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Volunteering at Scouts is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing at Scouts. Read more

Discover what this means

Nature hunt

Do you need an extra excuse for a walk in nature? Turn a stroll into a super scavenger hunt to get in touch with the natural world.
Plan a session with this activity

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You’ll need

  • Pens or pencils
  • A4 paper

Try this at Gulliver's Theme Park Resorts!

Thinking of running this activity? Well, why not try it during a trip to Gulliver's Theme Park Resorts with your group. Whether you are there for a Scouts Takeover weekend, or heading out on a group visit with just your troop, this activity can be a great addition to your trip programming. 

Learn more about the partnership here

Before you begin

Plan a route in a natural area such as a park, woods, or common. Choose one that’s easy to walk.

Get hunting

  1. Provide everyone with pens and paper.
  2. Decide on which plants and animals everyone is going to try to find, and write these down.
  1. Everyone should split into small groups with at least two adults for each group. 
  2. Each group should set off to try and find and observe the items.
  1. If a group finds one of the trickier items, they should let their friends in other groups know.
  1. Once everyone’s finished the hunt, they could play a favourite game while they’re outdoors in the fresh air.

Reflection

This activity gave everyone a chance to look closely at the world and enjoy the magic of nature. While everyone’s outdoors, they should sit together and have a moment of quiet. They should listen and see what they can hear – it could be animals, birds, or insects, or just the breeze in the trees. Everyone should smell the air: what can people smell? They may be able to smell grass, trees, or water. If they can, people should touch the grass or trees and feel the textures. How does being outside make everyone feel? Being in the outdoors is also a great way to take care of our bodies and minds, by finding ways to help us be calm and rest. Perhaps being outdoors helps some people feel relaxed and ready for their next adventure.

Safety

All activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get approval for the activity, and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.

Outdoor activities

You must have permission to use the location. Always check the weather forecast, and inform parents and carers of any change in venue.

Hiking and walking

Follow the guidance for activities in Terrain Zero, or the guidance for each the adventurous activity.

Add in some local landmarks or clues, or finish off by playing ‘I spy’ together.

Make sure the route and space is accessible for everyone.

All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.

Beavers My Outdoors Challenge Award
Beavers My Adventure Challenge Award
Squirrels All About Adventure Challenge Award

You could take camera (or smartphones) and take photographs to make a nature display. This could count towards the Beaver Photographer Activity Badge.