SPECIALIST OUTDOOR
ACTIVITIES CHALLENGE
Qld Branch, May 2011
1.
Name the document prepared to alert
adults in Scouting in Queensland to the
need for vigilance, particularly where there
is a potential hazard that may lead to
injuries during outdoor activities?
Queensland Branch Specialist Outdoor Activities
Policies and Procedures
Qld Branch, May 2011
GENERAL ACTIVITY 1
• Draw the cover
Qld Branch, May 2011
2.
How do I obtain a copy of Queensland
Branch Specialist Outdoor Activities
Policies and Procedures?
They can be downloaded from the Members area of
the Queensland Branch website.
Qld Branch, May 2011
3.
What position is responsible for all
specialist outdoor activities conducted
within the Branch?
The Chief Commissioner – who may delegate that
authority to other members of the Branch Team.
Qld Branch, May 2011
GENERAL ACTIVITY 2
List ten specialist outdoor activities for
Queensland?
Abseiling, Air Activities, Bushwalking,
Canoeing/Kayaking, Caving, Firearms, Aerial
Runways/Flying Foxes, Four Wheel Driving
High and Low Ropes Courses, Horse Riding, Indoor
Climbing Gyms, Pioneering Activities, Power Boats,
Rafting, Range Archery, Rock Climbing, Rowing,
Sailboarding, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling,
Snow Ski Touring
Qld Branch, May 2011
4.
Name the three types of activities,
members undertake as defined in QBSI?
1. DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES undertaken within the normal
youth program by the various Sections and Formations.
Leaders who hold a Certificate of Appointment can
supervise these activities.
2 SPECIALIST OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES based on appropriate
community and Scouting standards, and require leadership
by persons with prescribed qualifications and/or experience
in addition to a Certificate of Appointment. (These activities
are defined as Adventurous Activities in The Policy and
Rules of the Scout Association of Australia.)
3 RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES
as determined by the Chief
Qld Branch, May 2011
Commissioner of Queensland, and binding on all members.
5.
What underpins Scouting activities in
these areas?
P and R Policy 7.4 defines what constitutes specialist
outdoor activities.
Nationally, these activities are defined as Adventurous
Activities. These activities are identified specifically
as they require leadership by persons with prescribed
qualifications and/or experience in addition to a
Certificate of Appointment.
Further, they have community set standards which
must be adhered to. They can be of higher risk of
Qld Branch, May 2011
injury
6.
List the main responsibility of any person
who is supervising any Scout activity?
a.
to make it fun
b.
to link it to Scout Fundamentals
c.
to make it low cost
d.
to make it safe
d.
To take appropriate action at all times to
reduce the risk of injury to participants.
Qld Branch, May 2011
GENERAL ACTIVITY 3
What Committee supports the Chief
Commissioner in this regard and provide
details of four positions on the Committee?
Membership is;
Commissioner responsible for Specialist Outdoor
Activities as Chairman, Branch Advisers/Chairs
representing specific skills groups; e.g. Rock
Activities, Bushwalking, Water Activities, Pioneering,
Four Wheel Driving, and other persons nominated
by the Commissioner responsible for Specialist
Outdoor Activities. Qld Branch, May 2011
7.
What are the two basic principles of safety
as defined in QBSI?
•
•
Eliminate unnecessary hazards
Minimise the effect of any mishaps
Qld Branch, May 2011
8.
Provide at least two examples when day to
day activities could become specialist
outdoor activities?
• Bushwalking
• Cycling
• Canoeing and kayaking
• Pioneering (incl. Flying Fox construction)
• Rafting
NOTE: Adults in Scouting must check whether
the activities they are planning to run falls within
Day to Day Activities or Specialist Outdoor
Activities (requiring prescribed
qualifications).
Qld Branch, May 2011
9.
Provide examples of specialist outdoor
activities that may only be undertaken by
registered external providers?
Hang gliding,
Parachuting,
Balloon flights
Qld Branch, May 2011
GENERAL ACTIVITY 4
Before approving a specialist outdoor activity list 5
things the Group Leader/ Team Leader must check?
1. Written permission has been gained from the parents/carers
2. Each Member is appropriately registered or a non-member Activity Advice (
F6),
3. Complete listing of all participants, including the next of kin’s whereabouts
4. Permission for the use of any activity site has been gained
5. The activity leader and persons in charge of specific activities are competent
6. The equipment available meets all safety requirements
7. The party members have been trained and prepared for the activity/event
8. The activity leader or supervisor has knowledge of the locality of the activity
9. The activity leader will make allowance for participants’ medical conditions
10. Emergency plan, one qualified first aider and kit
11. Details of medical and hospital contacts and participant medical details
12. Transport arrangements will meet legal, insurance, comfort and safety criteria
13. The activity leader or supervisor can exercise reasonable duty of care
14. Risk assessment of activity – may need documentation
15. District Commissioner is advised
Qld Branch, May 2011
16. Incidents/accidents reported promptly to Group/Team Leader and documented
10.
What is regarded as a day to day canoe
activity ?
Canoeing that occurs:
•in a small farm dam, 100 metres diameter or
•in confined waters where participants can stand up and wade to
the shoreline or
•no more than 50 metres from the shoreline or
•where craft are in sight and hearing of supervising activity leader.
Qld Branch, May 2011
GENERAL ACTIVITY 5
List at least three ways a leader can
minimise the effect of any mishaps?
i. Plan to overcome dangerous or unsafe conditions
or situations
ii. Ensure that suitable equipment is provided
iii. Ensure equipment is used properly
iv. Ensure that all participants are trained in the
relevant techniques
v. Check all rules are followed.
Qld Branch, May 2011
11.
What skilled adults are required to take
my Cub Scouts out in a canoe for a fun
day to day activity
A Level 2 canoe holder (depending on craft used)
must be present and can supervise up to 3 craft.
A responsible adult is required to supervise each
additional 2 craft.
s21.3
Qld Branch, May 2011
12.
What skilled adults are required to take
my Scouts out in a canoe for a fun day
to day activity
A Level 2 canoe holder (depending on craft used)
must be present and can supervise up to 3 craft.
A responsible adult is required to supervise each
additional 2 craft.
s21.3
Qld Branch, May 2011
13.
What if the canoeing for Cub Scouts is to
occur on a larger area of water?
It is Specialist Outdoor Activity and approval of Guide or
Instructor is required.
A Level 2 canoe or kayak holder must be present and ratio of
one adult to every 4 Cub Scouts.
Activity restricted to 50 metres from shoreline in Smooth
Waters only.
Powered rescue boat for every 10 craft, if craft more than 20
metres from shoreline where discernable current or tidal flow.
Youth participants must be able to swim 50 metres dressed in
shirt, shorts, shoes and PFD.
Qld Branch, May 2011
14.
What do I need to be able to take my
Cub Scouts for a daytime bushwalk
following a track ?
Supervisor must hold Certificate of Appointment.
This is classed as a day to day Activity as
undertaken in tracked terrain, non-remote, nonextreme conditions and is a day walk.
s12
Qld Branch, May 2011
15.
What do I need to be able to take my
Scouts out for a day hike on tracks?
Supervisor must hold Certificate of Appointment in
Scout, Venturer Scout or Rover Section or hold
Bushwalker Level 1 or higher qualification.
This is a Day to Day Activity and if undertaken in
tracked terrain, non-remote, non-extreme conditions
considered as a day walk.
s12
Qld Branch, May 2011
16.
Can my Joey Scout Mob go abseiling?
This is a Specialist Outdoor Activity
Can occur with the written permission of the Chief
Commissioner
s11.3.6
Qld Branch, May 2011
17.
What needs to be checked before a
Patrol goes out on a day hike?
Supervisor must hold Certificate of Appointment in
Scout, Venturer Scout or Rover Section or hold
Bushwalker Level 1 or higher qualification.
This is a Day to Day Activity.
Supervisor must ensure that youth leader has skills
to deal with situations one would normally expect to
arise on type of bushwalk to be undertaken.
s12
Qld Branch, May 2011
18.
Can I take my Cub Scout Pack abseiling?
Yes, under the supervision of a Guide or Instructor.
This is a Specialist Outdoor Activity
Section or Group Leader must be present with the Pack.
Maximum descent is 10 metres.
s11.3.6, s11.3.8
Qld Branch, May 2011
19.
When can Scouts abseil?
Under the supervision of a Guide or Instructor.
The Scout Leader or Group Leader must be present
with the Troop.
Specialist Outdoor Activity
Maximum descent is 50 metres.
No multiple pitch descents.
s11.3.6, s11.3.9
Qld Branch, May 2011
20.
What needs to be checked before my
Scouts go on an overnight typical hike?
Supervisor must hold Certificate of Appointment in
Scout, Venturer Scout or Rover Section or
hold Bushwalker Level 1 or higher.
Day to Day Activity if tracked, non-remote, nonextreme, 2 nights, up to 30km
Supervisor must ensure that youth leader has skills
to deal with situations one would normally expect to
arise on type of bushwalk to be undertaken.
s12
Qld Branch, May 2011
21.
Can I take my Scouts to a commercial
climbing gym ?
Yes. This is a Day to Day Activity
The gym will seek indemnity from parents which will
void Scouts Australia insurance. The risk is
therefore transferred to Parents. Completion of a C5
form is necessary to cover travel to and from the
activity.
s19.5
Qld Branch, May 2011
22.
What leadership is needed if Venturer
Scouts were to plan a hike over three
nights including some trackless terrain?
Specialist Outdoor Activity
Adult Leader of hike must hold Bushwalking Level
2
If youth leader, supervisor must be Guide or
Instructor.
s12
Qld Branch, May 2011
23.
Can Scouts complete level 1 canoeing?
No as VET statements of attainment are issued for
this appointment. VET statements can only be
issued to persons in the Venturer Scout section or
older.
Qld Branch, May 2011
24.
Then how do scouts qualify to be in
charge of a canoe on an expedition?
Scouts gain an Explorer Level Water Activities
Target badge for a canoe.
Qld Branch, May 2011
25.
Where are community standards regarding
these activities defined?
National training packages endorsed by Australian
Government in areas of Sport and Outdoor
Recreation.
Qld Branch, May 2011
26.
Will these impact on the delivery of our activities?
Yes, potentially, as they now provide the standards
for what happens in Australia in each of these
areas and are seen as the law.
Qld Branch, May 2011
31.
Have these impacted on our Award
Scheme?
No as all base requirements for Scouts and Venturer
Scouts comply with these industry requirements.
Regular reviews of the youth program occur to ensure
consistency.
For some ‘Venturer high fliers’ then the challenges they
set themselves may extend the distances and conditions.
In these one off instances, a specialist should be
involved in providing support.
.
Qld Branch, May 2011
32.
Name at least three of the five areas of specialist
outdoor skills covered currently in SAIT’s
registration regarding adventurous activities?
Abseiling
Bushwalking
Canoeing
Kayaking
Sea kayaking
Qld Branch, May 2011
33.
Why should Scouts get into these VET
areas
If we don’t we risk not being able to train leaders in these specialist
areas and not offering it to youth members
Qld Branch, May 2011
34.
Why are there such issues over VET?
Different education authorities in Australia consider VET differently.
All young people coming through schools now will be familiar with
VET.
Some youth say Scouts is for scouts and VET is school
Some educationalists see VET as a lesser pathway to University and
are threatened by this
Many people over 25 do not realise that VET is now an accepted
pathway in schools and happens in Years 10 – 12 at school
It is expected all young people will stay at school until 18 or they have
a job- Earn or Learn
Any Venturer Scout can get a Cert II for joining in normal Unit activities
and achieving the Venturer Award.
Venturers in Qld who complete a Venturer Award can get a Cert II.
which earns 20% of their School Leaving Certificate (QCE).
Venturers in SA, NT and Tas get recognition for their Certificate II on
their school leaving statement.Qld Branch, May 2011
35.
TRUE or FALSE?
Scouts is the only non-government registered training organisation
(RTO) that can deliver and assess training in these 5 specialty
areas.
True. The only other registered training organisations that deliver all
these are some TAFE colleges
Qld Branch, May 2011