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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10 Map Reading Games for Scouts: Fun Activities for Leaders
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Map reading activities can be run in a classroom, campsite or outdoors, but activities that involve moving around outside require appropriate planning and supervision. Before sending teams out, check the map, terrain, weather, boundaries and hazards. Make sure Scouts know where they are allowed to go and have a clear instruction for…
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10 Navigation Games for Scouts: Fun Activities for Leaders
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Navigation games should take place in an appropriate, clearly defined area with suitable adult supervision. Before starting, leaders should check the route, weather, terrain, boundaries and any hazards. Make sure young people understand where they can and cannot go and establish a clear stop signal. The aim is to develop navigation skills…
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10 Outdoor Survival Games for Scouts: Fun Activities for Leaders
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Outdoor survival games should be fun, educational and appropriately supervised. Activities involving water, fire, tools, heights or challenging terrain require additional planning and suitable controls. Adapt every activity to the age, ability and experience of your group, the location and the weather. Follow your organisation’s current safety guidance and any rules applying…
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What Should You Do If Your Clothing Gets Wet Outdoors?
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. ⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Wet clothing can become dangerous in cold, windy or exposed conditions. Water conducts heat away from the body much faster than dry air, and wind can…
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What Is Kindling? A Simple Guide for Beginners
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Kindling is designed to catch fire relatively easily, so it should always be handled with care. Only light fires where they are permitted and where conditions are suitable. Keep flammable materials away from unintended ignition sources, never leave a fire unattended, and make sure you have a safe way to extinguish it…
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What Is Tinder? A Simple Guide for Beginners
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Tinder is designed to catch fire easily, which also means it can ignite very quickly and unexpectedly. Only practise fire lighting where fires are permitted and under appropriate supervision. Keep flammable materials away from unintended sources of ignition and always have a safe way to extinguish a fire. Never collect or burn…
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What Is a Fire Lay? A Simple Guide for Beginners
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Fire can be useful outdoors, but it can also cause serious burns, wildfires and environmental damage. Only light fires where they are permitted and where it is safe to do so. Follow local rules, campsite instructions and any fire restrictions. Keep fires small and controlled, have suitable means of extinguishing them available,…
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What Is a Bearing? A Simple Guide to Navigation Bearings
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST A compass bearing is a useful navigation tool, but a bearing on its own doesn’t tell you exactly where you are. When navigating outdoors, use a suitable map and compass together, consider the terrain and weather, and regularly check that your route still makes sense. Don’t deliberately practise navigation by getting lost.…
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What Is Natural Navigation? A Simple Guide for Beginners
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Natural navigation can be useful, but it shouldn’t be treated as a replacement for a map, compass, GPS or other appropriate navigation equipment. Natural signs can be difficult to interpret and weather, season, location and local conditions can all affect them. When heading outdoors, especially into unfamiliar or remote areas, carry suitable…
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What Is Survival? A Simple Guide for Beginners
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Survival skills are designed to help you manage unexpected situations, not encourage unnecessary risk. The best survival strategy is to avoid getting into trouble in the first place through good planning, appropriate equipment and sensible decision-making. If you’re lost, injured or facing a genuine emergency, contact the appropriate emergency services as soon…
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