If you are a Scout leader and you wish to run your own activities with your Beavers, Cubs, Scouts or Explorers you can achieve this by following three simple steps.
Step 1
Attend Paddlesport Leaers Basic Training, two of these courses run in April (book via the courses page). The Basic Training will familiarise you with the latest developments associated with paddlesports, we discuss activity planning and cover risks associated with the area of operation and give you an opportunity to practice a few skills or learn some new ones.
Assuming you have attended a Paddlesport Safety & Rescue Training (was FSRT) and have a First Aid certificate then you are ready to apply for a Water Activity Authorisation from your local district commissioner.
If you have not attended Safety & Rescue training or have a First Aid qualification, such courses can be booked via our courses page.
If you already hold an Adventurous Activity Authorisation to run activities on Bury Lake and wish to borrow Trust equipment, we will ask you to attend Paddlesport Leaders Basic Training. Should you miss the April dates, we run other courses subject to demand.
Step 2
Submit your Adventurous Activity Form to your District Commissioner.
Step 3
Following receipt of Approval, the Trust will provide some cursory supervision for your first few visits to provide some added shoreside support. Scouting qualified leaders are encouraged to attend Paddlesport Leaders Advanced Training as it provides additional guidance for leaders who may wish to vary the activities they offer, the course will also offer guidance how you should operate as either the sole occupant of the facility or when there are multiple groups on site and each is sharing the limited water and shore based facilities.
Paddlesport Leaders Advanced Training courses run in May, June and in August subject to demand.
Other Courses
The Canoe Sports Trust has a focus towards encouraging activity, we therefore run a variety of courses to attract new paddlesport leaders. Scout and Guide Leaders can often access training courses at a good discount or may be able to get scouting to subsidize their leader development, it is worth asking your District Commissioner or Group Leader whether they will help fund a particular course.