We're challenging the Scouts to take ownership this term, by completing at least 1 Activity Badge in their own time. In the run up to our badge presentation on Friday 9 December - details nearer the time - we want to have lots of badges to give out, to celebrate the Scouts' achievements and end our centenary year as we mean to go on - a success!
Our Scout Programme's incorprate working towards the Challenge Badges on regular troop nights, although we do try to get Activity Badges thrown in as well - like the Photographer badge we're doing this term - but you can do these in your own time as well. For most, all we need to see is some proof that the requirement has been completed, such as a letter signed by a coach/teacher etc. Please speak to one of the Scout Leaders if you have any questions. You may be surprised to find that you've already worked towards one! We've choosen a few that may be of interest below.
Play Sport?
You could get the Physical Recreation Activity Badge. You need to:
- Regularly take part in an active sport or physical pursuit, which you
haven’t already gained an activity badge for. It could be a team game like rugby, football or water polo. Individual sports like tennis, running or gymnastics count too, so do pursuits like walking, yoga, ice skating or dancing. - Show a reasonable level of skill in your sport or pursuit. Show how you’ve improved over time.
- Explain the rules or guidelines that govern the sport or pursuit you chose.
- Show how you would prepare before taking part in your sport or pursuit. You could run through any special equipment or clothes you need and any warm-up and warm-down routines.
- Explain how to care for the equipment you use. Explain what you should look out for when the equipment is nearing the end of its life.
Top tips
- You can gain more than one Physical Recreation badge for different sports or pursuits.
- Sports that young people play after school or at weekends can count towards number 1 although normal PE or games lessons do not.
Got a hobby?
There's two ways to earn the Hobbies Activity Badge:
Choose one of two options. Then complete all tasks to achieve this badge.
Option 1
- Take up a hobby or interest that you do not already have an activity badge for.
- Keep a record of your hobby for a period agreed with a member of your leadership team.
Option 2
- Make a collection or study of objects over a period of time agreed with
your leadership team. You could collect stamps, metal badges, teaspoons or bookmarks. - Talk to a group about the collection or study you chose. Explain why you chose your objects.
On your bike?
There are two parts to achieving the Cyclist Activity Badge. Complete all tasks for part one.
- Use a bicycle that is properly equipped. Keep it in good working order
for at least six months. - Show that you can carry out essential maintenance and repairs, including:
- checking and adjusting the brakes
- checking and adjusting the gear change
- adjusting the seat and handlebars to a correct height
- removing a wheel and locating and repairing at puncture
- checking and adjusting your cycle helmet
- maintaining a set of lights.
For part two of this activity badge, choose one of these options then complete all the tasks for that option.
Option 1: road cycling
You can automatically complete option 1 if you gain Bikeability Level 2 or 3. Otherwise, here’s what you need to do for this option.
- Explain what extra precautions you should take when cycling in the
dark or in wet weather. Show you understand why motor vehicles take longer to stop in the wet. - Learn the basics of first aid and what to do if an accident happens.
- Develop a working knowledge of map reading. Orientate a map using a compass or conspicuous features. Estimate distances and times taken to travel.
- Plan and carry out an all-day cycle ride of at least 40 kilometres (25 miles).
- Complete one of these:
- Show you can control a cycle along a slalom course.
- Show you understand the Highway Code, including road signs and helmet use.
Option 2: off-road cycling
- Show you understand the Mountain Bike Code of Conduct.
- Show you can control your cycle over different types of terrain.
- Show you’re aware of the damage that may be caused to the environment through careless cycling across the countryside.
- Learn the basics of first aid, including the treatment of hypothermia and find out what to do in the case of an accident.
- Gain a working knowledge of map reading. Orientate a map using a compass or conspicuous features. Estimate distances and times taken to travel.
- Plan and carry out an all-day ride of at least 30 kilometres (20 miles).
Option 3: external qualifications
You can complete option 3 if you reach one of these standards:
- The Gold Trix Award of the British Schools Cycling Association
- Level 3 Go-MTB Award from Cycling Scotland, Sustrans, CTC or Scottish Cycling MBLA.
Top tips
Young people might find these websites useful:
britishcycling.org.uk/scotland