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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What Is Bushcraft? A Simple Guide for Beginners
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Bushcraft involves real-world outdoor skills, including fire lighting, knife use, shelter building, cooking and working with natural materials. These activities can involve genuine risks. Learn skills progressively, use appropriate equipment, follow local rules and get suitable instruction or supervision where needed. Bushcraft is about understanding and respecting the outdoors — not taking…
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Explorers Progression: A Guide to Skills, Badges, Awards and Moving On to Network
⚠️ SAFETY & AGE-APPROPRIATENESS NOTE Explorer Scouts are generally 14–18 years old, so the programme can involve significantly more independence, responsibility and challenging activities. However, greater independence does not mean ignoring safety procedures or appropriate supervision. Activities involving fire, knives, tools, water, climbing, camping, navigation, expeditions and survival skills should be properly planned and risk…
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Scouts Progression: A Guide to Skills, Badges and Moving On to Explorers
⚠️ SAFETY & AGE-APPROPRIATENESS NOTE Scouts are generally 10½–14 years old, so activities can become more challenging and young people can take on greater responsibility. However, greater independence does not mean removing appropriate adult supervision or safety procedures. Activities involving fire, knives, tools, water, climbing, cooking, camping, navigation and survival skills should be properly risk…
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Cubs Progression: A Guide to Skills, Badges and Moving On to Scouts
⚠️ SAFETY & AGE-APPROPRIATENESS NOTE Cubs are 8–10½ years old, so activities should always be suitable for their age, experience and individual needs. Activities involving fire, knives, tools, water, climbing, cooking, camping and outdoor exploration should be properly planned and supervised by appropriately responsible adults. Progression doesn’t mean removing supervision. It means gradually giving young…
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Beavers Progression: A Guide to Skills, Badges and Moving On to Beavers
⚠️ SAFETY & AGE-APPROPRIATENESS NOTE Beavers are 6–8 years old, so activities should be appropriate for their age, abilities and individual needs. Children should have suitable adult supervision for activities involving fire, cooking, water, tools, climbing, outdoor exploration and other potential hazards. Progression isn’t about making activities unnecessarily difficult. It’s about helping young people become…
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Scouts Survival Skills Badge – Requirements, Activities & How to Complete It
What Is the Scouts Survival Skills Badge? The Scouts Survival Skills Activity Badge is designed to help Scouts develop practical skills that could be useful when spending time outdoors. The badge covers a range of subjects, including: The badge finishes by bringing several of these skills together during a group survival exercise. Always check the…
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Squirrels Progression: A Guide to Skills, Badges and Moving On to Beavers
🌰 SAFETY & AGE-APPROPRIATENESS NOTE Squirrels are 4–6 years old, so activities should always be appropriate for their age, abilities and individual needs. Squirrels should be supported and supervised by appropriately responsible adults, particularly during outdoor activities, cooking, tool use, water activities and anything involving fire. The aim isn’t simply to complete as many badges…
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How to Treat Severe Bleeding: A First Aid Guide
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. What Counts as Severe Bleeding? Most cuts aren’t life-threatening. Severe bleeding is different. A wound may be particularly serious if: Severe blood loss can lead to shock and can…
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Basic Knots: A Beginner’s Guide to Essential Outdoor Knots
Why Learn Basic Knots? You don’t need to become an expert sailor or climber to benefit from knowing a few knots. A handful of useful knots can help with: Knots are particularly useful because they allow you to join, secure, tension and adjust cordage without needing complicated equipment. Unlike a tent, a tarp usually doesn’t…
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30-Minute Activity Plan: Survival Priorities Challenge
This 30-minute survival priorities activity teaches young people how to assess an unexpected outdoor situation, decide what matters most and make calm decisions before taking action. What Young People Will Learn By the end of the activity, participants should be able to: Before the Activity Prepare Your Scenarios Prepare several simple outdoor survival scenarios before…
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