Explore Explorer activities, challenges, badges, outdoor activities, progression and practical skills designed for young people developing independence and outdoor confidence.
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…
A successful hike depends on more than choosing a route and putting one foot in front of the other. Conditions can change, paths can become difficult to follow, equipment can fail and people can become tired or injured. The decisions you make when something unexpected happens can have a considerable effect on how safely you…
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…
Washing clothes is not usually the first thing people think about when planning a camping trip. But on a longer camp, expedition or family trip, clothes can quickly become muddy, sweaty or wet. The good news is that you do not need a washing machine to deal with basic camping laundry. With a small amount…
A grid reference is a simple way of describing a precise location on a map. Once you understand the basic system, you can use grid references to find features, mark locations, give directions and communicate where you are if you need help. For walkers, Scouts and anyone learning map reading, the most important rule to…
Contour lines can look confusing when you first open a walking map. There may be dozens of thin lines running across the page, sometimes packed closely together and sometimes spread far apart. But contour lines are actually giving you one of the most useful pieces of information on the entire map: They show you the…
Knowing how long a walk will take is an important part of route planning. It affects what time you start, how much food and water you carry, whether you will finish before dark and whether the route is suitable for everyone in your group. The simplest calculation is: Walking time = distance ÷ walking speed…
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…
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…
