Activity：The Secret Code

Group

Brownie Section

Time needed

45 minutes

Learning Goal

Members learn to transmit message in a secret way. They also learn how to simplify a message by code.

Instructions

The leaders write down some messages in the Morse code/ Girl Guide Code. Members try to decode the words. The team with the most correct answer will win the game.

Morse code

Present the below code by sound or light:

Girl Guide Code

Way to decode：Find the conjunction point of horizontal and vertical line to get the corresponding letter

Examples：

EI     UD   DI     UI     ID     EG    （Ans：PROMISE）

UU   DU   UD   GI     （Ans：GIRL）

UU   ED    DU   DG   EG    ID     （Ans：GUIDES）

* Leaders can think of more questions and hold a competition

Which elements of the method are used, and how?

☑ Learning in small groups – Members feel free to express their interpretation and discuss the meaning of the password. They will come out a final answer after brainstorming.

☑ My path, my pace – Members are encouraged to use their own creativity to create a new system to write and decode passwords. They will understand that language is not the only way to transmit message.

☑ Learning by doing – When there are camping and outdoor activities, members are able to use the Morse Code or Girl Guide Code to leave message and allow others to trace back. This is particularly useful in rescue work.

☑Connecting with others – Provide more ways and increase the fun in communication.

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

A good leader can coordinate and enhance the communication between members, leading the team to decode. This is an important element of leadership to maintain the relationship between members.

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

Leader discuss with members the importance of communication. They learn to respect the opinions of others and the difference of individuals.