Snow and ice and all things nice
You’ll need
- Pens or pencils
- A4 paper
- Access to the internet
Before you begin
- As groups will be planning a snowy sojourn, they’ll probably need access to computers or devices to help them find the information they need to prepare themselves.
Run the activity
- Split into groups of three or four. Give each group writing materials, paper and a computer or device with internet access.
- Each group should divide their paper into four equal sections. Entitle the sections: ‘Activity and equipment’, ‘Location’, ‘Group size and ability’ and ‘Backup plan’.
- Groups should fill in the relevant information in each section to plan their trip, using the following steps as a guide.
- For ‘Activity and equipment’, groups should agree upon and write down what they’d like to do on the trip and what they’ll need to do it. This might involve specific lessons or off-piste days. Direct everyone to this kit list, which should cover everything they’ll need.
- For ‘Location’, think about where your group will be going, how you’ll get there and why you’ve chosen that place.
- For ‘Group size and ability’, think about how many people you’d be bringing along and what their ability levels are. Depending on your planned location and activities, some accessibility adaptations may need to be made.
- For ‘Backup plan’, come up with a plan B in case the preferred trip can’t take place due to weather or other factors. Think about planning for emergencies and how you’d get from your location to a hospital or home. Learn more about managing incidents by having a go at ‘Slope spotters’ [LINK].
- Groups could now present their idea for a snowsports trip to the person leading the activity or to the other groups. Explain the choices that were made as part of the planning process. The audience should ask questions to double-check that each piste planning party has thought of everything.
Reflection
When planning something like a snowsports trip, it’s important to be able to work as a team. Lots of different ideas and thoughts will be thrown around, and there’s a chance that everyone will be wanting to get something different out of the trip. Throughout the planning process, everyone should make sure to remind themselves to speak their minds, at least a few times, and give others the opportunity to do the same. Everyone’s ideas are important, so listening is just as important as speaking up when working in a team.
Look for opportunities to help everyone listen to someone else speaking their mind in the future. This support should inspire others to help build a more inclusive and supportive environment.
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.
Groups with more knowledge and experience can be challenged to create their plan without any external information or help, so that they must draw on everything they’ve learned to cover all their bases. Groups with less experience may need more support and access to the linked resources to help think of everything.
- Groups should consider any and all additional needs of those within their groups when planning their activities and trips.
- Groups who prefer not to write could type up or voice-record their plan.
All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.
Put your plans into action by adding your trip to the Programme Planning Tool and heading out on your very own adventure. To help make this happen, check out the Snowsports adventure.
Groups had the chance to create their own unique experience, formed from their own ideas and discussion. Everyone should take ownership of their contributions to the group and to the idea itself, and remember to do the same in future teams.