Want to run your own adventurous activities? Here’s a guide to get you started.
Our aim in West Lancs is get more young people and adults involved in adventurous activities. We provide training and assessment opportunities that will support you in learning the skills that are needed to run safe and fun adventurous activities.
To run an adventurous activity you need a current Adventurous Activity Permit.
The Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme is an assessment scheme run by Scouts for Scouts, designed to make sure that all those leading adventurous activities within Scouting have the skills, knowledge, experience and personal suitability to do so.
To gain a permit, your ability in the activity is evaluated by an Assessor who is skilled and experienced in your chosen activity. Your assessor will expect you to demonstrate good knowledge, skills and breadth of experience in your chosen activity, backed up by a log of recent experience. They will also expect you to demonstrate your ability to manage a group of people engaged in the activity.
Your overall suitability to run the activity is considered by your District or County Lead Volunteer, who will award your permit.
Before applying for a permit we recommend that you find out more about your chosen activity in the Scouts national database of adventurous activities and about the permit scheme. You can also find out whether you are eligible for funding from Scouts to develop your skills.
Activity Permit Application Process
There are guides available whether you want to apply for a new permit, or renew an existing permit.
Here is a summary of the permit application process:
- Contact the Manager of the Activity Permit Scheme (MAPS) to find out more and identify the Lead Activity Volunteer. Message MAPS
- Gather together the evidence that you will need to support your application.
- This may include a logbook of your experience and copies of activity qualification certificates.
- Submit your application by going to Scouts.org.uk > My membership > Programme Support > Permits > Permit Search and click Apply.
- More details available here.
- When asked for the name of the Assessor select the Lead Activity Volunteer for your chosen activity.
- Provide as much detail as possible in your application and upload supporting evidence.
- Complete any learning activities set by your assessor.
- This may include writing a risk assessment for your activity, completing a quiz about relevant rules, or planning an activity.
- Attend a technical assessment or training event, if required.
- The assessment will evaluate your technical competence in your chosen activity as well as your ability to run the activity for a group of young people.
- You will also have to demonstrate that you understand the Scout rules that govern your activity.
- The assessment will include a discussion about any restrictions to your permit. Restrictions allow you to deliver an activity within an agreed set of conditions that suit your current level of ability.
- Once the technical assessment is complete the Assessor will forward your application to the relevant Lead Volunteer for approval.
- When the Permit is approved you will have a valid Adventurous Activity Permit that enables you to take your young people and adult volunteers on activities. Your permit will be valid for 5 years, then you’ll need to reapply.
The Activity Permit Scheme for West Lancs is managed by the Manager of the Activity Permit Scheme (MAPS). If you have any questions about the permit scheme you can message MAPS.