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Research and developmentNew resources for
the Scientist Badge
Going globalA programme on a plate with
an international fl avour
£500 FOR YOUR PACK
WIN The magazine for Cub Scout Leaders
December 2008/January 2009
Find out what Cubs really think of your activities
Find out what Cubs really think of your activitiesTHE YOUNG ONES
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IFC_Cubs_DecJan08_09.indd 2 19/11/08 14:37:26
3scouts.org.uk/pol
Intro
Round-up
Contents 4 Sons and daughters
A Scout reveals his favourite Cub
activities
8 POPGoing global with this issue’s
programme on a plate
10 The science of funEvents to experiment at and
help your Cubs gain their
Scientist Badge
11 CompetitionWin £500 for your Pack
12 Break the mouldCasting footprints
and animal tracks
Cub Scouting has been growing for the last three years, and it’s up to all of us
to keep it that way, writes Graeme Hamilton
Our aim is to sustain the current growth of the Cub Scout section. One of the
biggest component parts is ensuring that we retain our adult leaders, that we
train, coach and support them effectively and that we recruit new adult helpers
so as to sustain the good work of the section teams in every corner of the country.
No team can do that alone - Group Scout Leaders need to be close at hand to
develop these sectional teams and build up a strong relationship and linkage
between the sections; District Commissioners and their teams are vital in
providing the first level support; Area and County Commissioners and their
teams are vital in ensuring consistency, providing essential back up support and
offering wider opportunities for Packs and leaders to develop.
We all need to take that responsibility of finding and supporting new adult
helpers. Just think of the effect on the Movement if every adult managed to
introduce ONE additional adult to help on a regular basis. And each of them
stayed. What a difference we would make.
Engaging Young LeadersThe Explorer Scout Young Leaders’ Scheme is another example of where we are
able to develop the next generation of leaders. Evidence suggests that we have
a lot more to do in the Cub section to effectively engage these 14-18 year olds
across the country. Whatever the reason, we can all do more to understand the
scheme and by doing so, we will develop even more effective leaders, who one
day, perhaps, will succeed us in running the section.
What you’ve been up to recently:
Mrs M Ford of 1st Bethersden Cub
Scouts and Gordon Stuart of 26th
Blackners Cubs were runners
up in the Ordnance Survey
competition (August/September
Cub supplement). They win a copy
of Coast. Congratulations!
Nearly 350 Tamworth Beavers,
Cubs and Scouts made friends
around the world as part of the
Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) and
Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI).
Your Cub Scout Working GroupGraeme Hamilton, UK Adviser for Cub ScoutsNicola Ashby, Programme and Development Adviser for Cub ScoutsBarbara BeckRuth BennettMay CastreyRob RowlesIan StewartVal ThomasonRita Hickin
Contact them on:[email protected] Scout Working GroupThe Scout Association Gilwell Park, Chingford, LondonE4 7QW; Tel: 0845 300 1818
Contributions to [email protected]
ADVERTISINGTom [email protected] Tel: 020 8962 1258
cubs decjan09.indd 3 19/11/08 15:58:50
4 Cubs December 2008/January 20094 Cubs December 2008/January 2009
Spotted! bookletFor the journey to a camp, prepare a double-sided sheet of paper, or small booklet, for each Cub Scout. The
sheet should contain pictures of objects that may well be seen on the journey to camp. As a Cub spots an item
they tick it off. You don’t need to make a competition out of it as they will enjoy spotting the items and telling
their friends. Objects to include: vehicle logos or models, company logos (seen on lorries), road signs, trees,
product logos.
Oliver says: ‘This helps pass the time on the journey and teaches you lots of logos too!’
Here’s Oliver at camp learning orienteering with King Louie
Sons and daughtersTo celebrate Scouting magazine being
taken over by young people, Dave Wood’s
son, Oliver, brings you his favourite
activities from his time as a Cub
H ello. I’ve been a Beaver Scout, a Cub Scout and am now a Scout (with the 1st Englefield Green). I really enjoy being in Scouting. My mum was my Beaver Scout Leader and my dad was my Cub Scout Leader and they often tried out
the games and activities at home on my brothers and I before running them with the Beavers and Cubs. Sometimes the activities or games were rubbish, and we told them so. If this happened they would either change their plans or scrap the idea completely. We also told them which ones were really good. It’s nice to be listened to and have our own ideas tried out.
For almost three years while I was a Cub I tried loads of new things and was introduced to some things which are now my favourite hobbies, such as cooking, magic, drama and origami. It also gave me the confidence to work towards my Young Sports Leader Award and I’ve enjoyed spending time teaching sport to young children at our local primary school.
Dad has given me this chance to share my favourite games and activities with you and your Cubs – I hope you enjoy trying them out!’
cubs decjan09.indd 4 19/11/08 10:33:30
5scouts.org.uk/pol
IntroProgramme ideas
5scouts.org.uk/pol
String burning competition
you will need•string•campfire area per Six•one leader per Six is needed to ensure fair play.
1.Sixes are each given a prepared
campfire area.
2.A length of string is stretched out horizontally
between two vertical sticks (each string must be
exactly the same height off the ground – about
one metre is ideal).
3.On the word ‘go’, Cubs must go off and collect
wood and light a fire.
4.Which Six can burn through its string first?
Oliver says: ‘This tests teamwork and
firelighting skills. It’s tempting for everyone to
rush off, collect wood, light it and watch it die
away. I won this activity when I got my Six to
keep collecting wood and stoke the fire.’
Robot wars
you will need (per Six)•remote controlled carNote: Cheap, domestic RC vehicles only come in two frequencies and identical frequencies cannot battle each other. These vehicles can be picked up these days for a few pounds each.•box of assorted junk•sticky tape.
1.Hand out the items.
2.Each Six has half an hour to build an armoured
vehicle with spikes and weapons that can burst
a balloon.
3.Stick a balloon on each robot and let pairs
battle it out.
Oliver says: ‘Each Six was given two cars, one of
each frequency, so we could battle the other Sixes.’
Target practice
you will need•plastic cups or card targets•spud guns and potato per Cub Scout.
1.Line up the plastic cups or card targets and
hand out the potatoes and spud guns.
2.Let them see how accurate their shooting is.
Oliver says: ‘We did this outside as, when we
practised at home the floor got covered in slippery
sticky bits of potato and mum wasn’t happy.’
Shelter buildingSixes or pairs of Cubs are given a polythene
decorator’s sheet, some broomsticks or Scout
staves and some pre-cut lengths of string or sisal.
They find a suitable corner of the campsite and
build a shelter together.
Oliver says: ‘We used our shelters as bases for a
wide game where we had to collect things and
store them in our base which we had to defend
from attackers armed with wet sponges and
water pistols.’
Visit www.scouts.org.uk/pol and search ‘recycling robot’
Like this?
cubs decjan09.indd 5 19/11/08 10:33:42
6 Cubs December 2008/January 20096 Cubs December 2008/January 2009
BricklayingAsk a local bricklayer, builder or a competent
DIY-er to come and teach Sixes how to lay bricks
correctly. They will love mixing the mortar and
building a simple wall or brick barbecue.
Oliver says: ‘This was one of dad’s more weird
ideas but one of the best things I’ve ever done
at Cubs!’
Stained glass biscuits
you will need:• a standard biscuit mix plus bowls• greased baking trays• coloured boiled sweets.
1. Cubs mix up the ingredients to make the
biscuit dough, and tear off a lump.
2. They roll this into a pencil-thin sausage and
mould it into a ring, sealing the two ends of the
dough together.
3. One or two of the boiled sweets are put in the
centre of the dough ring and the tray put into an
oven for the required time.
4. When cooked, the sweet will have melted and
formed a semi-transparent centre of the biscuit!
Oliver says: ‘Dad tried this with Jelly Babies first
– and wrecked our baking tray!’
Mini pizzas
you will need• sliced bread• tomato and barbecue sauce• thinly cut slices of pepperoni and frankfurters, grated cheese• round cutter• grill.
1. Cubs use the cutter to cut a round disc out of a slice of bread (or use a large mug or rigid plastic pot).
2. Toast one side under the grill.
3. Remove the disc and, on the untoasted side, spread some sauce.
4. Sprinkle some cheese and add a few slices of pepperoni or frankfurter if desired.
5. Put under the grill and toast until brown.
Oliver says: This led us on to making our own real pizzas at camp from our own dough.
Orienteering
you will need• items to mark out a course.
1. On a field, prepare a simple orienteering
course, using metal tent pegs with plastic key
tags attached as the checkpoints.
2. Each numbered tag, which is virtually invisible
until you get within about 2m of it, has the
compass bearing and the number of paces to the
next checkpoint.
3. Checkpoints should be no more than about 40
paces apart.
Oliver says: ‘King Louie made a course for us
which really made sure that we understood what
bearings were about, so when we went hiking
we knew the value of getting it right.’
Map Reader Activity Badge
Use towards
Find similar programme ideas on Programmes Online. Simply visit www.scouts.org.uk/pol and search ‘cooking’
Like this?
cubs decjan09.indd 6 19/11/08 10:34:00
7scouts.org.uk/pol
IntroProgramme ideas
7scouts.org.uk/pol
Backwoods cookingCharcoal barbecues provide a reliable source of continuous heat if running this activity as a base. Oliver’s favourite recipes include:
Toffee apples – chunks of peeled apple, dipped in water then rolled in sugar. Best done on foil barbecue trays.
Frankfurter kebabs – chunks of frankfurter (no fears on under-cooking!), peppers, onion, mushroom and tomato.
Popcorn – popping corn put into a sheet of foil with a splash of oil. Bunch the foil into a bag very loosely but seal it closed tightly – there needs to be room for the corn to expand.
Marshmallows – Give Cubs a cheap work glove to help protect them.
Oliver says: ‘Mmmm… delicious!’
Wet heads and hands
you will need:• sponge football• bowl of water.
1. Players stand in a wide circle around the leader.
2. The leader passes the soaking wet ball to
players in turn around the circle saying either
‘heads’ or ‘hands’.
3. The player must do the opposite action to the
command – ‘heads’ and they catch the ball and
gently return it; ‘hands’ and they head it back.
4. Recharge the ball with water from time to time.
5. If a player gets it wrong they can sit down… or
remain in to play as this is just for fun!
Oliver says: ‘A brilliant variation of a standard
game and great for hot evenings.’
Tommy Smartie
you will need:• approximately 12 Smarties or similar coloured chocolate beans per Cub Scout.
1. Players sit in a small circle around a plate.
2. One player leaves the circle.
3. Someone chooses a specific bean to be
‘Tommy Smartie’ – they must keep this secret.
4. The absent player returns and eats a bean one
by one until they touch the chosen one, when all
players cry ‘Tommy Smartie!’. The player may eat
the rest. Repeat until all have had a turn.
Oliver says: ‘This was always a popular games
base at our Pack Christmas parties.’
Origami
you will need:• lots of squares of paper.
1. Issue squares of paper to each Cub and show
them how to make a simple origami figure.
2. One of the easiest and most rewarding is a
flapping bird. You may need two adults to
help a Six.
Oliver says: ‘I love origami. We found that we
needed extra adult help with some of the
trickier models.’
Demolition derbyPlace nine empty soft drinks bottles or cardboard
tubes around the playing area.
Using a remote-controlled car, see how many
each player can knock down with the car in
45 seconds.
Oliver says: ‘Once the Pack had bought the
cheap cars, we used them for loads of different
games and activities.’
You can find links to some very good, easy-to-follow instructions at: www.wannalearn.com/Crafts_and_Hobbies/Origami/
Like this?
Find more ideas in the Nights Away or Backwoods Cooking book, available from the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818 or www.scouts.org.uk/infocentre
Like this?
cubs decjan09.indd 7 19/11/08 16:00:10
8 Cubs December 2008/January 2009
Programmes on a platePOP
This issue’s theme is Going Global,
compiled by Steven Moysey
Opening ceremony
24640 10 mins Beliefs and Attitudes Themes Discuss the theme for the meeting.
Ice cube pets
20922 Throughout meeting(30 mins)
Global Try new things Preparation: Gather the insulation materials you need and prepare an ice cube foreach member of the section, plus an additional control cube. What you do: - Give each member of the group an ice cube pet, a graph, pen/pencil
and access to a ruler.- They should measure the height of their pet and record it on the
graph, along the start line and record their own and their pet’s name.- Ask each participant to then choose a material to provide a blanket to
wrap their pet in for the duration of the meeting.- Explain that your ice pet is going to remain without any insulation to
see how long it lasts.- At various intervals throughout the meeting, which will vary
depending on your other activities, ask each pet owner to measure their pet again and record it on the graph. We suggest that you revisit the pets every 10 minutes or so, if possible, to monitor the gradual melting process.
- At the end of the activity get the group to compare whose pet lasted the longest and who’s melted the quickest and why.
- You can link this to climate change.
Ed energy facts
29880 20 mins Global Games; Themes - To maximise the entertainment factor of this programme, dress up as Ed, the Energy Professor (think big glasses, lab coat, etc) and enter to read energy related statements after explaining that they must choose if they are fact or foul.
- Read the statements. (download from www.scouts.org.uk/pol)- Young people choose ‘fact’ or ‘foul’ by moving to one side of the
meeting place, or performing set actions.- Reveal the correct answer. If it is foul, there is an accompanying fact
to read, which the whole group should listen to.- If keeping score, announce the winner at the end of the questions.
Leaking pipe challenge
4239 25 mins Global Themes; Team challenges
Before the activity you will need to make the leaking pipe: - Cut lengths of plastic 100mm pipe to approximately 1.5m. - Cement the pipes into buckets (small amount of mortar is required
for each bucket). - Drill holes where you think the young people can comfortably reach. - When the concrete is set the pipes are ready. The challenge - Split the section into small teams and allocate them a pipe with a
tennis ball and an equal supply of water. - Explain that each team need place the tennis ball in the pipe and
retrieve it using only the material provided.
Closing ceremony
24641 5 mins Beliefs and Attitudes
Themes; Prayer, worship and reflection
Ask the Cubs if they have learnt things from the meeting, and challenge them to think about their energy and water use.
Activity/Game POL ID Time Zone Method Instructions
Mos
t pop
ular
pro
gram
mes
on
Pro
gram
mes
Onl
ine
(O
ctob
er 2
008)
29880 Ed energy facts
22766 Diwali cards
142 Jumbled up relay
28815 Get the prisoner
245 Mark’s first poppy
Ref Activity name
cubs decjan09.indd 8 19/11/08 16:00:32
9scouts.org.uk/pol
Opening ceremony
24640 10 mins Beliefs and Attitudes Themes Discuss the theme for the meeting.
Ice cub pets 20922 Throughout meeting(30 mins)
Global Try new things Preparation: Gather the insulation materials you need and prepare an ice cube foreach member of the section, plus an additional control cube. What you do: - Give each member of the group an ice cube pet, a graph, pen/pencil
and access to a ruler.- They should measure the height of their pet and record it on the
graph, along the start line and record their own and their pet’s name.- Ask each participant to then choose a material to provide a blanket to
wrap their pet in for the duration of the meeting.- Explain that your ice pet is going to remain without any insulation to
see how long it lasts.- At various intervals throughout the meeting, which will vary
depending on your other activities, ask each pet owner to measure their pet again and record it on the graph. We suggest that you revisit the pets every 10 minutes or so, if possible, to monitor the gradual melting process.
- At the end of the activity get the group to compare whose pet lasted the longest and who’s melted the quickest and why.
- You can link this to climate change.
Ed energy facts
29880 20 mins Global Games; Themes - To maximise the entertainment factor of this programme, dress up as Ed, the Energy Professor (think big glasses, lab coat, etc) and enter to read energy related statements after explaining that they must choose if they are fact or foul.
- Read the statements. (download from www.scouts.org.uk/pol)- Young people choose ‘fact’ or ‘foul’ by moving to one side of the
meeting place, or performing set actions.- Reveal the correct answer. If it is foul, there is an accompanying fact
to read, which the whole group should listen to.- If keeping score, announce the winner at the end of the questions.
Leaking pipe challenge
4239 25 mins Global Themes; Team challenges
Before the activity you will need to make the leaking pipe: - Cut lengths of plastic 100mm pipe to approximately 1.5m. - Cement the pipes into buckets (small amount of mortar is required
for each bucket). - Drill holes where you think the young people can comfortably reach. - When the concrete is set the pipes are ready. The challenge - Split the section into small teams and allocate them a pipe with a
tennis ball and an equal supply of water. - Explain that each team need place the tennis ball in the pipe and
retrieve it using only the material provided.
Closing ceremony
24641 5 mins Beliefs and Attitudes
Themes; Prayer, worship and reflection
Ask the Cubs if they have learnt things from the meeting, and challenge them to think about their energy and water use.
Activity/Game POL ID Time Zone Method Instructions
For more great ideas visit www.scouts.org.uk/pol
cubs decjan09.indd 9 19/11/08 12:38:33
10 Cubs December 2008/January 200910 Cubs December 2008/January 2009
The science of fun
I f you like the idea of doing themed activities during national events and celebrations, have you thought about how you might take part in National Science and Engineering Week?
Happening between 6 and 15 March 2009, people of all ages, areas and organisations will be taking part in science, engineering and technology activities, so why not give your Pack the chance to join in?
National Science and Engineering Week is the ideal time
to start working towards the Cub Scout Scientist Badge.
And to help, badge sponsor Rolls-Royce has developed
three new resource packs to help your Cubs complete
the badge.
Free packs for all New packs, including worksheets for Cubs to complete
and a simple explanation of the science for leaders, are
now available for three more of the Scientist Badge
requirements. These include constructing a hot air
balloon to show how hot air rises, ideas for growing
cress from seed, and making a pinhole camera using
everyday household items.
To achieve the Scientist Badge, Cubs have to
complete six of 19 possible activities to help them
understand the physical and living worlds. There is a
wide range of activities to choose from, including
games, and things to make, explore and discover. Most
activities can be completed either during Pack meetings
or at home, using everyday items.
National Science and Engineering
Week is the perfect event to help
your Cubs gain their Scientist Badge, writes Carmen Attard
All the resources listed have been developed by Rolls-Royce to help Cubs and their leaders complete the Scientist Badge:•The Scientist Badge Activity Pack, including full instructions for six activities and a certificate for Cubs completing the badge. To order your copies visit www.scouts.org.uk/sponsors/rollsroyce and follow the link.•Seven 30-minute activity packs for Cub Scout Leaders to download, including worksheets for Cubs to complete and all the science explained for Leaders. Find these at www.scouts.org.uk/sponsors/rollsroyce •Full instructions for completing all 19 Scientist Badge requirements are available on Programmes Online. Simply log on to www.scouts.org.uk/pol and search ‘scientist badge’.
Rolls-Royce would welcome your feedback on these resources and to hear about the activities your Cubs completed to gain their badges. Email [email protected]
Free activity resources
cubs decjan09.indd 10 19/11/08 10:35:01
11scouts.org.uk/pol
IntroCompetition
11scouts.org.uk/pol
Terms and conditions The competition is to win: first prize £500; second prize £300; and third prize £200 cheques for a Cub Scout Pack to purchase equipment and three lucky Cub Scouts could win a £50 voucher each to spend in Scout Shops subject to the following:·Competition is open to UK Cub Scouts.·You must provide name, address and name of your Cub Scout Pack.·Only one entry per Cub Scout will be entered into the prize draw.·Closing date of competition will be 28 February 2009 and winners will be announced in the April/May Cub Scout Supplement.·Entries should be sent by email to [email protected] or by post to Carmen Attard, Home Safety Competition, The Scout Association, The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford,London E4 7QW.·Winning entries will be drawn at random from all correct entries received. The judges and National Grid’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.·Winners may be required to promote the prize.·National Grid reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition at any time without notice and liability arising from such cancellation or amendment and to offer an alternative prize, and reserves the right to request proof of identity of the winner. The prize is non negotiable, and is not transferable or returnable and there is no cash alternative.·The winning Cub Scout will be given a voucher to the value of £50 to be spent in Scout Shops.·The winning Cub Scout Pack will be sent a cheque to the value of their prize and must provide details of how the money will be spent to [email protected].·Cub Scouts who are related to employees of National Grid will be allowed to enter.·Entrants will be deemed to have accepted the above rules and agree to be bound by them when entering the competition.·No purchase necessary.·The promoter is National Grid plc, 1-3 The Strand, London WC2N 5EH.·For any query or complaint in relation to the promotion please write to [email protected]
·You must provide name, address and name of your Cub Scout Pack.·Only one entry per Cub Scout will be entered into the prize draw.·Closing date of competition will be 28 February 2009 and winners
Terms and conditions
Association, The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford,London E4 7QW.·Winning entries will be drawn at random from all correct entries received. The judges and National Grid’s decision is final and no ·Winning entries will be drawn at random from all correct entries
to [email protected].·Cub Scouts who are related to employees of National Grid will be allowed to enter.
·For any query or complaint in relation to the promotion please write to [email protected] to [email protected]
The three lucky prize winners will receive £50 each plus
one of the above prizes for their Cub Scout Pack. All your
Cubs have to do is fill in the answers to the quiz below.
Visit www.nationalgrid.com/uk/community/cubscouts to
hear Chief Scout Peter Duncan promoting the competition.
The quiz1. National Grid’s Home Safety Badge Activity Pack
contains a scratch and sniff card which has the smell of
natural gas on it. What does this smell like? (tick one box)
Oranges
Bad eggs
Flowers
2. What is the number of the National Gas Emergency Service?
3. If you smell gas in the home name one thing you should
do before calling the National Gas Emergency Service?
4. If you are going out after dark what can you do to
make your home safe: (tick three boxes)
Draw curtains Leave windows open
Leave front door open Leave keys hidden near
Leave lights on front door/letter box
Leave radio playing
5. What is a stop cock used for?
6. If you lose electricity power to your home what two
things should you check first before calling your
electricity supplier?
7. This kitchen is really dangerous. Circle five hazards
from the many shown that could cause an accident.
Send entries to: Carmen Attard, National Grid competition, The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London, E4 7QWInclude: Name: Address: Name of Cub Scout Pack:Signature of parent/guardian allowing photograph of winner to be used for promotional purposes (see below)
Win £500 for your Pack
Enter National Grid’s Home Safety competition
First prize - £500 Second prize - £300 Third prize - £200
cubs decjan09.indd 11 19/11/08 16:02:22
12 Cubs December 2008/January 200912 Cubs December 2008/January 2009
Preparation of the mould1. Find the animal track or footprint you wish to
take a mould of, if you can’t find one try
making one! Clean any loose material from the
imprint: leaves, sticks, stones, etc, as these may
affect your finished casting.
2. Use card or plastic sheets to set up a fence
all round the track 1 or 2 cm high, this will
form a barrier and prevent the mixture
spreading everywhere.
3. Make sure there are no gaps in your ‘fence’
– the best way to do this is to use a single piece
made into a loop overlapping where the two
ends meet, and then secured with tape, staples
or paper clips.
4. You may need to use a releasing agent such
as petroleum jelly smeared on the inside of
your fence, this will ensure it will peel away
from the finished casting without damaging it.
Plaster of parisThis comes as a very fine white powder, which
makes for very smooth and detailed castings.
When mixed with water (in the correct
proportions) you get a thick liquid which can
be poured into a mould (the negative), and
then sets to form a positive of what you have
moulded. The most obviously Scouting use for
this is to make casts of animal footprints as an
aid to identification and teaching.
Break the mouldThere are many things you can cast without firing up a furnace.
Charlie Dale invites you to roll up your sleeves and create
a masterpiece with a purpose
cubs decjan09.indd 12 19/11/08 16:00:58
13scouts.org.uk/pol
IntroMake and do
13scouts.org.uk/pol
Casting1. Let the mixture stand for a couple of
minutes, but not too long or you’ll just have a
bucket full of set plaster! You can test that it’s
still moving by nudging the container gently.
2. Pour the mixture gently into the mould,
making sure all parts are covered, leaving a few
millimetres at the top. The mixture should self
level to form an even top.
3. Leave to set. Test every five or 10 minutes
with a pin or nail to see if the casting is hard,
be patient!
4. When you’re sure the casting has set,
carefully remove the fence, then gently lift the
casting away. It may need a bit of a clean, so
use an old toothbrush.
5. You should then see a clean copy of whatever
paw or hoof mark was left in the ground.
6. You can use a felt-tipped pen on the flat
back of the casting to record information about
it: your name, where and when the casting was
made, what it is a casting of, etc.Making the mixture1. Use a flexible bucket or other similarly
flexible container, obviously the more or larger
the castings you are making the bigger the
container needs to be. Do not use a metal
container unless you are willing to throw it
away afterwards.
2. Put some water into your container;
estimates vary as to how much you will need,
some say equal proportions of water and
plaster, others as little as half the amount of
water to plaster. Experiment until you find a
good mix.
3. If you use cold water this will slow down the
setting process, using warm or hot water will
speed it up – if you use hot water you won’t
have long at all before the
mixture sets solid, so be prepared!
4. Take handfuls of the powder and sift it
through your fingers (to break up any lumps) onto
the surface of the water.
5. Avoid stirring the mixture if you can, this
may mix in air bubbles which will spoil your
finished casting.
6. Keep adding plaster to the water until it has
become a greyish mass with no obvious
standing water. If you feel you have to stir the
mixture to remove any lumps do so gently with
a long handled wooden spoon or stick.
Tidying up• If you have any mixture left in your container leave it to set, then you should be able to tap it out into a bin. • Do NOT pour waste mixture down a drain or sink plughole, it will set in the pipes and cause a blockage. • After tapping out the set plaster from your container you can rinse it out with water to remove the last traces of plaster. • If you have any plaster on your hands wash them in a separate bucket of water to remove the excess plaster, then wash them with hot water and soap in the normal way.• You can pour the bucket of rinsed water down a drain.
Safety tips:• The mixing of plaster and water should only be
carried out by a responsible adult.
• Always wear a mask when mixing the powder.
• Never use your hands to mix the plaster and
water, the mixture will generate some heat
because a chemical reaction is taking place.
Break the mouldThere are many things you can cast without firing up a furnace.
Charlie Dale invites you to roll up your sleeves and create
a masterpiece with a purpose
cubs decjan09.indd 13 19/11/08 16:01:14
Other things to mouldIt’s not just animal footprints that can be
moulded, anything that leaves a mark in the
ground could be cast. For example, the Police
sometimes take casts of footprints found at
the scene of crimes, to help them identify
people by the size and print of their footwear,
especially if there are any distinguishing marks.
You could look at tyre treads; car, motorcycles
or bicycles will all leave the pattern of their
tyre treads in soft ground. Have a look around
and see what else leaves unusual marks that
you could cast.
i.SCOUT is the official merchandise of the Scout Association. All profits go back into Scouting. The Scout Association Registered Charity Nvumbers 306101 (England and Wales) and SCO38437 (Scotland).
Wax worksMelted paraffin (candle) wax is a great
alternative. The wax won’t be as permanent as
plaster – after all it can melt again, whereas the
plaster sets for good! – but that does mean you
can re-use the material many times.
1. Take shavings from a candle or cut one up into
small pieces and place them in the bowl.
2. Carefully place the bowl into the pan of hot
water and stir the pieces around to help them
melt (this is the safest way to melt wax). It is
strongly recommended this process is carried out
under strict adult supervision and with fire and
first aid equipment nearby.
3. You can either keep the pan on a stove with
the water simmering, or periodically replace the
water in the pan with fresh hot water.
4. Build a fence in the same way as described on
page 12, and carefully pour the melted wax into
the mould.
5. Once set the wax casting and fence can be
pulled away and cleaned with water.
An Offi cial History of ScoutingItem code: 1023413
£14A must have for any Scout. It chronicles the growth of Scouting, Lord Baden-Powell’s early life to the work Scouting is doing today to change lives and many other fascinating details.
Snaggle Embroidered Fun Badge Item code: 1026018
£1
Purchase Playing the Game £11.99 and receive a free copy of Best of The Last Laugh worth £2.50 (was £3.99)Item code: 1023706
Cub Pencil with Eraser Item code: 1024904
30p
i.SCOUT HoodieItem code: 1026128RSizes S-XXL
£20
SCOUTSHOPSscouts.org.uk/shop01903 766 921
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