Vertical Skills Pathway

Vertical Skills Pathway: Rover Preparation to Stage 4

This activity supports Rover Scouts to independently prepare for Vertical Outdoor Adventure Skills from Stage 1 through to Stage 4. Rovers will build knowledge through self-directed learning, practise essential knots, review previous vertical activities, and prepare for a vertical trip with a Scouting Adventurous Activity Team or commercial operator.

This program is designed to run over several Rover nights and alongside real climbing or abseiling activities.

What you'll need

• Access to Scouts | Terrain and the online training portal

• Rope, webbing or tape for knot practice

• Space in a Rover Den or hall for discussions and practice

• Access to a climbing gym or vertical activity

• Personal device for training modules and notes

Activity

• 1. Complete Online Vertical Learning

  • Access the Scouts Australia training portal

  • Complete the Abseiling Skills on demand learning module

  • Use this to cover:

    • Stage 1 planning knowledge

    • Stage 2 planning knowledge

    • Most Stage 3 planning knowledge

  • Take notes on anything you need to practise further

  2. Knot Skills for Vertical Activities

  • Learn and practise the required knots:

    • Figure-8

    • Figure-8 on a bight

    • Rethreaded figure-8

    • Tape knot

    • Double fisherman’s knot

    • Prusik knot

    • Alpine butterfly knot

  • Practise tying knots correctly and neatly

  • Discuss where each knot would be used in real vertical activities

  • Peer-check knots with other Rovers

  3. Plan and Take Part in Vertical Activities

  • Program at least one climbing or abseiling activity into your Rover calendar

  • Attend a climbing gym or vertical activity with appropriate supervision

  • Ensure activities meet Stage 2 and Stage 3 requirements, including height and repetition

  • Take photos and keep notes as evidence

  • Log activities in Scouts | Terrain or a personal logbook

  4. Review Vertical Activities as a Unit

  • Hold a group discussion with your Rover Unit

  • Review:

    • What you enjoyed

    • What you learnt

    • What you would do differently next time

    • How safety could be improved

  • Use this discussion to complete Stage 1–3 Review requirements

  5. Stage 3 Knowledge Check

  • Work through the Stage 1–3 proficiency statements together

  • Identify any gaps that still need to be addressed

  • Arrange additional practice if needed

  • Note that anchor selection can be completed during Stage 4 preparation

  6. Prepare for Stage 4

  • Carefully read the Participant Information Guide provided by the AA Team

  • Discuss Stage 4 expectations with other Rovers or your Unit Leader

  • Review topics such as:

    • Advanced safety considerations

    • Equipment checks

    • Belay devices

    • Anchor selection

  • Notify the AA Team Trip Leader if you intend to complete Stage 4

  7. During the Vertical Trip

  • Identify yourself to the Trip Leader as working towards Stage 4

  • Actively demonstrate your skills during the activity

  • Ask for verification when appropriate

  • Keep your logbook and Scouts | Terrain updated

  8. Post-Trip Review

  • Review the activity with your Rover Unit

  • Share learnings and photos

  • Finalise any outstanding proficiency statements

  • Discuss next steps, including progression to Stage 5 if desired

Change the challenge level

• Focus only on Stage 1–3 if new to vertical activities

• Increase challenge by aiming to complete Stage 4 in a single trip

• Extend learning by joining an Adventurous Activity Team

• Take on leadership roles supporting younger Sections

Reflection