Strongest shelter challenge
You will need
- A collection of materials to build a shelter (these will vary depending on whether you are building and outdoor or indoor shelter)
- A copy of the what makes a good shelter? Information sheet
- A copy of the strongest shelter challenge stories
Before you begin
- Gather your equipment and make sure you are in a space that can get wet or where water can drain away.
- Download or print a story about refugees or displaced children from the
‘strongest shelter challenge stories’ sheet. - Download or print the ‘What makes a good shelter? Information sheet'.
Run the activity
- Set the scene by talking about having to leave home in a hurry to escape a dangerous situation and ending up without shelter. Ask the group how they would protect themselves and what they might use to build a shelter?
Use the ‘What makes a good shelter? Information sheet’ sheet to help. - Everyone should split into small groups of no more than six people.
- Explain to everyone that they’ll be building shelters against the clock, so they’ll need to work as a team and use the materials they have to build a shelter that can stand up to all weather conditions.
- Explain to everyone that the outdoor shelter should be large enough to fit the entire group in without falling over. If indoors, explain that the table-top shelters should be large enough to protect all of the mini-figures.
- Everyone should be given a time limit to build the shelter. Younger groups should have 20-30 minutes to complete the task, while older groups should have 15-20 minutes.
- Everyone should now build their shelters.
- When they are finished or have run out of time, test each shelter for waterproofing using the watering can or hose. The winner is the group that worked together the best and made a shelter that kept the people or the mini-figures driest.
- Everyone should gather together in a circle and discuss:
- How difficult did they find the challenge?
- What did they think about when working out how to build their shelter?
- What would it be like to sleep in their shelter outdoors for one night or a whole week?
- How do they feel about the story of the refugees or displaced children who live in temporary camps.
This activity helps contribute towards some of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Find out more about the SDGs, and how Scouts across the world are getting involved, here.
Reflection
Everyone should think about the problems that refugees and displaced children face. What could be done to make their lives easier? If they had to leave home and move somewhere new, what would they miss about their homes?
Everyone should have another look at the ‘What makes a good shelter’ sheet. As a team, did they remember to do everything? How could they have worked as a team better?
Explain to the group that as part of A Million Hands, they’ll be planning and taking action to support young people like the person they just heard about.
Safety
- Outdoor activities
You must have permission to use the location. Always check the weather forecast and inform parents and carers of any change in venue.
- Scissors
Supervise young people appropriately when they’re using scissors. Store all sharp objects securely, out of the reach of young people
- Poles and long objects
Be careful when moving poles or long items. Take care if the ends are sharp. Have appropriate supervision for this activity.
- Sharp objects
Teach young people how to use sharp objects safely. Supervise them appropriately throughout. Store all sharp objects securely, out of the reach of young people.
- Water games and activities
Be careful when doing activities with, in, or near water. Check surfaces and reduce the risk of slipping where possible. Make sure you have appropriate supervision for this activity.
All activities must be safely managed. Do a risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Always get approval for the activity and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.
