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Games and Athletic Standards
317

carry out a conversation on given topics leading up to a given point, using their own words and imagination in doing so.

The Treasure Hunt

The treasure hunt needs observation and skill in tracking, and practically any number can take part in it.

Several ways of playing the game are given below.

1. The treasure is hidden and the scouts know what the treasure is; they are given the first dew, and from this all the others can be traced. Such clews might be (a) written on a gate post: "Go west and examine third gate on north side of stream"; (b) on that gate, scout's sign pointing to notice board on which is written, "Strike south by south-east telegraph post, No. 28." and so on. The dews should be so worded as to need some skill to understand, and the various points should be difficult of access from one another. This method might be used as a patrol competition, starting off patrols at ten-minute intervals, and at one particular dew there might be different orders for each patrol, to prevent the patrols behind from following the first.

2. The dews may be bits of colored wood tied to gates, hedges, etc., at about three-yard intervals, leading in a certain direction, and when these dews come to the end it should be. known that the treasure is hidden within so many feet. To prevent this degenerating into a mere game of follow my leader, several tracks might be laid working up to the same point, and false tracks could be laid, which only lead back again to the original.

3. Each competitor or patrol might be given a description of the way — each perhaps of a slightly different way; the description should make it necessary to go to each spot in turn; and prevent any "cutting" in the following way: "Go to the tallest tree in a certain field, from there go one hundred yards north, and then walk straight toward a church tower which will be on your left," etc. All the descriptions should lead by an equal journey to a certain spot where the treasure is hidden. The first to arrive at that spot should not let the others know it is the spot, but should search for the treasure in as casual a manner as possible.

Will-o'-the-Wisp

This game should take place across country at night. Two scouts set off in a given direction with a lighted bull's eye