Explore Cubs activities, challenges, badges, outdoor activities, progression and practical skills designed to help young Scouts learn, develop and have fun.
A woodland floor, hedgerow or patch of grass can look quiet until you start noticing the signs of life around you. A hole beneath a tree root, a nest tucked into a hedge or a web stretched between two branches can tell you that an animal has been using that spot for shelter, raising young…
Being able to follow simple directions is an important outdoor skill. Whether you’re walking with your family, taking part in an activity or exploring with a group, you need to be able to listen, understand what you’ve been told and use the information around you to work out where to go next. It doesn’t mean…
There is something special about learning how to do things for yourself outdoors. Knowing how to read a map, put up a shelter, light a fire, recognise a tree, tie a useful knot or simply work out which way to go gives children more than another skill to add to a list. It helps them…
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…
Wildlife spotting is not just about seeing animals. In fact, most wild animals are much better at avoiding people than people are at finding them. The good news is that animals leave clues behind. Tracks, feathers, chewed nuts, droppings, burrows and disturbed vegetation can all tell you that an animal has been active nearby. Learning…
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…
A woodland walk can be much more interesting when you stop simply walking from one place to another and start looking at what is happening around you. Woodlands are full of clues. Animals may be difficult to see, but they leave behind tracks, feathers, chewed nuts, droppings, nests and other signs. Trees, plants, fungi and…
Activity Overview Difficulty: ModerateTime: 20–30 minutes to learn the basics; applied throughout a pioneering projectLocation: Scout campsites and suitable outdoor activity areasBest for: Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Patrol Leaders and adult leadersSkills: Risk awareness, ropework, lashings, teamwork, equipment care and safe construction Pioneering safety is about planning the project, using suitable equipment, constructing it correctly and…
