 |
| (adapted from "Troop Program Features - High Adventure") |
| Object: To transport a patrol over an "electrified" wire or fence using only its members and a "conductive beam". |
| Construction: The electric fence is a length of rope tied in a triangular configuration to three trees or poles. (It could be a single rope between two trees, but a triangular setup is more challenging and safer because Scouts cannot get a running start to try to jump over the rope, and thus are less likely to take a chance.) The height of the rope should match the skill or age level of the Scouts: 5 feet should be the maximum. The "conductive beam" is an 8-foot pole, log, or a 2-by-4. Clear the ground of rocks and roots to prevent injury. |
| Rules: |
| 1. The only route is over the fence. If a Scout touches the fence (rope), he is "zapped" and must attempt the crossing again. Any Scout touching the hapless victim as he touches the wire must also return for another crossing. |
| 2. If the conductive beam touches the wire, all those in contact witht that beam are zapped and must attempt another crossing. |
| 3. An "electric force field" extends from the wire to the ground and cannot be penetrated. |
| 4. The trees or other supports that hold up the wire are "iron woods" (an excellent conductor) and cannot be safely touched. |
| Cautions: |
| * Be careful not to let the more enthusiastic Scouts literally throw other participants into the air over the ropes. Injury might result. |
| * Do not let the last person perform a headfirst dive into a shoulder roll. |
| * Trust dives (falls into the arms of other Scouts) are okay, even though such a dive seldom works and may overwhelm some catchers. |
|
| Last Revised 03/29/03 |
| John D. McCarthy |