Playing outdoor safety- Guidance
Safety comes first - If something becomes unsafe don’t be afraid to
stop the activity. Everyone’s welfare and safety is Woodcraft Folk top
priority.
Remember this three key points:
 PLAN IT
 SHARE IT
 WATCH IT
Plan it
Practice run: If possible do the activity by yourself as leaders beforehand. This will help
you make sure it all works, notice any missed risks and see if it is suitable for the groups.
Make sure you use this learning to change risk assessments and session plans.
Right numbers for supervision: Make sure you have the right number of parents and
volunteers to run the session. Some activities need may need extra help than at a normal
session.
Appropriate equipment: Make sure you have all the needed equipment for the session,
make sure it’s all in good condition and there are backups if something breaks or extras are
needed.
Paperwork: Write a session plan and risk assessment for each activity to make sure it is all
thought out and the information can be shared with other members of the group. Examples
and templates can be found here:
http://woodcraft.org.uk/playing-outdoor-safely
First aid: Make sure suitable first aid kit is available and a first aider kit is with the group.
Share it
Kit list: Share a kit list with all members and parents/guardians at least 2 weeks before.
When possible offer support to those who don’t have equipment.
Communication: As well as equipment make sure all expectations are shared, such as
where you will be, how long it will be, what the potential risks or struggles could be
Share key phone numbers: Share the number of the key leader with parents/guardians
and other volunteers. Leave someone behind who has all the parent/guardians numbers too,
plus share their number.
Collect register/consent forms: Make sure key contact details and any needed medical
information is collected and is take on the activity plus a copy left with the person left
behind. Collect these at least 2 weeks before so suitable adjustments can be made before
the activity.
Watch it:
Forecast: Make sure you check and keep up to date with the weather forecast. The
weather can change quickly and you need to make sure you are prepared for it. Will extra
equipment be needed? Does the activity need to be changed or stopped?
Stop regularly: Stop regularly to make sure everyone is okay and everything is going to
plan.
Plan for if things go wrong: Think about the worst case scenarios and what you would
do if they happen. Hopefully you won’t face this but it’s better to be prepared.