Skip to main content

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

Cubs Our Outdoors Challenge Award

Cubs Our Outdoors Challenge Award

Our Outdoors badge

Build a shelter. Sleep beneath the stars. The Great Outdoors await you.

How to earn your badge:

  1. Take an active part in at least three nights away, on camps or Pack holidays.
  2. While you’re away, work with other Cubs to do all of these tasks:
    1. cook a meal with your Six
    2. learn and follow the Countryside Code
    3. help to pitch and strike your tent
    4. show that you know how to look after yourself and be safe at camp
    5. show that you know how to keep your tent and kit safe, tidy and secure
    6. show you know what things you need to do to look after your campsite, and that you can put them into practise
    7. build a shelter big enough for two Cubs
    8. using bamboo canes, rubber bands or simple lashings complete a simple pioneering project or make a camp gadget
    9. show that you know how to treat mild burns, scalds, cuts or grazes and make a call to the emergency services
  3. While you’re away, do at least two of these tasks as well:
    1. take part in a wide game
    2. cook a backwoods meal
    3. using knots that you’ve learned, make a simple camp gadget, like a flagpole
    4. take part in a campfire sing-along or other entertainment
    5. care for your personal equipment while at camp
    6. build a bivouac and sleep in it

Tips

  • You don’t need to do all three nights away at once; you can spread them over a number of events. You can spread the other requirements over events, too.

  • You can spend all three nights away indoors; they just need to be away from your usual meeting place.

  • If anyone has additional needs, volunteers should do their best to make adjustments they need to take part. There might be some occasions where Cubs are unable to stay away overnight – they should tackle a challenge designed for them (for example, they could join everyone during the day but sleep in a tent at home). Work together with young people, parents, and carers, and check out the guidance on flexibility.

  • Training is available as part of the Adult Training Scheme. You can ask your Assistant District or County Commissioners (Cubs) (and other people in similar roles) for help and advice. Whatever you’re planning, don’t forget the safety guidance for overnight and outdoor experiences.

April 2024.

Requirements can be adapted to suit each young persons abilities. See our guidance on flexibility.

Looking for activities for this badge