Req 8e — Your Custom Signal Set

Choose Something You Know

This option lets you pick any signal system—as long as it has a real, established set of signals that you and your counselor agree on. The best choice is something you’re already involved in or genuinely curious about, because your enthusiasm and familiarity will make the demonstration much stronger.

Strong Candidate Activities

Here are activities with well-defined signal systems that make excellent choices:

Scuba / Underwater Diving Hand Signals Divers can’t speak underwater, making hand signals essential for safety and communication. Five good signals: OK, thumbs up (ascend), thumbs down (descend), I’m low on air, look at that.

Baseball/Softball Catcher Signals Catchers use finger signals to call pitches from the hitter’s blind side. Five signals: fastball, curveball, changeup, intentional ball (pass), pickoff at first. This is a great pick if you play baseball.

Air Traffic Control Ground Signals Ground controllers direct aircraft on taxiways and aprons with standardized arm and wand signals. Five signals: turn left, turn right, stop, proceed (start taxi), shutdown engines. Good if you’re interested in aviation careers.

Ski Patrol / Mountain Rescue Signals Ski patrol and mountain rescue teams use hand signals on slopes and in noisy outdoor environments. Signals indicate “all clear,” “send next,” “stop,” “need assistance,” and “injury on scene.”

Marching Band Hand Signals (Drum Major) Drum majors lead full bands using baton and arm signals. Five signals: attention, mark time, move forward, halt, increase tempo.

Military Infantryman Hand Signals Ground troops use a standardized set of hand signals for silent patrol coordination. Five signals: halt, move out, enemy sighted, form online, take cover.

Wilderness First Aid / Rescue Signals Wilderness EMTs and rescue coordinators use hand signals for triage and coordination. Five signals: need help, proceed, stop, patient critical, all clear.

Sign Language (another variety) British Sign Language, International Sign, or another national sign language system would also qualify if you and your counselor agree.

How to Propose Your Activity to Your Counselor

When you contact your counselor, mention:

1. What activity you want to use
2. Where the signals come from (a recognized organization, training program, or official standard)
3. Which five specific signals you plan to demonstrate

Your counselor may have suggestions or preferences. Agree on the activity and the specific signals before you start preparing.

Preparing Your Five Signals

Regardless of which activity you choose:

1. Find a reliable source for the signals—an official training manual, a recognized organization’s published guide, or a verified instructional resource.
2. Practice each signal until it looks deliberate and clear.
3. Understand the context — for each signal, be able to explain the real situation where it would be used.
4. Explain the “why” — your counselor wants to know why hand signals work better than words in this activity’s environment.