Skills for Venturers

Vertical Skills Intensive: From Stage 1 to Stage 3

This activity is designed for Venturer Scouts to build core vertical skills from Stage 1 through to Stage 3. It supports Venturers to reflect on recent vertical experiences, deepen their understanding of safety, equipment and planning, practise essential knots and first aid, and prepare for future climbing or abseiling activities. This program works best alongside two vertical outings.

What you'll need

• Scout Hall or suitable indoor space

• Rope and webbing or tape for knot practice

• Mobile devices with data or printed trivia questions

• Printed vertical equipment diagrams or craft materials

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

Activity

• 1. Post-Activity Group Review

  • Form a circle as a Unit

  • Venturers take turns sharing:

    • What they enjoyed about the recent vertical activity

    • What they learnt

    • What they would do differently next time

    • How the Unit could improve safety on future vertical activities

  • Optional deeper reflection:

    • Something they found challenging and why

    • A perception that has changed since the activity

  2. Vertical Safety Trivia

  • Run a trivia-style game using phones or printed questions

  • Cover key safety topics including:

    • Buddy system

    • Helmets and harnesses

    • Environmental impact

    • Weather risks

    • Emergency response

  • Encourage discussion after questions rather than focusing on scores

  3. Label the Equipment

  • Venturers label a diagram showing essential vertical equipment

  • Alternatively, recreate a vertical scene using craft or stop-motion

  • As a group, discuss what each item is and why it is important

  • Link equipment back to real experiences from recent outings

  4. Belays, Carabiners and Anchors (Group discussion)

  • Discuss what a belay is and why belays are critical

  • Talk through how carabiners work and how to care for them

  • Identify what makes a good anchor and what does not

  • Reinforce that equipment care is essential because lives depend on it

  5. Knots for Vertical Activities

  • Review why knot skills are critical for vertical safety

  • Practise the key knots required by Stage 3:

    • Figure-8 and variations

    • Figure-8 on a bight

    • Rethreaded figure-8

    • Alpine butterfly

    • Tape knot

  • Use peer teaching where possible

  • Optionally build a simple anchor setup and run a controlled tug-of-war activity to test knots

  • Reinforce safe rope handling at all times

  6. Vertical First Aid Scenarios

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

  • Revise DRSABCD and basic wound care

  • In small groups, work through realistic vertical first aid scenarios

  • Focus on calm decision-making, communication and teamwork

  7. Preparing for the Next Vertical Outing

  • Discuss the upcoming activity and what skills will be applied

  • Confirm expectations around safety briefings, equipment checks and behaviour

  • Encourage Venturers to take leadership roles on the outing where appropriate

Change the challenge level

• Focus on fewer knots for less experienced Units

• Increase challenge by having Venturers teach skills to younger sections

• Add leadership by having Venturers design their own safety questions or scenarios

• Extend learning towards Stage 4 by introducing additional knots if appropriate

Reflection