Survival Guides UK is designed to help young people develop practical outdoor skills, confidence and independence through learning, exploring and having a go.
Our Parent Resources help you understand the skills your child can learn, how they can develop over time, and how you can support them along the way. You’ll find guidance on everything from outdoor skills and equipment to safety, activities and ideas for learning together.
Many of the skills and activities can be explored by young people independently, while others are best enjoyed with an adult. We’ll help you understand what’s appropriate and how you can get involved, whether that’s supporting your child’s learning or having a go at an activity together.
You can explore our online resources for free. Members also have access to downloadable resources and additional materials designed to help children and families get even more from Survival Guides UK.
Browse the resources below to discover how you can support your child’s outdoor learning, build their confidence and encourage practical skills that they can use for life.
Your first Scout camp can feel like a big adventure. There may be a tent, sleeping bag, muddy boots, unfamiliar routines, outdoor cooking, early mornings and lots of new experiences. You don’t need to be an expert before you arrive. However, practising a few basic skills at home can make camp much more comfortable. Here…
Rain Doesn’t Have to Stop Skill Practice Some outdoor skills are actually easier to practise when you are not rushing around outdoors. A rainy day gives you an opportunity to work on navigation, knots, equipment organisation, planning and observation without needing a full expedition. If the weather is severe, stay indoors. You can still practise…
What Is a Naturalist’s Field Notebook? A naturalist’s field notebook is simply a place to record things you notice outdoors. It doesn’t need to be fancy. A cheap notebook and pencil can be enough. The important part is learning to observe carefully and record useful details. Your notebook might contain: Choose the Right Notebook A…
You don’t need to travel to a campsite, climb a mountain or head deep into the countryside to practise outdoor skills. A back garden can be a surprisingly useful training ground. Many of the skills used while camping, hiking and exploring can be practised at home. For children and young people, this can be a…
Sending your child away to camp for the first time can be exciting, but it is also completely normal to have questions. Whether they are heading away with Scouts, Guides, school, a youth organisation or another group, speaking to their leader beforehand can help you understand what to expect and make sure your child is…
Survival skills are not just about knowing how to light a fire, build a shelter or find your way through the woods. For children, learning these skills can be a fun and practical way to develop confidence, independence and an understanding of the world around them. Outdoor survival skills give children the opportunity to learn…
Scouts learn to light fires because it teaches useful outdoor skills, responsibility, problem solving and fire safety. A fire can also be used for cooking, warmth and practical camping activities. Learning how to light one in a controlled and supervised setting helps young people understand both the benefits and dangers of fire. What You’ll Learn…
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Packing a rucksack for Scout camp can seem straightforward until you realise just how much equipment a child may need to carry. The trick isn’t simply getting everything inside….
Preparing your child for a Scout camp can sometimes feel like a military operation. There are clothes to organise, sleeping equipment to find, toiletries to pack and the inevitable question of whether they’ve actually remembered where their torch is. The good news is that packing for Scout camp doesn’t have to be complicated. This Scout…
Going away on their first Scout camp can be a big moment for a child. For some children, the idea of sleeping in a tent, spending time outdoors and being away from home is incredibly exciting. For others, it can feel a little daunting. As a parent, there are plenty of things you can do…
