Eighteen Scouts swapped their everyday comforts for a weekend of woodland adventure at Doncaster Danum’s Backwoods Skills Weekend, held at Squirrel Wood from 2 to 4 October.
Supported by 12 volunteers, the Scouts explored bushcraft and survival skills through practical activities, team challenges and two nights away, including sleeping under the stars.
Shelter building was a key part of the weekend. Using tarps and natural materials, the Scouts worked together to create suitable shelters and consider how to protect themselves from the elements. Sleeping outdoors gave them the opportunity to put those skills into practice.
They also learnt about fire lighting and fire management, alongside the safe use of knives, axes and saws. These skills came together in practical woodland projects, including carving their own wooden noodle forks to use at mealtimes.
Outdoor cooking offered another challenge, with the Scouts preparing, cooking and eating wild game and fish over an open fire. Getting involved in preparing food from start to finish gave them an experience well beyond a typical camp menu.
Practical woodland first aid and survival techniques helped the Scouts explore how to respond to challenges outdoors. Team activities and camp projects encouraged them to share ideas, solve problems and support one another, with opportunities for Scouts to take the lead.
After dark, a glow stick night navigation challenge put their navigation and teamwork skills to the test in the woodland setting.
Skills recognised through badges
The Scouts completed all the requirements for their Survival Skills Activity Badge, recognising the range of practical skills developed during the weekend.
The event also provided two qualifying nights towards the Nights Away Staged Activity Badge, alongside evidence towards the Camper Activity Badge, Adventure Challenge Award and Skills Challenge Award. Scouts who successfully led a patrol or team may also have completed requirements towards their Team Leader Challenge Award.
Section Teams can use the weekend’s activities to update individual badge records on OSM, where they are satisfied that the relevant requirements have been completed.
A thank you to the team
David Plant, District Lead Volunteer for Doncaster Danum, said:
“What an awesome weekend for our Scouts. From carving their own noodle forks and cooking over an open fire to building shelters and sleeping under the stars, they had the chance to try something different and develop skills they can take into future adventures.
“Completing their Survival Skills Activity Badge is a fantastic achievement and gives them something to be proud of alongside the memories they have made.
“A huge thank you to the District Team for putting on such a brilliant event and to all 12 volunteers who gave their time, knowledge and enthusiasm. These opportunities happen because people are willing to get involved and make them possible.”
Thank you to all 18 Scouts who took part and everyone who helped make the weekend happen.
