activities outdoors taking Scouting outside 17 17 activities outdoors

activities outdoors taking Scouting outside 17 17 activities outdoors

17 Who is Activities Outdoors for? This module (number 17) is for Section Leaders and Section Supporters in Scouting. It helps them recognise the importance of outdoor activities as part of a balanced programme. It also provides them with the skills they need to plan and implement exciting, safe and developmental outdoor activities outside for the young people in their Section. What does this module contain? The module contains approximately two hours of learning that may be managed in a variety of ways. How is this module validated? The validation of this module is based on the individual s ability to meet the validation criteria, as set out in the Training Adviser s Guide and the Adult's Personal File. This means that the adult will be required to demonstrate their ability to plan and implement exciting, safe and appropriate activities for their Section. What information is provided? The module contains objectives which relate to the importance of activities outdoors, as well as the roles and responsibilities of Leaders and Commissioners in organising and authorising activities outdoors. The policies, procedures, rules and guidance of The Scout Association relating to activities outdoors are also provided. The objectives for the module are given followed by training methods. The content is given in outline with the key points expanded in more detail. Trainer s notes are also given to provide guidance on methods or other key points. The information is not however a script for the session. Prior knowledge and/or research of the subject matter by the Trainer will be required before delivery of the training. Series Editor Chris James Editors Robert Halkyard Claire McAuliffe Contributor Paul Wilkinson Design and Production The Workroom Copyright 2003 The Scout Association New Edition First printed 2003 Printed by Belmont Press Editor s note Although in some parts of the British Isles Scout Counties are known as Areas or Islands and in one case Bailiwick, for ease of reading this material simply refers to County or Counties.

Session details Session Page Timing (hrs) 1 Why activities outdoors? 5 0:15 2 Approving activities 7 0:20 3 Planning safe activities outdoors (plus 5 min report back per group) 10 0:45 4 Emergency procedures 13 0:10 Depending on the number and nature of the participants and staff, these sessions may need to be preceded by introduction and/or integration sessions. Planning considerations Module 17, Activities Outdoors is a compulsory module for Section Leaders and Section Supporters. The learners for this module may have various roles and levels of experience within Scouting. Some will be adults taking on a Warranted role or Appointment. Others may be either new to Scouting or changing roles. Some pre-session work may need to be done as the presenter needs to understand the roles and responsibilities of Leaders and Commissioners in planning and authorising outdoor activities as well as the factors that need to be taken into account in the planning stages including Risk Assessments, parental permission and Home Contact procedures. They will also need to be well acquainted with the rules and guidance provided by The Scout Association. The lead presenter should also possess a good knowledge of planning and running Sectional outdoor activities (although not necessarily activities requiring Activity Authorisations). The sessions are designed to give adults the necessary knowledge and understanding to plan and implement activities outdoors. Following on from Getting Started, completion of this module is mandatory for Section Leaders and Supporters in order for them to receive the Wood Badge. The number of participants on the course will determine the ways of working. Smaller numbers allow for one to one or individual working and sharing ideas. It is recommended that large groups (of eight or more participants) are broken up into tutor groups, each supported by a facilitator. Activities outdoors 1

Due to the active nature of this subject area, it may be useful to introduce a practical element. The training material concentrates on policies, procedures and the planning of safe and appropriate activities. However if the resources are available, consideration might be given to providing participants with the opportunity to plan and run an outdoor activity for young people (as a replacement for or supplement to session three). The activity could be as simple as taking a Beaver Scout Colony to the park. However it is likely that the activity will have to take place on a separate occasion from the training in order to give sufficient time for the necessary arrangements (parental consent, Home Contact etc.) to be made. For session three, participants will find it beneficial to work in Sectional groups. Beaver Scout Leaders for example, could work together on the Beaver Scout option. It is recommended that where there are insufficient participants from a particular Section to make a group, individuals should be asked to work in a Sectional group with a similar age range. 2 Activities outdoors

Activities outdoors Trainer Aim To enable adults to plan and run exciting, safe and developmental activities outdoors for the young people in their Section. Learner Objectives There are eleven overall objectives for this module: Group 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Explain the importance of regular outdoor activities as part of a balanced programme. Describe the role and responsibilities of Leaders, GSLs and DCs with regard to activities that do not require formal Activity Authorisations (weekly meetings, visits and trips, activities in Terrain Zero, Class C Waters etc.). Explain how Policy, Organisation and Rules and activities factsheets detail the requirements and provide guidance on a wide range of Scouting activities. Plan suitable outdoor activities taking into account the age, experience and fitness of the group, any Special Needs, the activity involved and the anticipated weather conditions. Undertake appropriate Risk Assessments before and during activities. Explain the purpose and operation of the Home Contact and parental permission systems and be able to implement them for all appropriate activities. Select adequate and appropriate clothing, footwear, personal and group equipment for the activity and weather conditions. Explain the importance of maintaining the correct adult to young person ratio during all activities. Manage a group during activities through the appropriate use of delegation, decision-making, group control and good communication. Outline the difficulties of operating with both large numbers of young people as a single group, and the risks with very small groups. Detail the emergency and reporting procedures to be implemented in the event of an accident or incident. Report back Trainer s notes Handout notes Timing Worksheet Activities outdoors 3

Methods Visual aids A series of sessions This module may be delivered as a series of training sessions during an evening or weekend. Factsheet Small group A facilitator with sufficient experience to lead a group through the subject areas may deliver this module on a small group basis. Resources To carry out the training in its entirety, you will need the following: Display boards Overhead projector (OHP) and overhead transparencies (OHTs) Flipchart(s) Flipchart paper and pens Paper and pens Pliable adhesive or pins Copies of Policy, Organisation and Rules Copies of Scout Led Activities Index (FS 120084) Copies of Commercially Led Activities Index (FS 120086) Copies of Risk Assessment (FS 120000) Copies of Home Contacts (FS 120078) Copies of Pre-event Checklist (FS 120080) Copies of One Day Activity Form (FS 120078) Copies of Adult Groups in Adventurous Activities (FS 120087) Copies of the relevant handouts. 4 Activities outdoors

Activities outdoors: session 1 Why activities outdoors? Key objectives 1 Explain the importance of regular outdoor activities as part of a balanced programme. Resources For this session, you will need the following resources: Flipchart Flipchart paper and pens. Trainer s notes This session explains why and how activities outdoors form a vital part of a balanced programme. Task List the outdoor activities that Scouts can and do take part in. Record the answers on the flipchart provided. Trainer s notes It is likely that the participants will come up with a very wide range of activities. (See the factsheet Scout Led Activities Index [FS 120084] for a list of possible activities) Remind participants that the list they have come up with is only the start and that many more ideas are available from their ADCs, ACCs, County Advisers as well as from the A-Z Activities pages on ScoutBase UK (www.scoutbase.org.uk). Trainer input Put the flipchart to one side (or remove the first sheet and display it) and ask the participants why outdoor activities are such an important part of Scouting. ( Why as Scouts do we do so many outdoor activities? ) Record the group s answers on a second flipchart page. Activities outdoors 5

It is likely that participants will come up with a range of answers such as: activities outdoors are fun and adventurous; they help young people to develop physically and take responsibility for themselves and others; they help them discover the outdoors. In summing up the exercise, you should develop the answers given by the participants to draw out the following points: We know from recent research that young people join Scouting for camping and outdoor activities and leave when they don t get them. Therefore in order to attract and retain Members we need to offer activities outdoors. Activities outdoors also form a key part of our Fundamentals. Specifically Exploring the outdoors is one of the four ways we achieve the Purpose of Scouting. (See Scouting Essentials, page 12). Activities outdoors are a key part of the Balanced Programme. Programme Zones on the outdoors specific to each Section are as follows: Beaver Scout Cub Scouts Scouts Explorer Scouts Scout Network Exploring the world around us Outdoor Scouting Scoutcraft and adventure Outdoors Outdoors Explain also that we need to provide safe activities that develop young people and offer: excitement but not danger adventure but not hazard. Summarise that this is an introduction to the reasons why outdoor activities are such an important part of Scouting. The following sessions will look at how we can ensure that we offer exciting, safe and developmental activities outdoors. 6 Activities outdoors

Activities outdoors: session 2 Approving activities Key objectives 1 Describe the role and responsibilities of Leaders, GSLs and DCs with regard to activities which do not require formal Activity Authorisations (weekly meetings, visits and trips, activities in Terrain Zero, Class C Waters etc.). 2 Explain how Policy, Organisation and Rules and activities factsheets detail the requirements and provide guidance on a wide range of Scouting activities. Resources For this session, you will need the following resources: OHP and OHT s. Trainer input Explain that the vast majority of activities do not require formal Activity Authorisations. The exceptions are: Air Activities Water Activities (except Class C Waters) Hill walking (except Terrain Zero) Off road cycling (except Terrain Zero) Snowsports (except Terrain Zero or artificial) Caving Climbing and abseiling. (See OHT 2a ) All activities however require the approval of the District Commissioner (or County Commissioner in the case of Scout Network). In most cases this approval is obtained under an informal system agreed between the District (or County) Commissioner and each Group Scout Leader, District Explorer Scout Commissioner (or County Scout Network Commissioner). Activities outdoors 7

Explain that different rules apply to groups consisting solely of adults who are taking part in adventurous activities. See the factsheet Adult Groups in Adventurous Activities (FS 120087). Trainer s notes: Try to avoid getting into a detailed explanation of either Terrain Zero of Class C Waters. However if necessary you may use OHT 2b to explain the criteria for Terrain Zero, One and Two and OHT 2c to explain the definition of Class C Water. For activities run by the Movement there are seven specific steps that need to be taken: 1 Check Policy, Organisation and Rules. 2 Check relevant factsheets. 3 Check if a Scout Authorisation is required. 4 Check whether further insurance is required. 5 Check whether Headquarters requires notification. 6 Complete a Risk Assessment. 7 Appoint a Home Contact. (See OHT 2d ) Explain that although there might seem to be a large number of steps, the factsheet Scout Led Activities Index (FS 120084) covers almost every activity Scouts do. It provides all the information necessary for steps one to five. By following the guidance in the factsheet, all Leaders need to do themselves is step six: Complete a Risk Assessment and seven: Appoint a Home Contact. For activities led by commercial or other organisations outside Scouting there are a slightly different seven steps to follow: 1 Check Policy, Organisation and Rules. 2 Check whether an AALA licence is required. 3 If not, check NGB qualifications of those running the activity. 4 Check whether the provider has personal liability insurance. 5 Check whether further insurance is required. 6 Check whether Headquarters requires notification. 7 Appoint a Home Contact. (See OHT 2e ) Explain that again whilst there might seem to be a large number of steps, there is another factsheet Commercially Led Activities Index (FS 120086) which covers a wide range of activities. It provides the information for Leaders to implement steps one to seven. Explain that in addition to the two Activities Index factsheets there are also a number of supporting factsheets that need to be taken into account when planning any activity these are: 8 Activities outdoors

Risk Assessment (FS 120000) Home Contacts (FS 120078) Pre-event Checklist (FS 120080) One Day Activity Form (FS 120078) Adult Groups in Adventurous Activities (FS 120087). (See OHT 2f ) Explain that all the factsheets can be obtained from the Scout Information Centre (0845 300 1818) or from ScoutBase UK at www.scoutbase.org.uk Activities outdoors 9

Activities outdoors: session 3 Planning safe activities outdoors +5 mins per group Key objectives 1 Plan suitable outdoor activities taking into account the age, experience and fitness of the group, any Special Needs, the activity involved and the anticipated weather conditions. 2 Undertake appropriate Risk Assessments before and during activities. 3 Explain the purpose and operation of the Home Contact and parental permission systems and be able to implement them for all appropriate activities. 4 Select adequate and appropriate clothing, footwear, personal and group equipment for the activity and weather conditions. 5 Explain the importance of maintaining the correct adult to young person ratio during all activities. 6 Manage a group during activities through the appropriate use of delegation, decision-making, group control and good communication. 7 Outline the difficulties of operating with both large numbers of young people as a single group, and the risks with very small groups. Resources For this session, you will need the following resources: Display boards Flipchart Flipchart paper and pens Copies of Policy, Organisation and Rules Copies of Scout Led Activities Index (FS 120084) Copies of Commercially Led Activities Index (FS 120086) Copies of Risk Assessment (FS 120000) Copies of Home Contacts (FS 120078) Copies of Pre-event Checklist (FS120080) Copies of One Day Activity Form (FS 120078) Copies of Adult Groups in Adventurous Activities (FS 120087). 10 Activities outdoors

Trainer input Explain that in this session we will look at planning activities outdoors for different age groups using a number of different case studies (given on Handouts A-E). Explain the task and the method of reporting back, then distribute the handouts. Trainer s notes This session is likely to be of most benefit to the participants if they are able to work in Sectional groups with the case studies reflecting the age group with which they work. Where there are insufficient participants from a particular Section to make a group (a minimum of two or three), individuals should be asked to work in a Sectional group with a similar age range. Where there is more than one group from a particular Section, it may be beneficial to write additional case studies reflecting a number of appropriate outdoor activities for that Section. In addition, depending upon the venue, timings etc. it might be useful to write or adapt the case studies in order that they reflect the situation, surroundings and facilities of the local area. This would help make the case studies more real for the participants. All participants should have an understanding of Risk Assessment as it is included as part of Module 1, Essential Information, however the group facilitators must be able to explain the detail of the Risk Assessment process if necessary. Task You will be given a case study relating to a particular Section and activity. Your task is to plan the activity by identifying the guidance to be followed and the steps required. Remember to also undertake an initial Risk Assessment for the activity. Outline the steps that you would take to avoid, minimise or remove any risks; identify the issues that you would need to monitor during the activity and suggest possible modifications that might have to be made once it is underway. The report back will be in the form of a five-minute presentation from each group covering the different aspects of your planning. Activities outdoors 11

Report back Each group should feedback on their case study task. per group The Trainer should check that each group has: identified the guidance to be followed (based on the Scout Led Activities Index factsheet) undertaken a suitable Risk Assessment, adapting the plans as necessary identified an appropriate adult to young person ratio taken into account the age group, training, experience, Special Needs etc. of the young people involved considered the size of the group involved (and the need/possibility of splitting into separate groups) taken into account external factors such as the venue, anticipated weather etc. considered the necessary personal equipment, clothing and footwear for the activity considered the necessary group equipment for the activity (First Aid kit, communication equipment etc.) identified the method(s) of monitoring and supervising the activity considered the need to obtain parental consent (based upon the factsheet: One Day Activity Form) considered the need to appoint a Home Contact (based upon the Home Contacts factsheet). 12 Activities outdoors

Activities outdoors: session 4 Emergency procedures Key objectives 1 Detail the emergency and reporting procedures to be implemented in the event of an accident or incident. Resources For this session, you will need the following resources: Copies of Policy, Organisation and Rules Copies of Accidents: A Guide to Reporting for Leaders and Commissioners (FS 120079) Copies of Home Contacts (FS 120078). Trainer input Explain that in this session we will look at what to do if, despite all the precautions taken, an accident or incident does occur. Explain that with all accidents or incidents the first priority is to deal with the incident itself i.e. administer First Aid, call an ambulance and/or the rescue services, take the individual(s) concerned to an Accident and Emergency department, dentist etc. The second step is to inform the parent(s) or guardian(s) and District/County via the Home Contact system (or directly where there is no Home Contact for accidents in the Group Headquarters etc). The third step is to inform Scout Insurance Services via the Scout Information Centre (0845 300 1818). Explain that whilst it is not possible to give exact criteria about what needs to be reported, in general, Scout Insurance Services needs to be notified of any injury or illness which requires medical intervention by a doctor, dentist or at a hospital. This should happen regardless of the final diagnosis. A suspected broken arm that turns out to be only badly bruised, for example, must still be reported. Minor injuries (cuts and grazes) which are dealt with by First Aid and which require no further medical intervention do not need to be reported. Activities outdoors 13

However if a minor injury deteriorates, for example if it is discovered that the young person receives medical treatment at a later date (perhaps arranged by their parent) then the incident should be reported. In addition any incident where the emergency services (Police, Fire, Mountain Rescue, Coastguard etc.) have been summoned, irrespective of whether anyone was injured, must also be reported. The Scout Information Centre can provide advice in cases where it is unclear whether to report or not. 14 Activities outdoors

HO A Case study Beaver Scouts You are the Beaver Scout Leader of a Colony with 20 Beaver Scouts. You have an Assistant Beaver Scout Leader, a Colony Helper and a 15-year-old Young Leader who help you on a regular basis. You have some parental support and whilst you do not operate a parent rota, you can often get parents to help with special events or activities. At your planning meeting for next term (the Summer Term) you decided that you would take the Colony to the local park one evening to do a scavenger hunt and play rounders. The park is about 750 metres from the hall although it is necessary to cross a main road using a pelican crossing. One of your Beavers has some behavioural difficulties and requires significant supervision. As a group your task is to plan the activity by: identifying the guidance to be followed and the steps you need to take undertaking an initial Risk Assessment for the activity outlining the steps that you would take to avoid, minimise or remove any risks identifying the issues that you would need to monitor during the activity and identifying any possible modifications that might have to be made once it is underway. Activities outdoors

HO B Case study Cub Scouts You are the Cub Scout Leader of a Pack with 24 Cub Scouts. You have an Assistant Cub Scout Leader and two Pack Helpers. You have a parents rota with one parent assisting each evening. At your planning meeting for next term (the Summer Term) you decided that you should teach the Cub Scouts how to light fires and then do some cooking. You have booked the local campsite for a Saturday (10.00am 4.00pm) and are intending to ask the parents to drop the Cubs off at the site. You recognise that the fire lighting may not take all the time you have available and have thought you might run a wide game in the afternoon. As a group your task is to plan the activity by: identifying the guidance to be followed and the steps you need to take undertaking an initial Risk Assessment for the activity outlining the steps that you would take to avoid, minimise or remove any risks identifying the issues that you would need to monitor during the activity and identifying any possible modifications that might have to be made once it is underway. Activities outdoors

HO C Case study Scouts You are the Scout Leader of a Troop with 18 Scouts. You have two Assistant Scout Leaders and a Troop Helper. At your planning meeting for next term (the Christmas Term) you decided that you should run a wide game in the local wood one Troop night. The wood is about 1km away and in the past you have walked there using the country roads that lead between the wood and the Scout hall. The wood is quite small (less than 1km square), densely forested and bounded on all sides by roads, one of which is a dual carriageway. One of your Scouts is partially sighted. As a group your task is to plan the activity by: identifying the guidance to be followed and the steps you need to take undertaking an initial Risk Assessment for the activity outlining the steps that you would take to avoid, minimise or remove any risks identifying the issues that you would need to monitor during the activity and identifying any possible modifications that might have to be made once it is underway. Activities outdoors

HO D Case study Explorer Scouts You are the Explorer Scout Leader of a Unit with 15 Explorer Scouts. You have two Assistant Explorer Scout Leaders and a Unit Helper. The Explorer Scouts have asked if they can undertake an overnight hike in order to prepare for their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh expedition. The hike will cover 48km (30 miles) with an overnight stop at a Scout campsite. All of the hike will take place within Terrain Zero (Below 500m and within 30 minutes of help) in the next County. All the Explorer Scouts have received training in navigation, hiking and lightweight camping. One of your Explorer Scouts is a diabetic on insulin. As a group your task is to plan the activity by: identifying the guidance to be followed and the steps you need to take undertaking an initial Risk Assessment for the activity outlining the steps that you would take to avoid, minimise or remove any risks identifying the issues that you would need to monitor during the activity and identifying any possible modifications that might have to be made once it is underway. Activities outdoors

HO E Case study Scout Network You are the County Scout Network Commissioner. One of the members of the Network has offered to plan a car based treasure hunt for a Friday evening in the summer. As a group your task is to review the arrangements for the safety aspects of the activity by: identifying the guidance to be followed and the steps that need to be taken undertaking an initial Risk Assessment for the activity outlining the steps that you would take (or require to be taken) to avoid, minimise or remove any risks identifying the issues that need to be monitored during the activity and identifying any possible modifications that might have to be made once it is underway. Activities outdoors

Module 17 Activities outdoors 2a Scout Authorisations Activities that require an Activity Authorisation: Air Activities Water Activities (except Class C Waters) Hill walking (except Terrain Zero) Off road cycling (except Terrain Zero) Snowsports (except Terrain Zero or artificial) Caving Climbing and abseiling The Scout Association

The Scout Association Travelling time from help 30mins Height above sea level Terrain Zero see POR chapter 9 500m 800m 1000m Mountain terrain Module 17 Activities outdoors Terrain One WGL Terrain Two ML NB: Scrambling is Terrain Two 3 hours 2b

Module 17 Activities outdoors 2c Class C Waters Inland lakes, lochs or other stretches of placid water which are less than 100 metres wide throughout the region being used and where surface turbulence is limited to the regular waves produced by wind action. This also includes rivers or canals which again are less than 100 metres wide in the region that is being used. The Scout Association

Module 17 Activities outdoors 2d Steps to take prior to Scout led activities 1 Check Policy, Organisation and Rules. 2 Check relevant factsheets. 3 Check if a Scout Authorisation is required. 4 Check whether further insurance is required. 5 Check whether Headquarters requires notification. 6 Complete a Risk Assessment. 7 Appoint a Home Contact. Note: steps 1-5 are covered in the factsheet: Scout Led Activities (FS 120084). The Scout Association

Module 17 Activities outdoors 2e Steps to take prior to commercially led activities 1 Check Policy, Organisation and Rules. 2 Check whether an AALA licence is required. 3 If not, check NGB qualifications of those running the activity. 4 Check whether the provider has personal liability insurance. 5 Check whether further insurance is required. 6 Check whether Headquarters requires notification. 7 Appoint a Home Contact. Note: steps 1-6 are covered in the factsheet: Commercially Led Activities (FS 120086). The Scout Association

Module 17 Activities outdoors Factsheets for all activities Risk Assessment (FS 120000) Home Contacts (FS 120078) Pre-event Checklist (FS 120080) One Day Activity Form (FS 120078) Adult Groups in Adventurous Activities (FS 120087) The Scout Association 2f