Uniformed group leaders wear many hats – organiser, motivator, mentor, and sometimes even parental figure for a weekend. Balancing safety with fun is no small task, especially when you’re planning a residential trip that could be the highlight of the year for your young members.
A residential is a chance for Scouts, Guides, Brownies, and Cubs to step away from their normal routine, try new things, and grow in ways that can’t always be achieved in weekly meetings. But as exciting as it is, there’s also a lot to think about – from logistics and risk assessments to making sure every child feels included and supported.
This guide takes you through the essentials of planning a residential trip for your group, so you can approach it with confidence and make the experience unforgettable for your young members.
What is a residential trip, and why is it beneficial for uniformed groups?
A residential trip is an overnight or multi-day adventure where young people get the chance to explore new activities and spend time together away from home. For uniformed groups, these experiences can be transformative – offering benefits that extend far beyond the trip itself.
Here’s how:
- Skill-building – Residentials are perfect for developing teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving skills. Think Scouts working together to build a raft, Guides navigating a high ropes course, or Cubs completing an outdoor challenge as a team. These activities give young people the chance to apply what they learn to real-world challenges.
- Personal growth – For many children, a first night away from home is a huge milestone. Trips build independence and self-belief, whether it’s a Brownie making her bed for the first time, a Guide helping organise the dorm, or a Scout taking responsibility for supporting younger group members.
- Badge opportunities – Many PGL activities align with award schemes and badges. Climbing and Abseiling might count towards an adventure badge, while teamwork, navigation, or campfire cooking contribute directly to core Scout and Guide programmes. Leaders can map out which badges the trip might help them earn, giving it even more purpose.
- Bonding – Nothing strengthens group identity like shared memories. Singing songs around a campfire, cheering each other on through a high ropes challenge, or simply chatting in the dorms helps create lasting friendships and a strong sense of belonging.
Residentials are powerful tools for developing the skills and qualities that uniformed groups are designed to nurture. For many young people, they are the highlight of their time in Scouts, Guides, Brownies, or Cubs.
Key things to consider before you start planning
Before you dive into booking, it’s worth pausing to consider a few key essentials. A residential or group trip has lots of moving parts, and taking the time to map out the basics can save you stress further down the line. It also means you’ll be able to choose the right location, set realistic expectations, and make sure everyone (leaders, young people, and parents) feels confident about what’s ahead.
From practical details like group numbers and budget, to bigger-picture questions about the aims of your trip, these considerations will shape every decision you make. Having them clear in your mind from the start will make the rest of the planning process much smoother and more enjoyable.
- Group size and age range – The number of young people and their ages will influence where you go, which activities you choose, and how many leaders you’ll need. A trip for Cubs or Brownies (ages 7-10) will look very different to one for older Scouts or Guides (ages 10-14), especially in terms of activity level and supervision.
- Aims of the trip – Decide on your priorities early. Is the focus badge work, leadership development, outdoor adventure, or celebrating the group’s achievements? Having clear goals helps you choose the right provider and activities.
- Budget and fundraising – Residentials don’t have to be expensive. Set a realistic budget and think about fundraising ideas like sponsored walks, quiz nights, car washes, or cake sales. Involving young members in fundraising can also boost excitement before the trip, and they start to understand exactly what the trip entails, which helps their imagination soar!
- Parental communication and consent – Keep parents fully informed from the start, covering costs, kit lists, safety measures, and what the trip will involve. A pre-trip parents’ evening or Q&A session can work wonders for building trust.
- Special requirements – Dietary needs (such as dairy-free), medical conditions (such as asthma), and accessibility should always be considered when choosing a venue and planning activities. Having this information early makes it easier to avoid problems later with children eating food they may be allergic to or making sure they take their medication when needed.
Taking time to frame your trip with these questions gives you a strong foundation before you move into the detailed planning stage.
Tailoring the trip for different groups
No two groups are the same, and a successful residential often comes down to how well the programme is matched to the young people taking part. Age, experience, and confidence levels all play a big part in what they’ll enjoy and what will help them grow. Younger children may need reassurance and simple activities that spark excitement without being overwhelming, while older groups often seek challenges that push their limits and give them a sense of responsibility.
By tailoring the trip to the group in front of you, you can strike the right balance between fun, challenge, and learning. This not only keeps everyone engaged but also ensures that each young person goes home feeling proud of what they’ve achieved and keen to try more.
When planning trips for Guides, trips for Scouts, trips for Brownies, or trips for Cubs, thinking carefully about age-appropriate activities makes all the difference. Here are our suggestions:
- Guides – Activities that encourage leadership and personal development, such as abseiling, canoeing, or initiative tasks, are excellent for Guides ready to push themselves and take on responsibility.
- Scouts – Outdoor adventure and survival skills go hand in hand. Raft building, fire-lighting workshops, orienteering, and camping skills bring their training to life and create a sense of real adventure.
- Brownies – Residential trips are often their first big trip away from home. Fun challenges like zip wire, craft sessions, or mini team games help build confidence and independence without overwhelming younger members. Why not try a Girlguiding Takeover Weekend?
- Cubs – Cubs thrive on exploration and discovery. Activities like archery, obstacle courses, or treasure hunts give them a real sense of achievement while keeping the atmosphere playful and exciting.
Residential trip planning checklist for group leaders
To make sure nothing slips through the cracks, here’s a handy checklist you can use when planning trips for Scouts, Guides, Brownies, or Cubs. Each step has a few examples to give you a clearer idea of what to cover:
- Confirm dates, venue, and group numbers – Secure your ideal venue early and check capacity suits your group’s requirements. For example, a large Scout troop may need multiple dorms, while a smaller Brownie pack could all fit together in one lodge.
- Set a clear budget and plan any fundraising – Work out the cost per child, including transport, activities, food, and accommodation. Fundraising ideas like quiz nights, cake sales, or bag-packing at supermarkets can help keep costs affordable for families.
- Share information with parents – Send out details about costs, kit lists, and safety measures as soon as possible.
- Gather medical, dietary, and accessibility information early – Check for allergies, long-term health conditions, or mobility needs that might affect activity choices. For example, knowing a child has asthma helps you plan around high-energy activities.
- Plan badge work opportunities where possible – Look at which activities could count towards awards. A campfire cooking session, for example, could tick off part of a Scout survival badge, while teamwork activities might help Guides earn their Leadership award.
- Assign roles and responsibilities for leaders – Agree in advance who will handle first aid, bedtime routines, activity supervision, or parent communication. This avoids confusion once you’re on the trip.
- Organise transport and travel arrangements – Decide whether you’ll use coaches, minibuses, or parent car shares. Always have a contingency plan if a vehicle breaks down or if you need to stagger departures.
- Double-check safeguarding and emergency procedures – Make sure all adults know who the designated safeguarding lead is, where first aid kits are kept, and how to contact emergency services if needed. A practice run with leaders can give everyone peace of mind.
Having a checklist like this keeps you on track and gives parents confidence that every detail is being looked after, so you can focus on creating an exciting, memorable experience for your young people.
Book your residential trip for uniformed groups at PGL!
PGL has been welcoming Scouts & Cubs, and Brownies & Guides, to our centres for decades, and we know how to make a residential trip both safe and unforgettable. With locations across the UK, a wide choice of adventurous activities, and strong safety measures in place, PGL makes it easier for you to deliver a trip your young people will always remember.
Many of our activities link directly with badge schemes, so your group can work towards awards while enjoying challenges like climbing, canoeing, or creative team projects. We’ll work with you to tailor the programme to your group’s age range, size, and budget, giving you the right mix of adventure, skill-building, and fun.
Safety is always our top priority. With qualified instructors, safeguarding policies, and detailed risk assessments, you can be confident that your group is in safe hands from start to finish. By letting PGL take care of the logistics and activity delivery, you’ll have more time to focus on supporting your young members, joining in with the fun, and watching them grow in confidence.
Ready to start planning? Enquire today and let PGL help you create a residential trip that your group will never forget.
