Knot Relay Challenge

Turn basic knot practice into a fast-paced team relay.

Teams race against each other to correctly tie a series of simple knots. The emphasis is on getting the knot right rather than simply being the fastest.

What You’ll Learn

Cubs will practise:

• Tying basic knots correctly
• Recognising different knots
• Following instructions
• Working as part of a team
• Communicating clearly
• Checking whether a knot has been tied correctly

Equipment

For each team:

• 2–3 lengths of rope, approximately 1 metre long
• Cones or markers
• A list of knots to be completed
• Optional: cards showing the finished knots

Suitable knots include:

• Reef knot
• Clove hitch
• Bowline
• Sheet bend
• Round turn and two half hitches

Only use knots that the Cubs have been shown and are expected to know.

Prerequisites

Cubs should have been shown the knots being used before attempting the relay.

If they are completely new to knot tying, spend a few minutes demonstrating each knot before starting.

Instructions

1. Divide the group into teams of 3–5.
2. Give each team a set of ropes and position them behind a starting line.
3. Place a knot challenge at the opposite end of the activity area.
4. Explain that one Cub from each team runs to the challenge, collects the instruction or chooses the required knot, then returns to their team.
5. The team works together to tie the knot correctly.
6. Once the leader checks it, the next Cub takes their turn.
7. Continue until every member has completed a knot challenge.
8. For the final round, give each team a knot without showing them how to tie it and see whether they can remember the technique.
9. Finish by asking the Cubs which knot they found easiest and which was most difficult.

Make It Harder

Give teams a practical problem rather than simply naming the knot.

For example:

“Join these two ropes together.”

The team must decide which knot is appropriate.

You can also introduce a time limit, but only count a knot if it is correctly tied.

Make It Easier

Use picture cards showing the steps for each knot.

Allow the Cubs to work in pairs rather than individually and remove the racing element if speed is causing frustration.

Final Tip

Make accuracy more important than speed. A fast knot that comes undone isn’t much use, so reward teams for checking their work before calling the leader over.