Practical safety guidance for Scouts, leaders, parents and outdoor groups, covering activity safety, emergency planning, equipment, fire, supervision and water safety.
Why Storm Safety Matters Storms are one of those hazards that can change an outdoor situation very quickly. A walk that started in sunshine can become cold, wet and windy. A campsite that seemed perfectly safe can suddenly be surrounded by falling branches. A stream that was easy to cross can become dangerously fast after…
Getting Lost Outdoors Most people don’t expect to get lost. You set off knowing roughly where you’re going. You follow a path. You take a turning. Then another. And suddenly the landscape doesn’t look quite right. Perhaps the path has disappeared. Maybe visibility has fallen. Your phone battery is running low. Or you’ve simply realised…
Why Water Safety Matters Water is one of the most enjoyable parts of the outdoors. Swimming, canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing, sailing and exploring waterways can all be fantastic activities. But water can also be unpredictable. A river that looks peaceful may have a powerful current beneath the surface. A lake that looks inviting may be extremely…
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. What Is a Campfire? Few things are more closely associated with camping than a campfire. A campfire can provide warmth, light and a place to cook. It can also…
Putting Your Fire Out Safely Lighting a fire is an important outdoor skill. Maintaining one is another. But knowing when and how to put it out properly is just as important. A fire that appears to have gone out can still contain extremely hot embers underneath the ash. These can remain hot for a long…
Keeping Your Fire Burning Lighting a fire is only the beginning. Once you’ve successfully built and lit a fire, you need to know how to keep it burning properly. This is where fire maintenance comes in. A well-maintained fire should provide the heat and light you need without becoming unnecessarily large, smoky or difficult to…
Staying Safe Around Fire Fire is one of the most useful skills you can learn outdoors. It can provide warmth, light and a way to cook, and a well-managed campfire can be a memorable part of camping or a Scout activity. But fire should always be treated with respect. Knowing how to light a fire…
