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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

Trail mix shuffle

Pick and mix from some sweet and salty treats, and make the perfect snack to keep you going on a hike.
Plan a session with this activity

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You’ll need

  • Trail mix ingredients (see instructions for suggestions)
  • Sealable plastic containers
  • Measuring cups
Food group facts
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Download Food group facts
Three Scouts wander through a woodland, with mountains rising up behind them.

Before you begin

  • Check carefully for any allergies or dietary requirements in advance of this activity. Avoid known allergens when buying ingredients for your group. Try to shop carefully and bulk-buy to keep the cost of ingredients down. Some combinations we enjoy include:
    • Nutty mix: Cashews, toasted almonds, raisins, pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries.
    • Sweet and salty mix: Roasted peanuts, almonds, roasted cashews, raisins and chocolate chips.
    • Tropical mix: Yoghurt-covered raisins, unsweetened coconut chips, dried pineapple, cashews, banana chips and macadamia nuts.
    • Nut-free mix: Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, dried apricots and raisins.
  • Let your group know in advance that you’ll be doing this activity and ask them to bring plastic containers in which to store their trail mix.
  • On a clean, flat surface, set out your trail mix ingredients in bowls. Put two spoons next to each ingredient.

Run the activity

  1. Everyone should stand close to the ingredients where they’re set out with their plastic containers. They should take turns to step forward and choose trail mix ingredients from the bowls. They should use a measuring cup to collect a reasonable amount of each ingredient.
  1. When everyone has got their mix together, come together to compare recipes. Everyone should think about what makes their trail mix healthy and whether it tastes nice. The only way to do that is to try some! Have a look at the ‘Healthy lifestyles info’ asset for more information about important food groups.
  2. Everyone should seal their trail mix in the plastic containers to keep them fresh for future hikes. In this state, the mix should keep for about a month.

Reflection

Bringing trail mix along on a hike is a great idea because it’s a healthy snack and it keeps energy levels up. Nuts and seeds contain essential protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, while fruits are rich in antioxidants. Why’s it a good idea to carry a snack that’s both healthy and gives you energy?

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.

Cooking

Teach young people how to use cooking equipment safely. Supervise them appropriately throughout. Make sure it’s safe to use and follow manufacturers’ guidelines for use.

Food

Remember to check for allergies, eating problems, fasting or dietary requirements and adjust the recipe as needed. Make sure you’ve suitable areas for storing and preparing food and avoid cross contamination of different foods. Take a look at our guidance on food safety and hygiene.

Make it accessible

All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.

Beavers Health and Fitness Activity Badge

Make trail mix bags to hand out to friends and family. Double-check any allergies or dietary requirements in advance.

Allow young people to pick their favourite ingredients for their own trail mix.