Qld Branch, May 2011 SPECIALIST OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES CHALLENGE

Qld Branch, May Name the document prepared to alert adults in Scouting in Queensland to the need for vigilance, particularly where there is a potential hazard that may lead to injuries during outdoor activities? Queensland Branch Specialist Outdoor Activities Policies and Procedures

Qld Branch, May 2011 GENERAL ACTIVITY 1 Draw the cover

Qld Branch, May How do I obtain a copy of Queensland Branch Specialist Outdoor Activities Policies and Procedures? They can be downloaded from the Members area of the Queensland Branch website.

Qld Branch, May What position is responsible for all specialist outdoor activities conducted within the Branch? The Chief Commissioner – who may delegate that authority to other members of the Branch Team.

Qld Branch, May 2011 GENERAL ACTIVITY 2 List ten specialist outdoor activities for Queensland? Abseiling, Air Activities, Bushwalking, Canoeing/Kayaking, Caving, Firearms, Aerial Runways/Flying Foxes, Four Wheel Driving High and Low Ropes Courses, Horse Riding, Indoor Climbing Gyms, Pioneering Activities, Power Boats, Rafting, Range Archery, Rock Climbing, Rowing, Sailboarding, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Snow Ski Touring

Qld Branch, May Name the three types of activities, members undertake as defined in QBSI? 1. DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES undertaken within the normal youth program by the various Sections and Formations. Leaders who hold a Certificate of Appointment can supervise these activities. 2 SPECIALIST OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES based on appropriate community and Scouting standards, and require leadership by persons with prescribed qualifications and/or experience in addition to a Certificate of Appointment. (These activities are defined as Adventurous Activities in The Policy and Rules of the Scout Association of Australia.) 3 RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES as determined by the Chief Commissioner of Queensland, and binding on all members.

Qld Branch, May What underpins Scouting activities in these areas? P and R Policy 7.4 defines what constitutes specialist outdoor activities. Nationally, these activities are defined as Adventurous Activities. These activities are identified specifically as they require leadership by persons with prescribed qualifications and/or experience in addition to a Certificate of Appointment. Further, they have community set standards which must be adhered to. They can be of higher risk of injury

Qld Branch, May List the main responsibility of any person who is supervising any Scout activity? a.to make it fun b.to link it to Scout Fundamentals c.to make it low cost d.to make it safe d. To take appropriate action at all times to reduce the risk of injury to participants.

Qld Branch, May 2011 GENERAL ACTIVITY 3 What Committee supports the Chief Commissioner in this regard and provide details of four positions on the Committee? Membership is; Commissioner responsible for Specialist Outdoor Activities as Chairman, Branch Advisers/Chairs representing specific skills groups; e.g. Rock Activities, Bushwalking, Water Activities, Pioneering, Four Wheel Driving, and other persons nominated by the Commissioner responsible for Specialist Outdoor Activities.

Qld Branch, May What are the two basic principles of safety as defined in QBSI? Eliminate unnecessary hazards Minimise the effect of any mishaps

Qld Branch, May Provide at least two examples when day to day activities could become specialist outdoor activities? Bushwalking Cycling Canoeing and kayaking Pioneering (incl. Flying Fox construction) Rafting NOTE: Adults in Scouting must check whether the activities they are planning to run falls within Day to Day Activities or Specialist Outdoor Activities (requiring prescribed qualifications).

Qld Branch, May Provide examples of specialist outdoor activities that may only be undertaken by registered external providers? Hang gliding, Parachuting, Balloon flights

Qld Branch, May 2011 GENERAL ACTIVITY 4 Before approving a specialist outdoor activity list 5 things the Group Leader/ Team Leader must check? 1.Written permission has been gained from the parents/carers 2.Each Member is appropriately registered or a non-member Activity Advice ( F6), 3.Complete listing of all participants, including the next of kin’s whereabouts 4.Permission for the use of any activity site has been gained 5.The activity leader and persons in charge of specific activities are competent 6.The equipment available meets all safety requirements 7.The party members have been trained and prepared for the activity/event 8.The activity leader or supervisor has knowledge of the locality of the activity 9.The activity leader will make allowance for participants’ medical conditions 10.Emergency plan, one qualified first aider and kit 11.Details of medical and hospital contacts and participant medical details 12.Transport arrangements will meet legal, insurance, comfort and safety criteria 13.The activity leader or supervisor can exercise reasonable duty of care 14.Risk assessment of activity – may need documentation 15.District Commissioner is advised 16.Incidents/accidents reported promptly to Group/Team Leader and documented.

Qld Branch, May What is regarded as a day to day canoe activity ? Canoeing that occurs: in a small farm dam, 100 metres diameter or in confined waters where participants can stand up and wade to the shoreline or no more than 50 metres from the shoreline or where craft are in sight and hearing of supervising activity leader.

Qld Branch, May 2011 GENERAL ACTIVITY 5 List at least three ways a leader can minimise the effect of any mishaps? i. Plan to overcome dangerous or unsafe conditions or situations ii. Ensure that suitable equipment is provided iii.Ensure equipment is used properly iv.Ensure that all participants are trained in the relevant techniques v.Check all rules are followed.

Qld Branch, May What skilled adults are required to take my Cub Scouts out in a canoe for a fun day to day activity A Level 2 canoe holder (depending on craft used) must be present and can supervise up to 3 craft. A responsible adult is required to supervise each additional 2 craft. s21.3

Qld Branch, May What skilled adults are required to take my Scouts out in a canoe for a fun day to day activity A Level 2 canoe holder (depending on craft used) must be present and can supervise up to 3 craft. A responsible adult is required to supervise each additional 2 craft. s21.3

Qld Branch, May What if the canoeing for Cub Scouts is to occur on a larger area of water? It is Specialist Outdoor Activity and approval of Guide or Instructor is required. A Level 2 canoe or kayak holder must be present and ratio of one adult to every 4 Cub Scouts. Activity restricted to 50 metres from shoreline in Smooth Waters only. Powered rescue boat for every 10 craft, if craft more than 20 metres from shoreline where discernable current or tidal flow. Youth participants must be able to swim 50 metres dressed in shirt, shorts, shoes and PFD.

Qld Branch, May What do I need to be able to take my Cub Scouts for a daytime bushwalk following a track ? Supervisor must hold Certificate of Appointment. This is classed as a day to day Activity as undertaken in tracked terrain, non-remote, non- extreme conditions and is a day walk. s12

Qld Branch, May What do I need to be able to take my Scouts out for a day hike on tracks? Supervisor must hold Certificate of Appointment in Scout, Venturer Scout or Rover Section or hold Bushwalker Level 1 or higher qualification. This is a Day to Day Activity and if undertaken in tracked terrain, non-remote, non-extreme conditions considered as a day walk. s12

Qld Branch, May Can my Joey Scout Mob go abseiling? This is a Specialist Outdoor Activity Can occur with the written permission of the Chief Commissioner s11.3.6

Qld Branch, May What needs to be checked before a Patrol goes out on a day hike? Supervisor must hold Certificate of Appointment in Scout, Venturer Scout or Rover Section or hold Bushwalker Level 1 or higher qualification. This is a Day to Day Activity. Supervisor must ensure that youth leader has skills to deal with situations one would normally expect to arise on type of bushwalk to be undertaken. s12

Qld Branch, May Can I take my Cub Scout Pack abseiling? Yes, under the supervision of a Guide or Instructor. This is a Specialist Outdoor Activity Section or Group Leader must be present with the Pack. Maximum descent is 10 metres. s11.3.6, s11.3.8

Qld Branch, May When can Scouts abseil? Under the supervision of a Guide or Instructor. The Scout Leader or Group Leader must be present with the Troop. Specialist Outdoor Activity Maximum descent is 50 metres. No multiple pitch descents. s11.3.6, s11.3.9

Qld Branch, May What needs to be checked before my Scouts go on an overnight typical hike? Supervisor must hold Certificate of Appointment in Scout, Venturer Scout or Rover Section or hold Bushwalker Level 1 or higher. Day to Day Activity if tracked, non-remote, non- extreme, 2 nights, up to 30km Supervisor must ensure that youth leader has skills to deal with situations one would normally expect to arise on type of bushwalk to be undertaken. s12

Qld Branch, May Can I take my Scouts to a commercial climbing gym ? Yes. This is a Day to Day Activity The gym will seek indemnity from parents which will void Scouts Australia insurance. The risk is therefore transferred to Parents. Completion of a C5 form is necessary to cover travel to and from the activity. s19.5

Qld Branch, May What leadership is needed if Venturer Scouts were to plan a hike over three nights including some trackless terrain? Specialist Outdoor Activity Adult Leader of hike must hold Bushwalking Level 2 If youth leader, supervisor must be Guide or Instructor. s12

Qld Branch, May Can Scouts complete level 1 canoeing? No as VET statements of attainment are issued for this appointment. VET statements can only be issued to persons in the Venturer Scout section or older.

Qld Branch, May Then how do scouts qualify to be in charge of a canoe on an expedition? Scouts gain an Explorer Level Water Activities Target badge for a canoe.

Qld Branch, May Where are community standards regarding these activities defined? National training packages endorsed by Australian Government in areas of Sport and Outdoor Recreation.

Qld Branch, May Will these impact on the delivery of our activities? Yes, potentially, as they now provide the standards for what happens in Australia in each of these areas and are seen as the law.

Qld Branch, May Have these impacted on our Award Scheme? No as all base requirements for Scouts and Venturer Scouts comply with these industry requirements. Regular reviews of the youth program occur to ensure consistency. For some ‘Venturer high fliers’ then the challenges they set themselves may extend the distances and conditions. In these one off instances, a specialist should be involved in providing support..

Qld Branch, May Name at least three of the five areas of specialist outdoor skills covered currently in SAIT’s registration regarding adventurous activities? Abseiling Bushwalking Canoeing Kayaking Sea kayaking

Qld Branch, May Why should Scouts get into these VET areas If we don’t we risk not being able to train leaders in these specialist areas and not offering it to youth members

Qld Branch, May Why are there such issues over VET? Different education authorities in Australia consider VET differently. All young people coming through schools now will be familiar with VET. Some youth say Scouts is for scouts and VET is school Some educationalists see VET as a lesser pathway to University and are threatened by this Many people over 25 do not realise that VET is now an accepted pathway in schools and happens in Years 10 – 12 at school It is expected all young people will stay at school until 18 or they have a job- Earn or Learn Any Venturer Scout can get a Cert II for joining in normal Unit activities and achieving the Venturer Award. Venturers in Qld who complete a Venturer Award can get a Cert II. which earns 20% of their School Leaving Certificate (QCE). Venturers in SA, NT and Tas get recognition for their Certificate II on their school leaving statement.

Qld Branch, May TRUE or FALSE? Scouts is the only non-government registered training organisation (RTO) that can deliver and assess training in these 5 specialty areas. True. The only other registered training organisations that deliver all these are some TAFE colleges