GAMES
There are two vital elements in the putting on of games.
The first essential in teaching a game is that the leader know the game absolutely. To have merely read over the directions before putting on the game is deadly to the success of its performance. Especially in games with scores is this sure knowledge necessary. Therefore, first and foremost, Know Your Game.
The next essential to the certain success of the game is clear, definite action on the part of the umpire. At the end of the game (or of each round if it be that kind of game), hold up the arm of the winner high in the air so all can see, and clearly announce that “So and So is the winner of this game, because he won two out of three rounds”; or “So and So is the winner of this round because he pushed the other player out of the ring”; or whatever the reason is. Make sure your audience sees and hears all that is done and said, and realizes Who Is The Winner and Why.
We have attempted to group the games into Indoors, Outdoors, Camp, Council, etc.; but many of them would fit equally well into two or three groups. The leader will have to decide on the adaptability of each to his own present needs.
We have avoided giving any games requiring apparatus other than such as can be made on the spot, or obtained without expense. We have aimed to make these games live up to the Woodcraft slogan: Where You are, With What You Have, Right Now.
Some of the games herein are original with the Woodcraft League, some are borrowed from other sources, and some are adapted. We wish to thank all our friends who have aided in the compilation of this section. We will add a bibliography of books and pamphlets which will afford additional help along these lines.
