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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Choosing Equipment for Survival Skills and Outdoor Activities
Choosing the right equipment can make outdoor activities easier, safer and more enjoyable. Whether you’re preparing for camping, learning survival skills, heading into the countryside or building an outdoor skills kit, it can be tempting to buy lots of specialist equipment. In reality, good equipment selection is less about having the biggest collection and more…
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Family Outdoor Challenges: Fun Activities for Parents and Children
Family challenges are a great way to turn an ordinary afternoon into a small adventure. You don’t need specialist equipment, expensive days out or a complicated plan. A local park, garden, woodland, beach or walking route can provide everything you need for a simple challenge that gets the whole family involved. The best family challenges…
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Safe Practice for Children Taking Part in Outdoor Activities
Outdoor activities can give children some of their most memorable experiences. Camping, walking, exploring, building shelters, learning practical skills and spending time outside all provide opportunities to develop confidence and independence. For parents, however, it is natural to wonder how to keep children safe while still allowing them to enjoy those experiences. Safe practice doesn’t…
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What to Pack for a Scout Camp: A Practical Guide for Parents
Packing for a Scout camp can feel surprisingly complicated the first few times. There are clothes, sleeping equipment, wash kit, food, waterproofs and all the little items that are easy to forget. Then there is the temptation to pack far too much “just in case”. The good news is that packing for a Scout camp…
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Outdoor Activities for Kids at Home: Simple Ideas for Families
You don’t need a campsite, expensive equipment or a long journey to give children a chance to enjoy the outdoors. A garden, driveway, balcony, local green space or even a short walk around the neighbourhood can provide opportunities for children to explore, build practical skills and have fun. Outdoor activities at home are particularly useful…
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Risk Assessment Guidance for Scout Leaders
Risk assessment is an important part of planning safe Scout and outdoor activities. For leaders, it doesn’t need to be a complicated paperwork exercise. A useful risk assessment is simply a structured way of thinking about what could go wrong, who could be affected, what controls are already in place and whether anything else needs…
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Scout Equipment Safety: A Practical Guide for Leaders
Camping and outdoor equipment makes Scouting possible. Tents, stoves, ropes, tools, cooking equipment, torches and other kit allow young people to learn practical skills and become more independent. But equipment is only useful when it is suitable, in good condition and used correctly. For Scout leaders, equipment safety starts before an activity begins. A few…
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Practical Supervision Guidance for Scout Leaders
Good supervision is one of the most important parts of running a safe and enjoyable Scout activity. It isn’t simply about watching young people and stepping in when something goes wrong. Effective supervision starts before the activity begins, continues throughout the session and includes understanding the environment, knowing the group, anticipating problems and being prepared…
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Bad-Weather Alternatives for Scout Activities
Bad weather doesn’t always mean cancelling a Scout meeting. Rain, strong winds, cold temperatures and poor conditions can make your original outdoor plan unsuitable, but with a little preparation you can often switch to an indoor or lower-risk alternative without losing the purpose of the session. The key is not to try to recreate the…
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Campfire Equipment Checklist for Scouts and Cubs
A practical campfire equipment checklist for Scout leaders, covering the equipment needed to plan, prepare, run and safely clear up a campfire activity. A campfire can be one of the most memorable parts of a Scout or Cub camp, whether you’re cooking, telling stories, singing songs or simply enjoying time outdoors. Good preparation makes the…
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