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Description

Human Battleships is a fun, life-sized twist on the classic game, designed for Cubs and Scouts to practise four-figure grid references while working as a team. Two teams position themselves on separate 5×5 floor grids, hidden from each other by a screen, and take turns calling out coordinates to “sink” opponents. The game encourages teamwork, communication, perseverance, and focus, while also offering opportunities to adapt difficulty and make the activity accessible for everyone.

Resources

Pens or pencils

A4 paper

Chalk, masking tape, or rope (to mark grid lines)

Sheet, fabric, or screen (to separate grids)

Signs or labels for grid coordinates

Optional: map symbols or compass direction cards for extended challenges

Instructions

Set Up the Grids

Mark out two identical 5×5 grids on the floor using chalk, masking tape, or rope.

Each square should be large enough for a person to stand in comfortably.

Label the horizontal lines (northings) along the left side from bottom to top with numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.).

Label the vertical lines (eastings) along the bottom from left to right with numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.).

Create a Barrier

Place a sheet, fabric, or screen between the two grids so teams cannot see each other’s positions.

Explain Grid References

Briefly review how to read a four-figure grid reference:

First say the easting (left to right), then the northing (bottom to top) – “along the corridor, then up the stairs.”

Give a few practice examples so everyone understands.

Form Teams

Split players into two teams.

Each team stands on their grid, with one person per square (positioned randomly).

Play the Game

Team A calls out a grid reference (e.g., “3 4”).

If a player from Team B is standing in that square, they shout “You’ve sunk my battleship!” and step out of the game.

Team B then takes their turn to call out a grid reference.

Teams continue taking turns, trying to hit all opponent players.

Players should remember previously called coordinates to avoid wasted guesses.

End the Game

Play continues until one team has no players left.

The team with remaining players is the winner.

Reflection & Team Discussion

Talk about how well the teams worked together, communicated, and encouraged each other.

Discuss strategies and how perseverance helped during the game.

Tags

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Badge Links

• Navigator - 8 compass points
• Navigator - Key
• Skills - New sport
• Skills - Problem solving
• Teamwork - Team game
• Teamwork - Team-building