Scout Trail Signs Tracking Game
A traditional Scout tracking game: one team lays a trail using chalk and stick signs (this way, not this way, hidden message, end of trail), and another team follows it to find the final message. Students practice observing their surroundings, using a sign code, and working together.
How to play
- Teach 6 signs by drawing them on the ground (3 min): arrow (this way), X (not this way), square with a number (message that many paces away), two arrows (group splits), crossed sticks (danger), and circle with a dot (end).
- Form 4 teams of 6 in pinnies and pair them up: one lays the trail and one tracks. Trail layers get a card with a message and 8 craft sticks.
- Laying (5 min): a trail of about 150 yards in the approved area, with at least 10 signs, an X at a false turn, and the message hidden under a cone.
- Tracking (5 min): the other team follows as a group, never more than 5 yards apart. They score 1 point per sign called out and 5 for finding the message.
- Switch roles in a new area (10 min), and at the end each team reads the message it found (2 min).
Rules
- Signs are drawn only on the ground along the trail, never on walls, trees, or furniture.
- The trail-laying team may not hide signs: they must be visible from the path.
- When finished, each team erases or picks up its signs to leave no trace.
Variations
Easier
Use only 3 signs (this way, not this way, and end) on an 80-yard trail.
Standard
Six signs, a 150-yard trail with a false turn, and one hidden message.
Harder
Add signs made only with rocks and sticks, no chalk, and include two messages along the way.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the trail stays on firm paths and they act as official sign reader.
- Deaf or hard of hearing: the team uses agreed gestures to flag each sign.
- More challenge: smaller signs; lower fitness: walk with no time pressure.
Learning goals
- Recognize and use a trail sign code.
- Observe their surroundings carefully along a route.
- Work as a team to lay and follow a trail.
Equipment for a class of 25
- chalk: 8
- craft sticks: 32
- cards: 8
- pinnies: 24
Teacher tip
Give each pair of teams a different area so the trails don't cross. Reinforce Leave No Trace: whatever gets marked gets erased.
PatioLab has "Scout Trail Signs Tracking Game" and 2499 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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