Command task 17: 5-metre flag challenge
Equipment: Three two-metre stakes, three two-metre poles, one pennant and assorted ropes
Time: 10 minutes
Where: Indoors or outdoors
Aim: To construct a suitable ‘mast’ from the materials provided, at least five metres above ground level, and fly a pennant from the top
Benefits: Promotes teamwork, planning, use of ropes and knots as well as logic
Instructions: From the assorted materials supplied, cadets must work out how to create a self-supporting platform that will allow them to fly the pennant five metres above ground level. A knowledge of binding ropes and tying knots is required.
Make it easier: Provide more rope and poles, reduce the height required or increase the time allowed
Make it harder: Reduce the rope available, provide more but shorter poles, reduce the team sizes or the time, run the task during the night replacing the pennant with a torch for an added challenge