The Basics

What is a Scout Activity?

Something we do, each one has rules you can see which activities have set down rules listed here https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/

Whose job is it to get a permit?

    • YOURS. It is your permit, your responsibility and your assessment of your skills.

    • The Group can help but ultimately you need to take charge of your own permits.

    • You might be able to get help with some or all the costs if you tell the group in advance.

    • Some Counties organise permit assessment days, this can be arranged if there is enough interest.

Preparing for an Activity (POR Main Link)

Rule 9.2 Preparations

a. Prior to every activity the Leader must ensure that:

  • it has been approved by the relevant District/County Commissioner;

  • if necessary, they - or another member of the party - holds a permit in accordance with the Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme (see Rule 9.7);

  • it is the leader holding the permit who takes all decisions for the duration of the activity;

  • there is additional, responsible supervision as required (including for those in the locality of the activity but not actively involved), all supervising adults and participants are made aware of who is in charge; (here)

  • suitable InTouch arrangements (see Rule 9.3) and Emergency Procedures (Chapter 7) are in place;

  • it is appropriate to the age and abilities of all participants;

  • each participant has received appropriate training;

  • an appropriate weather forecast is obtained and acted upon in terms of selecting the area in which the activity will operate and that each participant is suitably equipped to tackle predicted/possible extremes;

  • all equipment is appropriate for the activity;

  • any other requirements of The Scout Association, including Child Protection and Safety, have been complied with;

  • any legal requirements for the activity have been complied with;

  • a risk assessment is carried out in accordance with Rule 9.4 Risk Assessment and safety instructions are communicated to all supervising adults and participants;

  • suitable first aid materials are available.

Can i run multiple activities (that i have permits for) at the same time?

Generally no, you can take a mixed group of canoes and kayaks out if you have the relevant permits (See the paddlesports pages) but you could not take a rowing and canoeing group out at the same time.

Surely we can bend the rules a bit?

    • No. The rules are there for your own safety too, do not ask anyone to do anything outside of their permit.

    • My Scout leader once told me a wonderful piece of advice when I ran my first activity as an adult leader, "if it all went as wrong as it could, could you stand in-front of a coroner and say you did your best"?

    • Know your permit limitations – do not think that ignorance is an excuse.