Building Confidence Through Adventure

Outdoor Adventure Skills (OAS) are a key part of the Scouting program, helping young people develop practical skills, leadership, teamwork, and self-confidence through hands-on experiences in the outdoors.

The Outdoor Adventure Skills framework provides a structured pathway for members to learn, practise, and improve their abilities across a variety of adventurous activities. As youth members gain experience, they progress through increasingly advanced stages, building both competence and confidence along the way. The framework consists of nine skill areas, including three Core Streams and six Specialist Streams.

Core Streams

The Core Streams are the traditional outdoor skills that form the foundation of Scouting and are available to all members.

🏕️ Camping

Learn how to plan and set up camps, cook outdoors, care for equipment, and live comfortably in the outdoors. Camping develops self-reliance, organisation, and teamwork.

🥾 Bushwalking

Develop navigation, trip planning, pack preparation, and hiking skills while exploring the natural environment. Bushwalking fosters resilience, independence, and an appreciation for the outdoors.

🔥 Bushcraft

Learn traditional Scouting and outdoor living skills such as shelter building, fire safety, ropework, pioneering, tool use, and survival techniques. 

Bushcraft Streams

• Pioneering
• Survival Skills

Specialist Streams

The Specialist Streams allow youth members to explore particular outdoor interests and develop higher-level skills in activities they enjoy.

🌊 Aquatic

Develop water confidence, water safety, rescue awareness, and aquatic skills.

Aquatic Streams

• Surf Lifesaving
• Snorkelling
• Surfing
• SCUBA Diving
• Swift Water Rescue

❄️ Alpine

Discover adventure in alpine and snow environments while developing skills for travel and safety in cold-weather conditions.

Alpine Streams

• Cross Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing & Camping
• Downhill Skiing
• Snowboarding

⛵ Boating

Learn how to safely operate and manage watercraft while developing seamanship and navigation skills.

Boating Streams

• Sailing
• Windsurfing

🚵 Cycling

Build cycling skills while exploring a range of riding styles and environments.

Cycling Streams

• Cycle Touring
• Mountain Biking

🛶 Paddling

Develop paddling techniques, water safety knowledge, and an understanding of rivers, lakes, and coastal environments.

Paddling Streams

• Canoeing
• Kayaking
• Sea Kayaking
• White Water Canoeing
• White Water Rafting
• White Water Kayaking

🧗 Vertical

Challenge yourself in environments where ropes, heights, and technical skills are key to success.

Vertical Streams

• Abseiling
• Climbing
• Caving
• Canyoning

Adventure for Everyone

The Outdoor Adventure Skills framework allows every young person to build skills at their own pace. Some may choose to become highly skilled in a particular area, while others may enjoy exploring a variety of activities. Together, these nine skill areas provide exciting opportunities for adventure, challenge, leadership, and personal growth throughout a young person's Scouting journey.