Scouts and Guides
Outdoor youth programmes with hikes and camps.
How to start
Find a local group and attend a taster session. Activities include hiking, camping, games and outdoor challenges.
How to progress
Take part in camps and badges.
What the evidence says
Evidence: limited
We found no trials of this particular activity. The WHO recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity a week for adults, and 60 minutes a day for children.
Take care: Choose a group with trained leaders and follow safety rules on trips.
Sources
12-week starter plan
A weekly meeting plus occasional camps.
Tick each week as you finish it; your ticks are saved on this device only. Repeat a week if it felt hard. Weeks 4, 8 and 12 hold steady so you can settle. This is a general plan, not medical advice.
Add reminders to your calendar
Pick your days and time. You will download a calendar file that adds 12 weeks of reminders to Google, Apple or Outlook calendar.
Calories and weekly minutes
Enter your details for a rough estimate. Based on about 4 METs (Typical effort for this activity (estimated)). Real figures vary by 20% or more between people.
Tips and common mistakes
Tips
- Try a taster.
- Join camps.
- Make friends.
Common mistakes
- Skipping safety kit.
- Overpacking.
- Ignoring weather.
Kit and cost
Low Approximate UK prices.
- A uniform (optional)
- Walking shoes
- A subscription (about £5 to £15 a month)
Frequently asked questions
What age?
Groups start from about age 4 to 6.
Is it only outdoors?
Many activities are indoor too.
Is it safe?
Groups have trained, checked leaders.
Good for: Fun & social Skill
Compare with similar options
| Scouts and Guides | Active Play (Kids) | Family Bike Rides | The Daily Mile | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical session | 90 min × 1/wk | 60 min × 7/wk | 90 min × 1/wk | 15 min × 5/wk |
| Effort | ●●○○○ | ●●○○○ | ●●○○○ | ●●○○○ |
| Cost | Low cost | Free | Low cost | Free |
| Equipment | Basic kit | No equipment | Some equipment | No equipment |
| Impact | Low impact | Medium impact | Low impact | Medium impact |
| Fitness needed | Any level | Any level | Any level | Any level |
| Evidence | limited | moderate | limited | limited |