The Cane Maze

The Cane Maze challenges participants to sightlessly traverse a maze using a cane to find their way around. The maze is laid out as a trail between PVC pipes. Participants navigate the maze by tapping the ground with a cane to locate the pipes.

The maze is constructed from 11⁄2” diameter PVC pipes placed directly on the ground. It may be on grass or other stable surfaces where pipes can be taped down or hammered in with stakes. Arrange the maze as a parallel track between pipes 36” to 48” apart. Use standard pipefittings (no glue) to hold the pipes together.

A simple course might consist of pipes laid out in right angles that produce a single path with hairpin turns. This can pose a worthwhile challenge to beginners. More complicated mazes simply require more pipes and fixtures. A good course includes: dead ends, loops, and any other maze trick that might come to mind. 

A Jamboree maze is about 130 feet long.

Before starting, the maze attendant tells participants how the maze works and to keep their eyes closed. Participants wear blinder glasses (see previous article) and use a telescoping cane or a less-expensive 4’ fiber- glass wand. The attendant then ushers new participants one at a time, giving each player some time to make a little progress before the next one starts.

Some attendants make a show of keeping eyes closed by asking participants to make the Scout sign and re- cite: “On my honor as a Scout I promise not to peek while in the Cane Maze.” While some Scouts make steady progress, others get partly or completely turned around. Sometimes they tap each other’s canes or bump right into each other. The attendant should step in before chaos ensues.

As with many Scouting activities, this is fun with a purpose. The attendant should take time to talk about what the participants learned or what it would be like to have to do this all the time.