A lot of consideration went into how they could win each round. And even then they were a little cautious with their spending because they knew more rounds were coming up. They would first try to assess if they could beat the other patrol on their own, then they’d try to decide if they needed to purchase an adult. The Scouts really enjoyed trying to weigh their chances of winning against the other patrol. The “purchase an adult” idea was a great twist.In total, we completed 22 rounds of tug of war! With that many rounds, I kept the “winning distance” short: to win, you only needed to pull the other patrol about three feet. Four of the patrols got to tug five times, three patrols six times and two patrols seven times. Brackets and elimination rounds ensured that each patrol got to tug at least four times.
I did three things with this game that really made it much more exciting than just a typical tug-of-war, and I think they made it a fantastic event: Scouts were definitely excited about this game-there was a resounding cheer at the announcement! Adults were mildly interested in the tug, though their excitement grew quite a bit as the game progressed and Scouts became even more excited. The winning team gets the ribbon! How the Game Went The bracket lets Scouts see which patrol they will face up against next and decide whether or not it will be worthwhile to “purchase” for this round, and if so, how many adults to “purchase.” The “purchase” is good for only one round. They can use one of these to “purchase” an adult leader for one round of tug-of-war. To make the game more fun-and use the adult leader volunteers-each patrol is given five fun-size Snickers bars. This is a tournament, where each patrol will be competing against the other patrols to determine the grand champions! Next is the announcement that we’re going to play a big game of tug-of war. All adults are directed over to one spot. This game starts with an announcement: we need adult leader help. The team with the most points when all members have thrown is the winner. Teams score one point whenever the drowning scout can reach the rope thrown to him and the rescuing scout does not lose the rope. Count how many scouts are in the largest team so all teams throw the same number of times, possibly some scouts throwing twice. He can lean and reach, but can not move his rear.Įach scout throws the rope once and then goes to the end of the line. The sitting scout tries to reach the rope being thrown without moving from his spot. Each scout makes one throw with the rope trying to reach the drowning scout. One scout from each team sits down facing his team about 20-25 feet in front of the line.įirst scout in each team has a rope. Teams line up single file at a starting line. Practice throwing rescues for water safety. Rope inspires me,' Des Pawson.Decide for yourself if it is appropriate for your younger scouts or not. I collect books on knots and practical rope seamanship, old sailors' ropework, and the tools of the rope and canvas working trades. I make things in rope, I write about knots, I teach, talk and research knots and ropework. 'Rope and knots are my life and have been since I was a boy.
Des also runs a successful business, Footrope Knots, with his wife Liz. A researcher and historian on the subject, he is the author of many books and papers. He is a frequent contributor to magazines and newspapers, and is a co-founder of the International Guild of Knot Tyers.ĭes Pawson is one of the world's leading authorities on knots and sailors' ropework. All of this is available in this handy deck of cards.įor more than 25 years, Des Pawson, the author of "Deck of Knots", has run a rope working business and teaches and displays his skills at exhibitions, boat shows, and museums in the United States and Europe.
The Deck of Knots explains how to use rope and provides annotated step-by-step photographs and detailed instructions for tying dozens of stopper knots, binding knots, bends, hitches, loops, braids, and splices. It is a handy deck of wipe-clean cards that is great for sailors, campers, anglers, survivalists, adventurers or anyone who wants to tie the perfect knot for almost any situation. The Boy Scouts of America® Deck of Knots is officially licensed by the Boy Scouts of America.