This page gives a general introduction to adventurous activities.
Other pages and links provide more detailed information about specific activities, training, permits, funding, etc.
Coming up soon
First aid for adventurous Activities: 15–16 December 2018
See Upcoming Activity Training page.
Hillwalking Training & Assessment weekend: 18–20 January 2019
Yr Hafod, Snowdonia.
Contact Activities Team – Hillwalking
Winter Hillwalking Weekend: 8–10 February 2019
Lake District.
Contact Activities Team – Hillwalking
Running adventurous activities
The Scout Association requirements and guidance for running adventurous activities, whether by ourselves or using external providers, can be found at the A-Z of Activities.
To run adventurous activities for our young people you will usually need a permit. However you do not need to be a high level expert or have external qualifications, let alone be a professional instructor to obtain a permit. You will just need to show that for the level of activity you want to lead you have the adequate skills in the activity and in looking after young people taking part. Normally this involves a combination of training and experience – the requirements are detailed in The Scout Association’s Activity permit scheme.
The Activities Team can advise you on what is involved including on training opportunities.
Activity training programme
Our Activity Units and assessors run a range of weekends and courses for leaders, instructors and helpers interested in developing their skills so that they can run adventurous activities themselves.
Further details can be found on the Activity training page.
County Activity Units
We also have some County Activity Units and teams to provide specialised support for leaders interested in giving their young people experiences of different adventurous activities as part of the adventure and outdoors programme. You can find out more about them on their respective web pages:
Applying or renewing an
Adventurous Activities Permit
Applications and renewals are now managed online. Click here to access the online form.
Funding for activity training
We have now extended our activity training grants scheme to cover more activities. In addition, more adult volunteers, Young Leaders, and Explorers are now eligible, and there is no longer a specified closing date.
Click here for further information about activity training grants.
Advanced first aid training
for adventurous activities
For those who want or require advanced first aid training we run a programme of 16 hour Outdoor Pursuits courses at well below commercial rates. See the Activity Training page.