 | A brief (60 seconds) tantalizing whittling contest |
| Patrols compete |
| Advance preparation unnecessary |
| Sharp knives, 3/4"x3/4"x10" soft wood sticks for each Patrol |
Unless you know the object of this contest you may consider it a failure, because invariably not a single Patrol finishes the contest with a reputable-looking fuzz-stick. Nevertheless, the contest always succeeds in its aim - to stimulate Scouts to try, try and try again.
The Contest
Patrols form in a circle and squat on knees. Each Patrol selects its sharpest knife and a piece of soft wood free from knots and appoints its best whittler to start the fuzz-stick. When all Patrols are ready the contest leader says, "Go!" counts aloud slowly to 10, and says, "Pass." Following this procedure, each time the leader says, "Pass" the Scout who has the knife and stick lays them down, and next one on the circle picks them up and whittles until the next count of 10. Eight slow counts of 10 will approximate 60 seconds.
The scoring discloses unique results. Nearly every Patrol ends up "in the hole" and everybody joins in a round of laughs in spite of the failures.
Start each Patrol with 100 points to its credit and subtract 5 points for every shaving on the ground or floor and 5 more for each shaving shorter than 3 inches remaining on the stick.
Tips
Invariably at least one member in each Patrol will let his knife slip and spoil the Patrol's effort. After the contest, to show the Scouts that it can be done, let each Patrol select its best whittler to demonstrate before the entire Troop.
At the close of the contest announce a Contact Wood-Splitting Contest for the next meeting, and demonstrate the contact method of splitting wood as described in the Handbook for Boys. Recommend practice at home and at the next Home Patrol Meeting.
