3 Scout radio activities

Improve Teamwork & Communication with Two-Way Radios

Using the Baofeng BF-88E, a license-free PMR446 radio, scouts can develop essential teamwork and communication skills. These fun activities challenge participants to relay information accurately while working together remotely.

1. The Drawing Relay

Objective:

One team describes a drawing, while the other team recreates it based only on verbal instructions.

What You Need:

• Two pieces of paper
• Pencils or markers
• A simple drawing (e.g., a house, tree, or animal)
• Two Baofeng BF-88E radios

How to Play:

1. Split scouts into two teams and separate them so they cannot see each other.
2. Give one team the drawing (the "describers") and the other team a blank paper (the "drawers").
3. The describers use the radio to explain what they see without naming the object directly (e.g., "draw a big circle, then a small square on top").
4. The drawers follow the instructions and recreate the drawing.
5. Compare the final drawing with the original to see how well they communicated!

2. The LEGO Build Challenge

Objective:

One team builds a LEGO model, while the other team gives step-by-step instructions using the radio.

What You Need:

• Two identical sets of LEGO bricks
• A pre-built small model (e.g., a simple house or car)
• Two Baofeng BF-88E radios

How to Play:

1. One team has the completed LEGO model (the "instructors"), while the other team has loose bricks (the "builders").
2. The instructors describe the model over the radio, giving clear instructions on where each brick goes.
3. The builders must follow the instructions carefully to replicate the model.
4. Once finished, compare the models to see how well they match!

3. The Radio Treasure Hunt

Objective:

One team finds a hidden object and guides the other team to it using radio instructions.

What You Need:

• A small hidden object (e.g., a toy or flag)
• An outdoor area with obstacles
• Two Baofeng BF-88E radios

How to Play:

1. Hide an object somewhere in the play area.
2. One team (the "guides") stays at a designated spot with a map or knowledge of the location.
3. The other team (the "hunters") starts from a different location.
4. The guides give verbal directions over the radio to help the hunters navigate and find the object.
5. The first team to locate the object wins!