Plan Rock Skills | Stage 1

Rock Ready: Getting Prepared for Vertical Adventures

This activity helps Joey Scouts and Cub Scouts get ready for their first vertical adventure, such as a rock playground or climbing outing. Youth will learn how to dress properly, stay safe, work with a buddy, and use basic safety equipment so they feel confident and prepared before heading out.

What you'll need

• Scout Hall or indoor space

• A mix of good and poor clothing options for rock activities

• Youth members’ bike helmets

• Clear space for running and group movement

• Leaders or youth helpers to supervise activities

Activity

• 1. Preparing for a Rock Adventure (Group discussion)

  • Talk about where the upcoming outing will be and what activities are planned

  • Explain why being prepared helps everyone stay safe

  • Briefly explain what rock climbing, abseiling, caving, or rock playgrounds are

  • Discuss how learning skills now helps with future adventures

  2. Clothes Packing Relay

  • Show examples of good and poor clothing for rock activities

  • Explain why some clothes are safer than others

  • Divide youth into Patrols

  • Each group starts with a pile of mixed clothing

  • One at a time, youth run to swap poor clothing for safer options

  • Continue until each Patrol has a “safe outfit” ready

  3. This or That Safety Game

  • Mark one side of the Hall as “Yes” and the other as “No”

  • Read out simple safety scenarios

  • Youth run to the side they think is correct

  • Discuss answers briefly as a group

  • Include topics like:

    • Buddy system

    • What to do if lost

    • Calling 000 in an emergency

    • Safe climbing behaviour

  4. Wearing a Helmet

  • Ask youth to collect their helmets

  • Talk about why helmets are worn

  • Discuss who else wears helmets and why

  • Ask youth to show how to put on and adjust their helmet

  • Check fit together and explain what a good fit looks like

  • Reinforce that bike helmets are for riding bikes, and climbing helmets are different

  5. Optional Vertical Game

  • Set up a simple obstacle or “cave” style challenge

  • Youth navigate the space with guidance from a buddy

  • Focus on communication, trust, and safety

Change the challenge level

• Make it easier by running activities as a whole group instead of Patrols

• Increase challenge by having youth explain their safety choices

• Add time limits or teamwork rules to the relay

• Ask older youth to help lead parts of the activity

Reflection