Planning an Outing

Outings and visits are an important part of the balanced programme. The leadership teams are encouraged to offer a variety of outings each year, some of which might be in the course of the weekly meeting whereas others might involve a day visit.

Where shall we go
The relevant sectional Assistant District Commissioner or District Explorer Scout Commissioner will be able to advise you about local possibilities. There are many places to visit
Leisure Park
Camp Site
Country Walk
Countryside Park
Farm
Wildlife Park
Countryside Park
Town Trail
Science Park
Fire / Police / Ambulance Station
Zoo
Coastguard
Model Village
Stately Home
Nature Trail
Theme Park
Craft Workshop
Castle
Lifeboat Station

What facilities does it offer
A pre-visit is essential to assess any potential dangers and familiarise yourself with the layout

Check out toilet facilities, boundaries and out of bounds, refreshment and picnic areas, souvenir shops, opening and closing times, play spaces and playgrounds, programme possibilities, length of time needed for visit, first aid provision, wet weather possibilities

How shall we get there
You will need to decide if it is most appropriate to walk, use cars, public transport, train, tube, coach or minibus. A number of factors will help you decide - the distance of travel, time of travel, relative safety of travel

It is essential to satisfy yourself that the arrangements made are sensible and safe, and that parents know exactly how their child is transported. As leaders you can only do your best to provide the safest method of transport available. It is for parents / carers to decide if they are satisfied with the arrangements. Parents offering to provide transport should be asked to confirm that their insurance can cover other peoples children travelling with them. it is advisable not to put younger members in front seats of cars if at all possible

Who can help
Beaver Scout outings are strongly recommended to have one adult to every 4 beaver Scouts and Cub Scout outings are recommended to have 1 adult for every 6 Cub Scouts. Beaver Scout and Cub Scouts should know who their appointed adult is for the day. It is recommended that the confidential enquiry process is initiated in respect of any additional adult helpers who volunteer for the day. This applies to all parents, older siblings over 18, or members of the Scout network.

Do we need Insurance
A personal accident and medical expenses insurance policy exists to cover the total membership of the association. Non-members such as parent helpers, supporters and other children are not provided with the same automatic basic cover although this can be arranged.
Details are available from
Scout Insurance Services
The Scout Association
Churchill Industrial Estate
Lancing
West Sussex
Tel: 01903 755 352

In addition the Scout associations legal liability insurance policy provides cover for commissioners, Scouters and other persons authorised to be in charge or assist with Scout activities. This is for claims made by members under their control, or their parents or by third parties alleging legal liability arising out of accidents or incidents occurring during an authorised Scouting activity. This policy does not automatically cover legal liability arising out of the ownership or operation of motor vehicles

Who Should Be Informed
Your Group Scout Leader should be fully informed about the plans for an outing. In addition it is necessary to establish a home contact for the visit. This should be someone who is not related to anyone in the outing

How much will it cost
Usually outings will be self financing and therefore it is important to calculate the likely costs accurately. Costs will involve transport, entrance fees, refreshments and any equipment needed.

A policy will need to be arranged with the Group Executive Committee on how much, if any, leaders will be expected to pay. Leaders costs may be met by the group or spread amongst its members

Informing parents and Parent Consent
Parents should be left in no doubt as to what activities are planned and what arrangements have been made. Written permission is required from parents. Information to parents should include:
Date of proposed outing
Venue
Planned Activities
Cost
Payment Method, Deposits required
Meeting time
Departure time and place
Return time and place
Pocket money allowed / suggested
Food and Drink required
Clothing required, Uniform, Waterproofs, footwear etc
The name and number of the home contact
The name and number of the leader in charge of the outing

Information from Parents should include
Written permission for the child to take part
Any medical treatment being received
Any disability or medical condition that might affect their child’s involvement
parents whereabouts and contact number during the activity

Information for Home Contacts should include
Name, address, telephone number of district commissioner or nominated reserve for the outing
An outline of the outing and schedule and itinery
Name and address of all involved in the outing including leaders and assistants

On the day of the outing
Make sure you have with you
First aid kit
Sick bags for the journey
Money, tickets and details for the venue
Home contacts phone number
A list of all the Young people, leaders and assistants attending

After the outing
The activity leader should ensure:
Thank yous have been made - letter, cards or verbally
Outstanding bills are paid
Accounts are prepared for the group treasurer
Notes are kept for future reference
Everyone’s views are asked about the outing

Other leaders in the district may be interested to know what the outing was like - good or bad
© Design by 1st Kirklevington Explorer Scout Unit, 2003.
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