Outdoor Adventure Skills: Exploring, Learning & Growing!
Outdoor Adventure Skills (OAS) invite Scouts to challenge themselves, embrace the outdoors, and develop real-world skills while staying safe and supported.
✅ Divided into 9 skill pathways, each with 9 progressive stages.
✅ Badges awarded for each stage, though the focus is on experience and skill-building rather than the badge itself.
✅ Supports the Plan-Do-Review process, encouraging growth and reflection.
🌿 What Are the 9 Skill Pathways?
Scouts can develop expertise in a variety of outdoor disciplines:
🔹 Camping Skills – Shelter setup, outdoor cooking, survival techniques.
🔹 Emergency Aid Skills – First aid, crisis response, lifesaving techniques.
🔹 Paddling Skills – Canoeing, kayaking, water safety.
🔹 Scoutcraft Skills – Knots, mapping, fire-building, traditional scouting techniques.
🔹 Trail Skills – Hiking, navigation, terrain safety.
🔹 Aquatic Skills – Swimming, safe water practices, snorkeling, scuba.
🔹 Vertical Skills – Climbing, rappelling, rope work.
🔹 Winter Skills – Cold-weather survival, snow shelters, winter sports.
🔹 Sailing Skills – Understanding wind, navigation, boat handling.
Each pathway helps Scouts expand their abilities, preparing them for lifelong adventures!
🧭 Who Can Participate?
✅ ALL youth, from Beaver Scouts to Rover Scouts, can explore Outdoor Adventure Skills.
✅ The lower stages are beginner-friendly, designed for the youngest Beavers.
✅ Higher stages require greater skill, experience, and knowledge, typically achieved by older Scouts and Rovers.
💡 No matter their age or experience, every Scout starts at Stage 1 and progresses at their own pace!
📈 How Do Scouts Advance Through Stages?
✔ Stages are NOT tied to a specific Section or age group.
✔ A Beaver Scout and a Venturer Scout could work toward the same stage at the same time.
✔ Scouts must complete all competencies within a stage to move up to the next level.
💡 Progression is personal, ensuring Scouts develop skills at their own pace!
🛤️ Choosing Outdoor Adventure Skill Pathways
Scouts select which skills they want to develop—because youth-led programming is a core element of the Canadian Path.
✅ Scouters guide and support youth without dictating their path.
✅ Scouts decide their adventures, shaping their own outdoor learning experience.
🚀 Outdoor Adventure Skills: Preparing Scouts for Life!
The OAS program builds confidence, resilience, leadership, and practical skills, making every adventure an opportunity for growth.