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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

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Scouts Outdoor Challenge Award

Scouts Outdoor Challenge Award

Outdoor badge

Spend eight nights away from home. Cook a meal on camp. Tread new ground. It’s time to find your feet in the great outdoors.

How to earn your badge:

  1. Take an active part in at least eight nights away as a Scout.

    Four of the nights should be camping. While you’re away, work with other Scouts to complete the other tasks on this list.

  2. With others, pitch and strike your tent.
  3. Lead, or help to lead, a group of Scouts to set up a well-organised site.

    It should include sleeping tents, food and equipment stores, a fire or stove, kitchen and eating area.

  4. Prepare and light an open fire or set up a suitable stove.

    Use it to prepare, cook and serve a meal safely.

  5. Understand the three points of the Countryside Code.

    Show what action you can take to follow the code.

  6. Find out why personal and campsite hygiene is important.

    What should you do to be hygienic?

  7. Using knots that you have learned, build a simple pioneering project, object or camp gadget.
  8. Explore the environment of your camp and make sure you know where everything is.

    Respect the environment you are in and, at the end of the camp, leave the site as you found it.

  9. Find out what accidents and incidents can happen outdoors or during your camp.

    Show how you would deal with them.

  10. Show how to use an axe, saw or knife safely.

    You can choose any or all of these tools.

  11. Complete at least four of these tasks:
    1. Cook a backwoods meal with the group.
    2. Lead the cooking of a meal for the group.
    3. Take part in a campfire or other entertainment.
    4. Take part in a wide game.
    5. Working with others, successfully complete a two-hour activity or project.
    6. Plan a balanced menu for a short camp.
    7. Show that you know the safety precautions for using lamps and stoves.
    8. Build a bivouac and sleep in it.
    9. Provide a service commitment to the site for about an hour.
    10. Show how to pack a rucksack correctly, with appropriate kit for the camp or event.

Tips

  • Requirements can be adapted according to each young person’s abilities.

    For more information and practical tips see our guidance on flexibility.

March 2024.

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

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