🎲 5 No-Equipment Games for Scouts
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Fun, fast, and perfect for filling time!
Sometimes you need a quick activity — maybe your main session ended early, the weather’s changed your plans, or you just need to let off some energy.
Here are five Scout-tested, leader-approved games that need no equipment at all. Just your troop, a bit of space, and a sense of humour!
1. 🪢 Human Knot
How to Play:
Scouts stand in a tight circle and each person reaches across to grab hands with two different people. Without letting go, they must untangle themselves into a full circle again.
Best For: 6–12 Scouts
Why It Works: Teamwork, logic, laughs, and movement all rolled into one!
2. 🤫 Scout Says
How to Play:
Just like Simon Says — but “Scout Says” instead! If the command doesn’t start with “Scout says…”, they shouldn’t do it. Anyone who does is out.
Best For: Any group size
Why It Works: Quick energy burner and attention sharpener — works especially well with younger Scouts.
3. 🏃♂️ Captain’s Coming
How to Play:
Call out commands and Scouts must act fast!
“Captain’s Coming!” = Stand to attention and salute
“Scrub the Deck” = Mime scrubbing
“Climb the Rigging” = Pretend to climb
“Man Overboard!” = Pair up — one kneels, the other acts like a lookout
Last Scout to act is out!
Best For: 8+ Scouts
Why It Works: Chaos, creativity, and memory — it’s a fast favourite!
4. 🕵️♀️ Wink Murder
How to Play:
Scouts stand in a circle. One Scout is secretly chosen as the murderer and “kills” others by winking at them. When winked at, a Scout must count to five silently and then fall down dramatically. The group must try to figure out who the murderer is before everyone is “gone”!
Best For: Indoors or calmer outdoor sessions
Why It Works: Social skills, observation, and loads of laughter.
5. 🤔 Two Truths and a Lie
How to Play:
Each Scout says three things about themselves — two true, one made up. The group tries to guess which one’s the lie.
Best For: New groups or building friendships
Why It Works: Low-energy, great for sitting down, builds connection.
🧠 Bonus Tip: Keep a Game in Your Pocket
Every leader should have a few of these tucked away — because no plan survives first contact with the troop! Whether it’s time to energise, reset, or just fill 10 minutes, these games will keep your session running smoothly.
🛠️ Need a Ready-Made Activity Kit?
Check out our Mini Catapult Kit for Scouts 11–14 – complete with leader guide, risk assessment, and all materials ready to go.
➡️ No stress. Just open and lead.