Yes this weeks theme for the Cub Scouts was knots, but first the stick game. All the Cub Scouts stood in a circle each holding a large stick upright. On command they had to move either left or right, letting go of their stick and catching the respective new stick before it falls to the ground. If the stick hits the ground you’re out. We played the game outside to protect the floor of the hall.
Afterwards we moved inside to discuss:
- What are ropes made of?
- How to take care for ropes?
- Ends and how fraying may be avoided.
- Parts of the rope i.e. Standing end, standing part, Bight or Loop, and running end.
Then on to tying a few knots, the Gold level Cub Scouts showed the Bronze how to tie a reef knot and then everyone learnt or practised tying a sheetbend and clove hitch. The Golds also demonstrated a bowline, and by the end of the night everyone was up to speed. We also discussed how and when you would use each knot. If you practice those knots a few times a day you will never forget them.
Before packing up the ropes there was a chance to learn one more skill, how to hank a rope.
Great efforts from everyone, not easy at first for sure.
Lastly it was time to see how much of what we learnt tonight had sunk in, with a Knot relay. The Cub Scouts took it in turn to collect cards from the end of the hall, these cards showed the name of a knot, a picture of a knot and a use. Once all the cards were collected all they had to do was match up all the cards.
As always with relay games they wanted to play again, so the final score ended up 1 round each to red and white six.
Soon we will be using these knots to build something fun, so keep practising them!
