Stage 1
- I know what kinds of clothes to wear when going out into nature.
- I know how to prepare food for cooking.
- I know what a basic survival kit should contain.
- I know how to behave safely around fires.
- I know how to use hand tools safely.
- I can build a simple shelter.
- I have participated in at least two backwoods activities.
Stage 2
- I know how cook some food using tin foil instead of pots and pans.
- I know the important things to remember when building a simple shelter using plastic sheeting.
- I know how to treat simple cuts and scratches in a hygienic way.
- I know how to set up a fireplace and assist in fire lighting.
- I can prepare and cook food properly in backwoods conditions.
- I know about food hygiene in the outdoors
- I can use hand tools correctly.
- I have attended at least an additional two backwoods activities.
Stage 3
- I know how different weather conditions can affect a backwoods activity.
- I know how to get help when someone is in trouble.
- I know the main principles of “Leave No Trace”.
- I can build a shelter for six people.
- I can use camp tools safely on camp.
- I know about food storage
- I can light a fire using natural tinder, fuzz sticks and matches.
- I can make a simple fish hook.
- I can prepare my own survival kit.
- I can teach another Scout about preparing a survival kit.
- I have attended at least an additional three backwoods activities.
Stage 4
- I know what equipment I need to bring with me on a backwoods activity.
- I know how to set up a tarp bivvy shelter suitable for two people.
- I know how to prepare a fire place and light and maintain a fire using minimum resources.
- I can make simple containers using natural materials.
- I know how to treat cuts and minor burns.
- I can make camp bread such as twists and scones.
- I know about nature and what you are likely to see and experience as part of a backwoods activity.
- I can find directions by using star constellations and the sun/watch method.
- I have attended at least one backwoods based overnight activity.
Stage 5
- I know how to use and care for tools of all kinds safely.
- I know how to build a backwoods shelter using natural materials and how to return this material to nature.
- I know how to cook a variety of foods using different backwoods methods.
- I know the safety considerations that are necessary before embarking on any activity or adventure.
- I can make a length of cordage using naturally found fibres.
- I can light a fire using flint and steel.
- I can make myself comfortable on an overnight backwoods adventure using available natural materials.
- I can carve a wooden spoon from a piece of wood.
- I have attended backwoods based activities lasting at least two nights.
Stage 6
- I know what Team and personal equipment is necessary for a successful backwoods activity.
- I know all of the elements of the “Leave no Trace” programme.
- I can identify edible fruits and berries that are found in nature.
- I can prepare the foods I find in nature for cooking.
- I can find my way using natural direction indicators.
- I can catch and prepare a fish for cooking.
- I have led at least one backwoods activity .
Stage 7
- I know a number of ways of constructing shelters and bivvys.
- I know the likely hazards that may be present in woodland and open countryside.
- I know how to light and maintain a fire using friction methods.
- I know how to live in the countryside without disturbing the balance of nature in any way.
- I know how to make utensils by carving and by other methods.
- I can cook a meal without using common utensils.
- I have led at least one overnight backwoods or survival based activity.
Stage 8
- I know a number of ways of constructing shelters capable of being used for a number of nights.
- I know how to prepare, cook and store food in backwoods conditions.
- I know the different edible foods that can be eaten safely in the wilds.
- I hold a first aid certificate (outdoor) or equivalent REC 3.
- I know how to make a variety of tools, and useful gadgets to survive in nature over a period of time.
- I can live comfortably in a number of different natural situations, with minimal equipment.
- I have led at least three backwoods adventures.
- I have participated in a survival weekend activity.
Stage 9
- I have run at least two backwoods skills training sessions for my Scout Group/County.
- I have participated in a survival activity outside my usual Scouting environment..
