Plan Basic Vertical Skills | Stage 3

Building Confidence and Safety at Height

This activity helps Scouts and Venturer Scouts build the core skills and confidence needed for climbing and abseiling. Youth will practise essential knots, learn how to plan for vertical activities, understand how anchors work, and apply first aid in vertical scenarios, all before taking part in a supervised vertical outing.

What you'll need

• Scout Hall and access to an outdoor area

• Rope suitable for knot practice

• Webbing or tape for anchors

• Examples of strong and weak anchor points (trees, posts, structures)

• Basic first aid supplies (bandages, water, gloves)

• Space for Group activities

Activity

• 1. Vertical Knot Challenge

  • Review knots Scouts already know from earlier stages

  • Teach and practise key vertical knots:

    • Rethreaded figure-8

    • Alpine butterfly

    • Tape knot

  • Discuss what each knot is used for in vertical activities

  • Run a knot-based challenge such as a tug-of-war or relay to test correct knot tying

  • Inspect knots together and talk about why neat, correct knots matter

• 2. Patrol Pre-Trip Planning

  • Patrol Leaders lead a discussion within their patrol

  • Talk about the upcoming vertical activity and location

  • Discuss risks in different weather conditions

  • Identify where to find reliable weather forecasts, including BOM

  • Compare different weather apps and plan for worst-case conditions

  • Discuss appropriate clothing, gear, and what to carry on a vertical activity

• 3. Selecting Anchors

  • Explain what an anchor is and why it is critical for safety

  • Talk about characteristics of good and poor anchors

  • Youth explore the area to identify possible anchor points

  • Review each suggested anchor as a group

  • Discuss strength, stability, direction of pull, and minimal impact on the environment

  • Optionally practise setting up a simple anchor using rope or webbing

• 4. Vertical First Aid Scenarios

  • Review common injuries in vertical activities such as sun exposure, rope burn, and abrasions

  • Revise DRSABCD and basic first aid principles

  • In patrols, work through practical first aid scenarios related to vertical activities

  • Practise treating minor injuries using available equipment

  • Discuss prevention as well as treatment

• 5. Review and Prepare for the Outing

  • Reflect on skills practised during the session

  • Discuss how knots, anchors, and planning improve safety

  • Reinforce the purpose of belays and supervision

  • Explain what to expect during the upcoming climbing or abseiling activity

Change the challenge level

• Reduce complexity by focusing on fewer knots or simpler anchor examples

• Increase challenge by having youth explain why certain anchors are safer

• Ask experienced Scouts to mentor others

• Add leadership by having Patrol Leaders run sections of the activity

Reflection