Explore nature through fun Scout games focused on wildlife, plants, tracking, observation and discovering the natural world around you.
You don’t need to know the names of hundreds of plants and animals to keep a nature journal. In fact, one of the best things about starting one is that it gives you a reason to slow down and pay attention to what is happening around you. A nature journal can be as simple as…
Activity Overview Difficulty: EasyTime: 10–30 minutesLocation: Indoors or outdoorsBest for: Small groups, patrols and activity sessionsSkills: Memory, observation, concentration, communication and teamwork Memory and observation games challenge participants to notice information and then recall it accurately. They can involve objects, people, sounds, pictures, surroundings or changes to an environment. For groups, the best games are…
Activity Overview Difficulty: EasyTime: 15–30 minutesLocation: OutdoorsBest for: Groups, patrols, family activities and outdoor sessionsSkills: Observation, awareness, concentration, memory and nature appreciation Nature observation games encourage young people to slow down and pay attention to the natural world around them. Rather than simply walking through an outdoor area, participants are challenged to notice particular sights,…
Nature provides an endless supply of things for Explorers to discover. A woodland isn’t just somewhere to walk through. It’s a place to investigate wildlife, identify plants, understand habitats, observe changing seasons and learn how human activity affects the natural world. At Explorer level, nature activities can become more investigative. Instead of simply asking young…
Nature is everywhere. A woodland, campsite, park, beach or even the grounds around a Scout meeting place can become an opportunity to explore the outdoors. For Scouts, nature activities can go beyond simply identifying plants and animals. They can involve observation, navigation, photography, conservation, tracking and problem-solving. The best activities encourage Scouts to look more…
Nature activities are a simple way to get Cubs outside and looking more closely at the world around them. A woodland, park, campsite or even the area around your meeting place can provide plenty to explore. The aim isn’t necessarily to identify every plant or animal. It’s about encouraging Cubs to notice things, ask questions…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Choose games that suit the age and ability of your group and the space available. Check the area for hazards before starting and establish clear boundaries. Stop the game if conditions become unsafe, particularly around roads, water, steep ground or other hazards. Sometimes the best outdoor activities are the simplest ones. You…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Outdoor survival games should be fun, educational and appropriately supervised. Activities involving water, fire, tools, heights or challenging terrain require additional planning and suitable controls. Adapt every activity to the age, ability and experience of your group, the location and the weather. Follow your organisation’s current safety guidance and any rules applying…
