Hill Walking, Climbing, Abseiling

Activities in the hills, including walking, climbing, abseiling and mountain biking, present excellent opportunities to enjoy the outdoors at minimal cost. As with all activities, due care is required appropriate to the circumstances and the rules for scouts have been strengthened recently to recognise those circumstances. Note especially the requirements on party management and terrain types. These and other requirements are modified when all members of the party are adult, ie over 18 years - see Factsheet FS120087. All fact sheets available on the www.scouts.org.uk web site or via your District Adviser.

County Advisers

Hill walking: David Adamson
Climbing & Abseiling: Roger Harris - Tel: 01293 774900 Mob:07850 426880

What Is The Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme?

Everyone who leads an adventurous activity for young people within Scouting is required to hold an activity permit for that activity. (Different Rules apply when using external providers.) Details of which activities are classed as adventurous can be found in POR.
Although managed locally, the Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme is a national scheme, so once gained, a permit will allow you to run that activity in any District or County. Further details can be found at http://www.scouts.org.uk/activitypermits.

What is a Hillwalking Permit?

The adventurous activity permit scheme is designed to ensure that only people with the relevant skills and experience lead adventurous activities for the young people. Therefore all activities classed as adventurous can only be led by someone holding the appropriate permit. Additionally young people (under 18) can take part in adventurous activities for themselves with personal activity permits.A Hillwalking permit is required for all Hillwalking activities that take place in Terrain 1 or Terrain 2. Definitions of these terrains can be found in POR. Hillwalking activities in Terrain 0 do not require a Hillwalking permit. Further details of the Hillwalking Permit and Adventurous activity permit scheme can be found at http://www.scouts.org.uk/activitypermits.

Adventurous Activity Permit Assessment

Applications for Adventurous Activity Permits to lead Scout parties in the hills or a to climb/abseil should be made using the form found here.  These should be sent via the GSL and DC, to the County Adventurous Activity Assessor (to be confirmed) who will also try to answer any queries. Unless you hold a National Governing Body Qualification you will require a formal assessment in the appropriate environment. The County Adventurous Activity Assessor will help to arrange these whilst training and guidance is available from Martin David . Explorer and Network scouts, Leaders and Helpers are all able to obtain permits.

Mountaineering Courses - Surrey/GLSW Scouts

Course dates for 2012 are 17th to 19th February and 11th to 13th May. Check the events section above and the County Diary.

Remote Mountain Camping Course

Course dates for 2012 to be advised. Check the events section above and the County Diary.

For more information on any of these events, contact: Martin David Tel: 07968 907368

These courses can be tailored to meet the needs of most people and previous experience is not necessarily required, however, participants must be physically fit. The courses are ideal for Explorer or Network scouts or Leaders seeking Adventurous Activity Permits and will act as training and preparation for formal assessment. Assessment may be possible on these courses but must be previously arranged through the Hillwalking Permit registrar.

Some other opportunities are listed in Appendix 2 for mountaineering training with organisations offering courses that are suitable for Scouts and/or Leaders.

Check with ACC(Activities) for possibilities of grant aid for all Leader Training Courses. 

Mountaineering Club:

Surrey Scout & Guide Mountaineering Club
Chairman: Margaret Apted - Tel: 020 8540 5799
Secretary: Doug Clements - Tel: 020 8393 5070

The Club is a joint organisation of the Scout and Guide Counties of Surrey and Greater London South West. It organises 'Away Meets' in the Mountains and evening 'Home Meets', usually on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the HQ of the 7th Epsom, in the winter. Climbing practice is held at various locations in the summer and there is a 'Freshers' away meet each autumn suitable for members of the Scout Network and Leaders without much mountaineering experience. All Members of the Movement are welcome to come to any of the winter indoor meetings and any away meets although it is necessary to contact the secretary before attending away meets as some only have restricted accommodation.

For dates, contact the club secretary as above or see the online diary.