DIY Activity Badge

B & Q sponsor the Scout DIY badge. Some great resources will shortly be available and will include activity ideas that leaders can use to help Scouts gain their badge.

Complete the requirements below:

1. Be able to work safety in the home minimising dangers to yourself and others. Have knowledge of:
   
   • hazard symbols and signs (for example: toxic, flammable, irritant, electrical danger, slippery surface)
   • safety equipment (for example: goggles, gloves, masks, ear defenders).
   • how and where to turn off main supplies (water, electricity, gas) to the house. Know how to isolate individual electrical circuits at the consumer unit.
2. Show or explain how you would deal with four DIY emergencies from the list below:
   
   • unblocking a sink
   • renewing a tap washer
   • curing an airlock in water or radiator pipes
   • thawing frozen pipes
   • patching a leaking pipe
   • adjusting the float arm of a cistern
   • fitting a fused electrical plug to a cable
   • replacing a mains fuse or resetting a mains circuit breaker
   • changing a light bulb
   • helping to repair a broken window
   • repairing a tear in clothes or upholstery
   • removing common stains eg ink, wine, and coffee
3. Take an active part in two major DIY projects, indoors or out, such as:
   
   • insulating a loft and/or fitting draught proofing to windows and doors
   • insulating a cold-water storage tank, pipes and hot water cylinder
   • planning a colour scheme for a room and preparing a sample board
   • preparing and painting, papering or tiling the walls of a room
   • preparing and painting woodwork or furniture
   • fitting a curtain track and hanging curtains
   • making a freestanding storage unit or putting up shelves
   • covering a floor with vinyl overlay, lino, tiles or carpet
   • hanging a door and fitting or repairing locks and other door furniture
   • carrying out a home security survey and take action to making the house more secure by fitting window locks, marking property with a UV pen, or fitting a burglar alarm
   • laying a patio or path
   • building a low wall, barbecue, gate or fence
   • creating and maintain a garden pond
   • repairing bodywork on a car and clean and polish the car
   • any other project(s) of a similar skill level as agreed with an adult

Notes

The Scout should be made aware that there are regulations that limit what an amateur may do in the home. Adult supervision is required for many of these projects.

If you need help designing alternatives to these requirements for those with special needs please contact the Special Needs Office at Gilwell Park.

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Cyclist Activity Badge

To gain this badge, Scouts must complete the requirements below:

1. Use a bicycle that is properly equipped and kept in good working order for at least six months.
2. Demonstrate an ability to carry out essential maintenance and repairs, including the following:
   
   1. check and adjust the brakes
   2. check and adjust the gear change
   3. adjust the seat and handlebars to a correct height
   4. remove a wheel and locate and repair a puncture
   5. check and adjust your cycle helmet
   6. maintain a set of lights
3. Complete the requirements in one of the following alternatives:

Alternative A

1. Explain what extra precautions should be taken when cycling in the dark or in wet weather. Understand why motor vehicles take longer to stop in the wet.
2. Have a basic knowledge of first aid and what to do in the case of accidents.
3. Have a working knowledge of map reading. Be able to orientate a map using a compass or conspicuous features. Be able to estimate distances and times taken to travel.
4. Plan and carry out an all day cycle ride of not less than 40 kilometres (25 miles).
5. Either complete the following:

• Demonstrate an ability to control a cycle along a slalom course.
• Show an understanding of the Highway Code, including road signs and helmet use.

Or:

• Gain Bikeability Level 2 or 3

Alternative B

1. Have an understanding of The Scout Association’s rules for taking part in adventurous activities.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the Mountain Bike Code of Conduct.
3. Demonstrate the ability to control the cycle over different types of terrain.
4. Show an understanding of the damage that may be caused to the environment through careless cycling across the countryside.
5. Have a basic knowledge of first aid, including the treatment of hypothermia and know what to do in the case of an accident.
6. Have a working knowledge of map reading. Be able to orientate a map using a compass or conspicuous features. Be able to estimate distances and times taken to travel.
7. Plan and carry out an all day ride of not less than 30 kilometres (20 miles).

Alternative C

1. Achieve the Gold Trix Award of the British Schools Cycling Association.

Alternative D

1. Achieve the Level 3 Go-MTB Award of Scottish Cycling.

Notes

British Schools Cycling Association

Go-MTB Awards

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Craft Activity Badge

Make or decorate one or more articles using, whenever possible, original design ideas.

The project should be discussed beforehand with a member of the leadership team and should take around six hours to complete.

Appropriate care must be taken with all tools and materials to avoid injury. Some example projects:

• Make a container using basket making, woodturning, pottery, embroidery on plastic canvas, glass blowing, fibreglass construction.
• Make a belt, bag, wall hanging, tablemat or waistcoat by weaving, macramé, beadwork or from leather.
• Make an item of clothing or soft furnishing by sewing or knitting. You may follow a pattern.
• Decorate clothing or soft furnishing (cushion, tablecloth etc) using embroidery, tapestry, lace making, tie and dye or wax and dye or fabric paints.
• Make a picture using techniques such as mosaic, staining glass, quilting, calligraphy, pyrography, pressed flowers, fabric collage, printing with potato, lino, string, drypoint, aquatint, silk screen or similar.
• Decorate an article (wood, metal, glass etc) by engraving or etching or decorate enamelware.
• Make an ornament or decorative article using candle-making, arranging flowers, carving in any medium (e.g. wood, slate, stone, soap), fly tying, jewellery making, pewterwork, copper or silver smithing, stone polishing, stone masonry or sculpture.
• Make a small item of furniture.
• Decorate a cake for a special occasion.
• Any other project of a similar skill level as agreed beforehand with the leadership team.

Notes

If you need help designing alternatives to these requirements for those with special needs please contact the Special Needs Office at Gilwell Park.

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Communicator Activity Badge

Complete the requirements in any one of the following alternatives:

Alternative A – Radio communication

1. Complete the following three tasks:
   
   1. Log 25 different amateur radio stations, showing date, time, call sign, frequency, readability and location. Some broadcast stations may be included.
   2. Demonstrate how to tune a simple communications receiver.
   3. Give an example of a typical greetings message.
2. Explain in simple terms how radio waves travel around the world. Know the more commonly used HF and VHF amateur frequency bands.
3. Complete the following two tasks:
   
   1. Know the phonetic alphabet and define at least eight international Q code signals.
   2. Demonstrate your ability to recognise call signs from the UK and near continent.
4. Visit an amateur radio station.
5. Understand the regulations governing the use of amateur radio equipment.

Notes

A Scout who holds or gains the Radio Amateur Novice Licence (Foundation, Intermediate or Full) or the Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate of Competence and Authority to Operate or the Flight Radio Telephone Operator’s Licence automatically qualifies for this Badge

Alternative B – Communication codes

1. Send and receive a short message by Morse code or semaphore at a rate of five words per minute.
2. When sending and receiving a message, demonstrate that you know the appropriate procedure.
3. Know the international phonetic alphabet and define at least eight international Q code signals.
4. Construct a simple Morse code oscillator and send a short message.

Alternative C – Mobile and Internet communication

1. Know how to use your mobile safely and how to keep it safe.
2. Understand the meaning of the following terms SMS, MMS, 3G, WAP, Bluetooth.
3. Send a creative text, multimedia or video message to invite a friend to a Scouts event.
4. Manage a mobile phone address book, including the setting up of groups.
5. Show you can accurately input text at a rate of 50 characters per minute.
6. Know how to keep yourself safe when chatting online.
7. Know how to use an instant messaging service such as MSN Messenger or AOL Instant Messenger.
8. Show you know the meaning of some popular chat abbreviations.
9. Send a creative and imaginative e-mail or instant message to a friend showing photos of an enjoyable Scouting activity you have been involved with.
10. Manage an email address book, including setting up groups.

Notes

If you need help designing alternatives to these requirements for those with special needs please contact the Special Needs Office at Gilwell Park.

Chat Danger

Thinkuknow

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Climber Activity Badge

To gain this badge, Scouts must complete the requirements below:

1. Show knowledge of the rope types used for rock climbing and explain how to coil and maintain them.
2. Demonstrate the ability to fit a climbing harness and tie in correctly.
3. Show understanding of the calls used in climbing.
4. Demonstrate the ability to abseil down a face (typically not less than 10 metres).
5. Take part in four separate climbs of up to ‘Difficult’ standard each using a different route. An experienced climber must supervise the climbs and will evaluate competence.
6. Explain the safety rules for climbing on both natural and artificial rock faces.
7. Show an awareness of the environmental issues around climbing on natural rock faces.

Notes

Reference should be made to the Activity Rules in chapter nine of Policy, Organisation and Rules and the Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme.

There is no requirement for the Scout to lead the rock climbs, only to be a competent second. Wherever possible, natural rock-face should be used.

If you need help designing alternatives to these requirements for those with special needs please contact the Special Needs Office at Gilwell Park.

Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme

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Circus Skills Activity Badge

To gain this badge, Scouts must complete the requirements below:

1. Select one skill from any two of the five alternatives below. Under experienced guidance, show by continuing effort some achievement in the two selected skills. Demonstrate the two selected skills before an audience.
   
   1. aerial: trapeze, roman rings, aerial ladder, aerial rope, wire walking or related skills
   2. balance: trick-cycling, stilts, ladder, tightrope, wire walking, perch, roller bolo, slack-rope
   3. manipulative: plate spinning, cigar boxes, club swinging, devil sticks, diablo sticks, juggling
   4. ground: handstands, tumbling, acrobatics
   5. clowning: including make-up and costume
2. Find out about aspects of circus life, and discuss these with an adult.
3. Observe at least two circus or street performers events and discuss these.

Notes

Before attempting any of the skills participants must be of a fitness standard appropriate to both enjoy and execute the skill.

Instructions in the safe use of the equipment must be given and all safety precautions and procedures must be observed in line with the Association’s health and safety policy. Participants are encouraged to join a workshop, or other course, to learn their chosen skills.

If you need help designing alternatives to these requirements for those with special needs please contact the Special Needs Office at Gilwell Park.

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Caver Activity Badge

To gain this badge, Scouts must complete the requirements below:

1. Take part in at least four trips to at least two different cave systems. Each visit must be as a member of a properly led group.
2. Keep a record of these trips and the routes followed.
3. Have a good knowledge of the contents of the caving and cave conservation codes, and be able to show to the assessor an awareness of the environmental issues around caving.

Notes

Reference should be made to the Activity Rules in chapter nine of Policy, Organisation and Rules and the Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme.

If you need help designing alternatives to these requirements for those with special needs please contact the Special Needs Office at Gilwell Park.

Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme

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Campsite Service Activity Badge

To gain this badge, Scouts must complete the requirements below:

1. Hold the Camper Activity Badge.
2. Have worked for at least two days at a permanent District, County/Area or National Scout campsite or similar activity centre, helping the warden or manager to their satisfaction.
3. Explain, and where possible, demonstrate the maintenance required for some campsite equipment.
4. Explain and where possible demonstrate four of the following:
   
   1. the reasons for having clean toilets
   2. how to unblock a drain
   3. prevention of frozen pipes and the steps to be taken when over ground pipes burst or leak
   4. the need for good site drainage and clear ditches
   5. refuse disposal, including how to maximise the retention of recyclable materials
   6. respect for wildlife, balancing the requirements of campers
   7. the use of computers in campsite management
   8. other important tasks as identified by the warden or manager
5. Become familiar with an activity run on site. Explain the use and maintenance of equipment used for that activity.
6. Demonstrate an ability to competently use three items of equipment appropriate to your role.
7. Discuss developments and improvements you would like to see at a permanent campsite with which you are familiar.

Notes

If you need help designing alternatives to these requirements for those with special needs please contact the Special Needs Office at Gilwell Park.

Camper Activity Badge

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Camper Activity Badge

Sainsbury’s sponsor the Scout Camper Activity badge. Some great resources are available which include activity ideas that leaders can use to help Scouts gain their badge.

To gain this badge, Scouts must complete all of the requirements below:

1. Camp under canvas* as a Scout for at least 15 nights.
2. Lead a group of Scouts in the pitching, striking and packing of a four to six person tent.
3. Know what to look for when choosing a campsite and in deciding the best position to pitch tents.
4. Show an understanding of the reasons for hygiene and the importance of being safe and tidy in camp.
5. Demonstrate how to store food hygienically at camp.
6. Construct two useful camp gadgets such as a camp larder, altar fire, flagpole, camp gate etc.
7. Prepare and cook either a full hot breakfast or a main meal for 2 to 6 people.

Notes

* under canvas refers to any tentage

If you need help designing alternatives to these requirements for those with special needs please contact the Special Needs Office at Gilwell Park.

Outdoor Challenge

Outdoor Plus Challenge

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Camp Cook Activity Badge

To gain this badge, Scouts must complete all of the requirements below:

1. Explain how and where to shop for food and how to transport it.
2. Demonstrate proper storage and cooking under camp conditions. This must include knowledge of hygiene in the camp kitchen and how to prevent food poisoning.
3. Devise a day’s menu (including quantities) for a group of four to six Scouts. (Consider first any cultural, religious, vegetarian or dietary needs of the group.)
4. Successfully cook and serve the day’s menu.

Notes

All dishes are to be cooked under camp conditions and preferably on a wood fire.

If you need help designing alternatives to these requirements for those with special needs please contact the Special Needs Office at Gilwell Park

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