Scout Whistle & Hand Signals
The word "signal" comes from the Latin meaning "a mark" or "a sign", and refers to the various means whereby information is sent over a distance by some pre-arranged code when verbal statements would either be undesirable or impracticable or perhaps unnecessary. Quite obviously the method of making the signals will vary with the general circumstances and purpose of transmitting the information. To-day we use signals in connection with matters of everyday importance – control of traffic, control of the railways, for communication at sea or for inter-communication in time of war.
Whether you're getting help in an emergency or just sharing ideas with friends, Scouting helps you learn good ways to communicate clearly. And it's not just about speaking well.
Signalling is an art that is probably as old as civilization, and it seems that man has always had a desire and occasion to convey information to others by means of a system of signals. That mysterious method of communication still used in remote parts of Africa, communication by means of the drum; is a method which has been used for centuries. Our Founder had practical experience of this method, and most of us have been made familiar with the possibilities of such communication through the medium of the "Jungle" films. Within the last few years Scouts had the opportunity of imitating a primitive method of communication something like the African method when the huge bonfires were built and lit on our hills and moors as part of a national celebration. We imitated the famous beacon fires of Armada days. Compared with the African drum method our methods were quite crude and primitive; but the lighting of warning beacon fires is one clue to the origin of our modern methods of signalling.
For thousands of years people have signalled important news of peace or war or of feasting over long distances by one method or another.
A Scout should be at alert for a whistle call, if he/she hears a whistle call the Scout should stop whatever he/she is doing and obey the whistle call. The conventional way to get the Scouts attention is to blast a long whistle signla and follow up by the signal intended.
Note almost all the whistle calls are started with a long blast and then the particular whistle call is blown.
If a Scout is asked the whistle call to call the Patrol Leaders
- Long Blast | 3 Short Blasts | Long Blast is the call, however after blowing the first long whistle blast; there must be a pause before blowing the particular whiste call
- The Scout is to omit the first Long Blast which is
- 3 Short Blasts | Long Blast is the correct whistle call to call the Patrol Leaders after omitting the first Long Blast not Long Blast | 3 Short Blasts | Long Blast
Simple Troop formations are necessary to orderliness and smartness and for getting the Patrols lined up quickly for games and projects. These formations call for the Scout type of drill, using silent hand signals
Silent Signals for Troop Formations
The arm signals for Troop formations are intended to facilitate preparations for unified group action when the noise and the fury of the elements prevail. These signals are given by the senior Patrol Leader or whoever is designated as drill master.
The intelligent leaders should not limit himself to the use of signals suggested. Conditions like terrain, weather, kind of emergency, physical conditions of the Scouts, and the like, should enable him to determine more practical uses of signals.
Herewith are brief descriptions and some uses of the arm signals:
Extended both arms horizontally, parallel to the line he wishes the troop to take, palms turned front if he wants Patrols in front of him, palms turned back if he wants patrols behind him.
How to Execute: Patrol Leaders take up positions in front at center of their Patrols. Patrols fall in line two paces behind their Leaders, with two paces interval between patrols. Assistant Patrol Leaders stay at extreme right of Patrol, the other members on his left. The line dresses right without command.
Uses: For general line-up, for inspection in meeting room, also in preparing to move the Troop across a wide area
Extended both arms horizontally, arms slanted to the way and order commander wants.
How to Execute: Patrols fall in, in a single line according to the slanted line commander makes. The tallest person leads the line and go to the side which the commander's arm is raised. Members fall in according to the height order in combination with the slanted line.
Uses: For general line-up, for inspection in meeting room, also in preparing to move the Troop across a wide area
Arms forward at shoulder height, palms facing inward, fingers pointing front.
How to Execute: Patrol Leaders take positions two paces apart, their members fall in behind them
Uses: For relays, general briefings and other games
Both arms extended sideward but bent at right angles at elbows, closed fists are extended toward the sky.
How to Execute: Patrols fall in, one behind the other, dressing immediately on the front patrol and on the right. A distance equal to the length of each Patrol should be left between it and the Patrol in front of it. Patrol Leaders take two paces in front of the center of their Patrols.
When the Open Columns is commanded, If 3 Patrols are formed line by line:
- Last Patrol should move 2 steps to the back
- Second patrol should move 1 step to the back
- First Patrol doesn't move
When 7 Patrols are formed
- 7th (Last) Patrol should take 6 steps to the back
- 6th Patrol should take 5 steps to the back
- 5th Patrol should take 4 steps to the back
- 4th Patrol should take 3 steps to the back
- 3rd Patrol should take 2 steps to the back
- 2nd Patrol should tale 1 step to the back
- 1st Patrol does not move
Uses: For inspection and parade formation.
Same as for open column of Patrols, except that closed fists are extended toward the sky.
How to Execute: Patrols fall in, in a single line. Patrols observe same order of sequence as in Troop Line, though Patrol Leaders fall in on the right of their patrols.Arms distance must be the correct space in between the patrols.
Uses: For Flag Ceremonies and Awarding Ceremonies.
The Patrols are lined up to the shape of a horse shoe. The Duty Patrol leads the horse shoe and formed at the top right of the horse shoe.
How to Execute: Commander/Duty Patrol Leader stands infornt of the flag where he wants to conduct facing the back to the flag. The hands are raised to the sides making a 60 Degree angle, palms streched,facing outwards,fingers pointing to the ground/position where the horse shoe formation starts and end. The Commander then perfects the shape formation. Patrols fall in, in a single line to the shape of a horse shoe.Patrols take a double arm gap between Patrols and arm gaps between members. The commander/Duty Patrol Leader is stood in the place where the horse shoe shape has an opening.
Uses: For Flag Ceremonies and Awarding Ceremonies.
Patrols are lined up in Parallel Formation but in the shape of Cartwheel Spokes. This Formation is very common in Camporees/ Jamborees where Sub Camp Rallies are concerned.
How to Execute: Commander raises his arm and stretch the arm and the fingers making the gap in-between the fingers visible. This indicates that a Cart Wheel Formation should be initiated.
Uses: For Flag Ceremonies, Awarding Ceremonies, briefing of a project.
One arm is extended, fists closed and rotated backwards making a shape of a circle.
How to Execute: Patrol form a complete circle around the Leader in same order as in Council formation.
Uses: For Ceremonies and circle games.
Both arms extended sideward but bent at right angles at elbows, palms open facing the head.
How to Execute: Patrols fall in, in a single line. Patrols observe same order of sequence as in Troop Line, though Patrol Leaders fall in on the right of their patrols
Uses: For Flag Ceremonies and Awarding Ceremonies.
Wood Craft Signs
WOOD CRAFT SIGNS
Road to be followed
This path not to be followed
Obstacle to cross
This is good water
This is not good water
Friends
War, Enemies
Wait for the next command
Letter hidden three paces from here in the direction of the arrow.
I have gone home
Way to the camp
- The trail should be one which an observant scout can follow easily, but which an ordinary person would not even see!
- Make the signs on the right hand side of any track you may be following.
- The signs should be close to the ground or at least no higher than the knee.
- They should be regularly spaced.
- If more than one person is to follow a trail, the earlier ones must not spoil the trail for the others.
- The last person should destroy the signs when he has finished.
- The signs need not be large – about as big as your hand.
- Make sure your signs can be recognized as man-made. It is surprising how often twigs lying naturally on the ground look like an arrow.
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