Activity： Keep alert

Group

Brownie Section

Time needed

20-30 minutes for each game

Learning Goal

To enhance members the alertness to the surrounding environment. To feel and observe the people and objects’ movement by eyes and ears.

Instructions

Game 1: Searching around

1. Prepare 10-30 items, e.g. pin, matchbox, pencil sharpeners, coins, clips, adhesive tapes, soap etc….scatter them on the ground.

2. Members take a look for the items for 3-5 minutes. Cover their eyes or ask them to turn around.

3. Leaders take away one or some item(s) secretly. Members are required to find out which items are missing. Write them down on a paper.

4. The team who gets the most correct answer will win the game.

Game 2: Compass

1. Teach members to identity directions like E/SE/ESE/SSE etc.

2. Ask members to sit in different directions in a big compass (painted on paper or ground).

3. Choose a member and cover her eyes.

4. Leaders give signals to one of the members to clap and produce some sounds. The representative sitting in the middle has to guess where the sound comes from. If she gets the correct answer, the member clapping hands will become the next guessing person.

Which elements of the method are used, and how?

☑ Learning in small groups – In the game “Searching Around”, all members have to cooperate to remember all items. They can arrange members to remember the items in a specific area. This can increase the chance of winning.

☑ My path, my pace – Members can increase their alertness to the environment. For example, to identify the location of people and objects, to notice and remember the changes of environment by short-term memory.

☑ Learning by doing – When people are concentrated in their works, they may not be aware of the dangers around them. This activity can improve members’ observation ability.

☑ Connecting with others – Members not only be alert to the dangers surrounding them, but also be alert to the crisis which may harm the others. They can help remind others.

How does the method give youth members a chance to take the lead?

Members learn to observe before action. They learn to work more carefully. This is an essential ability if members want to take the lead in outdoor activities in the future. Because a leader has to be aware of the safety of the environment and make sure the activity can be carried out in a safe environment.

How can you connect this activity to the values of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting?

Leaders discuss with members the way to improve observation as well as their alertness to the surrounding environment. They also learn to appreciate the strengths of others and provide assistance at suitable time.