Red Cross code
You’ll need
- Pens or pencils
- Big pieces of paper
Before you begin
- If you haven’t already done The power of kindness activity, you’ll need to do it before you get stuck in to taking action with this activity.
- You’ll need the event plans (the lists of requirements and sketches) that everyone made in the ‘Red cross code’ activity.
- Decide whether you’ll run one big event as a group or whether each group will run one smaller event or activity.
Plan the details
- Everyone should remind themselves of what the Red Cross does. They could watch the animation.
- Everyone should go through the ideas they came up with when they planned action with the ‘Red Cross code’ activity. They should remind themselves of what their group planned. Have they changed their mind about anything? Have they had any new ideas?
- The person leading the activity should record all of the ideas on a big sheet of paper.
- Everyone should vote to decide which project they want to run. They could use a show of hands or by putting sticky dots or ticks by the ideas on the paper.
- Everyone should work together to plan their project. They should use the ‘Event planning checklist’ to make sure they’ve thought of everything. Even if they’re not planning on running an event, it may remind them of important things like risk assessments.
- Once they’re ready, everyone should start their project and follow their plan to make it a success.
- When their project’s finished, everyone should take time to say thank you to any helpers and reflect on the difference they’ve made. Do they want to share the news, for example, on their social media or through local newspapers?
This activity helps contribute towards some of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Find out more about the SDGs, and how Scouts across the world are getting involved.
Reflection
This activity was all about caring and helping the community. Everyone worked together to put on an event or project to support the British Red Cross. How does the power of kindness help the Red Cross support people in crisis? Who did the project help? What difference did it make? What could people do to next keep the impact going?
Safety
All activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get approval for the activity, and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.
- Outdoor activities
You must have permission to use the location. Always check the weather forecast, and inform parents and carers of any change in venue.
- Road safety
Manage groups carefully when near or on roads. Consider adult supervision and additional equipment (such as lights and high visibility clothing) in your risk assessment.
It’s up to you how complicated you make your project and how much guidance the adults give. It’ll probably depend on everyone’s age and level of experience.
Whatever you do, make sure your project’s accessible for everyone. Think about things like physical access (for example, for wheelchair users) as well as making the space autism-friendly and making sure there are different ways for people to get involved.
All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.
