Secret Code Ideas for Cub Scouts

Writing Backwards

• Some codes are as simple as writing each word and sentence backwards. Change the message "Meet me at the Clubhouse" to "Esuohbulc eht ta em teem." If you don't know how to unscramble this sentence, it might look like another language.

Alphabet Scramble

• Scramble the letters of the alphabet, so each letter actually stands for another letter. Make a key by writing out the alphabet in correct order. Directly underneath the correct alphabet, start the alphabet again, with "A" starting under the letter "C", or any other letter of your choice. Any time you use the letter "A," it will really stand for the letter "Y," You can also use numbers or pictures to stand for letters instead.

  GR'Q CYQW! (It's easy!)

  A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

  Y Z A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X

Invisible Ink

• Dip a Q-tip into lemon juice, apple juice or vinegar and write an invisible message onto a piece of paper. Holding the paper near a light bulb, over a candle or other heat sources, like a blowdryer, will reveal the secret message. Write a fake message over the invisible message with a pencil so no one will suspect a hidden letter. Or, sprinkle salt on the message as it dries. After a few minutes, brush the excess salt from the paper and rub a wax crayon over the paper to reveal the message.

Folded Messages

• Fold a pieces of paper into three columns. Write the secret message vertically inside the crease of the fold. Then write a fake letter on the paper horizontally on the lines, as you normally would. When you come to a letter from the secret message, use a word with that same letter to disguise it. You may want to write the letters of your secret message a little darker than the other letters and words on the page.