Scouts can be very useful in snowy weather by working as a patrol under their leader in clearing away the snow from pavements, houses, etc. This they may either do as a "good turn," or accept money to be devoted to their funds.
SCOUT MEETS SCOUT.
In Town or Country.
Single scouts, or complete patrols or pairs of scouts, to be taken out about two miles apart, and made to work towards each other, either alongside a road, or by giving each side a landmark to work to, such as a steep hill or big tree, which is directly behind the other party, and will thus insure their coming together. The patrol which first sees the other wins. This is signified by the patrol leader holding up his patrol flag for the umpire to see, and sounding his whistle. A patrol need not keep together, but that patrol wins which first holds out its flag, so it is well for the scouts to be in touch with their patrol leaders by signal, voice, or message.
Scouts may employ any ruse they like, such as climbing into trees, hiding in carts, etc., but they must not dress up in disguise.
This may also be practised at night.
DESPATCH RUNNERS.
A scout is sent out to take note of some well-known spot, say, the post office in a neighbouring town or district. He will there get the note stamped with the post mark of the office and return. The rest of the scouts are posted by their leader to prevent him getting there by watching all the roads and likely paths by which he can come, but none may be nearer to the post office than two hundred yards. The despatch runner is allowed to use any disguise and any method of travelling that he can hit upon.
In the country the game may similarly be played, the scout being directed to go to a certain house or other specified spot.