Do you have the right to ?
You’ll need
- Chairs X4 per group
- Blankets
- Large sheets (lightweight)
- Cushions
- Clothes pegs or string
- Heavy books
- Hats & scarves
- Small basket for hats and scarves
Before you begin
- Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Take a look at our guidance to help you carry out your risk assessment, including examples.
- Make sure all young people and adults involved in the activity know how to take part safely.
- Make sure you’ll have enough adult helpers. You may need some parents and carers to help.
Planning and setting up this activity
- Plan whether you have enough space and resources for the whole group to make a simple blanket fort.
- You could also split into smaller groups, with each group making their own fort.
- Make sure the fort(s) don’t block doorways, pathways or emergency exits.
- Make sure to leave enough room around the forts for anyone who may need more space, such as wheelchair or mobility-aid users.
- Ensure children bring in hats and scarves for this activity, leaders to bring extra in case some children forget to bring on the day.
Running this activity
-
Gather everyone around and tell them that today they will work together make a blanket fort. Before they start, ask them to think about what things they need in life to be safe and happy. Those that are comfortable can share their thoughts on the discussion with the rest of the group. Below are some discussion prompts:
- NEEDS: Needs are things we must have to grow, feel safe, and be okay every day.
- WANTS: Wants are things that are nice to have like toys, different clothes, garden, car, but we can still be okay without them.
- Think about what physical needs we have so that we are healthy?
Expected answers: Home or shelter to be safe and protected, food and water, family/friends, sleep and rest, exercise and play, medicine for sickness, education/ learning.
- What helps children feel safe?
Expected answer: Safe homes, trusted adults, clear rules, being listened to. (feeling safe is a NEED not a want).
- Do all children around the world have the same needs? Think about your friends and family, refugee, children in war situations, homeless families etc.
- Do people always get what they need?
- How can we help others get what they need?
Build your blanket fort
- Ask everyone to bring the hat and scarves and put them in the baskets given to them.
- Put everyone into groups of 3-4 and give them their equipment and resources to make the fort.
- Everyone should help to arrange four or six chairs into two rows opposite each other.
- Space the chairs out according to the size of your largest sheet.
- Place blankets and pillows on the floor between the chairs.
- Carefully place a sheet over the top of the chairs, to make the roof.
- Fix the sheet on using clothes pegs or string, or by carefully placing some heavy books on the edges.
- Add more sheets as needed, to completely cover the sides of the fort – but leave an opening to get in and out.
- Everyone should help make the finishing touches, including more cushions to make it super cosy.
Reflection
All children everywhere need some important things to grow and be happy. Children need to be safe, cared for, and listened to. They need food, rest, play, learning, and people who are kind to them. These things are called human rights. They mean that every child matters and everyone should be treated fairly. In Scouts, we help each other feel safe by being kind, sharing, and including everyone. When we look after one another, we help make the world a happier place for children everywhere. Let’s think of one small thing we can do today to help someone feel safe, welcome, and cared for.
Safety
All activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get approval for the activity, and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.
You must run your activities in line with the Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults (Yellow Card) and report any concerns to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team.
- Heavy and awkward objects
Never lift or move heavy or awkward items alone. Ask for help or, if possible, break them down into smaller parts.
Make it accessible
All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.
