extra chaos and fun with larger groups, introduce a second or even third ball! Clearly define what constitutes a “hit” (e.g., below shoulders, no headshots, ball must be thrown not dropped).

2. Scout, Scout, Scout: A Test of Speed and Memory

A lively variation of “Duck, Duck, Goose” that’s perfect for younger sections or as a quick warm-up, testing alertness and speed.

• Materials Needed: None!
• How to Play:
  1. Have all Scouts sit in a circle facing inwards, except for one Scout who is “It.”
  2. “It” walks around the outside of the circle, gently tapping each seated Scout on the head or shoulder, saying “Scout…” for each tap.
  3. When “It” decides, they tap a Scout and shout “SCOUT!” (instead of just “Scout…”).
  4. The Scout who was tapped and shouted “SCOUT!” at must jump up and chase “It” around the circle.
  5. “It” tries to run around the circle and sit in the empty space left by the chaser.
  6. If “It” makes it to the empty space without being tagged: The chaser becomes the new “It.”
  7. If the chaser tags “It” before “It” can sit down: “It” remains “It” for another round (or can sit in the middle for a moment if you have a “pickle” rule).
• Why This Game is Great: Simple to understand, requires no equipment, gets everyone involved, and is great for developing listening skills, quick reactions, and short bursts of speed.
• Big Man Tip: Encourage “It” to vary their pace and be unpredictable with their final “SCOUT!” call to keep everyone on their toes. Make sure there’s enough space around the circle for safe running.

3. Scout Hall Basketball: A Sit-Down Slam Dunk

This clever adaptation brings the fun of basketball indoors, even with limited space, and adds a unique twist by being a sit-down game.

• Materials Needed:
  • A soft ball (light enough not to cause injury if it hits someone).
  • Two buckets, bins, or hoops to act as goals.
• How to Play:
  1. Divide the troop into two teams.
  2. Set up a “court” in your meeting hall, placing one bucket/bin (goal) at each end.
  3. All players must remain seated on the floor throughout the game. No standing or walking! Players can shuffle/scoot on their bottoms but not lift off the floor to move.
  4. The game starts with a “jump ball” (leader throws the ball gently in the air between two opposing players in the centre).
  5. Players try to pass the ball to their teammates and score by throwing the ball into the opposing team’s bucket/bin.
  6. Rules for Moving the Ball:
     • Players cannot “run” (or scoot) with the ball. They must pass it.
     • A player holding the ball can take a moment to aim or look for a pass, but shouldn’t hold it excessively long (e.g., a 5-second rule could be introduced).
  7. If the ball goes out of bounds, the opposing team gets a throw-in from the side.
  8. Play for a set time, and the team with the most goals wins.
• Why This Game is Great: It’s inclusive as it levels the playing field by being sit-down. It emphasizes passing, teamwork, and strategy over sheer athleticism. Great for indoor meetings or when you need a less boisterous active game.
• Big Man Tip: Use a slightly deflated ball to make it harder to throw long distances, encouraging more passing. Clearly define the boundaries of the court. Consider having “no-defending zones” right in front of the buckets if it gets too crowded.

4. Silent Speedball: Hush and Pass

A game of quick passes, teamwork, and intense concentration, all done in complete silence!

• Materials Needed:
  • One soft ball.
• How to Play:
  1. Scouts stand or sit in a circle.
  2. The objective is to pass the ball around the circle (or across, or randomly – you decide the pattern) as quickly as possible without any talking or verbal communication.
  3. A leader starts by handing or gently throwing the ball to a Scout.
  4. That Scout passes it to another, and so on.
  5. Rules for Being “Out” (or penalties):
     • If a Scout talks or makes a deliberate verbal noise.
     • If a Scout drops a catchable pass.
     • If a Scout makes a bad pass that isn’t catchable.
  6. You can decide the consequence: the Scout who breaks a rule could be “out” (and sits down/leaves the circle), or they might get a “strike,” and three strikes mean they’re out.
  7. The game continues, with the circle potentially shrinking, until a set number of players remain or a time limit is reached.
• Why This Game is Great: Fantastic for developing non-verbal communication, concentration, quick reflexes, and accurate passing/catching. The silence adds a unique and often amusing layer of challenge.
• Big Man Tip: Start with a simple pattern (e.g., pass to the person next to you). Once they master that, allow passes to anyone in the circle to increase the challenge. Emphasize eye contact for successful silent passing!

5. Scavenger Hunt: From Zoom to Real Life

A versatile game that can be adapted for online meetings or a classic real-life dash around your meeting place or local area.

• Materials Needed:
  • A pre-prepared list of items to find (or criteria to meet).
  • For “Zoom” version: Pen and paper for Scouts (optional).
  • For “Real Life” version: Collection bags (optional), boundaries clearly defined.
• How to Play (Zoom/Online Version):
  1. Prepare a list of common household items or items of a certain description (e.g., “Something red,” “Something round,” “Your favourite book,” “An item that makes a noise”).
  2. Call out an item from your list one at a time.
  3. Scouts dash off-screen to find an item that matches and bring it back to show on camera.
  4. The first few Scouts back with a correct item can earn points, or it can just be for fun.
• How to Play (Real Life Version):
  1. Prepare a list of items to find or tasks to complete within a defined area (e.g., your Scout hall and grounds, a local park).
     • Examples: “A smooth, grey stone,” “Three different types of leaves,” “Something man-made that starts with ‘S’,” “Get a signature from another team (if team-based).”
  2. Divide Scouts into small teams if desired.
  3. Give each team the list and set a time limit.
  4. Clearly explain the boundaries – where they can and cannot go.
  5. Teams race to find/collect as many items or complete as many tasks as possible.
  6. The team with the most correct items/completed tasks at the end wins.
• Why This Game is Great: Highly adaptable, encourages observation, quick thinking (Zoom version), teamwork and problem-solving (real-life version). It can be themed to badges or programme activities.
• Big Man Tip: For the real-life version, include some items that require a bit of thought or creativity, not just simple collection. For Zoom, make it a “points mean prizes” (even if the prize is just kudos!) to up the engagement. Always prioritize safety with clear boundaries for real-life hunts.