Outdoor adventures are at the heart of the Scouting experience, offering young people the chance to build confidence, connect with nature, and take on new challenges. Among these adventures, water-based activities stand out for their ability to combine fun, excitement, and skill-building at the same time.
From learning how to paddle a canoe to working as a team to build a raft, water-based activities encourage Scouts to step outside their comfort zones and grow in exciting, new environments. Whether it’s their first time on the water or they’re already confident swimmers, every young person gains something valuable, be it resilience, teamwork, or simply the joy of trying something new.
In this blog, we’ll discuss all things water activity-based, how it is valuable for your troopand all the water activities PGL has to offer!
The benefits of water-based outdoor activities for scouts
Taking part in water-based outdoor activities provides Scouts with more than just a splash of fun. They offer a whole host of developmental benefits that support their growth in and out of uniform. Here are just a few of the key benefits:
- Physical development – Water activities help improve balance, coordination, and overall fitness. Activities like kayaking and paddleboarding are great for building strength and stamina in a way that feels more like play than exercise.
- Confidence and resilience – Whether they’re stepping into a kayak for the first time or learning how to stay afloat, water-based challenges give Scouts the chance to push their limits and overcome nerves, building self-belief with every new achievement.
- Teamwork and communication – Many water activities rely on strong communication and collaboration. Building a raft, for instance, requires planning, sharing ideas, and working together to stay afloat, quite literally!
- Badge progression – Water-based activities can contribute directly to several Scout badges, such as the Time on the Water, Water Activities, or Adventure Challenge badges. Taking part in a residential trip packed with these experiences can be a great way to tick off multiple elements in one go.
- Living the Scout values – These activities embody key Scouting principles, including challenge, friendship, and learning through doing. They help young people become more adaptable, more adventurous, and more supportive of one another.
Water-based activities aren’t just a fun part of a trip; they’re an opportunity for Scouts to grow in every direction while creating shared memories with their peers.
Skills gained from water-based activities
Water-based activities offer the perfect environment for Scouts to develop a wide range of practical and personal skills that they’ll carry with them far beyond their time on (and sometimes in!) the water.
Life skills gained include:
- Problem-solving – From navigating a canoe course to figuring out how to build a watertight raft, Scouts are constantly challenged to think on their feet.
- Communication – Effective teamwork is essential when paddling in pairs or building something together. Scouts learn to give and receive instructions clearly and supportively.
- Perseverance – Whether the raft falls apart or the paddle stroke takes a while to master, there are always opportunities to practise patience, try again, and keep going.
Practical outdoor skills include:
- Paddling techniques – Learning how to steer and control a canoe or kayak builds both coordination and water confidence.
- Water safety – Scouts are taught how to stay safe around water, follow instructions from qualified instructors, and look out for one another.
- Knot-tying and construction – Activities like raft building allow Scouts to practise basic knots, lashings, and construction techniques in a fun and engaging way.
To put it into context:
During raft building, Scouts learn how to construct a floating craft using barrels and ropes, encouraging creative thinking, problem-solving, and a hands-on approach to teamwork.
Kayaking challenges balance and builds self-trust, especially for those who’ve never been on the water before. With support from instructors and their group, Scouts gradually build their confidence, often surprising themselves with what they can achieve.
These are the kinds of experiences that shape confident, capable young people, ready to face future adventures both in Scouting and in life.
Water activities at PGL ideal for Scout Troops
Whether your Scouts are dipping their toes in for the first time or diving headfirst into a new challenge, PGL offers a wide variety of water-based activities designed to suit all confidence levels. These experiences are not only fun—they’re an excellent way for young people to develop new skills, challenge themselves, and work together as a team.
Many of these activities support the requirements for key Scout badges such as the Time on the Water Staged Activity Badge, Water Activities Badge, and even the Adventure Challenge Badge.
Here’s a closer look at the exciting options available during your Scout residential trip with PGL:
Swimming
Simple, but just as fun! Our Domaine de Segries, Château de Grande Romaine, Windmill Hill and Barton Hall locations feature swimming pools that your scouts can use when on a group residential with PGL.
It’s also a great way to build water confidence and develop basic swimming skills, which is ideal for Scouts working towards their Swimmer Staged Activity Badge. Just ask us when enquiring how we can work Swimming into your group adventure itinerary.
Aqua Park
How cool does this sound: an inflatable obstacle assault course, situated on our very own on-centre lake. Available at selected centres, our Aqua Park activity is always a favourite with groups, creating so many hilarious memories whilst boosting confidence in the water.
This activity is brilliant for improving balance, coordination and resilience, and a great first step for Scouts working on their Adventure Challenge Badge.
Canoeing/Kayaking
At some of our centres, your troop can try canoeing or kayaking on our on-site lakes or local rivers. They’ll learn the basics and then take part in a range of challenges and activities, or simply sail down the stream and observe the beauty of nature.
These are perfect activities for the Time on the Water badge, and they also help Scouts develop independence, upper body strength and navigation skills, all while soaking up the great outdoors.
Canyoning
Canyoning is a proper adventure! Available at Domaine de Segries, Canyoning is a combination of swimming, climbing and hiking where your scouts will make their way through ravines, rivers and plunge pools. It’s a challenge, but it sure is worth it!
As well as building physical confidence and teamwork, canyoning is a fantastic way to tick off requirements for more advanced challenge badges, particularly for older Scouts seeking something new and exhilarating.
Dragon Boating
This is a fantastic activity for Scout units! Up to 24 people can fit into a Dragon Boat. The aim of this activity is to paddle rhythmically in order to race across the water, and while this requires lots of effort, coordination and communication, it makes for a thrilling and fun experience.
It’s a real test of group dynamics and leadership, ideal for Scouts looking to develop teamwork and communication skills. It’s also a fun and competitive option that supports the Teamwork Challenge Badge.
Stand Up Paddleboarding/Giant SUP
Stand Up Paddleboarding (also known as SUP) is the perfect activity for building confidence in the water. Your Scouts will put on their buoyancy aids and be given their board and paddle, where they’ll learn how to get on the board, how to stand up, and finally how to use the paddle to direct them where they want to go! Groups can also enjoy Giant Stand Up Paddleboarding and can work together to navigate through the water, building on their key teamwork skills.
It’s excellent for developing balance, perseverance and self-reliance. Plus, for those working on their Time on the Water or Adventure Challenge Badges, this is a brilliant activityto include.
Keelboat Sailing
Set sail and introduce your Scouts to the basics of Keelboat Sailing. Learn how, when, and why to raise and lower the sails. Our RYA-qualified instructors will be leading the activity so you know that your scouts are learning from the best!
Scouts will pick up technical knowledge and practical sailing skills, as well as confidence in handling new environments. This activity is ideal for any young person interested in water-based badges, such as Nautical Skills or Water Activities.
Raft Building
Your Scouts’ problem-solving skills need to be active for this challenge! In groups, the task at hand is to create a raft using only the materials provided.Teams will put their raft to the test to see if it will float and hold them on the water.
This activity is a brilliant mix of practical thinking, teamwork and trial and error. It’s also a fantastic way to support elements of the Teamwork, Pioneer and Adventure Challenge Badges—all while having a laugh on the water.
Book your Scout residential with PGL!
Are you inspired by the epic outdoor water-based activities available at PGL? If you’re not already heading on a Scouts adventure with PGL, then take a look at the adventures your troop can enjoy.
If you have any questions, get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today. They’ll be more than happy to help!
