LATEST OUTDOOR GUIDES
Keep up to date with the latest guides, activities and resources from Survival Guides UK. Explore new articles covering outdoor skills, survival, Scout activities, camping, navigation, knots, fire safety and practical skills.
Our latest posts are designed to help Scouts, youth groups, leaders and anyone interested in outdoor learning develop practical knowledge and confidence. From new activity ideas and survival skills to useful how-to guides, check back regularly for the latest resources.
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How to Identify Hidden Hazards in the Countryside
Not every countryside hazard is obvious. Before an activity, leaders should take time to look beyond the main path and consider what could be hidden by vegetation, darkness, weather or changes in the landscape. Look at the ground, water, surrounding area, weather, access points and anything the group could come into contact with. Then decide…
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Easy Nature Skills for Squirrels
Nature skills help Squirrels become more confident exploring the outdoors and noticing the world around them. Simple activities such as identifying leaves, listening for birds, spotting animal signs and learning about trees can turn an ordinary walk into an exciting nature adventure. What You’ll Learn Squirrels can learn how to: Equipment You can keep this…
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Easy Camping Skills for Squirrels
Camping does not have to be complicated. Squirrels can learn a range of simple camping skills through short, fun activities that help them become more confident outdoors. Good beginner skills include putting up a tent with help, packing a rucksack, rolling a sleeping bag, using a torch, choosing suitable clothing and keeping a campsite safe…
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What to Include in a Safety Briefing
A good safety briefing should tell everyone what they need to know to take part safely. Before starting, explain the main hazards, where people can and cannot go, the important rules, what to do if something goes wrong and who they should speak to if they need help. Keep the briefing short, clear and appropriate…
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Simple Water Filter Experiment
A simple water filter is a great way to introduce Scouts and young people to filtration, layers, materials and basic water treatment. Teams build their own filter from everyday materials, pour dirty water through it and compare the results. The experiment is easy to set up, inexpensive and works well as a short activity on…
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How to Run a Shelter Building Activity for Scouts
Shelter building is a great way to turn outdoor skills into a practical team activity. Scouts have to think about materials, design, stability, weather, teamwork and the needs of the person who will use the shelter. Rather than simply asking teams to build the biggest shelter possible, give them a problem to solve. Can they…
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What’s New at Survival Guides UK? We’ve Been Busy!
Last updated: 21/09/2026 If you’ve visited Survival Guides UK recently, you may have noticed that things have been changing. Over the last few months we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to make the website easier to use, more interactive and, most importantly, more useful for our community. We’ve added quite a few new features…
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How to Run a Knots and Lashings Activity for Scouts
Knots and lashings are classic outdoor skills that can turn a few lengths of rope and some poles into useful camp equipment. For Scouts, learning these skills doesn’t have to mean sitting in a circle tying the same knot repeatedly. Turn the session into a practical activity where teams have to solve problems, build simple…
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How to Run a Navigation Activity for Scouts
Navigation is one of the most useful outdoor skills Scouts can learn. Being able to read a map, understand direction and work out where you are can turn an ordinary walk into an exciting adventure. The best way to teach navigation is to get Scouts actively involved. Instead of spending the whole session explaining maps…
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How to Run a Fire Lighting Activity for Scouts
Fire lighting is a classic outdoor skill, but it should never be treated as simply a race to get a flame. A well-planned fire lighting activity can teach Scouts about preparation, responsibility, teamwork, fire safety and how to make sensible decisions outdoors. For younger or less experienced groups, the activity can focus on recognising equipment,…
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