Explorers Caving Activity Badge

Tips

• Make it your own

  Do you want to find out more about speleology (the study of Caves) and geology? This badge is a great opportunity to explore something that excites you!

  You could look at animal life in caves and how it differs from species found above ground as part of this activity and link it to another activity badge at the same time.

  To get the badge, you can either try some of our example activities, or come up with your own with support from a Scouts volunteer or trusted adult. The activities should be challenging for you and take a reasonable amount of time.

• Guidance for Leaders

  Offer flexibility and encourage Explorers to tailor their badge to their interests and skill set.

  
  Everyone has different skills and experiences, so try to consider their starting point when choosing what they will achieve.

  
  As a rough guide, an Activity Badge should be achievable within 3 weeks of activities.

• Safety fundamentals for Explorers to consider

  • When taking part in adventurous activities, remember to let someone know:
    • Whereyou’re going.
    • Whoyou’re with.
    • Whattimeyou plan to be finished.
    • A plan forcommunicatingyour progress.
    • Ask forhelpif you're visiting new places or trying new activities.
  • Make sure you have an appropriately qualified person with you while taking part in caving activities. You can find general activity advice aboutCavingand more information aboutCavingand The Scout activity permits on our guidance pages.
  • Complete your own risk assessment based on your plans and ask an adult volunteer to check it for you.
  • Make sure you know what kit you need, that it is in good condition, and you know how to use it effectively.
  • Do make sure that any external provider you use, do follows The Scouts' requirements by checking theExternally Led Activity guidance.

• Safety essentials for volunteers or responsible adults to manage activities safely

  • All activities for this badge must be safely managed and locally approved.
  • Volunteers must make sure they have completed a thorough risk assessment and taken appropriate steps to reduce risks.
  • Support Explorers to review and understand theExternally Led Activity guidance, that external providers can follow The Scouts requirements.
  • Use thesafety checklistto help plan and risk assess the activity.