Paddling Program - Stage 1 & 2
Our Canoeing and Raft-Building program is designed for Scouts and Venturers ready to take their paddling skills to the next level. Across six action-packed hours, participants develop confidence, teamwork, and technical paddling ability while working toward Outdoor Adventure Skills (OAS) Paddling Stages 1 and 2.
No pre-required learning or experience is required for this day of paddling.
Guided by qualified instructors, Scouts learn to manoeuvre canoes safely, practise advanced strokes, and understand essential water safety and environmental care. They’ll put these skills into action during a short paddling expedition before collaborating in teams to design, build, and launch their own raft — a hands-on challenge that brings problem-solving and leadership to life.
Whether building a stronger Patrol connection, preparing for expeditions, or simply seeking a day of authentic outdoor challenge, this program immerses participants in adventure, learning, and fun on the water.
Included/Exclude
- PFDs, Paddles and Boats
- Qualified Instructors to run the Activity
- Access to Shower and Washing Facilities
- Personal Clothing Equipment
- Personal Shower and Washing Equipment
- Food
Sample Itinerary
Introductions, aim of the day, and overview of OAS requirements.
Discuss what a PFD is for and demonstrate correct fitting.
Explain clothing choices, sun protection, and hydration.
Cover safety rules, boundaries, buddy system, and emergency signals.
Quick warm-up and group stretch.
OAS links: Stage 1 (“I can explain what a PFD is for”, “I can explain the buddy system”); Stage 2 (“I can put on and adjust my PFD”, “I can discuss safety precautions before going out”).
Identify and label canoe parts: bow, stern, port, starboard, gunwale.
Demonstrate and practise forward and backward strokes on land.
Introduce two new strokes: sweep stroke and draw (Stage 2).
Demonstrate basic knots — bowline and trucker’s hitch — for raft building.
Participants practise strokes in pairs and test PFD adjustment.
OAS links: Stage 1 (“I know what a forward and backward stroke are”); Stage 2 (“I have learnt two other strokes”, “I have learnt one knot useful in paddling”).
Launching and landing techniques.
Practise forward, backward, and sweep strokes on the water.
Paddling drills: straight-line travel, turning, stopping, and teamwork.
Demonstrate capsize recovery and cold water safety in a controlled environment.
Supervised 1-hour mini paddling adventure around the lake, maintaining buddy pairs and communication.
OAS links:
Stage 1 (“I have taken part in a short paddling adventure”, “I can demonstrate forward and backward stroke”, “I can float for 2 min in my PFD”)
Stage 2 (“I can list actions if I capsize”, “I can paddle in a straight line”, “I can swim 25 m wearing a PFD”)
🕒 Break 30 min — snacks, water, sun protection check
Introduce environmental considerations — minimise impact on natural areas.
Teams design and build a raft using barrels, poles, and ropes.
Teach knot application (square lashings, bowlines, trucker’s hitch).
Conduct a float test and short team race or navigation challenge.
Debrief teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
OAS links: Stage 2 (“I can explain how I impact the environment”, “I can paddle with my team for a paddling trip”)
Demonstrate how to clean and store canoes and rafts.
Youth review the day:
What they enjoyed most
What they would do differently
What they learned about themselves and teamwork
Reinforce environmental care, safety takeaways, and next OAS goals.
OAS links:
Stage 1 (“I can talk about my favourite thing from a paddling trip”, “I can take care of my equipment”)
Stage 2 (“I can clean my watercraft”, “I can suggest what I’d do differently”, “I have talked about favourite things from two paddling trips”)
- 2 x sets of appropriate clothes for getting wet (There will be 2 extended periods of being on and in the water
- Closed toe shoes appropriate for getting wet (E.g. Old runners, no Crocs)