 | An introductory Scout Way to mammals |
| Patrol competition |
| No advance preparation |
| Paper and pencil for each Patrol Scribe |
The first thing Scouts want to know is, "What is a mammal?" Before Patrols go to their corners to prepare for this game, they might be told that mammals include animals that have two pairs of limbs, a backbone and a skeleton. They are partly or entirely covered by hair. Mothers feed their young with milk. They vary in size from a shrew (smaller than a mouse) to a whale. Human beings are mammals. With this introduction, the leader need elaborate no further.
The Contest
The game is to see which Patrol can report the greatest number of mammals seen by one or more of its members. All mammals reported must be native to the United States, and they must have been seen in the field or zoo by at least one member of the Patrol. In addition, one of the members of each Patrol must be able to tell at least one of the characteristics, appearance, habits, etc., of every mammal on its list. Just before time is called, the Scoutmaster instructs each Patrol Scribe to place opposite the name of each mammal the number of members of the Troop who have seen it. The Scribes add the numbers and report. The Patrol having the highest average is the winner.
The Follow Up
Assemble the Troop and have the Scribe of the winning Patrol read his list. The instant he calls a mammal, each member of the Troop who thinks of one, but not more than two, words which describe that mammal, jumps to his feet. For example, if the Scribe says fox, the description might be sly, bushy tail, sharp nose, etc. Time will not permit reports from each Scout. If time is short, call only for reports on less common mammals found in your state or community. Of course, the leader should feel free to tell interesting facts whenever he sees fit, for this is the Scout way of teaching.
