Adventurous Activity Permits

Outdoor and adventure is a core part of the Scouting Programme. It’s about young people trying new things, getting out of their comfort zone and learning skills for life. Through the outdoor and adventure aspects of the Scout Programme, young people can develop greater wellbeing and resilience, which gives them a better chance of having a brighter future.

Adventurous activities are a key, fun and inspiring part of Scouting. From a young person getting their first experience of being afloat in a canoe to a trekking expedition through the peaks of Nepal, they provide valuable experiences, lessons and memories for all of those involved. We want to ensure the young people get the opportunities for these positive experiences in a safe and fun environment.

Adventurous activities are:

• archery;
• caving;
• climbing and abseiling, except bouldering;
• climbs using auto belay systems (systems that lower a climber to the ground without any human intervention);
• hill walking and off-road cycling (in Terrain One and Two);
• hovercrafting;
• snowsports (except artificial slopes and nursery slopes);
• all water activities, except swimming, on class B1, B2, B3 or A waters;
• all motorised water activities and SCUBA activities on class C waters

The adventurous activity permit scheme is an internal competency-based assessment scheme designed to ensure that all those leading adventurous activities for young people within Scouting have the skills, experience and personal suitability to do so.

Full details of the Activity Permit Scheme and which activities are covered can be found at the scout website.

Applying for an Activity Permit in BSO

The person who grants a permit is your Commissioner. This will be your District Commissioner if you have a Group or District appointment, and your Area Commissioner if you have an Area appointment. When they grant a permit, it will be recorded on Compass and this is the definitive record of whether you have a permit and exactly what it covers.

A Commissioner can only grant a permit on the recommendation of an assessor. Please get in touch with the Assistant Area Commissioner (Activities) to arrange an assessment if you need one. It is possible to use a suitably qualified external assessor, but it is worth checking that the person you use has the right qualifications.

It is always a good idea to discuss your wish to have a permit with your GSL / DC before applying for the permit. You can also talk to the Deputy Area Commissioner (Programme).

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Howard Nelson, Deputy Area Commissioner (Programme) using our contact form if you would like to chat about any aspect of activities or permits.

If you require an activity permit assessment, please use the application process as detailed below:

• complete the permit assessment form which can be found at here and send to Howard Nelson.
• The Assistant Area Commissioner (Activities) will arrange for an Activity Assessor for the relevant activity to contact the applicant regarding the assessment.
• The first part of the assessment process focuses on your technical skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the activity. Your Assessor will use a variety of methods to build a picture of your skills and knowledge in your activity. The way this is carried out will depend on your experience of the activity. The assessment should be conducted in a way that supports you to demonstrate your skills at your best. It is not supposed to trick you or catch you out and should be a positive experience for everyone involved.
• The second part of the assessment focuses on your understanding of The Scout rules for the activity you wish to lead. Your Commissioner, their nominated representative, or possibly the Assessor, will carry out this assessment, at the same time as assessing your technical competence.
• The third part of the assessment focuses on ensuring that you have a current DBS and the required safeguarding and safety training. This will be carried out by your Commissioner.
• The final part of the assessment focuses on your attitude and approach to leading the activity in accordance with the values of The Scouts. This will be carried out by your Commissioner.
• Providing your Assessor and Commissioner are confident in your ability to deliver your chosen activity, a permit will be granted by your Commissioner and uploaded on to Compass.