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The Gift of Giving: How Scouting Lights Up Christmas

December 24, 2025 By scoutsrule Leave a Comment

As the year draws to a close, there’s a distinct chill in the air, a sparkle in people’s eyes, and the unmistakable scent of pine and gingerbread. It can only mean one thing: Christmas is almost here! For many, it’s a time for family, feasts, and festive cheer. But for Scouts around the world, Christmas often takes on an extra special meaning, embodying the very spirit of service and community that lies at the heart of our movement.

More Than Just Presents Under the Tree

While we all love unwrapping gifts, Scouting teaches us that some of the most meaningful presents aren’t found in a box. They’re found in the joy of giving, in lending a helping hand, and in spreading cheer to those who need it most.

This is where the true magic of a Scout Christmas shines brightest.

Throughout the festive season, you’ll often find Scouts rolling up their sleeves and putting their “Do a Good Turn Daily” motto into action. From carol singing at local care homes to bringing smiles to residents, to collecting food and toys for those less fortunate, our members are often at the forefront of community efforts.

Spreading Warmth, One Act of Service at a Time

Think of the countless ways Scouts contribute:

Toy Drives and Food Banks: Many troops organize collections, ensuring that every child has a gift to open and every family has a festive meal to share. It’s a powerful lesson in empathy and the importance of looking out for our neighbors.
Volunteering at Community Events: Whether it’s helping set up festive markets, assisting at charity dinners, or stewarding local Christmas parades, Scouts are often the reliable backbone that helps these community celebrations run smoothly.
Handmade Gifts and Cards: Sometimes the simplest gestures mean the most. Scouts often create handmade cards and small gifts for elderly neighbors or those in hospitals, reminding them that they are remembered and cared for during the holidays.
“Jamboree on the Air/Internet” (JOTA/JOTI) during the holidays: For older Scouts, even staying connected globally takes on a special resonance during Christmas, sharing festive greetings and experiences with fellow Scouts across continents.

These activities aren’t just about earning service hours; they’re about understanding the profound impact of collective effort and the joy that comes from making a tangible difference in someone’s life. It teaches us that the best way to celebrate the season is by embodying its core message of peace, goodwill, and love for all.

Wishing You a Merry Scoutmas!

As you gather with your loved ones this Christmas, take a moment to appreciate the spirit of giving and community. And perhaps, if you see a young person in a uniform helping out, give them a nod of thanks. They’re not just celebrating Christmas; they’re living the Scout Promise, lighting up the festive season one good turn at a time.

From our Scouting family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season!

The Unexpected Bonds and Lasting Memories of Scouting

November 23, 2025 By scoutsrule Leave a Comment

When people think of scouting, they often picture camping trips and knot tying. While those are certainly a big part of the experience, the true magic of scouting lies in something far deeper: the friendships and memories that last a lifetime.

Scouting creates a unique kind of community. It’s a place where you’re surrounded by people who share your curiosity and love for adventure. You’re all in it together—whether you’re trying to figure out how to build a shelter from scratch or working as a team to paddle a canoe across a lake. These shared experiences forge unbreakable bonds. The person you’re struggling to light a fire with today might be your best friend for life.

Think about the feeling of sitting around a campfire after a long day of hiking, sharing stories and laughs with your troop. These aren’t just moments in time; they are the moments that become the fabric of your memories. The inside jokes, the epic stories of failed attempts and ultimate triumphs, and the quiet moments of reflection under a starry sky—these are the things you’ll carry with you long after you’ve left the trail.

Scouting is more than just a club; it’s a family. It’s a place where mentors guide you, leaders inspire you, and peers support you. It’s a place where you belong, where you are challenged to grow, and where you learn to be a better person.

The patches and badges are a testament to your accomplishments, but the true treasures of scouting are the friendships you make and the moments you share. These are the memories that will warm your heart for years to come.

Want to join us? Get in touch here

Sparking Joy and Community: Why Bonfire Night is a Scout’s Dream

November 5, 2025 By scoutsrule Leave a Comment

As autumn leaves crunch underfoot and the days grow shorter, there’s a special kind of magic that fills the air. For many, it heralds the approach of Bonfire Night – a time for dazzling fireworks, delicious food, and gathering with loved ones. But for Scouts, Bonfire Night isn’t just a celebration; it’s a living, breathing testament to everything we hold dear: community, safety, and the primal joy of a roaring fire.

The Heart of the Flame: More Than Just a Fire

For a Scout, a bonfire is more than just a pile of burning wood. It’s a culmination of skills learned and practiced. We understand fire’s power, respect its potential, and know how to harness it safely. From collecting appropriate fuel to understanding airflow and choosing a safe location, every element of building and maintaining a bonfire echoes the lessons taught in countless campouts and outdoor adventures.

And what a sight it is!

When the flames dance against the night sky, casting long, flickering shadows, there’s an undeniable sense of wonder and warmth. It brings people together, drawing them in, much like the campfire tales that are a staple of any Scout gathering.

Safety First, Always!

Crucially, Bonfire Night is also an annual reminder of the importance of safety. For Scouts, hazard awareness and risk assessment are drilled into us from a young age. We learn about safe distances from fires, how to handle sparks, and the correct way to extinguish a blaze. This knowledge isn’t just theoretical; it’s put into practice, making us advocates for safe celebration within our communities. We know that proper planning and vigilance are key to ensuring everyone can enjoy the spectacle without incident.

Community and Celebration

Beyond the technical skills and safety protocols, Bonfire Night embodies the spirit of community that scouting champions. It’s a time when families, friends, and neighbors come together, often sharing food, laughter, and the shared awe of fireworks exploding overhead. Many Scout groups host or participate in community bonfire events, using the occasion to foster connections and reinforce the values of togetherness and shared joy.

So, this Bonfire Night, as you enjoy the crackle of the fire and the burst of colors in the sky, remember the Scouts. We’re the ones who appreciate the science and skill behind a well-built bonfire, who prioritize safety above all else, and who cherish these moments of shared community under the stars. It’s more than just a night of fireworks; it’s a celebration of everything that makes scouting such a special and enduring adventure.

Why Being a Scout Leader Is the Best Adventure for Adults

October 15, 2025 By scoutsrule Leave a Comment

big difference For many of us, the idea of being a Scout is a nostalgic one, filled with memories of camping trips, knot-tying, and earning badges. But what if the adventure didn’t have to end? What if you could be a part of it, not just as a participant, but as a guide, a mentor, and a leader?

Becoming a Scout Leader is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. It’s an opportunity to give back to the community, to inspire the next generation, and to embark on a journey of personal growth that is just as fulfilling for you as it is for the young people you lead. We have a Four Week Challenge for you to try “us” out.

1. The Joy of Giving Back

The most significant benefit of becoming a Scout Leader is the chance to make a real, lasting impact. You’ll be helping young people develop the “Skills for Life” that scouting is famous for: resilience, teamwork, leadership, and a sense of responsibility. Watching a shy young person find their voice while leading a patrol, or seeing a group of kids work together to build a shelter from scratch—these are moments of pure joy. You’re not just running a meeting; you’re building character and confidence.

2. A Masterclass in Leadership and Management

You don’t need to be an expert to become a Scout Leader. In fact, Scouting provides a fantastic, free training program that will equip you with all the skills you need. You’ll learn how to plan and manage a program, lead a team of volunteers, and handle a variety of situations with grace and confidence. These are practical, transferable skills that are highly valued in any workplace and in life. You’ll become a better communicator, a more effective problem-solver, and a more inspiring leader.

3. Discovering New Skills and Passions

Have you ever wanted to learn how to light a fire with a flint and steel, or navigate with a compass? As a Scout Leader, you’ll get to learn and master a huge range of new skills, from first aid and outdoor survival to public speaking and event planning. You might even find a new hobby or passion you never knew you had. Plus, you’ll be part of a vibrant, supportive community of other leaders who share your interests and are always ready to lend a hand.

4. It’s Good for Your Health and Well-being

In a world filled with screens and stress, Scouting offers a much-needed escape. It gets you outdoors, connecting with nature and staying active. Studies have even shown that volunteering and a focus on others can reduce stress, boost your immune system, and increase your sense of purpose. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose you’ll find in Scouting is a powerful antidote to modern life.

5. Flexible Volunteering That Fits Your Life

Gone are the days when volunteering meant a rigid, weekly commitment. The Scout Association recognizes that people have busy lives, and they offer a variety of flexible roles. Whether you can give a few hours a month, help with a specific event, or take on a more regular leadership position, there’s a place for you. Any time you can give is appreciated and makes a difference.

Becoming a Scout Leader is an adventure in itself. It’s a journey of learning, growth, and connection. You’ll create memories that last a lifetime, not just for the young people in your charge, but for yourself. If you’re looking for a way to give back, grow as a person, and have a lot of fun along the way, consider joining the team. The adventure is waiting for you!

Try our Four Week Challenge, you won’t be disapointed. More info can be found here

Why Being in Scouts Is the Best Adventure You’ll Ever Have

September 17, 2025 By scoutsrule Leave a Comment

Think about the best moments of your childhood. Do any of them involve building a campfire, navigating with a compass, or earning a cool new badge? If so, chances are you were a Scout. But if not, don’t worry—the spirit of scouting is about so much more than just skills. It’s about an adventure.

Scouting is one of the most unique and rewarding experiences a young person can have. It’s a place where you can learn to be a leader, work as a team, and discover a whole new side of yourself. You might start out as a timid kid who’s a little nervous about sleeping in a tent, but before you know it, you’re a pro at pitching one and can cook a full meal over an open fire.

The skills you learn in scouting aren’t just for the outdoors, either. They’re life skills that you’ll use forever. Things like first aid, financial literacy, and public speaking become second nature. You learn to be resourceful and resilient, to think on your feet, and to solve problems. These are the kinds of things that can’t be taught in a classroom—they have to be experienced.

Beyond the skills, scouting is a masterclass in character building. You learn to be honest, respectful, and responsible. You work on community service projects, helping others and making a difference in the world. You learn to embrace challenges and persevere, even when things get tough.

So, if you’re looking for an adventure that will equip you with valuable skills, build your character, and create a lifetime of memories, look no further than scouting. It’s an adventure that’s waiting just for you.

Get in touch for more information

Easter Trivia

April 16, 2025 By scoutsrule Leave a Comment

Aside from the entertaining egg hunts, why do people celebrate Easter?

People from different cultures and countries have a different take on what Easter is all about. They also have different interpretations of its original meaning and their traditions on how to celebrate it.

Here are a few Easter facts from its Pagan and Christian history, and the practices people do to celebrate it, then until now.

Quick Facts:

The term ‘Easter’ came from Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and fertility.
Some countries call it ‘Pascha’, which means ‘Passover’ in Hebrew.
Easter celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus three days after his Crucifixion.
Passion Week, or more commonly known as Holy Week, happens before Easter.
Easter is a movable holiday due to the Passover date’s dependency on the phases of the moon.

Essential Facts:

While the majority of those who celebrate Easter are Christians, the holiday has pagan origins.
Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, commemorates the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
In the United States only 12 states recognize Good Friday as an official holiday.
Orthodox tradition bans the celebration of Easter on or before the Passover.
In 1873 Fry’s of Bristol produced the first chocolate egg in the UK.
Chocolate makes up 70% of all the confectionery purchased every Easter.
Easter represents celebration, joy, and new life.
In the 80s, Germany produced the first edible Easter bunnies made of sugar and pastry.
People in the U.S. spend an average total of $14.7 billion on Easter celebrations. In England it’s £2 billion! Considering the size difference, that’s a huge amount of chocolate!
During Easter mass attendance in churches doubles.

Interesting Facts:

Over 28,000 or 59% of Americans eat the ears of the chocolate Easter bunny first. Not sure what we do in the UK, maybe, we should do our own survey… a job for the scouts perhaps?
Easter ranks second to Halloween where we spend the most money on chocolate.
The first versions of Easter baskets resembled bird’s nests.
Egg farmers in the UK and America donate over 15 million eggs to food banks nationwide.
Chocolate must be made all-year-round to meet the annual Easter Egg demand.

Easter Statistics:

1. More than 4 in 5 Brits (84%) plan to celebrate Easter in 2024, which is around 44.5 million people.
2. 3 in 4 Brits (77%) plan to spend some money on the holiday.
3. Brits are projected to spend over £2 billion on Easter 2024, with an average spend of £53 each.
4. Around 80 million Easter eggs are sold in the UK each year.
5. Residents in Northern Ireland are most likely to mark the Easter weekend, with an impressive 9 in 10 people (93%), planning to celebrate in some capacity. Spending an average of £78 each! This figure is perhaps not surprising given that around 80% of the population identifies as Christian.
6. At the other end of the spectrum, 79% of residents in Wales are planning to celebrate, with the average spend a more economical £36.

So… better get saving then!

Source: https://www.finder.com/uk/banking/easter-spending-statistics

The history of the scouting camp blanket

February 10, 2025 By scoutsrule Leave a Comment

With the camping season new getting nearer, it’s time to dust off the old camping blanket (or buy a new one) and get sewing all those spare badges on. Of course if you are relatively new to scouting, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about….

The Camp Blanket is a Scouting tradition stemming back to the very beginnings of the Scout movement. It has many functions, not just for keeping warm. But the main function of the Camp Blanket is as a place to keep all those badges that can no longer be kept on your uniform, campsite badges, event badges, badges from your old uniforms, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers etc.

Camp blankets are traditionally worn around the campfire circle and represent a history of your Scouting career, so others can see your achievements, where you’ve been, and the people you’ve met, it’s yours to carry through all sections of Scouting and is very much yours to personalise as you see fit.

Some leaders have managed to collect no less than 4 camp blankets! Yes, four! and still have 100’s of badges to sew on! This is something our squirrels and beavers can strive towards, if the fancy takes them!

But where did the now ubiquitous camping blanket come from? The answer to this can be traced back through the centuries, stretching before the two World Wars to the days of the earliest frontier traders in Canada and the American West. And in fact, its earliest beginnings predate even that.

There was a weaver called Thomas Blanket (Previously Blanquette), who we can thank for the actual blanket. Go way back to 1339, living and working in Bristol, he set up a loom and created a bed covering to make the straw pallets more… well, palatable 🙂

By the end of the Elizabethan period, blanket making was on the up and up. Yorkshire was a firm lead in production of the blanket, but they were made all over the country, including Witney in Oxfordshire, who supplied Hudson’s Bay Company blankets produced from Cotswold wool, who exported to North America.

These blankets became highly sought after by traders and Native American Tribes, because of their warmth. Trappers traded them for (eek!) beaver pelts, which again were in huge demand for the hat trade.

So, let’s just bring that information back around to scouting… French-Canadian voyageurs made their blankets into ‘capotes’, which are long hooded cloaks, not dissimilar to how we wear them today to attend our camp fires.

The wool blanket was also common issue to military forces throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Both Napoleon’s and Wellington’s armies were supplied with them, as were Union and Confederate forces in the American Civil War. In the 20th century, they subsequently became field issue for troops in the Great War and the Second World War on both Axis and Allied sides too. Blankets also went to sea, and cabin blankets were first made in the early 1700s. In almost all cases, these military blankets were a drab khaki or grey colour. Following the cessation of these conflicts, forces veterans often kept them for their own use, while surplus blankets were frequently co-opted by other outdoorsy types, including numerous Boy Scout troops. In turn, this gave rise to the Scouting tradition of the camp blanket as a wearable reminder of shared adventures and experiences, gradually becoming adorned with embroidered Scout badges.

The classic Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket is still in production today and they remain heirloom pieces in many American and Canadian families, handed down through successive generations.

I wonder if you will do this with your ‘camp blanket’

The year 2024 in Scouting

December 28, 2024 By scoutsrule Leave a Comment

It’s been another exciting year in the scouting world!

The movement has grown and has become even more exclusive, commited to diversity. We’ve introduced new badges including the new Youth Shape and Plant Champions badges.

We’ve created the scouting manifesto.

Celebrated achievements.

100’s of people joined The Big Help Out.

We welcomed King Charles III as our new patron.

We said a sad farewell to Bear Grylls as our Chief Scout, but welcomed Dwayne Fields as our new one.

AND… as always championed new young people to gain more skills for life!

Watch the year end 2024 video.

Countdown to Christmas

December 4, 2024 By scoutsrule Leave a Comment

The holiday season is all about spending quality time with loved ones, and what better way to do that than by making every day of December special? Whether you’re looking for fun crafts, tasty treats, or meaningful traditions, this 25-day countdown of Christmas activities is designed to help you create lasting memories with your family.

Let the countdown to Christmas begin!

Day 1: Decorate the Christmas Tree Together

You may have already done this, but if not…. Kick off the holiday season by decorating the Christmas tree as a family. Let the kids hang ornaments, string garlands, and place the star on top. This is a great opportunity to share stories behind special ornaments and start a tradition of adding a new one every year.

Day 2: Write Letters to Santa

Set up a cozy writing station with festive paper and crayons for your kids to write their letters to Santa. Encourage them to not only ask for gifts but also share what they’re thankful for this year. You can mail the letters or save them as keepsakes.

Day 3: Make Homemade Christmas Cards

Create simple, homemade Christmas cards to send to friends and family. Provide kids with colored paper, markers, stickers, and glitter. Let them unleash their creativity and spread holiday cheer.

Day 4: Christmas Movie Night

Pick a family-friendly Christmas movie, make some popcorn, and snuggle up together for a cozy evening. Some kid favorites include The Polar Express, A Charlie Brown Christmas, or Elf.

Day 5: DIY Salt Dough Ornaments

Make salt dough ornaments that your kids can paint and decorate. They’ll love creating something they can hang on the tree each year. Salt dough is easy to make with flour, salt, and water—just bake and paint!

Day 6: Go Christmas Light Spotting

Pile the family into the car, grab some hot cocoa, and drive around town looking for the best decorated houses. You can even make it a game by rating the decorations or searching for specific elements like a Santa or snowman.

Day 7: Make a Gingerbread House

Set up a gingerbread house-making station with icing, candies, and graham crackers or a gingerbread kit. Let your kids have fun decorating their houses, and don’t forget to take pictures before they sneak a bite!

Day 8: Craft Paper Snowflakes

Teach your kids how to make paper snowflakes. It’s a simple but magical activity that can turn your home into a winter wonderland. Let them decorate their bedroom windows with their creations.

Day 9: Bake Christmas Cookies

Spend the day baking and decorating Christmas cookies as a family. Let the kids cut out shapes, decorate with icing, and sprinkle toppings. Don’t forget to set aside some cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve!

Day 10: Create a Christmas Playlist and Dance

Put together a playlist of your family’s favorite Christmas songs and have a holiday dance party in your living room. It’s a great way to let off some steam and get into the festive spirit!

Day 11: Visit Santa Claus!

Make a family outing to visit Santa! Let your kids share their Christmas wishes with Santa and snap some photos to capture the moment.

Day 12: Make a Christmas Wreath

Create a DIY wreath using greenery, ribbons, and ornaments. Involve the kids in picking out decorations, and hanging it on your front door for a personalized touch.

Day 13: Host a Family Christmas Game Night

Plan a Christmas-themed game night with fun activities like Christmas bingo, pin the nose on Rudolph, or holiday trivia. You can also enjoy classic board games with a holiday twist.

Day 14: Donate Toys and Clothes to Charity

Involve your kids in giving back by selecting toys or clothes to donate to families in need. Explain the importance of generosity during the holiday season and let them help deliver the items.

Day 15: Have a Christmas Pajama Day

Stay in your Christmas pajamas all day! Watch holiday movies, drink hot chocolate, and enjoy a relaxing day of family bonding.

Day 16: Create a DIY Advent Calendar

If you haven’t already, make a simple DIY advent calendar with small daily surprises or activities. It can be as easy as filling small bags or envelopes with treats or fun tasks for the day.

Day 17: Go Caroling (or Virtual Caroling)

Bundle up and go caroling around your neighborhood, or organize a virtual caroling session with friends and family. Sing your favorite Christmas songs to spread joy and laughter.

Day 18: Have a Christmas Storytime

Read classic Christmas books as a family, such as The Night Before Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, or The Polar Express. Make it extra cozy with blankets and hot cocoa.

Day 19: Create Handprint Reindeer Crafts

Help your kids create adorable reindeer using their handprints as antlers. This craft makes for a great keepsake and can be used as a decoration or gift for grandparents.

Day 20: Visit a Christmas Market or Tree Farm

If possible, take a family trip to a local Christmas market or tree farm. The festive atmosphere, lights, and outdoor fun will surely get everyone in the holiday spirit.

Day 21: Write Thank You Notes for Teachers and Friends

Encourage your children to write thank you notes for their teachers, friends, or neighbors. It’s a simple way to practice gratitude and spread kindness during the holidays.

Day 22: Make Personalized Christmas Stockings

Spend the day creating personalized Christmas stockings for each family member. You can buy plain stockings and let your kids decorate them with fabric paint, glitter, sequins, and felt cutouts. Encourage everyone to design their stocking to reflect their personality. Hang them by the fireplace or on the wall, ready for Santa to fill on Christmas Eve.

Day 23: Have a Hot Chocolate Bar

Set up a festive hot chocolate bar at home with a variety of toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, chocolate chips, and sprinkles. Let each family member create their own custom hot chocolate masterpiece. You can even add fun stir sticks like cinnamon sticks or festive straws. Enjoy your drinks while watching a holiday movie or reading Christmas stories.

Day 24: Read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

Make reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas a special Christmas Eve tradition. Snuggle up together and enjoy the magic of the classic tale before bedtime.

Day 25: Christmas Morning Magic

Wake up to the excitement of Christmas morning. Open presents, enjoy a special breakfast and spend the day playing with new toys and spending time together as a family.

Conclusion

With these 25 Christmas activities for families, the holiday season is sure to be filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments. Whether you’re crafting, baking, or snuggling up for a movie night, these ideas will help you create a magical experience that your kids will remember for years to come.

whereissanta.com

21 Things to do this winter

November 21, 2024 By scoutsrule Leave a Comment

scouting As the days grow shorter, it’s tempting to stay indoors, but just because the temperature’s dropping doesn’t mean the fun has to!

Colder weather is the perfect excuse to wrap up warm, head outside and try something new. From wintery adventures to active outdoor games, there’s so much more to do than just sip hot chocolate (though we won’t judge if that’s part of your plan too!). So grab your hat and gloves, get ready to embrace the cold and discover how much fun the frosty outdoors can really be!

Add some magic to the dark winter nights by experimenting with light painting.

Bundle up and enjoy an evening of stargazing. Use binoculars or a telescope to spot constellations and planets, or use some star spotting phone apps.

Head to a local ice rink and enjoy practising your balance. Discover our example risk assessment to get you started.

Create beautiful sun catchers by freezing leaves and nature items in shallow pans of water. Hang them from trees to catch the sunlight during the day.

Gather around a campfire to share spooky, funny or silly stories while enjoying tasty s’mores, then warm up your vocal with our campfire songs.

Make some bird feeders and spot which feathered friends visit throughout winter.

Give everyone an empty matchbox and see how many small items they can collect during your walk.

Make the most of rainy days by hosting a puddle jumping contest. See who can make the biggest splash or have the most creative jumping style!

Paint a picture with watercolours, then set it outside in the rain to see how the raindrops change it.

Use wax crayons and paper to create bark rubbings from tree trunks and explore textures in nature. Why not turn them into bark monsters?

Head out on a torch-lit walk to spot or hear nocturnal wildlife, and create nature bingo cards with winter elements, such as pine cones and animal tracks.

You could ask everyone to stay quiet for several minutes, taking note of everything that they hear, such as owls.

Why not make journey sticks on your journey too? Give everyone a stick and encourage them to collect items, such as fallen leaves, feathers or flowers during the walk. They can attach these to the stick using string or elastic bands to create a visual record of the walk.

Blow bubbles outside on a cold day and watch them freeze in mid-air for a magical experience.

One player is the ‘tourist’ who is viewing the amazing statue garden. They get a torch. All the other players must stay as still as a statue, but they are allowed to move when the light is off, but as soon as the tourist turns the torch on they must stay still. When the torch is on the statue, the tourist tries to make the statue laugh or move. If they do, the statue joins the tourist’s team and they go help the tourist on the next round.

Take a night-time walk to enjoy the holiday lights in your area. You could do it with a warm drink or even as part of a chippy hike.

Use the winter months to construct and hang a bat house, bird house or hedgehog house, and help practice your DIY skills.

Fill water bottles with coloured water and freeze them for bowling pins. Use a ball, such as a tennis ball, for a fun outdoor game!

Pack warm food for a winter walk, such as soup or hot chocolate, to keep everyone toasty.

Enjoy flying a kite in the winter winds, adding colour to the grey sky. You could even make your own kite.

Grab a frisbee and head out to the local disc golf course during the day to get moving.

Use our guide to morse code, then race to see who can decode a pre-created message first.

One player is ‘it’ and they have a torch. ‘It’ guards a flag and tries to stop the other players from capturing it.

‘It’ can move around as much as they like, but watch out – if the flag is left unattended for too long it might get captured.

The rest of the players spread out and have to creep towards the flag as silently and slowly as they can, using trees and bushes for cover.

‘It’ has to listen carefully and look for players among the shadows, then try to tag the players with the torch beam before they reach the flag.

The winner is the first person to capture the flag, or the last person to be tagged if no-one reaches the flag.

The winner also gets to be ‘it’ when the game starts again.

A big campfire circle at Gilwell Reunion.

Staying safe

All activities in Scouts must be safely managed. It’s important to choose an appropriate, accessible outdoor area. You may need to think about avoiding steps, being close to public transport, or steep gradients or including frequent breaks. You must have permission to use the location.

You must complete a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. You should use our safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Check out our guidance to help you carry out your risk assessment, including examples.

Always get approval for the activity, and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process. You may need some parents and carers to help.

Always check the weather forecast before running the activity.

You should inform parents and carers of any change in venue, days or times, and have a suitable drop-off/collection point. You could use our activity information forms, and always make sure everyone knows what people should bring and wear.

Before playing a wide game, there are some things you need to do to help keep everybody safe and make sure everyone can be included. Take a look at our advice on running active games safely and accessibly.

A Scout in a knitted hat sits outside.

Nicola Hilliard, Creative Content Producer