Outdoor Adventure Skills enable Pathways for Outdoor Leadership

Scouts Australia places a strong emphasis on outdoor adventure skills, helping young people develop confidence, resilience, and teamwork while exploring nature. The Outdoor Adventure Skills (OAS) framework covers a wide range of activities, allowing Scouts to progressively develop their abilities across different levels.

1. Bushcraft – Navigation, shelter-building, fire-lighting, survival skills.
2. Bushwalking – Hiking, backpacking, map reading, and expedition planning.
3. Camping – Setting up tents, cooking outdoors, camp hygiene, and Leave No Trace principles.

1. Alpine – Snow camping, skiing, and survival in alpine environments.
2. Aquatics – Swimming, snorkeling, and water safety skills.
3. Boating – Canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and powerboating.
4. Vertical – Rock climbing, abseiling, caving, and rope safety techniques.
5. Cycling – Mountain biking and bikepacking adventures.
6. Paddling – Whitewater and flatwater canoeing and kayaking. 
   Each Outdoor Adventure Skill is split into nine Stages, with each Stage involving a series of competencies. The earliest Stages involve basic skill development and are designed to be achievable for the younger age groups. By the later stages of each Outdoor Adventure Skills area, Scouts will be considered very advanced in that skill area.  They may be able to gain a VET (Vocational Education and Training) qualification as a result of completing some OAS areas.

• Stage 1-3: Beginner skills and basic outdoor awareness.

• Stage 4-6: Independent skill application, planning own trips, and leadership development.

• Stage 7-8: Advanced skills, including instructor-level knowledge and challenging expeditions.

• Stage 9: Mastery of the skill, mentoring others, and running complex activities.

In Scouts Australia, youth members can earn recognised Outdoor Adventure Skills (OAS) qualifications as they progress through different stages. Some skills can also align with external certifications, making them valuable beyond Scouting.

1. Outdoor Adventure Skills (OAS) Stages – Officially recognised by Scouts Australia, covering Bushcraft, Bushwalking, Camping, and more.
2. First Aid Certification – Many Scout Groups offer training through providers like St John Ambulance or local First Aid providers.
3. Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – Scouts activities often align with this internationally recognised leadership and adventure award.
4. Safety Training – Achievable through Sailing, Canoeing and Kayaking OAS stages.
5. Bushwalking & Navigation Certificates – Higher stages (7-9) can equate to outdoor leadership qualifications.
6. Rock Climbing & Abseiling Skills – Can lead to climbing certifications recognised by adventure organisations.
7. Snorkeling & Diving Certifications – Scuba programs may provide PADI or equivalent qualifications.
8. Mountain Biking & Cycling Skills – High OAS stages align with trail riding and endurance cycling certifications.
9. Alpine & Snow Sports – Opportunities for snow safety and skiing qualifications.
10. Paddling Certifications – Whitewater and flatwater paddling skills can lead to instructor-level qualifications.

Pathways to Outdoor Leadership

Older Scouts and Venturers can pursue Leadership & Activity Guide Qualifications, often allowing them to become Assistant Leaders, Instructors, or even Outdoor Guides in professional settings.

Scouts Australia’s ‘Scouting Adventure, SafeParticipant, and TrainedParticipant –Youth Pathway Handbook‘ recognises the skills and knowledge gained from the Youth pathways of Outdoor Adventure Skills to be granted credit for Scouting Adventure face to face course (Leader training) and/or Safe or Trained participant Scouting skills of the National Adventurous Activity Framework (NAAF). This recognition of Outdoor Adventure Skills is only one of the pathways to obtain Scouting Adventure course or SP/TP signoff. A member can still choose to complete existing courses being run across the country for members. They may also put together the required evidence to apply for Recognition of proficiency. However, the primary purpose of this youth pathway offering is towards achievement of a Certificate of Proficiency.

The Safe Participant and Trained Participant pathways provide Scouting outcomes which create an opportunity to seek Recognition of Prior Learning from Scouts Australia Institute of Training (RTO 5443). Recognition of the Scouting outcome through this pathway does not automatically result in issuing of Units of Competence. For more information refer to https://scouts.com.au/members/sait/   and to the Youth Pathways Handbook above.