Discover fun scouting and outdoor games that build practical skills, teamwork and confidence, including communication, knots, nature, navigation and observation games.
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Navigation becomes a very different skill when the sun goes down. Familiar landmarks disappear. Distances become harder to judge. Paths can be more difficult to identify. Even a route that feels easy during the day can require much more concentration at night. That’s what makes night navigation such a useful challenge for…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Advanced navigation activities should be planned around the ability of the group and the environment you’re using. Set clear boundaries, use appropriate supervision and have a suitable emergency plan. Explorers should never be deliberately placed in a situation where becoming genuinely lost or unable to return safely is part of the activity….
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Navigation activities should take place in an area appropriate for the age and experience of the group. Set clear boundaries and make sure leaders know where participants are at all times. Start with simple, controlled exercises before allowing children to navigate independently. For activities away from your meeting location, use appropriate supervision,…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Knots should be taught initially as a practical skill rather than for safety-critical applications. Children should not use knots to support people, climb, secure themselves at height or undertake other activities where a knot failure could cause serious injury unless they have been properly trained and supervised for that activity. Always use…
⚠️ 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 These games are designed to teach fire safety without putting Scouts in unnecessary danger. Many of the activities below can be completed without a lit fire. Where a real fire is involved, it should only be used when permitted, properly planned, appropriately supervised and in accordance with your organisation’s current safety guidance…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Knot games should focus on learning and practising rope skills, not on testing how much weight a knot can support. Never encourage Scouts to tie ropes around their necks, bodies or other people, or to use ropes for climbing, suspension or lifting unless the activity is specifically designed, risk-assessed and supervised by…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Map reading activities can be run in a classroom, campsite or outdoors, but activities that involve moving around outside require appropriate planning and supervision. Before sending teams out, check the map, terrain, weather, boundaries and hazards. Make sure Scouts know where they are allowed to go and have a clear instruction for…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Navigation games should take place in an appropriate, clearly defined area with suitable adult supervision. Before starting, leaders should check the route, weather, terrain, boundaries and any hazards. Make sure young people understand where they can and cannot go and establish a clear stop signal. The aim is to develop navigation skills…
⚠️ 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…
