8-point Compass Codebreaker

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Description

Introduction
This pack contains everything you need to run a fast-paced, hands-on navigation game for Cubs using the 8-point compass and simple route finding. The activity works in pairs and scales well for a full Pack.

Purpose
• Build confidence with the 8-point compass: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW.
• Practice following and giving clear direction instructions.
• Reinforce local mapping by linking movements in the hall to compass


Resources

• Compasses, if available, or prints
• START cone or marker
• Printed letter and compass signs
• Clue cards
• Blu-Tack or tape
• Pencils
• Stopwatch or phone timer.

Instructions

How the game works
• Pairs start from a marked START point in the centre of the hall.
• They receive a short set of compass clues that lead them to four letters placed around the hall walls.
• The four letters spell a word. Pairs return to START between letters.
• Leaders use the answer sheets to check words as teams report back

What is in this pack
1. Plan for letter placement in the hall
2. Words with leader answer sheets to verify each team’s word
3. Clue cards for each pair to discover their word
4. Printable signs for the 12 letters and the eight compass labels

Timing and staffing
• Setup: 10 minutes
• Game: 20 to 30 minutes
• Aim for one leader or a young leader per corner or per station.

Safety and inclusion
Keep walkways clear, avoid running near the stage, remind Cubs to look where they are going

Hall Plan
• We are using only 12 letters placed around the hall: A, M, P, T, E, N, I, R, S, H, K, O.
• The START cone is in the centre of the hall. Follow 8‑point directions only (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW).
• This chart shows where each letter is positioned around the hall. Use it as a guide when setting up the game.
Assuming:
• North Wall → the wall with the Exit door
• South Wall → the wall with the Kitchen and entry door
• East Wall → the wall with the Stage
• West Wall → the wall with the Storage area


Tags

  • Active learning
  • Codebreakers
  • Compass clues
  • compass game
  • cubs
  • Indoor game
  • navigation
  • orienteering
  • Pairs activity
  • Problem solving
  • Route mapping
  • scouts
  • teamwork

Badge Links

  • Navigator - 8 compass points
  • Skills - Activity
  • Skills - Problem solving
  • Teamwork - Help
  • Teamwork - Team game
  • Teamwork - Team-building