Plan Intro Vertical Skills | Stage 2

Vertical Skills: Getting Ready to Climb and Abseil

This activity introduces Cubs and Scouts to the key skills and safety knowledge they need before taking part in climbing or abseiling. Youth will learn why safety equipment matters, practise basic knots, understand how to stay safe around heights, and prepare for a future vertical activity.

What you'll need

• Scout Hall or indoor space

• Rope for knot tying

• Printed vertical equipment diagrams

• Coloured pencils or markers

• Pavement chalk or tape for marking areas

• Dice for games

Activity

• 1. Preparing for Vertical Activities (Group discussion)

  • Talk about where the Unit will be going for the vertical activity

  • Explain what climbing and abseiling are

  • Discuss how we stay safe from falling using harnesses, ropes and helmets

  • Talk about clothing, sun protection and hydration

  • Acknowledge fears like heights and explain how safety systems help

  • Discuss what to do in an emergency and how to get help

  2. Knots for Vertical Activities

  • Explain why knots are important for climbing and abseiling

  • Demonstrate two basic knots used in vertical activities:

    • Figure-8 on a bight

    • Figure-8 rethreaded

  • Youth practise tying the knots using rope

  • Check knots together and give simple feedback

  • Optionally run a knot relay to reinforce learning

  3. Vertical Safety Game

  • Label one end of the hall “TRUE” and the other “FALSE”

  • Read out statements about vertical equipment and safety

  • Youth run to the side they think is correct

  • Briefly discuss each answer together

  • Cover topics such as helmets, harnesses, carabiners, footwear and sun safety

  4. Label the Equipment Diagram

  • Give each youth a printed diagram

  • Ask them to label or match the safety equipment to the correct part of the picture

  • Talk through each piece of equipment as a group

  • Colouring in is optional

  5. Ropes and Caving Ladders Game

  • Set up a large snakes and ladders–style board on the floor or whiteboard

  • Youth roll a dice and move through the course

  • Ladders represent good safety choices

  • Abseils represent unsafe choices

  • When landing on a question square, ask a vertical safety question

  • Correct answers earn another roll

  6. Review and Preview the Outing

  • Ask youth what skills they practised tonight

  • Discuss what they are most excited or nervous about

  • Explain what will happen at the upcoming climbing or abseiling activity

  • Reinforce key safety messages

Change the challenge level

• Reduce complexity by focusing on one knot instead of two

• Increase challenge by having the youth explain why the equipment is used

• Ask older Scouts to help lead games or teach knots

• Add timed challenges or patrol competitions

Reflection