The Badge Archive

Message Speed Relay

Info Needed for the badge requirements: We know the internet is where computers anywhere in the world can connect with each other. We also know there are wireless devices, so things do not need to be wired together to connect. But can a computer in America connect to a computer in Asia wireless? Not quite. Your wireless device has to be in range of a wireless receiver. The wireless receiver is plugged in. The data goes from your device to the receiver wireless, and then travels by wire over to Asia. There are actually wires that cross the ocean, called “undersea cables”. Some think they are a myth, but that is how data travels across continents. In Asia the wires might connect to another wireless receiver, and it sends the data wirelessly to another device. That is how two wireless devices can connect across the world.

Items Needed

  • 3 index cards and markers for each team for each round (total of three rounds).
  • Three bowls or bags or containers labeled: Message, Security, and Speed
  • Sheets of paper with Sender Messages, Security instructions, and Speed instructions (cut into strips and placed in the appropriate bowls/bags)

Instructions

  1. Divide scouts into teams of three. Each team will have a sender, a messenger, and a receiver.
  2. The sender picks a message from the Message bowl/bag.
  3. The sender writes the message on three index cards, breaking it into two or three words per card (e.g., Card #1: “You can be,” Card #2: “bullied through,” Card #3: “chat”).
  4. (Optional) The sender numbers the back of each card (1-3) to help the receiver assemble the message.
  5. The messenger picks instructions from the Security and Speed bowls.
    • The Security bowl explains how to handle the message (e.g., if it’s well-protected, deliver it quietly; if not, read it out loud while passing it).
    • The Speed bowl provides fun movement instructions (e.g., hopping on one foot, walking backward).
  6. The messenger takes one card at a time from the sender and delivers it to the receiver, following the instructions from the bowls. The messenger has to go back and forth three times to deliver all the packets. (keep the distance reasonable. It’s hard to ‘Jump like a frog between steps.‘ and ‘Pretend the message is “invisible” while delivering it and act sneakily.‘ at the same time.
  7. The receiver waits on the other side of the room. Once they have all three packets, they assemble the message in the correct order using the numbers on the back of the cards. When they’re finished, they read the message out loud.
  8. After each round, teams earn points based on their finish order:
    • The first team to finish gets the highest points, equal to the total number of teams.
    • The second team gets one point less than the first team.
    • Continue this pattern, with the last team earning 1 point.
  9. After completing the first round, scouts switch roles (sender, messenger, receiver). Re-run the game so each scout has a chance to play each role (3 total rounds).
  10. At the end of the game, add up the points earned by each team across all three rounds. The team with the highest total points is the winner.
  11. Once all teams finish, discuss the meaning of each message as needed.

See Internet and Networks for more information.

Sender Messages

  1. “You can be bullied through online chat.”
  2. “If you are being bothered online, tell someone.”
  3. “Don’t share private information online, like your home address or school name.”
  4. “Be considerate when using someone else’s device—always ask for permission.”
  5. “Never share your password with anyone, except a trusted adult.”
  6. “Don’t click on links or messages from people you don’t know.”
  7. “Only go online when a trusted adult says it’s okay.”
  8. “Be kind online—don’t say mean things about others.”
  9. “If something online makes you feel sad or scared, tell a trusted adult.”
  10. “Stick to safe websites and apps that a trusted adult says are okay to use.”
  11. “Always log out of your account when you’re finished using a shared device.”
  12. “Remember, not everything you see on the internet is true.”
  13. “Don’t send pictures of yourself to people you don’t know online.”
  14. “Keep your personal information, like your birthday, private online.”
  15. “Think carefully before sharing anything online—it might stay there forever.”

Security Instructions

  1. Handle the message quietly and carefully.
  2. Speak the message out loud as you pass it.
  3. Deliver the message while looking in different directions, as if you’re on the lookout for danger.
  4. Hold the message above your head as you deliver it.
  5. Pass the message while pretending to unlock a pretend lock on it first.
  6. Deliver the message while shielding it with your hands, as if you’re protecting it.
  7. Pass the message while walking quickly, like you’re worried someone might take it.
  8. Pretend to check for permission before handing off the message.
  9. Pretend the message is “invisible” while delivering it and act sneakily.
  10. Pass the message as if it’s very fragile, holding it gently.
  11. Pretend the message is “top secret” and whisper as you deliver it.
  12. Carry the message as if it’s very heavy and requires extra care.
  13. Pass the message while pretending to scan it with an imaginary security scanner at the start and end of traveling.
  14. Hold the message close to your chest, like you’re protecting it from falling.
  15. Pass the message while pretending to hide it in an invisible backpack or pouch.
  16. Deliver the message while checking “invisible cameras” around you for safety.
  17. Pretend you’re wearing armor to protect the message as you deliver it.
  18. Pass the message while pretending you’re guarding it with an imaginary shield.
  19. Pretend the message could disappear and keep checking to make sure it’s still there.
  20. Deliver the message while pretending to warn others nearby to stay away.

Speed Instructions

  1. Hop on one foot.
  2. Walk backward.
  3. Take tiny baby steps.
  4. Skip instead of walking.
  5. Crawl on your hands and knees.
  6. Tiptoe quietly.
  7. Spin in a circle after every step.
  8. Walk sideways, like a crab.
  9. Gallop like a horse.
  10. Pretend to swim as you move.
  11. Jump like a frog between steps.
  12. Move like a robot with stiff arms and legs.
  13. Flap your arms like you’re flying while walking.
  14. Dance your way across the room.
  15. March like a soldier.
Tia Kennard