Learn about safe practice for children taking part in camping, Scouts and outdoor activities, with practical guidance for parents on preparation and supervision.
There is something about the British coastline that encourages people to explore a little further. A path leads towards a headland, a gap between the rocks reveals another small beach, or a stretch of sand looks inviting enough for a walk that lasts longer than…
A successful hike depends on more than choosing a route and putting one foot in front of the other. Conditions can change, paths can become difficult to follow, equipment can fail and people can become tired or injured. The decisions you make when something unexpected…
Navigation doesn’t have to mean walking for miles with a map and compass. For children, learning to navigate can start with something much simpler: understanding where they are, knowing where they want to go and working out how to get there. A short route is…
Knowing when to ask for help is an important outdoor skill, but it is one that can easily be overlooked. When you’re exploring somewhere new, something doesn’t feel right or you simply don’t know what to do, speaking up can make a situation much easier…
Going outdoors should be an exciting experience. Whether you’re heading into a woodland, walking across the countryside, going camping or simply exploring a local park, a little knowledge about staying safe can make a big difference. Outdoor safety isn’t about being worried about everything that…
If you are somewhere with a mobile signal but cannot make a voice call to the emergency services, the UK’s Emergency SMS service can provide another way to contact 999. It can be particularly useful for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have…
Activity Overview Difficulty: Easy–ModerateTime: 30–60 minutesLocation: Woodlands, fields, hedgerows and other suitable outdoor areasBest for: Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Patrol Leaders and adult leadersSkills: Observation, plant identification, outdoor awareness, responsible countryside access and risk management Wild plants can be useful and interesting to learn about, but…
Activity Overview Difficulty: ModerateTime: 30–60 minutes to learn and practiseLocation: Campsites, activity centres and outdoor campsBest for: Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Patrol Leaders, adult volunteers, campers and outdoor enthusiastsSkills: Emergency response, communication, first aid awareness, evacuation, hazard management and decision-making Campsite emergency procedures are the agreed…
Outdoor activities can give children some of their most memorable experiences. Camping, walking, exploring, building shelters, learning practical skills and spending time outside all provide opportunities to develop confidence and independence. For parents, however, it is natural to wonder how to keep children safe while…
