Squad Scout Search Slides Squad Scout Search
Identifying Our Individual Strengths
Unit: Squad Strategy Quest
Lesson 1 of 5
Mission Briefing
"If we were a superhero team, what special power would you bring to the group?"
The Thinker
Solves puzzles and riddles
The Power
Strong and steady support
The Balance
Nimble and quick mover
Discovery Stations
1
The Flamingo
Balance on one foot for as long as possible. Who are our rocks?
2
The Archer
Toss a beanbag into a small hoop from 10 feet. Who has the aim?
3
The Riddler
Solve a pattern puzzle on the wall. Who sees the hidden clues?
Observe Your Peers
Look for things your classmates are doing well. We aren't competing; we're scouting for our future squad!
Main Event: The Totem Pole
The Goal
As a squad, you must support a long foam noodle or pole using only one finger per person.
The Rules
Everyone must be touching the object.
You must lift it from the ground to shoulder height.
If anyone loses contact, you must start over!
Squad Strategy
Before you touch the pole, discuss:
- Who will lead the count (1, 2, 3... lift)?
- Where should the taller squad members stand?
- How will we keep our fingers steady?
Base Camp Debrief
"What did you notice about how different people helped the team during the Totem Pole?"
"Why was it important to have both tall and short people, or both steady and fast people?"
Next Mission: Crossing the River
Strength Scouting Teacher Guide Strength Scouting
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Mission 01
Squad Strategy Quest
Objectives
Identify at least one personal strength relevant to physical teamwork.
Practice observing and acknowledging strengths in peers.
Collaborate to solve a physical balancing task (Totem Pole).
Materials
• Pool noodles or lightweight poles
• Beanbags and hoops
• Patterns/Riddle cards
• Power Profile Sheets
Mission Timeline
10 min
The Superhero Hook
Gather students in a circle. Use the "Power" prompt from the slides. Focus on physical and mental powers (e.g., "I am super steady" or "I am a quick solver").
20 min
Discovery Stations
Rotate students through three stations. Don't make it a competition; encourage them to say "Whoa, you're really good at [strength]!"
Balance Station
Aim Station
Puzzle Station
20 min
The Totem Pole Challenge
Form diverse squads (mix of balance, aim, and thinkers). Give each group a noodle. Constraint: Only index fingers touching the noodle. It MUST stay horizontal.
10 min
Base Camp Debrief
Distribute Power Profile Sheets. Have students record their discovery and one strength they saw in a teammate.
Facilitation Tips
If the Totem Pole is too easy, have them close their eyes or move while holding it. If too hard, allow them to use two fingers. The goal is the discussion of how to move, not just the physical success.
Key Vocabulary
Diversity Constraint Strength Scout
Power Profile Sheet Power Profile
Mission: Squad Scout Search
Lesson 01 | Squad Strategy Quest
Squad Member Name
Date
My Discovered Power
After visiting the Discovery Stations, what is one thing you realized you are great at?
Steady Strength
Target Aim
Fast Solving
Describe your power in action during the stations:
Squad Scouting Report
While you were working in your squad for the Totem Pole Challenge, what strength did you see in a teammate?
Teammate's Name
Their Special Power
The Mission Lesson
"A squad is strongest when every member knows their power and uses it to help the group. One person couldn't lift the pole alone—it took the whole team!"
River Crossing Slides River Crossing Tactics
Resource Management & Planning
Unit: Squad Strategy Quest
Lesson 2 of 5
The Problem
"How can we get our whole squad across the Alligator River when we only have three magic stones?"
The Goal
Move your entire team from Bank A to Bank B without anyone touching the floor (the "water").
The Resources
Your squad has 3 hoops or polyspots (stones). If a stone is left empty in the water, it sinks!
Tactical Terms
Resources
The materials or people we have to help us solve the problem. (Our 3 stones!)
Constraints
The rules or limits that make the challenge harder. (No touching the water!)
Think Like a Squad
"If we just start jumping, we might get stuck. We need to allocate our resources carefully."
Before You Step...
"The Huddle Protocol"
1
Observe
How wide is the river? How many stones do we have?
2
Propose
Who goes first? How do we pass the stones back?
3
Execute
Try it out! If someone falls, the whole squad restarts.
Reflecting on the River
"What happened when the squad didn't have a plan before starting?"
"How did we manage our limited resources (the stones)?"
Next Mission: The Lava Tarp
Crossing Captains Teacher Guide Crossing Captains
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Mission 02
Squad Strategy Quest
Objectives
Calculate and manage limited resources (polyspots) to solve a problem.
Apply the 'Huddle Protocol' (Observe, Propose, Execute) before acting.
Understand how 'constraints' impact the difficulty of a task.
Equipment
• 3-4 Polyspots/Hoops per squad
• Floor tape for "River Banks"
• Strategy Blueprint Logs
• Whistle for "Huddle Calls"
Mission Timeline
10 min
The River Intro
Introduce "The Alligator River." Define Resources and Constraints . Demonstrate what happens if a stone is left empty (it "sinks").
15 min
Practice Run (Trial 1)
Give squads 3 spots. Let them try. Expect chaos! If someone falls or a stone sinks, blow the whistle for a Mandatory Huddle .
20 min
Tactical Execution (Trial 2)
Squads fill out Phase 1 of the Strategy Blueprint Log. They must draw their plan before attempting again. Encourage passing spots from the back to the front.
15 min
Mission Debrief
Class discussion: "What strategy worked best? Why was it hard to wait for the whole squad?"
Discussion Prompts
"What happened when we moved too fast?"
"How did we make sure the 'stones' didn't sink?"
"Who was in charge of passing the stones?"
Resource Variations
To increase difficulty:
Reduce spots to 2.
Add a "heavy" object the squad must carry.
Make one member "injured" (can't use legs).
Strategy Blueprint Log Strategy Blueprint
Mission: River Crossing
Lesson 02 | Squad Strategy Quest
Squad Name
Squad Members
1 Observe & Propose
What are our resources?
3 Magic Stones
____ Squad Members
What is our biggest constraint?
Draw your crossing strategy below:
Draw the river and the stones here
2 Execute & Adjust
Did your plan work on the first try?
Yes! First try!
No, we fell in the water.
If you had to change your plan, what did you do differently?
The Mission Lesson
"Managing resources means using what we have in the smartest way possible. Planning ahead saves us from getting wet!"
Lava Tarp Slides Lava Tarp Trials
Iterative Problem Solving
Unit: Squad Strategy Quest
Lesson 3 of 5
The Floor is Lava
"Is it possible to flip the ground we are standing on without touching the lava outside?"
The Tarp
Your squad is standing on a tarp. This is the only safe ground left in the world.
The Mission
Flip the tarp completely over without anyone stepping off into the lava!
The Iteration Loop
"Failure is part of the plan!"
You will step off.will get stuck.
1. Try a Strategy
2. Analyze the Failure
3. Adjust & Re-Try
Huddle Questions
When the whistle blows, stop and ask:
What specific action caused us to slip?
Who has a new idea we haven't tried?
How can we move our feet together?
Expert Tip:
"Sometimes you have to fold the tarp into a small square first. Sometimes you have to lift it over your heads. Explore every possibility!"
Survived the Tarp?
"What was the most important thing we learned from our first mistake?"
"Why did the team need to listen to everyone's ideas after a failure?"
Next Mission: Blindfold Shape Shifters
Bounce Back Teacher Guide Bounce Back Guide
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Mission 03
Squad Strategy Quest
Objectives
Demonstrate resilience by attempting a difficult task multiple times.
Analyze physical failures to create new strategic solutions (Iteration).
Build consensus in a group through rapid huddling.
Equipment
• 1 Tarp or large blanket per squad
• Cones to mark "Lava Zones"
• Trial & Error Trackers
• Whistle
Mission Timeline
10 min
The Lava Briefing
Introduce the concept of Iteration . Explain that success is secondary to the process of trying, failing, and adjusting.
30 min
The Tarp Trials
Squads start standing on their tarp. They must flip it over. Blow the whistle every 5 minutes for a "Bounce Back Huddle." During the huddle, squads must stop and record their "Last Failure" on their tracker.
15 min
Advanced Variations
If a group succeeds, make the tarp smaller (fold it) or add a "silent mode" constraint where they can only use hand signals.
5 min
Debrief
"Who learned something from a different team's mistake?"
The Design Thinking Loop
When a team is frustrated, ask: "Why did you fall? Too many people moving? Not enough space?" Help them name the specific physical constraint causing the failure.
Safety Warning
Ensure tarps are not placed on slippery surfaces. Students should move slowly. No jumping or running on the tarps.
Trial and Error Tracker Iteration Tracker
Mission: Lava Tarp
Lesson 03 | Squad Strategy Quest
Squad ID
Attempts Logged
The Failure Logs
Trial 01
What we tried:
Why it failed (The "Burn"):
Trial 02
Our Adjustment:
Why it failed (The "Burn"):
Trial 03
Our Final Strategy:
The Result:
Success!
Still Iterating...
Resilience Rating
How well did our squad handle frustration?
Guiding Light Slides Guiding Light
Shared Leadership & Followership
Unit: Squad Strategy Quest
Lesson 4 of 5
Communication Breakdown
"What happens when the leader changes in the middle of a mission?"
The Challenge
Your squad is blindfolded. You are all holding onto a single loop of rope. You must form a perfect SQUARE.
The Twist
The Leader changes every 2 minutes! When the bell rings, the current leader becomes a follower, and a new leader takes over.
The Squad Roles
Leadership
- Speak clearly and loudly.
- Give specific directions (e.g., "Step back two paces").
- Listen to concerns from the followers.
Followership
- Trust your leader's voice.
- Move carefully and stay connected to the rope.
- Provide quiet feedback when needed.
Success Signals
"A great squad can switch gears instantly. When the leader changes, the plan stays, but the voice shifts."
Use names so people know you are talking to them.
Avoid shouting over each other. One voice at a time!
Finding Our Way
"What was the hardest part of following a leader while blindfolded?"
"How did you feel when you suddenly had to take over as the leader?"
Next Mission: The Final Adventure Course
Leadership Relay Teacher Guide Leadership Relay
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Mission 04
Squad Strategy Quest
Objectives
Practice seamless transition between leadership and followership roles.
Communicate effectively with peers while sensory-limited (blindfolded).
Execute a complex task (creating a rope polygon) using verbal guidance only.
Equipment
• 1 large rope loop per squad (30-50ft)
• Blindfolds/Bandanas for every student
• Trust Circle Reflections
• Timer/Bell
Mission Timeline
10 min
Trust Briefing
Discuss the importance of Followership . A squad needs one voice to guide, but everyone must listen and move in sync for the voice to matter.
10 min
Sightless Warm-up
Have squads put on blindfolds and hold the rope in a circle. Practice simple movements: "Take two steps back," "Pass the rope to the left."
30 min
The Polygon Relay
Assign an initial leader. They must guide the squad to form a SQUARE . Ring the bell every 2 minutes . The person to the right of the current leader becomes the new leader.
ROUND 1: SQUARE | ROUND 2: TRIANGLE | ROUND 3: STAR (Challenge!)
10 min
Reflective Circle
Students remove blindfolds and fill out the Trust Circle Reflection. Focus on the feeling of transition.
Coaching Prompts
"Leader, use names! 'Sarah, step left.' Follower, tell the leader what you feel: 'The rope is too tight on my end!'"
Safety First
Clear the gym/field of all obstacles. Ensure students are moving at a walking pace. If anyone feels unsafe or dizzy, they can lift their blindfold immediately.
Trust Circle Reflection Trust Circle
Mission: Shape Shifters
Lesson 04 | Squad Strategy Quest
Squad Member
Squad Name
Being a Follower
When I was blindfolded and following the leader, I felt...
Confused
Safe
Unsure
Focused
What helped me trust my leader?
Being a Leader
When it was my turn to guide the squad, the hardest part was...
My "Leader Voice" was:
WHISPER JUST RIGHT SHOUTING
The Great Switch
"What did your squad do to stay organized when the bell rang and the leader changed? Did the plan stay the same, or did it fall apart for a second?"
The Mission Lesson
"Leadership isn't about one person being in charge forever. It's about knowing when to speak up and when to listen so the whole squad reaches the goal."
Final Quest Slides Final Quest
The Ultimate Squad Challenge
Unit Graduation
Lesson 5 of 5
The Adventure Course
01
The Gate
Solve the logic riddle to unlock the gate.
02
The Stream
Cross the river with your 3 stones.
03
The Peak
Flip the peak tarp without falling.
04
The Blind
Form the star polygon in total darkness.
The Checkpoint Rule
Wait for the Code!
You cannot start a physical task until every member of your squad has agreed on the plan.
At each station:
Stop at the yellow line.
Read the task card together.
High-five the Squad Leader to confirm the plan!
Power Deployment
"Remember Mission 1? Who has the power for each task?"
The Riddle
Send your Fast Solvers to the front!
The Stream
Your Steady Rocks keep the stones safe!
The Blind
Trust your Clear Voices to lead the way!
Mission Accomplished
"We don't win when we finish first. We win when we finish Together."
Squad Graduation Ceremony follows the course.
Mission Control Teacher Guide Mission Control
Final Course Facilitation Guide
Mission 05
Squad Strategy Quest
Capstone Objectives
Integrate all previous strategies: resource management, iteration, and shared leadership.
Self-regulate pacing by stopping at checkpoints to plan.
Deploy squad members based on their identified strengths.
Course Setup
• 4-5 Stations (Station Cards below)
• All previous props (noodles, tarps, rope)
• Graduation Certificates
Station Task Cards
STATION 1: THE GATE
"To pass the gate, find the weight."
Squad must solve a pattern riddle. Once solved, they must move through a "laser field" (string/tape) without touching it.
STATION 2: THE STREAM
"Three stones, one squad, no wet feet."
Standard River Crossing. Constraint: The squad must carry a "fragile egg" (tennis ball on a spoon) across.
STATION 3: THE PEAK
"Flip the mountain under your boots."
Tarp Flip challenge. If anyone steps off, the whole squad returns to the start of Station 3.
STATION 4: THE STAR
"Six points, blind eyes, one voice."
Blindfold rope challenge. Goal: Form a 6-pointed star. Change leader after 3 minutes.
Mission Management
Setup
Divide the class into their established squads. Set staggered start times (2 mins apart) to avoid bottlenecks at stations.
Grading
Focus on Process, Not Speed:
Did they stop to plan at the yellow line?
Did they use the 'Huddle' after a failure?
Did they include everyone's 'power'?
Squad Graduation
Gather the squads in a final circle. Have them share one "Squad Win" before presenting certificates.
Squad Success Certificate Certificate of Squad Mastery
The Adventure Academy hereby recognizes
[SQUAD NAME HERE]
For demonstrating exceptional bravery, strategic thinking, and collaborative execution during the Squad Strategy Quest.
Resource Management
Iterative Testing
Shared Leadership
Mission Control Signature
Graduation Date
The Squad Legacy Log
Record your squad's greatest accomplishment from the last 5 missions. What is one problem you solved that no single person could have done alone?
"Our finest hour was when we..."
