Joey Programs

Joey Programs

These are the programs we use for Joey meetings, with what you need and how to run each one. They’re here for leaders and adult supporters helping on the night. When we tell parents which program we’re running, we link to it on this page.

Communication

Aim: to let the Joeys explore different ways of communicating.

Introduction

Start with a quick discussion about the ways we can communicate:

  • Sound (sirens, bangs)
  • Spoken words
  • Signs and symbols
  • Written words
  • Touch (for example, using a rope)

Then talk about situations where communication isn’t easy. Ask the Joeys for ideas first, and prompt them if they don’t know:

  • When someone can’t hear, see or touch
  • When someone speaks another language, or grew up in another country
  • When someone is young and can’t talk yet
  • When someone can’t focus because they’re tired, angry or sad

Activity 1: Exact Instructions

Tell the Joeys you want to make a cup of tea, a Vegemite sandwich or something similar, and they need to tell you how. Set out everything you need in front of you.

Do exactly what the Joeys tell you, literally. For example, if they say “put the peanut butter on the bread”, put the whole jar on the bread. Then prompt them for clearer instructions. If they say “spread the peanut butter on the bread”, stick your fingers in the jar and spread it with your hands. Whenever an instruction isn’t clear, take it the wrong way: if they say “use the fork”, pick it up by the wrong end.

Activity 2: Blindfolded Minefield

Set up the hall as a minefield, with objects placed in random spots.

Put the Joeys into pairs. Each pair crosses the minefield twice: one Joey is blindfolded on the way over and the other on the way back. They work as a team, explaining how to get through the minefield. On the first attempt, they can lead their partner or use any method. On the second attempt, with new partners, they can’t lead their partner.

Activity 3: Charades

Write a word on a piece of paper and place it on a table. A Joey comes out, reads the word, and then acts it out or communicates it without making any sounds.

Campfire and Stories

Aim: to enjoy a campfire while telling stories. Joeys are encouraged to bring their own stories or short books.

Setup: a campfire with seats around it, and marshmallows.

Activity 1: Stories

Once the fire is alight and all the Joeys are settled around it, the adults start by telling some stories. Joeys are invited to tell stories too.

Activity 2: Skits

Ask each patrol to choose a well known story they can put on as a skit. Some ideas to get them started:

  • Goldilocks and the Three Bears
  • The Three Little Pigs
  • Little Red Riding Hood
  • The Gingerbread Man
  • Jack and the Beanstalk
  • The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Cooking

Aim: to let the Joeys cook a small dish and enjoy it.

Prep: ingredients, cooking equipment, and the recipe printed out.

Part 1: Explain

Take the Joeys through the recipe, including what they need to set up.

Part 2: Cook

Let the Joeys cook.

Part 3: Eat and clean up

The Joeys eat their food and clean up.

Recipes

  • Pancakes
  • 2 minute noodles (with water from a kettle)
  • Fruit salad and ice cream (the Joeys cut the fruit)
  • Arrowroot biscuits with icing (the Joeys mix it) and decorations

Nature Art

Aim: for Joeys to collect, understand and use natural objects to create art.

Part 1: Scavenge

Write a list of items to collect on the blackboard, for example 4 rocks, 2 sticks, 10 leaves and 2 seeds. Each Joey collects their own.

Part 2: Create

Each Joey works on their own artwork, or each patrol pools its materials and works together. They create a sculpture or artwork of their choice that shows a natural object.

Part 3: Present

Go around the patrols and ask each patrol or Joey to present their artwork: what it is, and why they chose it.

Knots

Introduction

Start with a short discussion about why ropes are strong and what they can be used for. Then choose from the activities below, depending on how much time you have.

Activity 1: Learn

Teach the Joeys to tie a simple knot, and let them work through the list at their own pace. Tell them why each knot is used as they learn it. If you have time, a printed sheet showing each knot and what it’s for helps.

  • Reef knot (both methods): ties together two ropes of the same thickness.
  • Sheet bend: ties together two ropes of different thicknesses.
  • Clove hitch: ties a rope to a pole.

Activity 2: Know Your Knots

Ask the Joeys a question. Each adult supporter shouts out an answer and tries to convince the Joeys it’s right. Then tell them who was right. For example, tie a knot in front of them and ask whether it’s a reef knot or a sheet bend. Other questions:

  • What knot is this?
  • What knot do you use for ropes of different sizes?
  • What makes a rope strong?

Activity 3: Knot Relay

The Joeys line up in their patrols and take turns racing to tie the knots they know. The patrol that ties the most knots wins.

Activity 4: River Rescue

The Joeys must rescue an adult helper from across a river. They:

  1. tie short pieces of rope together, then
  2. tie the rope to a pole to make a rescue device.

They race against a stopwatch. The aim is for everyone to be tying knots at the same time to get the best time.

Maps and Finding Hidden Secrets

Activity 1: Treasure Hunt

Give each patrol a rough hand drawn map of the Scout grounds, with stars or similar symbols marking where secrets are hidden. Not every marked spot has an object. Each patrol takes an adult helper with them, finds the objects, writes down what they are and comes back. When they return, tell them which ones they got right.

Activity 2: Match Map

Prep: make a list of map symbols and print them as cards before the meeting. Each card shows a symbol, a name or an explanation.

Give the Joeys the printed sheets to cut the cards out. They then match each symbol with its name and its explanation.

Activity 3: Draw a Map

Each Joey draws a map of their home.