Scouts Climbing and Abseiling Permits
Activities are an integral part of Scouting, and what makes it so exciting for the young people involved. The adventurous activity permit scheme is an internal assessment scheme designed to ensure that all those leading adventurous activities for young people within Scouting have the skills, experience, and personal suitability to do so. Full details of the permit scheme are available on The Scouts website.
Training and Assessment Courses
I am authorised to train and assess Single Pitch Climbing and Abseiling permits (both natural rock and artificial structures).
Courses are organised on demand and tailored to each individual or group’s specific needs.
If you are looking for an assessment, please have the following ready:
- Logbook: A record of your personal and instructional climbing experience.
- Adult Role: An active adult volunteer role within Scouting.
- Availability: Broad dates and times you are available to meet for assessment.
- Permit Application: A completed online permit application on the Scouts website.
What Are Restrictive Permits?
Any permit can be restricted to tailor it to the candidate’s current experience level or specific operational requirements. This allows leaders to supervise activities safely within defined parameters while building experience toward an unrestricted permit in the future.
Assessments consider Technical Competence, POR Rules, and Group Management, allowing restrictions to be set around:
- Venues: Specific named indoor walls, artificial towers, or local crags.
- Structure/Height: Maximum height limits for walls or natural crags.
- Group Size: Specific limits on how many young people can be supervised at once.
- Environmental Conditions: Weather restrictions or indoor-only limitations.
Is the Permit Scheme Compatible with Mountain Training Awards?
The permit scheme is solely for those operating within Scouting, and permits can be scoped to specific venues or environments. In contrast, Mountain Training qualifications apply across the UK.
Holding a Mountain Training award does not automatically grant a Scout permit, as Scouting requires specific appointment checks and adherence to organizational rules. However:
- Mountain Training schemes provide excellent preparation and skill development.
- If you hold a relevant Mountain Training award with up-to-date logbook experience, a practical assessment is often not required.
- An assessor recommendation is still required for your District or County Lead Volunteer to grant the permit.
Can Young People Hold a Permit?
Yes. Young people aged 14 or over can hold any permit type (Personal, Leadership, or Supervisory) provided they have the required skills and experience. Personal permits can also be held by under-14s.
A common example includes young people leading peer expeditions or running activities for younger sections. In these cases, the relevant Lead Volunteer may specify additional guidelines, such as requiring regular check-ins with an adult supervisor.
Useful Resources
Before applying or attending an assessment, you may find it helpful to review official Scout Association guidance:
- Scouts Climbing Guidance: Activity rules, supervision requirements, and venue definitions.
- Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme: Overview of permit categories, applicant requirements, and digital management.