Learn essential survival skills including shelter building, fire lighting, navigation, first aid, outdoor safety and practical skills to survive in the wilderness.
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…
🔥 What Is a Fire Lay? A fire lay is the way you arrange your tinder, kindling and firewood before and during a fire. Different layouts change the way a fire: Learning fire lays is therefore about much more than knowing different shapes. You’re learning how to control a fire. A good fire lay should…
Accidents can happen anywhere. You might be camping, hiking, climbing, cycling, playing sport or simply spending time outdoors. Knowing some basic first aid can help you respond calmly and appropriately when someone is injured or becomes unwell. First aid isn’t about trying to become a doctor. It’s about knowing what to do until appropriate help…
A good outdoor adventure doesn’t start when you put your boots on. It starts with a map. Whether you’re planning a short Scout hike, a countryside walk with friends or your first independent day hike, knowing how to plan your route can make the difference between an enjoyable day and a difficult one. Route planning…
When you’re outdoors, the landscape around you can provide a surprising amount of information. Hills, valleys, streams, ridges, woodland edges and other natural features can all help you understand where you are and which way you’re travelling. Learning to read these features is an excellent way to develop your navigation skills. But there is an…
The weather can change quickly when you’re outdoors. A sunny morning can become cold and wet. Fog can reduce visibility. Strong winds can make exposed areas uncomfortable or dangerous, while thunderstorms can create serious hazards. Learning to read the weather doesn’t mean becoming a meteorologist. It means learning to: Safety First Never rely solely on…
Calling for Help: What to Do in an Emergency Knowing what to do when something goes wrong is one of the most important survival skills you can learn. You might become lost, someone might become injured, weather conditions could deteriorate, or your group could find itself in a situation that it can’t safely manage. In…
Rope is one of the most useful pieces of equipment you can carry outdoors. It can be used for: But rope needs to be looked after. Dirt, moisture, chemicals, sunlight, abrasion and poor storage can all damage rope over time. Learning how to care for your rope means it will be easier to use, last…
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. Poor visibility can turn a familiar route into a challenging navigation exercise. Fog, heavy rain, snow, darkness and low cloud can make it difficult to see landmarks and follow…
