Last updated: 5 September 2011
In the Second World War Boy Scouts and Girl Guides did their bit for the war effort. Whether they were recycling ammunition, helping out in hospitals or running messages for the ARP during the Blitz, they lived up to their motto, 'Be Prepared!'
In this session your students will take on the role of Scouts and Guides in training. An actor-interpreter plays a member of the Civil Defence, and introduces the themes of the session with a slide show of contemporary images.
After a quick lesson in drill and discipline, your class is then broken up into smaller groups and rotated through a series of training activities, including dealing with emergency incidents, first aid, aircraft recognition, fire-fighting and using a Morrison shelter.
Students will be able to handle original and reproduction equipment, as well as talk to the actor-interpreter about life on the Home Front. Adult helpers will need to lend a hand with the activities: details will be sent out when you book. The number and rotation of activities will depend on your schedule
Are you focusing on the Home Front in the classroom? The World Wars gallery on Level 2 will help your students to discover more about 'the sharp end' of the war, and the lives of many men and women who served their country across the world.
The hands-on Action Zone in the middle of the gallery also covers the Home Front
To support your self-led gallery visit, a range of downloadable activity sheets is available on our Learning Resources page. These are suitable for use by small groups of children supported by an adult.
To make the most of your time in the galleries, a pre-visit is highly
recommended. Remember, entry to the Museum is free.