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Description

Copied from www.scouts.org.uk/activities/lead-the-way/

Guide your partner around new places using words to direct them when they can’t see.

Resources

Objects to make a simple obstacle course (like tables and chairs)
Blindfolds

Instructions

Before you begin
- Collect obstacle course materials or find an area with objects that can be climbed over
or under.
- Place the materials in a corner so everyone can choose what they’d like to use.

Story time
1. Everyone should sit in a circle.
2. Someone should read A Nocturnal Adventure by Jess Connett.
3. After reading the story, everyone should take some time to reflect on it as a group.

A Nocturnal Adventure
It was very dark in the woodland. The mice were snoring in their burrow. The squirrels were
snoozing in their nest.
But one animal was shuffling and snuffling around in the leaves. It was Banji the badger.
Badgers are nocturnal. That means they are awake at night, and they sleep during the day.
As soon as it began to get dark, Banji had woken up. He’d had a big stretch, and then he went
to get some breakfast.
The moon was rising above the trees. It was playtime! Banji ran through the deepest, darkest
part of the woods, looking for someone to play with.
He was thinking about what fun he might have when he ran right into something furry.
‘Ahh!’ said Banji.
‘Ahh!’ said the furry thing. ‘Who’s there?’
‘It’s Banji the badger – I can see you now. Are you all right, Valerie?’
Valerie the vole shook her head. ‘Oh gosh, Banji, I’m really glad you’re here. I’m a long way
from home, and I don’t know which way to go. It’s so dark! I can’t see a thing!’
Valerie was not nocturnal. She did all her playing during the day and liked to go to sleep just as
the sun was setting. Her eyes were used to the bright sunlight, not the thick forest.
‘Don’t worry, Valerie,’ said Banji. ‘I know exactly where to go. I can see in the darkness, and I
can get you home.’
Valerie was so relieved. She felt very grateful to have a kind friend to guide her.
Banji and Valerie went back along the path. She held onto his fur so they would stay close
together. He told her if they needed to climb over big logs or duck under low branches.
Before long they were out of the deepest, darkest part of the wood.
The moon was bright and helped Valerie to see. She recognised the stepping stones in the
river, and she knew she was almost home.
‘Oh, thank you, Banji!’ said Valerie. ‘I would have been stuck there until the morning without
your help finding the way.’
‘You’re welcome,’ said Banji. ‘I know you’d do the same for me if I needed help.’
By Jess Connett

Plan a route
1. The person leading the activity should explain that everyone will be taking part in an
obstacle course with a twist. The person doing the obstacle course will be blindfolded –
their partner will need to say clear instructions to help them get through the course.
Reassure everyone that they don’t have to be blindfolded if they don’t want to be. People could
just close their eyes instead.

2. Everyone should split into pairs.

3. The person leading the activity should show everyone the materials that they can use to
make their obstacle course.

4. Each pair should use the equipment to create a simple obstacle course.
People might have to zig-zag between a collection of stones, circle a tree, crawl underneath a
table, or side step between two chairs. Make sure there are enough adults to support everyone
to create a safe and suitable obstacle course.

5. Each pair should check that their course feels challenging enough, while being safe and
achievable.

Lead the way
1.  Each pair should choose who’ll go first. The first person trying out the course should put
on their blindfold (or close their eyes).

2. The other person in each pair should give their partner directions to help them navigate
the obstacle course. For example, ‘take two steps forward, get onto your hands and
knees, crawl forwards five times.’

Remind everyone that this activity is all about giving clear instructions to guide someone
through obstacles. It’s not about finishing the route as quickly as possible.

3. When each pair finishes their course, they should swap roles so the other person can
have a go.

4. Once everyone’s had a go on their obstacle course, everyone should gather together as a
whole group to discuss the activity.

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• All Together - Choice