OAS Vertical — Stages 1 to 9

The youth member should be able to select appropriate clothing for the activity. Consider if the activity is indoors or outdoors. Think about being SunSmart and what clothing should be worn with a harness, how the youth member should wear their hair and how to keep all skin protected from rocks.

The youth member should be able to discuss and show their knowledge on how to care for trees and how to ensure trees are protected when and if climbing them, particularly how to avoid breaking smaller branches and how to protect undergrowth or animals.

The youth member should consider actions when they get lost and role play or discuss such actions:  Stopping  Have a plan of action  Try and work out where you are Depending on the plan and the activity, the youth member might:  Retrace their steps to the last checkpoint where they knew their location  Stay where they are and someone will come find them  Go to a predetermined location to find the rest of their Patrol When lost, people tend to walk in a line that bends to the left so over time they walk in circles and become more lost so it is very important to stop and assess. Note: Check this with core statements that are similar and apply an activity specific knowledge.

The youth member should be able to describe what the Buddy System is and how using the buddy system assists in keeping them safe. This includes:  Staying in pairs or threes  Making sure they stay with Adult Leaders/supervisors  Understanding the boundaries of their activity and that it is important for people to know where they are The youth member should then demonstrate this on a Vertical activity.

The youth member should understand that there are different types of helmets for different activities, what helmets are for and how they help during vertical activities.

The youth member should be able to demonstrate these safety rules. They should follow the rules outlined by the activity leader and consider;  Wearing a helmet and other safety rules to keep safe Inspect the natural or man made structure before they climb - will it take their weight? The need for a spotter or belayer depending on activity

The youth member should visit a rock playground which could be:  Bouldering wall in a park  Rock-climbing centre  National park with areas of large rocks (1-2 meters of the ground rocks) While there, they should play a game, do an activity and learn about the rocks and height.

The youth member should demonstrate that they can care for equipment by not hitting or grinding it against rocks and not throwing or dropping equipment. Equipment would vary depending on the rock activity but could include:  Water bottles  Jumpers  Hat  Hardwear  Helmet Backpack

The youth member should be able to demonstrate correct wearing of a helmet that is specifically designed for rock related activities. Ensure that the helmet is the correct size, that it is adjusted at the back so that it doesn't fall off when they shake their head, prior to doing up the chin strap. The youth member's helmet should cover their forehead and sit two (2) finger width above their eyebrows. Ensure that the strap is adjusted to fit two (2) fingers between chin and strap, and can not come over the chin.

The youth member should have participated in mock emergencies. They should know the standard emergency number 000 and global emergency number from mobiles 112 and, depending on their activity and equipment available, information about Personal Locator Beacons and Radios. The youth member should be prepared to provide information to emergency services such as:  Whether they are requesting police, fire brigade, or ambulance  Their name  Their location  The nature of the emergency  How many people are injured and what types of injury Access to their location

The youth member should review the rock-based activity including things such as:  What went well?  What was fun?  What was not? What did they learn?  How can they apply what they have learnt? Consider using aids for this such as Review ball, SPICES cards, Method question flash cards etc.

The youth member should be able to know where to check for local conditions before going on a rock activity. The youth member should be able to discuss what things could make the activity unsafe.

The youth member should know how to and demonstrate putting on and adjusting the harness and helmet, ensuring that both are tight and adjusted to fit them.

The youth member should discuss and show an understanding about crushing, breaking and removing vegetation and how that will affect the area of the rock activity. They should think about erosion and the effect on wildlife as part of the impact that vertical activities may have.

The youth member should be able to explain and show an understanding of the importance of checking their equipment, and others equipment, to ensure that everyone is safe to start the activity.

The youth member should draw and correctly label their diagram/ picture with essential equipment, such as helmet, harness, carabiners, ropes etc. The youth member's drawings don't need to be perfect, as long as they do their best and the sketch is clear what each item is and they have labelled it correctly.

The youth member should explain why and where knots are used in rock related activities.

The youth member needs to have climbed on 2 separate occasions and log them both in their logbook. The youth member should record: Where they did the climbs  Who they did the climbs with  How high the climbs were If the routes were graded, the difficulty grade

The youth member should have this abseil included in their log. The abseil can be on a natural or artificial surface - a small abseil wall/ large round bolder can be used for this, it does not need to be a big steep wall.

The youth member needs to demonstrate Slip, slop, slap, slide and seeks as per the Australian Cancer Council's recommendations. The youth member needs to ensure they have sunscreen applied regularly, keep their hat on or get a visor for their helmet, sunglasses and making sure they are drinking water and staying in the shade where possible. The youth member should demonstrate this skill during a climbing/abseiling activity.

The youth member needs to demonstrate where to go, who to call and how they can help in a event of an accident, this should be done prior to the activity starting.

The youth member will need to clearly indicate the boundaries during their activity prior to starting the activity.

The youth member needs to demonstrate any knots which are used in vertical activities. These could be:  Figure of 8 Tape knot  Alpine butterfly  Rethreaded figure of 8 Any other knot used for vertical activities.

The youth member should talk about what they enjoyed, learned and improved upon whilst undertaking their rock-based activities with their Patrol, Unit or adult Leaders.

The youth member should talk about what they could do different on future rock-based activities with their Patrol, Unit or adult Leaders.

The youth member should be able to explain risks associated with rain, electrical storms, high winds, and hot days. These risks should cover people, equipment and environment.

The youth member should be able to explain why its important to wear the correct clothing and gear for vertical activities and what that clothing is. The youth member will also need to consider dressing for the weather, and any safety gear required. They should be able to support some Stage 1 Scouts with this as well.

The youth member should be able to explain which items they would take with them based on the vertical activity they will be attending. They will need to consider the location, duration, season and weather conditions, who is going and the availability of water, when deciding on what to bring.

The youth member should demonstrate this by showing a copy of an up to date weather forecast for the area of their activity. The youth member should be able to explain what the forecast they have brought means. This could be from Bureau of Meteorology or a local weather station.

The youth member should be able to advise what the safety rules are for the activity they are undertaking and explain why these rules are important. Safety rules can vary depending on location and activity.

The youth member will need to demonstrate understanding of anchors and what would be a high quality anchor and/or a poor quality anchor for vertical activities. Some things for the youth member to consider when identifying potential anchor sites include the size, shape, condition and the angle from the cliff.

The youth member should be able to demonstrate an understanding of what belaying is and how it ensures the safety of the climber/ abseiler. The youth member could discuss different types of belays and the relevance of them for their activity - belays such as static, dynamic, top and bottom.

The youth member needs to demonstrate their understanding of the steps of DRSABCD in a mock emergency situation.  D - Danger  R - Response  S - Send for help  A - Airway  B - Breathing  C - CPR D - Defibrillation

The youth member should demonstrate assisting a Scout who is working on Stage 1 correctly fit a helmet, specifically designed for rock related activities. Ensure that the helmet is the correct size, that it is adjusted at the back so that it doesn't fall off when they shake their head prior to doing up the chin strap. Their helmet should cover their forehead and sit two (2) finger width above their eyebrows. Ensure that strap is adjusted to fit two (2) fingers between chin and strap, and can not come over their chin.

The youth member needs to do two vertical activities, Abseiling, climbing, canyoning or caving and log them in their logbook. The youth member should record:  Where they did the climbs  Who they did the climbs with  How high the climbs were If the routes were graded, the difficulty grade

The game could be based on direction/movement based on the main points of compass (North, South, East & West). Navigational components include, but not limited to, the 4 main cardinal points, degrees to those points, other features of a map or compass.

The youth member should have this climb or abseil included in their log. The activity can be on a natural or artificial surface. It can be included in the 2 vertical activities above as long as the height is 10m+.

The youth member should be able to demonstrate effective treatment of cuts and minor bleeding as per first aid guidelines. Mock emergencies during a vertical activity could be a place to learn and demonstrate skills.

The youth member should be able to teach a younger Scout who is working on State 1 Vertical, the importance of the buddy system and how it is there to keep them safe.

The youth member will need to demonstrate this throughout an activity to ensure they fully understand the importance of correctly caring for vertical gear. The youth member should be able to explain and demonstrate how they should be stored, how they should be used, how they should be cared for while in use, and the dos and don'ts of carabiners.

The youth member will need to correctly demonstrate these knots without guidance during one of their activities. Animatedknots.com is a good place to start or similar sites.

Thinking about the rock-based activities completed during this stage, what safety improvements could the youth member make? What will the youth member do differently next time to challenge themselves further?

The youth member should be able to point out hazards regarding the condition of the cliff, the conditions and size at the top and the base of the cliff and availability of suitable anchors.

The youth member should be able to demonstrate organising safe transportation of abseiling gear to an abseiling location. The youth member will need to consider things such as the impact of fuels or weather on equipment and ensure that ropes don't get tangled or damaged.

The youth member will need to demonstrate an understanding of an abseiling activity from the itinerary, by discussing the gear list, menu and route with the trip leader and by bringing what is required to the activity.

The youth member is required to explain the importance of wearing a helmet, including when and where they need to wear it whilst undertaking abseiling activities.

The youth member should be able to explain and demonstrate what the ABCDE check with their buddy, including why it is important to do these things before each abseil.  A - Anchor(s) with a buddy, prior to  B - Buckles  C - Carabiner(s) D - Descender  E - Everything else e.g. gloves, shoelaces, long hair tied back, prusiks on harness.

The youth member should be aware of the general and most common signs and symptoms. This could be learnt through research and demonstrated through mock emergencies.

The youth member will need to demonstrate the appropriate storage and care for these items while on an activity e.g. making sure excess rope is not sitting on dirt or sandy ground due to abrasion.

The youth member needs to discuss three different set up techniques, including the benefits and disadvantages for each one.

The youth member should be able to set up and prepare a safe belay system which is suitable for the proposed abseiling activity.

The youth member should demonstrate all of these knots in a practical way during the abseiling activity and ensure they are set and dressed correctly.

The youth member should be able to explain what might change in the environment under wet conditions and how they can manage the situation to suit the new conditions.

The youth member should demonstrate the communication calls between an abseiler and belayer during an activity.

The youth member needs to do two (2) abseiling sessions and log them in their logbook. They should include where they did the activities, who they did it with, how high they were and how many abseils they did. These should be in addition to the abseiling the youth member did in Stage 3.

The youth member should demonstrate, under supervision, that they can thread a descending device and they should be able to explain and demonstrate their knowledge of how to use the descending device.

The youth member should be positioned with their feet flat on the wall and legs at right angles (90 degrees) and shoulder width apart.

The youth member needs to include this in their logbook or they should have a photo or video taken, and indicate who can verify this activity.

The youth member needs to prusik up a rope using Prusik loops or a mechanical device. This should be included in their logbook or they should have a photo or video taken, and indicate who can verify this activity.

The youth member needs to demonstrate the correct and safe bottom belaying procedure during an activity. The youth member should stop and slow the abseiler and ensure they are using the correct communication during the process and log this in their logbook.

The youth member needs to do ten or more abseils and log them in their logbook. The youth member should include where they did the activities, who they did it with and high they were.

The youth member should demonstrate a gear inspection after their activity. This includes:  Visual inspection of their harness including rips, tears and fraying  Visual and physical checks of ropes by running the rope through their hands end to end looking/feeling for lumps, bumps, flattening, fraying.

The youth member should be able to point out hazards regarding the canyon accessibility, available evacuation routes, source and condition of water, and weather considerations.

The youth member should be able to demonstrate organising safe transportation of canyoning gear to the canyon. They will need to consider what gear is required depending on whether their canyon is horizontal or vertical. If using any abseiling gear for vertical canyons, consider contaminates when transporting such as fuels, weather and making sure ropes don't get tangled or damaged.

The youth member will need to demonstrate an understanding of what is needed for the canyoning activity from the itinerary by discussing the gear list, menu and route with the trip leader and by bringing what is required to the activity.

The youth member will need to explain when and where they need to wear a helmet and the importance of wearing a helmet. This will depend on the type of canyoning activity they are doing (vertical or horizontal) and any environmental risks.

The youth member should be able to explain and demonstrate what the ABCDE check with their buddy, including why it is important to do these things before each abseil within the canyon.  A - Anchor(s)  B - Buckles  C - Carabiner(s)  D - Descender  E - Everything else e.g. gloves, shoelaces, long hair tied back, prusiks on harness

The youth member will need to explain and demonstrate caring for, handling and storing their abseiling gear used in canyons.

The youth member needs to discuss three different set up techniques within a canyon, including the benefits and disadvantages for each one.

The youth member will need to discuss how storms, heavy to light rain and wind and heat could affect their activity and evacuation plan.

The youth member should be aware of the general and most common indicators: This could be learnt through mock emergencies and research.

The youth member should be able to set up and prepare a safe belay system which is suitable for the abseiling within the canyoning activity.

The youth member should be able to explain what might change in the environment under wet conditions, and how they can manage the safety of the activity.

The youth member should demonstrate the communication calls between an abseiler and belayer during a canyoning activity.

The youth member needs to do two canyoning activities and log them in their logbook. They should include where they did the activities, who they did it with and high they were and how many abseils they did.

The youth member should demonstrate these techniques.

The youth member could use any descending device of their choice as long as they are familiar with it and it is suitable for the activity.

The youth member should be positioned with their feet flat on the wall and legs at right angles (90 degrees) and shoulder width apart.

The youth member needs to demonstrate the correct and safe bottom belaying procedure during an activity. They should stop and slow the abseiler and ensure they are using the correct communication during the process and log this in their logbook.

The youth member should demonstrate all of these knots in a practical way during the canyoning activity and ensure they are set and dressed correctly.

The youth member should discuss with their Patrol or Unit the canyoning activities they have participated in at this stage and identify where they can improve their skills and the activities for next time.

The youth member should demonstrate a gear inspection after their activity. This includes:  Visual inspection of their harness including rips, tears and fraying  Visual and physical checks of ropes by running the rope through their hands end to end looking/feeling for lumps, bumps, flattening, fraying.  Dry bags should be checked for cuts or deterioration in the lining and can be re-waterproofed where possible.

The youth member should be able to point out hazards regarding cave accessibility, available evacuation routes, condition of the air and weather considerations.

The youth member should be able to demonstrate organising safe transportation of caving gear to the cave. They will need to consider what gear is required depending on whether the cave is horizontal or vertical. If using any abseiling gear for vertical caves, the youth member will need to consider things such as the impact of fuels or weather on equipment and ensure that ropes don't get tangled or damaged.

The youth member will need to demonstrate an understanding of what is needed for the caving activity from the itinerary by discussing the gear list, menu and route with the trip leader and by bringing what is required to the activity.

The youth member is required to explain the importance of wearing a helmet, including when and where they need to wear it whilst undertaking caving activities.

The youth member should be able to explain and demonstrate what the ABCDE check with their buddy, including why it is important to do these things before each abseil or climb within the cave.  A - Anchor(s) with a buddy, prior to  B - Buckles  C - Carabiner(s) D - Descender  E - Everything else e.g. gloves, shoelaces, long hair tied back, prusiks on harness.

The youth member will need to explain and demonstrate caring for, handling and storing their caving gear.

The youth member needs to discuss laddering, abseiling and climbing set up techniques including retrievable set ups within a cave, including the benefits and disadvantages for each one.

The youth member should be aware of the general and most common indicators: This could be learnt through mock emergencies and research.

The youth member should be able to set up and prepare a safe belay system which is suitable for abseiling or climbing within the caving activity.

The youth member needs to, with guidance from a skilled caver, plan and navigate a simple route through a cave. This can be done as a Patrol during an existing caving activity.

The youth member should discuss and demonstrate understanding of stopping and assessing the situation and then creating an action plan. The youth member should know:  Never cave alone  Have a minimum of 4 people in case of emergency  Have an activity plan with someone on the surface that knows the plan and when the party should be back, so they can start rescue if necessary.

The youth member should discuss and demonstrate understanding of the different conditions in a cave and what equipment and clothing they can use to minimise risks.

The youth member should demonstrate the communication calls between a caver when abseiling or climbing within a cave and the belayer during a caving activity.

The youth member needs to do two caving activities and log them in their logbook. The youth member should include where they did the activities, who they did them with, how high they were and if they were graded how difficult was the grade. These should be in addition to any other caving logged for previous Stages.

The youth member should demonstrate this during their caving activities while staying safe.

The youth member should demonstrate all of these knots in a practical way during their caving activity and ensure the knots are set and dressed correctly.

The youth member should discuss with their Patrol or Unit the caving activities they have participated in at this stage and identify where they can improve their skills and the activities for next time.

The youth member should demonstrate a gear inspection after their activity. This includes:  Visual inspection of their harness including rips, tears and fraying  Visual and physical checks of ropes by running the rope through their hands end to end looking/feeling for lumps, bumps, flattening, fraying.  The gear should be cleaned according to manufacturing recommendation.

The youth member should be able to point out hazards regarding the condition of the cliff, the conditions at the top and the base of the cliff and availability of suitable anchors.

The youth member should be able to demonstrate organising safe transportation of climbing gear to a climbing location. They will need to consider any contaminates when transporting such as fuels, weather and making sure ropes don't get tangled or damaged.

The youth member will need to demonstrate an understanding of a climbing activity from the itinerary by discussing the gear list, menu and route with the trip leader and by bringing what is required to the activity.

The youth member is required to explain the importance of wearing a helmet, including when and where they need to wear it whilst undertaking climbing activities.

The youth member should be able to explain and demonstrate what the ABCDE check with their buddy, including why it is important to do these things before each climb.  A - Anchor(s) with a buddy, prior to  B - Buckles C - Carabiner(s)  D - Descender  E - Everything else e.g. gloves, shoelaces, long hair tied back, prusiks on harness.

The youth member will need to explain and demonstrate caring for, handling and storing their climbing gear.

The youth member will need to discuss three different set up techniques, including the benefits and disadvantages for each one.

The youth member should be aware of the general and most common indicators: This could be learnt through mock emergencies and research.

The youth member should be able to set up and prepare a safe belay system which is suitable for the proposed climbing activity.

The youth member should demonstrate all of these knots in a practical way during the climbing activity and ensure they are set and dressed correctly.

The youth member should be able to explain what might change in the environment under wet conditions and how they can manage the situation to suit the new conditions.

The youth member should demonstrate the communication calls between a climber and belayer during an activity.

The youth member should attempt to demonstrate these techniques to the best of their ability. It does not matter for Stage 4 if they are not 100% perfect.

The youth member needs to do four climbs and log them in their logbook. The youth member should include where they did the activities, who they did them with, how high they were and if they were graded how difficult was the grade. These should be in addition to any climbing the youth member did in previous Stages.

The youth member should be able to explain each of these climbing methods and show an understanding of each one during this discussion.

The youth member could use any belay device of their choice as long as they are familiar with it and it is suitable for the activity.

The youth member needs to safely belay another climber and include this in their logbook, and indicate who can verify this activity.

The youth member should be able to demonstrate this using a suitable knot which is dressed correctly. Ideas for this could be a rethreaded figure of 8 or rethreaded double bowline with stopper knot.

The youth member could demonstrate techniques such as; good hand placement, foot placement, weighting on feet and good centre of gravity.

The youth member should discuss with their Patrol or Unit the climbing activities they have participated in at this stage and identify where they can improve their skills and the activities for next time.

The youth member should demonstrate a gear inspection after their activity. This includes:  Visual inspection of their harness including rips, tears and fraying  Visual and physical checks of ropes by running the rope through their hands end to end looking/feeling for lumps, bumps, flattening, fraying

The youth member should be able to: food and water  Specify how much water to carry, and how often they will need to re-fill - if they are using creek water ensure it's filtered and purified  Specify how many of each meal they will need (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) and for how many people  Identify suitable foods for abseiling with regard to energy content, durability, perishability, and deliciousness  Estimate overall energy requirements: How strenuous is the day? Will it make the party eat more?

The youth member should demonstrate an understanding in their plan that they are able to select appropriate walking routes to natural abseiling locations and select abseiling locations where they are able to undertake the activity with minimal damage to the environment.

The youth member should identify the difference between a hazard and a risk. They should provide a hazard assessment and will need to account for:  Human hazards  Environmental hazards  Equipment hazards. The youth member should include in their plan what steps they will take to minimise these hazards during an activity. They should then consider the risks that may come from these hazards and how they will mitigate these on an activity. This step could be done as a Patrol or individual before an abseiling trip.

The youth member should research and provide sources of information about selecting appropriate vertical equipment for abseiling.

The youth member should plan a simple abseiling activity taking into consideration the planning statements above.

The youth member should assist a Scout working on Stage 3 or below with knots suitable for abseiling. The youth member should already know how to tie an Alpine Butterfly, Figure of 8 re-threaded, Double Fisherman's, Tape and a Prusik knot. They can choose an additional two knots to learn at this Stage. Options could be:  Munter hitch  French Prusik  Klemheist  Any other knot

The youth member will need to research and list 6 sources of information and the information required for planning their abseiling activity.

The youth member should complete a first aid course through an accredited provider. The first aid course should cover similar content to Provide first aid (HLTAID003) or the current workplace first aid qualification. They could do a higher first aid unit such as Provide advanced first aid or Provide first aid in a remote location. * Members under the age of 14 may be able to participate in Provide First Aid courses, but may not necessarily receive the formal Units of Competency.

The youth member should demonstrate competency in safely self- belaying using a prusik hitch on an easy abseil.

The youth member should demonstrate competency in fitting and adjusting their abseiling equipment.

The youth member should demonstrate minimising damage to the environment whilst abseiling. This includes using correct tree protection and applying appropriate techniques to prevent erosion on cliff edges as well as on the approach to/from the cliff edge.

The youth member needs to do five (5) or more abseiling activity days and log them in their logbook. The youth member should include where they did the activities, who they did them with, how high they were and if they were graded how difficult they were. An activity day is one which the youth member has been involved the experience of being out for a 4 to 6 hour period, engaged in an activity, not that they have abseiled for that timeframe.

The youth member should be demonstrating abseiling positioned with their feet flat on the wall and legs at right angles (90 degrees) and shoulder width apart as part of an activity with Scouts who are working on Stage 3 or below.

The youth member will need to assist others to set up using the appropriate knots, and ensure that a skilled person has checked the set up before the youth member tests the line.

The youth member will need to set up using the appropriate knots and a skilled person has checked the set up before the youth member tests the line. The different types of belays could be top belay, bottom belay or self-belay.

The youth member needs to demonstrate top belay and bottom belay techniques under skilled supervision. They will need to include this information in their logbook.

The youth member will need to demonstrate escaping a belay whilst maintaining the safety of the abseiler.

The youth member should demonstrate coiling an abseil rope, ensuring that it is clean and dry before packing away.

The youth member needs to complete 20 abseils by the end of this Stage and log them in their logbook. They should include where they did the activities, who they did them with, how high they were and if they were graded, how difficult they were.

The youth member will need to demonstrate safely for themselves and the abseiler, stopping a fall from an abseiler during a mock situation.

The presentation should be around five minutes long and may be in person or as a pre-recorded video followed by questions. The content of the reflection is at the youth member's discretion but should generally cover topics such as:  What would they do again?  What did not work, and would they not do again?  What skills have they learnt?  What food or equipment worked well, or performed poorly? Photographs are a great addition to a presentation.

The youth member should conduct an evaluation on aspects they felt could have been improved on their abseiling activity.

The youth member should be able to: food and water  Specify how much water to carry, and how often they will need to re-fill - if they are using creek water ensure it is filtered and purified  Specify how many of each meal they will need (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) and for how many people  Identify suitable foods for the activity with regard to energy content, durability, perishability, and deliciousness  Estimate overall energy requirements: How strenuous is the day? Will it make the party eat more?

The youth member should demonstrate an understanding in their plan that they are able to select appropriate walking routes to and within the canyoning location and select canyoning locations where they are able to undertake the activity with minimal damage to the environment.

The youth member should identify the difference between a hazard and a risk. They should provide a hazard assessment and will need to account for:  Human hazards  Environmental hazards  Equipment hazards. The youth member should include in their plan what steps they will take to minimise these hazards during an activity. They should then consider the risks that may come from these hazards and how they will mitigate these on an activity. This step could be done as a Patrol or individual before a canyoning trip.

The youth member should research and provide sources of information about selecting appropriate canyoning equipment.

The youth member should assist a Scout working on Stage 3 or below with knots suitable for canyoning. The youth member should already know how to tie an Alpine Butterfly, Figure of 8 re-threaded, Double Fisherman's, Tape and a Prusik knot. They can choose an additional two knots to learn at this Stage. Options could be:  Munter hitch  French Prusik  Klemheist  Any other knot

The youth member will need to research and list 4 sources of information and the information required for planning their canyoning activity.

The youth member should complete a first aid course through an accredited provider. The first aid course should cover similar content to Provide first aid (HLTAID003) or the current workplace first aid qualification. They could do a higher first aid unit such as Provide advanced first aid or Provide first aid in a remote location. * Members under the age of 14 may be able to participate in Provide First Aid courses, but may not necessarily receive the formal Units of Competency.

The youth member should demonstrate competency in safely self- belaying using a prusik hitch in a canyon. It is noted this should not be attempted for the first time in a high-water flow environment.

The youth member should demonstrate minimising damage to the environment whilst canyoning. This includes using correct tree protection, being careful to prevent erosion and ensuring what is brought in to the canyon is taken out of the canyon.

The youth member will need to demonstrate the correct method of belay based on their location and whether they can see the top of the drop or not, the difficulty of the start of the abseil and whether there is risk of getting stuck under a waterfall.

The youth member will need to demonstrate swimming, wadding and liloing during a canyoning activity.

The youth member will need to demonstrate safety around holes and water in canyoning systems.

The youth member needs to do five (5) or more canyoning activity days and log them in their logbook. The youth member should include where they did the activities, who they did them with, how high they were and if they were graded how difficult they were.

The youth member should be able to demonstrate chimneying as it is an important climbing technique to help them navigate up confined spaces which makes it very useful for canyoning. If the technique is not perfect in this Stage that's ok, it's about giving it a go.

The youth member will need to assist others to set up using the appropriate knots, and ensure that a skilled person has checked the set up before the youth member tests the line.

The youth member will need to demonstrate escaping a belay whilst maintaining the safety of the abseiler.

The youth member should demonstrate coiling an abseil rope in a canyon. The youth member should also demonstrate packing it away dry at the end of the activity.

The presentation should be around five minutes long and may be in person or as a pre-recorded video followed by questions. The content of the reflection is at the youth member's discretion but should generally cover topics such as:  What would they do again?  What did not work, and would they not do again?  What skills have they learnt?  What food or equipment worked well, or performed poorly? Photographs are a great addition to a presentation.

The youth member should conduct an evaluation on aspects they felt could have been improved on their canyoning activity.

The youth member should be able to: food and water  Specify how much water to carry, and how often they will need to re-fill - if they are using creek water ensure it is filtered and purified  Specify how many of each meal they will need (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) and for how many people  Identify suitable foods for the activity with regard to energy content, durability, perishability, and deliciousness  Estimate overall energy requirements: How strenuous is the day? Will it make the party eat more?

The youth member should demonstrate an understanding in their plan that they are able to select appropriate walking routes to the caving location and select caving locations where they are able to undertake the activity with minimal damage to the environment. The youth member should know to be particularly careful in live caves.

The youth member should identify the difference between a hazard and a risk. They should provide a hazard assessment and will need to account for:  Human hazards  Environmental hazards  Equipment hazards. The youth member should include in their plan what steps they will take to minimise these hazards during an activity. They should then consider the risks that may come from these hazards and how they will mitigate these on an activity. This step could be done as a Patrol or individual before a caving trip.

The youth member should research and provide sources of information about selecting appropriate caving equipment.

The youth member should demonstrate an understanding of the dangers associated with foul air and how to plan for it and avoid areas of foul air.

The youth member will need to research and list 6 sources of information and the information required for planning their caving activity.

The youth member should assist a Scout working on Stage 3 or below with knots suitable for caving. The youth member should already know how to tie an Alpine Butterfly, Figure of 8 re-threaded, Double Fisherman's, Tape and a Prusik knot. They can choose an additional two knots to learn at this Stage. Options could be:  Munter hitch  French Prusik  Klemheist  Any other knot

The youth member should complete a first aid course through an accredited provider. The first aid course should cover similar content to Provide first aid (HLTAID003) or the current workplace first aid qualification. They could do a higher first aid unit such as Provide advanced first aid or Provide first aid in a remote location. * Members under the age of 14 may be able to participate in Provide First Aid courses, but may not necessarily receive the formal Units of Competency.

The youth member should explain prior to the activity the precautions and demonstrate safely navigating wet caves and what to do in case of flooding as well as how to reduce the risk of flooding.

The youth member should demonstrate their knowledge on how to identify foul air. If the cave system they are navigating does not have foul air they should still demonstrate how to identify it.

The youth member should demonstrate suitable caving communication in the cave system they are navigating.

The youth member needs to do five (5) or more caving activity days and log them in their logbook. They should include where they did the activities, who they did them with, how high the routes were and if they were graded how difficult they were.

The youth member should be able to demonstrate chimneying as it is an important climbing technique to help them navigate up confined spaces which makes it very useful for caving. If the technique is not perfect in this Stage that's ok it is about giving it a go.

The youth member should demonstrate competency in fitting and adjusting their own caving equipment.

The youth member should demonstrate minimising damage to the caving system while caving. This includes walking to and access to the caves.

The youth member should include this in the activity notes in their logbook entry for this activity.

The youth member should demonstrate coiling a caving rope in a cave, ensuring that it is clean and dry before packing away.

The youth member should demonstrate safety climbing a caving ladder using the appropriate ascending safety lines. It doesn't need to be a long distance and could be in a mock situation at this Stage (ideally still in a cave).

The youth member should include this in the activity notes in their logbook entry for this activity.

This should be completed with the support of a skilled person. The youth member's planning should include considering groups ability, route options, risk mitigation and equipment needs.

The presentation should be around five minutes long and may be in person or as a pre-recorded video followed by questions. The content of the reflection is at the youth member's discretion but should generally cover topics such as:  What would they do again?  What did not work, and would they not do again?  What skills have they learnt?  What food or equipment worked well, or performed poorly? Photographs are a great addition to a presentation.

The youth member should conduct an evaluation on aspects they felt could have been improved on their caving activity.

The youth member should be able to: • Specify how much water to carry, and how often they will need to re-fill - if they are using creek water ensure it's filtered and purified • Specify how many of each meal they will need (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) and for how many people • Identify suitable foods for the activity with regard to energy content, durability, perishability, and deliciousness • Estimate overall energy requirements: How strenuous is the day? Will it make the party eat more?

The youth member should demonstrate an understanding in their plan that they are able to select appropriate walking routes to the location and select locations where they are able to undertake the activity with minimal damage to the environment.

The youth member should identify the difference between a hazard and a risk. They should provide a hazard assessment and will need to account for: • Human hazards • Environmental hazards • Equipment hazards The youth member should include in their plan what steps they will take to minimise these hazards during an activity. They should then consider the risks that may come from these hazards and how they will mitigate these on an activity. This step could be done as a Patrol or individual before a climbing trip.

The youth member should research and provide sources of information about selecting appropriate climbing equipment.

The youth member should plan a simple climbing activity taking into consideration group skills, route options, logistical planning and risks associated.

The youth member should assist a Scout working on Stage 3 or below with knots suitable for climbing.

The youth member will need to research and list 6 sources of information and the information required for planning their climbing activity.

The youth member should complete a first aid course through an accredited provider. The first aid course should cover similar content to Provide first aid (HLTAID003) or the current workplace first aid qualification. They could do a higher first aid unit such as Provide advanced first aid or Provide first aid in a remote location. Members under the age of 14 may be able to participate in Provide First Aid courses, but may not necessarily receive the formal Units of Competency.

The youth member should demonstrate competency in fitting and adjusting their climbing equipment.

The youth member should identify different natural features while climbing such as slab, arete, off width crack, buttress, chimney, chock etc.

The youth member should demonstrate the ability to choose and use rest spots on a climb.

The youth member should demonstrate competency in safely self- belaying using a prusik hitch on an easy abseil.

The youth member should demonstrate minimising damage to the environment whilst climbing. This includes walking to the climbing location and the use of correct tree protection for any top belaying and being careful to prevent erosion on and around the cliff.

The youth member needs to have attempted 10 climbs of grade 10 or higher, ideally they would have topped out on at least 5 of them. In their logbook entry the youth member should include where they did the activities, who they did them with, how high the route was, and the route difficulty (if graded).

The youth member should assist a Scout working on Stage 3 or below by demonstrating suitable climbing techniques.

The youth member will need to set up using the appropriate knots, and ensure that a skilled person has checked the youth members set up before they test the line.

The youth member will need to set up using the appropriate knots, and ensure that an appointed Guide has checked the youth members set up before they test the line. The different types of belays could be top belay, bottom belay or self-belay.

The youth member needs to demonstrate using different belay devices, such as: • Assisted braking devices • Tubular device • Inline belay devices The youth member will need to include the use of these belay devices in their logbook.

The youth member will need to demonstrate escaping the belay whilst minimising any movement or increasing the risk of the climber falling.

The youth member will need to demonstrate safety for themselves and the climber stopping a fall from a climber during a mock situation.

The youth member should demonstrate coiling a climbing rope during a climbing activity, ensuring that it is clean and dry before packing away.

The youth member should be able to explain and demonstrate understanding of shock loading in climbing.

The youth member should already know how to tie: • Alpine Butterfly • Figure of 8 rethreaded • Double Fisherman's • Tape knot • Prusik knot. The youth member can choose an additional two knots to learn at this Stage, remembering dressing a knot is very important. Options could be: • Munter hitch • Rethreaded bowline with stopper • Clove hitch

The presentation should be around five minutes long and may be in person or as a pre-recorded video followed by questions. The content of the reflection is at the youth member's discretion but should generally cover topics such as: • What would they do again? • What did not work, and would they not do again? • What skills have they learnt? • What food or equipment worked well, or performed poorly? Photographs are a great addition to a presentation.

The youth member should conduct an evaluation on aspects they felt could have been improved on their climbing activity.

The youth member should know what is required to be packed for a abseil activity, taking into consideration the location and itinerary for the activity. They should be able to effectively pass this knowledge on to another Scout, working on a lower stage. The youth member will need to consider how they are going to convey this information.

The youth member should ensure they take into consideration transportation for an abseiling activity they are planning. This will include getting the group and gear to the location and back to the finishing point. The youth member can do this I statement in conjunction with when they plan an abseiling trip in the I statement below.

The youth member should consider hazards which they know are involved in abseiling activities. These could be:  Human hazards  Environmental hazards  Equipment hazards The youth member will then need to discuss these hazards with Scouts working on Stage 4 or below.

The youth member should take primary leadership, including responsibility and risk management for the abseiling activity. They will need to have their plan reviewed and supervised by a skilled abseiler. The plan needs to cover location, navigation to and from, equipment needs, food needs, emergency plan, weather conditions and planning for activities depending on the skill of the participants.

The youth member should research and provide information about equipment selection for their abseiling activity, including the reasons for their choices. If they don't have access to the gear they would like to use after their research, then the youth member should present to their Patrol why they would prefer to use other pieces of equipment rather than needing to purchase the new gear.

The youth member should research and provide information about different self-belaying techniques and when they would use those techniques and why. The youth member could write down their research or speak to their Patrol/ Unit or Project Patrol about the research.

The youth member should research and provide information about a variety of rescue techniques and when they would use those techniques and why.

The youth member should understand and demonstrate the importance of minimal impact when on an abseiling activity. The youth member may do some research before they go on a vertical activity which may include looking at the Australian Adventurous Activities Standards and Good Practice Guides.

The youth member should demonstrate from their planning in Stage 5, safe access to and from the abseiling site, indicating why they have chosen that route.

The youth member will need to demonstrate three full abseiling set-ups using the appropriate anchor selection, knots, degree of rope, carabiner placement and direction of pull and ensure that a skilled abseiler has checked their set up before they test the lines. This should be indicated in the youth member's log, ensuring the skilled abseiler has been noted as the verifier.

The youth member will need to demonstrate the set-up of and escaping the belay whilst minimising any movement of the abseiler. They should oversee a Stage 4 or 5 Scout escaping from the belay while they keep the abseiler safe.

The youth member will need to assist in managing belayers and abseiler at the top of a cliff. The youth member should demonstrate knowledge of what is needed to be done and assist the belayers and abseiler where necessary. This activity should still be overseen by a highly skilled abseiler.

The youth member will need to demonstrate at least 3 times escaping the belay whilst minimising any movement of the abseiler. They should indicate these skills in their log.

The youth member should demonstrate necessary equipment checks prior, during and following the activity. They should log the activity and usage in an equipment log and ensure they are following Branch or State policies as well as the adventurous activity standards.

The youth member should discuss with a Scout working on Stage 4 Abseiling on the importance of the ABCDE checks. The youth member will need to provide assistance in ensuring they are following the safety checks. The youth member will know if they are successful if that Scout follows those safety checks correctly during the activity. Remember:  A - Anchor(s)  B - Buckles  C - Carabiner(s)  D - Descender  E - Everything else e.g. gloves

The youth member should always complete all the necessary personal checks before abseiling or belaying. using the buddy system,  A - Anchor(s)  B - Buckles  C - Carabiner(s)  D - Descender E - Everything else e.g. gloves The youth member should also assist a Scout working on Stage 4 or below in understanding what these are.

The youth member needs to do two or more vertical rescue drills and log them in their logbook. The youth member should include where they did the activities, who they did them with and any other information about the day as well as who the skilled abseiler was. This could involve a transfer over knot, pluck and lower, mechanical haul practise, prusiking over an edge.

The youth member needs to complete at least 30 abseils by the end of this Stage and log them in their logbook. The youth member should include when they did the activity, where they did them, who they did them with and other activity information.

The youth member needs to learn and demonstrate these techniques under the guidance and supervision of a skilled abseiler.

The youth member should demonstrate correct pack up, cleaning and maintenance of any gear following the activity, this includes retiring gear where necessary and ensuring the equipment logbook is completed post activity.

The youth member should know what is required to be packed for a canyon activity, taking into consideration the location and itinerary for the activity. They should be able to effectively pass this knowledge on to another Scout, working on a lower stage. The youth member will need to consider how they are going to convey this information.

The youth member should ensure they take into consideration transportation for a canyoning activity they are planning. This will include getting the group and gear to the location and back to the finishing point. The youth member can do this I statement in conjunction with when they plan a canyoning trip in this Stage.

The youth member should consider hazards which they know are involved in canyoning activities. These could be:  Human hazards  Environmental hazards  Equipment hazards The youth member will then need to discuss these hazards with Scouts working on Stage 4 or below.

The youth member should take primary leadership, including responsibility and risk management for the canyoning activity. They will need to have their plan reviewed and supervised by a skilled canyoner. The plan needs to cover location, navigation to and from, equipment needs, food needs, emergency plan, weather conditions and planning for activities depending on the skill of the participants.

The youth member should provide a risk assessment as part of their activity plan. They will need to account for:  Human risk  Environmental risk Equipment risk The youth member should also consider mitigants to reduce the risks identified. This risk assessment needs to be reviewed by a skilled canyoner prior to the activity, with enough time that amendments can be made if required.

The youth member should research and provide information about equipment selection for their canyoning activity, including the reasons for their choices. If they don't have access to the gear they would like to use after their research, then the youth member should present to their Patrol why they would prefer to use other pieces of equipment rather than needing to purchase the new gear.

The youth member should research and provide information about different self-belaying techniques and when they would use those techniques and why. The youth member could write down their research or speak to their Patrol/ Unit or Project Patrol about the research.

The youth member should research and provide information about a variety of rescue techniques and when they would use those techniques and why.

The youth member should understand and demonstrate the importance of minimal impact when on a canyoning activity. The youth member may do some research before they go on a vertical activity which may include looking at the Australian Adventurous Activities Standards and Good Practice Guides.

The youth member should demonstrate in their planning safe and minimal impact access to and from the canyon, indicating why they have chosen that route. They should also indicate the other minimal impact practices they will undertake whilst canyoning.

The youth member should demonstrate navigating around obstacles in an efficient and safe manner. These should be noted in their logbook as evidence. They may also choose to take photos you negotiating hazards (as long as this is safe and depending on the hazard).

The youth member should demonstrate care for the canyoning equipment at all times before, during and after an activity. They should ensure that they inspect it prior, during and post activity and ensure that they are using it based on the manufacturer's recommendations.

The youth member should demonstrate knowledge of the weather impacts on canyoning and indicate in their plan how and where they will be evacuating should the need arise. The youth member may research canyoning accidents that have been a result of weather changes to help understand how the features in a canyon will affect their safety if weather changes.

The youth member should review and discuss your evacuation plan with a Scout working on Stage 4 Canyoning, including discussions about the importance of checking the weather and the impact it can have on canyoning. They will need to support a Stage 4 Scout understanding the weather hazards associated with canyoning.

The youth member should demonstrate necessary equipment checks prior, during and following the activity. They should log the activity and usage in an equipment log and ensure they are following Branch or State policies as well as the adventurous activity standards.

The youth member should discuss with a Scout working on Stage 4 Canyoning on the importance of the ABCDE checks. The youth member will need to provide assistance in ensuring they are following the safety checks. The youth member will know if they are successful if that Scout follows those safety checks correctly during the activity. Remember:  A - Anchor(s)  B - Buckles  C - Carabiner(s)  D - Descender  E - Everything else e.g. gloves

The youth member should always complete all the necessary personal checks before canyoning or belaying.  A - Anchor(s)  B - Buckles  C - Carabiner(s)  D - Descender E - Everything else e.g. gloves The youth member should also assist a Scout working on Stage 4 or below in understanding what these are.

The youth member needs to do two or more vertical rescue drills and log them in their logbook. The youth member should include where they did the activities, who they did them with and any other information about the day as well as who the skilled canyoner was. This could involve a transfer over knot, pluck and lower, mechanical haul practise, prusiking over an edge, etc.

The youth member will need to demonstrate three full abseiling set-ups in canyons using the appropriate anchor selection, knots, degree of rope, carabiner placement and direction of pull and ensure that a skilled canyoner has checked your set up before you test the lines. This should be indicated in your log and ensure your skilled canyoner has been noted as the verifier.

The youth member will need to demonstrate the set-up of and escaping the belay whilst minimising any movement of the canyoner. They should oversee a Stage 4 or 5 Scout escaping from the belay while they keep the abseiler safe.

The youth member should assist in managing people during canyoning. They will need to demonstrate an understanding of the risks of hyperthermia, and drowning, particularly whilst canyoning.

The youth member will need to demonstrate at least 3 times escaping the belay whilst minimising any movement of the abseiler. They should indicate these skills in their log.

The youth member needs to learn and demonstrate these techniques under the guidance and supervision of a skilled abseiler.

The youth member needs to complete twelve (12) or more canyoning activity days and log them in their logbook. They should have explored at least seven (7) different canyons. They should include when they did these canyons, where they did the activities, who they did it with, how high they were, and if they were graded, how difficult they were. Photos and additional notes are a good addition to their log as well.

The youth member should demonstrate correct pack up, cleaning and maintenance of any gear following the activity, this includes retiring gear where necessary and ensuring the equipment logbook is completed post activity.

The youth member should know what is required to be packed for a caving activity, taking into consideration the location and itinerary for the activity. They should be able to effectively pass this knowledge on to another Scout, working on a lower stage. The youth member will need to consider how they are going to convey this information.

The youth member should ensure they take into consideration transportation for a caving activity they are planning. This will include getting the group and gear to the location and back to the finishing point. The youth member can do this I statement in conjunction with when they plan a caving trip in this Stage.

The youth member may research the risks associated with free climbing in a cave or speak to an experienced caver about this. They then need to construct their own understanding of the risks associated, and consider how they may manage these risks while caving.

The youth member should consider hazards which they know are involved in caving activities. These could be:  Human hazards  Environmental hazards  Equipment hazards The youth member will then need to discuss these hazards with Scouts working on Stage 4 or below.

The youth member should take primary leadership, including responsibility and risk management for the caving activity. They will need to have their plan reviewed and supervised by a skilled caver. The plan needs to cover location, navigation to and from, equipment needs, food needs, emergency plan, weather conditions and planning for activities depending on the skill of the participants.

The youth member should provide a risk assessment as part of their activity plan. They will need to account for:  Human risk Environmental risk  Equipment risk The youth member should also consider mitigants to reduce the risks identified. This risk assessment needs to be reviewed by a skilled caver prior to the activity, with enough time that amendments can be made if required.

The youth member should research and provide information about equipment selection for their abseiling activity, including the reasons for their choices. If they don't have access to the gear they would like to use after their research, then the youth member should present to their Patrol why they would prefer to use other pieces of equipment rather than needing to purchase the new gear.

The youth member should research and provide information about different self-belaying techniques and when they would use those techniques and why. The youth member could write down their research or speak to their Patrol/ Unit or Project Patrol about the research.

The youth member should research and provide information about a variety of rescue techniques and when they would use those techniques and why.

The youth member should demonstrate safely setting up of a belay system in a cave and ensure that a skilled caver has checked your set up before you test the lines. The different types of belays could be top belay, bottom belay, self-belay or re-belay and should be determined based on the cave set up. This should be indicated in your log and ensure your skilled caver has been noted as the verifier.

The youth member should demonstrate your leadership and navigational skills in a cave during at least one section of the cave under supervision of a skilled caver.

The youth member should demonstrate competency in safely self- belaying using a prusik hitch on an easy abseil in a cave.

The youth member needs to demonstrate belaying or correctly spotting someone in a cave on an abseil or climb. They should be supervised by a skilled caver and they will need to include this in their logbook.

The youth member needs to do seven (7) or more caving activity days and log them in their logbook. They should include when they did the activity, where they did the activities, who they did it with and how high they were, and if they were graded how difficult they were.

The youth member should be demonstrating abseiling positions with their feet flat on the wall and legs at right angles (90 degrees), shoulder width apart as part of an activity with Scouts who are working on Stage 4 or below.

The youth member will need to set up in a cave using suitable anchor, the appropriate knots, and ensure that a skilled caver has checked their set up before they test the line.

The youth member will need to set up their belay based on the type of drop in a cave, using the appropriate knots, and ensure that a skilled caver has checked their set up before they test the line. The different types of belays could be top belay, bottom belay or self-belay.

The youth member needs to demonstrate to others top belay, and if appropriate bottom belay, techniques in a cave. They will need to include this information in their logbook. They should include where they did the activities, who they did it with and how high they were, and if they were graded how difficult they were.

The youth member will need to demonstrate escaping the belay in a cave whilst minimising any movement of the abseiler.

The youth member needs to assist in safely rigging a caving ladder under guidance from a skilled caver. They will need to include this information in their logbook.

The youth member needs to demonstrate successfully and safely ascending a rope in a cave environment.

The youth member should demonstrate correct pack up, cleaning and maintenance of any gear following the activity. This includes retiring gear where necessary, and ensuring the equipment logbook is completed post activity.

The youth member should know what is required to be packed for a climbing activity, taking into consideration the location and itinerary for the activity. They should be able to effectively pass this knowledge on to another Scout, working on a lower stage. The youth member will need to consider how they are going to convey this information.

The youth member should take primary leadership, including responsibility and risk management for the climbing activity. They will need to have their plan reviewed and supervised by a skilled climber. The plan needs to cover location, navigation to and from, equipment needs, food needs, emergency plan, weather conditions and planning for activities depending on the skill of the participants.

The youth member should ensure they take into consideration transportation for a climbing activity they are planning. This will include getting the group and gear to the location and back to the finishing point. The youth member can do this I statement in conjunction with when they plan a climbing trip in this Stage.

The youth member should consider hazards which they know are involved in climbing activities. These could be:  Human hazards Environmental hazards  Equipment hazards The youth member will then need to discuss these hazards with scouts working on Stage 4 or below.

The youth member should provide a risk assessment as part of their activity plan. They will need to account for:  Human risk  Environmental risk Equipment risk The youth member should also consider mitigants to reduce the risks identified. This risk assessment needs to be reviewed by a skilled climber prior to the activity, with enough time that amendments can be made if required.

The youth member should research and provide information about equipment selection for their climbing activity, including the reasons for their choices. If they don't have access to the gear they would like to use after their research, then the youth member should present to their Patrol why they would prefer to use other pieces of equipment rather than needing to purchase the new gear.

The youth member should research and provide information about different climbing techniques and when they would use those techniques and why. The youth member could write down their research or speak to their Patrol/ Unit or Project Patrol about the research.

The youth member should research and provide information about a variety of rescue techniques and when they would use those techniques and why.

The youth member should understand and demonstrate the importance of minimal impact when on a climbing activity. The youth member may do some research before they go on a vertical activity which may include looking at the Australian Adventurous Activities Standards and Good Practice Guides.

The youth member may research the hazards associated with climbing on natural surfaces or speak to an experienced climber about this. They then need to construct their own understanding of the risks associated and consider how they may manage these risks while climbing.

The youth member will need to set up multiple anchors at the top and bottom of their climbs. This could be through existing anchors like boulders, trees, bolts, etc or through them placing gear to build an anchor, by using the appropriate knots, and ensure that a skilled climber has checked their set up before they start climbing. They should include this in their log and ensure their skilled climber has been noted as the verifier.

The youth member should demonstrate understanding of the difference between dynamic and static climbing ropes, and be able to discuss the different applications for using them during a climbing activity.

The youth member needs to demonstrate competently belaying a climber down from a climb, ideally on both a top and bottom belay. This should be supervised by a skilled climber.

The youth member should demonstrate from their planning in Stage 5, safe access to and from the climbing site, indicating why they have chosen that route.

The youth member will need to demonstrate three full climb set-ups using the appropriate anchor selection, knots, degree of rope, carabiner placement and direction of pull and ensure that a skilled climber has checked their set up before they test the lines. This should be indicated in their log and ensure their skilled climber has been noted as the verifier.

The youth member will need to demonstrate the set up and escaping the belay whilst minimising any movement of the climber. They should oversee a Stage 4 or 5 Scout escaping from belay while they keep the climber safe.

The youth member will need to assist in managing belayers and climbers at the bottom of a cliff. The youth member should demonstrate knowledge of what is needed to be done and assist the belayers and climbers where necessary. This activity should still be overseen by a highly skilled climber.

The youth member will need to demonstrate at least 3 times escaping the belay whilst minimising any movement of the climber. They should indicate these skills in their log.

The youth member should demonstrate necessary equipment checks prior, during and following the activity. They should log the activity and usage in an equipment log and ensure they are following Branch or State policies as well as the adventurous activity standards.

The youth member should discuss with a Scout working on Stage 4 Climbing on the importance of the ABCDE checks. The youth member will need to provide assistance in ensuring they are following the safety checks. The youth member will know if they are successful if that Scout follows those safety checks correctly during the activity. Remember:  A - Anchor(s)  B - Buckles  C - Carabiner(s)  D - Descender  E - Everything else e.g. gloves

The youth member should always complete all the necessary personal checks before climbing, abseiling or belaying. using the buddy system,  A - Anchor(s)  B - Buckles  C - Carabiner(s)  D - Descender E - Everything else e.g. gloves The youth member should also assist a Scout working on Stage 4 or below in understanding what these are.

The youth member needs to practise placing traditional climbing gear under supervision of a skilled climber. It is recommended they practise this placement on the ground in a controlled safe manner in an instructional session where they can learn from others with peers. It's not just about placing the gear wherever, it is about placing it correctly so there is less likelihood of failure of gear on a climb when they fall.

The youth member needs to do 16 or more climbs by the completion of Stage 6, five (5) of which need to be graded at 14 or higher in the Australian Climb Grading (or equivalent). They should include in their logbook when they did these climbs, where they did the climbs, who they did them with, how high they were and what grade they were.

The youth member should discuss their chosen route and then demonstrate climbing it. This should be done in conjunction with a guide book or local knowledge of the climbs. If any changes need to be made to their proposed route whilst climbing, they should review these changes once they have finished the climb.

The youth member should demonstrate inspecting of the position and quality of climbing features prior to setting up and climbing a route. They should review their opinion of those climbing features once they have finished the climb.

The youth member needs to learn and demonstrate these techniques under the guidance and supervision of a skilled abseiler or climber.

The youth member should demonstrate correct pack up, cleaning and maintenance of any gear following the activity. This includes retiring gear where necessary, and ensuring the equipment logbook is completed post activity.

The youth member will need to have completed Stage 5 and below of Bushcraft (survival skills), Camping and Bushwalking.

The youth member should know what is required to be packed for an abseiling activity, taking into consideration the location and itinerary for the activity. They will also need to take into consideration items which will be needed for their party such as additional water, first aid items, specialised equipment for the activity etc.

The youth member should already know how to tie an Alpine Butterfly, Figure of 8 re-threaded, Double Fisherman's, Tape and a Prusik knot as well as the two additional knots they learned in Stage 5. The youth member needs to ensure they still can tie these knots and choose an additional two knots to learn at this Stage. Options could be Munter hitch, French Prusik, Klemheist, or any other knots applicable to rescue situations whilst abseiling.

The youth member should plan and take primary leadership, which includes responsibility and risk management for the abseiling trip. The youth member will need to take into consideration their state and local government regulations and the Australian Adventurous Activity Standards. They will need to have their plan reviewed and supervised by a highly skilled abseiler.

The youth member will need to assist a Stage 5 Scout in abseiling, including discussing with them where they are with their competencies for Stage 5 and assist them where they need help. This may see them acting as a Mentor for the youth member working towards Stage 5.

The youth member should demonstrate awareness and understanding when they would need to engage with authorities before abseiling, such as landowners, national parks, and based on Scouting policies notification of parents and Group Leaders.

The youth member will need to demonstrate appropriate selection of which type of belay needs to be used and setting up that belay in accordance with the best set up for the site selection and participants skills. This may be done in a set of scenarios or through natural learning during activities.

The youth member should assist a highly skilled abseiler in organising an abseiling skills day including rescue practice. The youth member should note it in their log and ensure the skilled abseiler is detailed as the verifier. The youth member will need to cover off a variety of single rope techniques with the participants.

The youth member will need to demonstrate at least five full abseiling set-ups, using safe anchors, appropriate belay system and correct knots, and ensure that a skilled abseiler has checked their set up before they test the lines. The youth member should note it in their log and ensure the skilled abseiler is detailed as the verifier.

The youth member should establish and demonstrate the communication calls between the abseiling and the belayer during their abseiling activity. The youth member will need to consider the type of cliff, drop and what equipment they have access to.

The youth member needs to complete and log at least 12 days of abseiling, with a minimum of 50 abseils by the end of this Stage. The youth member should include in their log when they did the activities, where they did the activities, who they did them with, the abseil height, and grade of abseil if applicable.

The youth member should demonstrate their ability to act as a supervisor during an abseiling activity, ensuring that participants are following safety protocols and assisting and advising where necessary. The youth member will still need a highly skilled abseiler overseeing the activity.

The youth member needs to complete and log their abseiling rescue drills indicating that they have undertaken these skills. The youth member should also include in their log where they did the activities, who they did them with and what skills they learnt.

The youth member should demonstrate safely abseiling three descents using three different devices and log them in their logbook. If they have already used 3 different types of descender before, then they should aim to extend their knowledge with using another 1 or 2 descenders.

The youth member should demonstrate safely abseiling in a variety of weather conditions and log them in their logbook. This could be rain, high temperatures, wind etc. The youth member shouldn't put themselves or others in high levels of risk to meet this statement and it is more about demonstrating skills in a variety of conditions.

The youth member should demonstrate, to a Scout doing Stage 5, correct pack up and cleaning of any gear following the activity. The youth member will most likely need to teach the Stage 5 Scout how to appropriately coil the rope for carrying and storing.

The youth member can do this 'I' statement in conjunction with the other belay related statements in Stage 7 abseiling or as a standalone item. These belays need to be explained and walked through with Stage 5 Scouts to increase their learning.

The youth member needs to facilitate a debrief session with their Project Patrol after an abseiling journey. They should include positive and constructive feedback to members of the Patrol as well as gaining feedback from those who joined them on the journey so that they can identify areas to improve on in the future. Feedback should be used to inform future activity plans.

The youth member will need to have completed Stage 5 and below of Bushcraft (survival skills), Camping and Bushwalking.

The youth member should know what is required to be packed for a canyoning activity, taking into consideration the location and itinerary for the activity. The youth member will also need to take into consideration items which will be needed for their party such as additional water, first aid items, specialised equipment for the activity etc.

The youth member should already know how to tie an Alpine Butterfly, Figure of 8 re-threaded, Double Fisherman's, Tape and a Prusik knot, as well as the two additional knots they learned in Stage. The youth member needs to ensure they still can tie these knots and choose an additional two knots to learn at this Stage. Options could be Munter hitch, French Prusik, Klemheist, or any other knots applicable to rescue situations in a canyon.

The youth member should plan and take primary leadership, which includes responsibility and risk management for the canyoning trip. The youth member will need to take into consideration their State and local Government regulations and the Australian Adventurous Activity Standards. The youth member will need to have their plan reviewed and supervised by a highly skilled canyoner.

The youth member will need to assist a Stage 5 Scout in canyoning, and discuss with them their competencies for Stage 5 and assist them where they need help. This may see the youth member acting as a Mentor for the Stage 5 Scout.

The youth member will need to demonstrate at least five full abseiling set-ups in a canyon, using safe anchors, appropriate belay system and correct knots, and ensure that a skilled canyoner has checked their set up before the youth member tests the lines. The youth member should note it in their log and ensure the skilled canyoner is detailed as the verifier.

The youth member should demonstrate awareness and an understanding when they would need to engage with authorities before canyoning, such as landowners, national parks, and based on Scouting policies notification of parents and Group Leaders etc.

The youth member will need to demonstrate how to correctly move in flowing water (this might be in mock situation or in a canyon with flowing medium paced water in Australian conditions) to minimise risk of entrapment.

The youth member should assist a skilled canyoner in organising a canyoning skills day including rescue practice in flowing canyon water. The youth member should note it in their log and ensure the skilled canyoner is detailed as the verifier.

The youth member will need to exit a canyon by using suitable and safe climbing techniques. They should note it in their log and ensure a skilled canyoner is detailed as the verifier.

The youth member needs to complete and log their canyoning rescue drills indicating that they have undertaken these skills. The youth member should also include in their log where they did the activities, who they did them with and what skills they learnt.

The youth member should establish and demonstrate the communication calls between the abseiler and the belayer during their canyoning activity. The youth member will need to consider the type of cliff, water flow, drop and what equipment they have access to.

The youth member will need to demonstrate transferring from one belay to another while keeping safe (attached) to rope at all times. It is likely this still will be needed in confined spaces/ multi-pitch activities and therefore the youth member will need to develop this knowledge and skill in Stage 7 for use in Stages 8 and 9.

The youth member should demonstrate their leadership and navigational skills in a canyon during a canyoning trip. throughout all stages of planning, participating and reviewing. They will also need to demonstrate looking after the wellbeing of the group throughout the entire trip experience including the post trip review.

The youth member needs to complete and log 18 canyoning activities, with a minimum of 10 different canyons. The youth member should include in their log when they did the activities, where they did the activities, who they did them with, the height of the climbs involved and if applicable the grade of the canyon.

The youth member will need to demonstrate establishing all abseiling lines and belays for a canyoning trip during Stage 7. This could be in conjunction with another 'I' statement like being a party leader for a Canyon or as a standalone. The weather, length of session and experience of the group should be taken into consideration when choosing to complete this statement.

The youth member will need to provide feedback to their Patrol that is suggested in the 'I' statement.

The youth member should know what is required to be packed for a caving activity, taking into consideration the location and itinerary for the activity. The youth member will also need to take into consideration items which will be needed for the party such as additional water, first aid items and specialised equipment for the activity.

The youth member will need to have completed Stage 5 and below of Bushcraft (survival skills), Camping and Bushwalking.

The youth member should already know how to tie an Alpine Butterfly, Figure of 8 re-threaded, Double Fisherman's, Tape and a Prusik knot as well as the two additional knots they learned in Stage 5. The youth member needs to ensure they still can tie these knots and choose an additional two knots to learn at this Stage. Options could be Munter hitch, French Prusik, Klemheist, or any other knots applicable to rescue situations in a cave.

The youth member should plan and take primary leadership, which includes responsibility and risk management for the caving trip. The youth member will need to take into consideration their state and local government regulations and the Australian Adventurous Activity Standards. The youth member will need to have their plan reviewed and supervised by a highly skilled caver.

The youth member will need to assist a Stage 5 Scout in caving. The youth member will need to discuss with them where they are with their competencies for Stage 5 and assist them where they need help. This may see the youth member acting as a Mentor for the Stage 5 Scout.

The youth member will need to demonstrate at least five full abseiling set-ups in caves by the end of this Stage, using safe anchors, appropriate belay system and correct knots, and ensure that a skilled caver has checked their set up before the youth member tests the lines. The youth member should note it in their log and ensure the skilled caver is detailed as the verifier.

The youth member should demonstrate awareness and understanding when they would need to engage with authorities before caving, such as landowners, national parks, and based on Scouting policies notification of parents and group leaders.

The youth member should have a conversation and guide youth members at Stage 4 & 5 to know what to do if they get lost in a cave. The youth member then might run a mock emergency or drill to see their newly developed skills.

The youth member will need to demonstrate suitable and safe climbing techniques within a cave including demonstrating the use of climbing aids. The youth member should note it in their log and ensure a skilled caver is detailed as the verifier.

The youth member should note this in their log and ensure a skilled caver is detailed as the verifier.

The youth member needs to complete and log at least 12 days of caving by the end of this Stage. The youth member should include in their log when they did the activities, where they did the activities, who they did them with, the height/depth of the cave, and if they were graded how difficult they are.

The youth member will need to demonstrate two full abseiling set-ups in a cave using the appropriate anchor selection, knots, degree of rope, carabiner placement and direction of pull and ensure that a skilled abseiler/caver has checked the set up before the youth member tests the hardware and rope, setting up a lines. This should be indicated in their log and ensure the skilled abseiler/caver has been noted as the verifier. going over for the first descent in a cave environment, under the supervision of a qualified person.

The youth member will need to demonstrate the set up and escaping the belay whilst minimising any movement of the abseiler/climber. The youth member should oversee a Stage 4 or 5 Scout escaping from belay while they keep the abseiler/climber safe.

The youth member will need to demonstrate at least 3 times escaping the belay whilst minimising any movement of the abseiler. The youth member should indicate these skills in their log.

The youth member should demonstrate necessary equipment checks prior, during and following the activity. The youth member should log the activity and usage in an equipment log and ensure they are following their Branch or State policies as well as the adventurous activity standards.

The youth member should discuss with a Scout working on Stage 4 Abseiling on the importance of the ABCDE checks. The youth member will need to provide assistance in ensuring they are following the safety checks. The youth member will know if they are successful if that Scout follows those safety checks correctly during the activity.  A - Anchor(s)  B - Buckles  C - Carabiner(s)  D - Descender  E - Everything else e.g. gloves

The youth member should always complete all the necessary personal checks before abseiling or belaying. ABCDE:  A - Anchor(s)  B - Buckles  C - Carabiner(s)  D - Descender  E - Everything else e.g. gloves. The youth member should also assist a Scout working on Stage 4 or below in understanding what these are.

The youth member should assist a skilled caver in organising a caving skills day including rescue practice in a cave. The youth member should note it in their log and ensure the skilled caver is detailed as the verifier.

The youth member should establish and demonstrate the communication calls between the abseiler and the belayer during the caving activity. The youth member will need to consider the type of drop, whether the participant is climbing, ladder or abseiling and what equipment they have access to.

The youth member should demonstrate their ability to act as a supervisor during a caving activity, ensuring that participants are following safety protocols and assisting and advising where necessary. The youth member will still need a highly skilled caver overseeing the activity.

The youth member needs to complete and log their caving rescue drills indicating that they have undertaken these skills. The youth member should also include in their log where they did the activities, who they did them with and what skills they learnt.

The youth member should demonstrate safely abseiling four descents within a cave, using four different devices and log them in their logbook. If the youth member has already done this by Stage 7 then it would be good to extend their learning and try a new device.

The youth member needs to demonstrate to less experienced cavers how to climb up and down a rigged caving ladder safely. This can be done in a cave or outside of a cave in a training exercise.

The youth member will need to provide feedback to their Patrol that is suggested in the 'I' statement.

The youth member should plan and take primary leadership, which includes responsibility and risk management for the climbing trip. The youth member will need to take into consideration their State and local Government regulations and the Australian Adventurous Activity Standards. The youth member will need to have their plan reviewed and supervised by a highly skilled climber.

The youth member will need to have completed Stage 5 and below of Bushcraft (survival skills), Camping and Bushwalking.

The youth member should know what is required to be packed for a climbing activity, taking into consideration the location and itinerary for the activity. They will also need to take into consideration items which will be needed for their party such as additional water, first aid items and specialised equipment for the activity.

The youth member should already know how to tie an Alpine Butterfly, Figure of 8 re-threaded, Double Fisherman's, Tape and a Prusik knot as well as the two additional knots they learned in Stage 5. The youth member needs to ensure they still can tie these knots and choose an additional two knots to learn at this Stage. Options could be Munter hitch, French Prusik, Klemheist, or any other knots applicable to rescue situations whilst climbing.

The youth member will need to assist a Stage 5 Scout in climbing, including discussing with them where they are with their competencies for Stage 5 and assist them where they need help. This may see them acting as a Mentor for the youth member working towards Stage 5.

The youth member should demonstrate awareness and understanding when they would need to engage with authorities before climbing, such as landowners, national parks, and based on Scouting policies notification of parents and Group Leaders etc.

The youth member should safely complete a single pitch mock lead climb. They should note it in their log and ensure a skilled climber is detailed as the verifier.

The youth member needs to complete and log at least 22 climbs by the end of this Stage, 8 being at grade 14 or higher. The youth member should include in their log when they did the climbing, where they did the activities, who they did them with, how high the climbs were and if they were graded how difficult.

The youth member will need to demonstrate appropriate selection of which type of belay needs to be used and setting up that belay in accordance with the best set up for the site selection and participants skills. This may be done in a set of scenarios or through natural learning during activities.

The youth member should assist a highly skilled climber in organising a climbing skills day including rescue practice. The youth member should note it in their log and ensure the skilled climber is detailed as the verifier.

The youth member should establish and demonstrate the communication calls between the climber and the belayer during the climbing activity. The youth member will need to consider the type of climb, height and what equipment they have access to.

The youth member should demonstrate their ability to act as a supervisor during a climbing activity, ensuring that participants are following safety protocols and assisting and advising where necessary. The youth member will still need a highly skilled climber overseeing the activity.

The youth member needs to complete and log their climbing rescue drills indicating that they have undertaken these skills. The youth member should also include in their log where they did the activities, who they did them with and what skills they learnt.

The youth member should be able to identify and then discuss their route, identifying features and potential hazards when climbing. If any changes need to be made to their proposed route whilst climbing review once they have finished the climb.

The youth member needs to demonstrate that they can interpret multiple different climbing route descriptions according to guide books or local shared knowledge. They should be able to point out the key parts and features that are discussed within the guide.

The youth member needs to consider the impact that rock fall may have on the Patrol or Unit if and when they occur and take steps to minimise the risks to the group in the planning and set up of the activity.

The youth member needs to practice correct and timely setting of anchors using traditional climbing gear. This should be done under the supervision of a skilled climber and should be completed with a range of gear so as to develop a depth of knowledge.

The youth member will need to provide feedback to their Patrol that is suggested in the 'I' statement.

The youth member should know what is required to prepare for a single pitch abseiling expedition based on their 'I-statements' from Stages 1-7. The youth member should be able to effectively pass this knowledge on to another Scout, supporting them in their skill development and learning working on a lower Stage. If it has been a while since they prepared for an abseiling expedition, the youth member should brush up on their skills and look back on their previous activity reviews. It is expected that the activity would go for a full one or two days at this Stage.

The youth member should know what minimal impact best practice is, and be able to assist a Scout working on Stage 6 or lower the importance when abseiling. The youth member should refer to the Scouts Australia Environmental Charter and be able to discuss the following with regards to abseiling:  Living sustainable lives by taking action to reduce negative impacts  Protecting and improving biodiversity  Learning about the environment and inspiring others  Enjoying and connecting  Thinking global, acting local.

The youth member should know what is required to plan for a single pitch abseiling activity based on their 'I-statements' from Stages 1-7. The youth member should be able to effectively pass this knowledge on to another Scout, working on a lower Stage to support them in their learning. This can be a couple of hours of activity, skill development, rescue practice or supporting them to run an abseiling activity for a Patrol/Unit of less experienced Scouts.

The youth member should know what is required to be packed for a multi-pitch abseiling activity, taking into consideration the location and itinerary for the activity. The youth member will also need to take into consideration group items which will be needed for the party such as gear, additional water, first aid items, and rescue gear. The youth member can discuss this with a skilled multipitch abseiler and with the Project Patrol that they will be doing this activity with.

The youth member must have completed the Wilderness First Aid skill set. This can be through a course with an accredited provider or by other means, such as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) through SAIT or other providers. For the purposes of the Outdoor Adventure Skills, a Wilderness First Aid course consists of SIS training package's Wilderness First Aid skillset (SISSS00126), or its replacement:  HLTAID003 Provide first aid  SISOFLD004 Provide first aid in remote locations  SISXEMR002 Coordinate emergency responses.

The youth member should draft a plan in order to teach abseiling skills to Scouts. The youth member's abseiling activity and teachings should be based on the group needs and the youth member should ensure they follow relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

The youth member should demonstrate that they are able to monitor their participants safety and their skill performance when they are abseiling and belaying. The youth member should demonstrate providing effective constructive feedback where necessary.

The youth member needs to plan and lead these abseiling rescue drills, ideally with the help of a Scout working on Stage 7. The youth member should ensure they log their rescue drills indicating that they have undertaken these skills. The youth member should also include in their log where they did the abseiling activities, who they did them with and who their skilled verifier was for this activity.

The youth member should demonstrate their ability to obtain and interpret detailed weather and environmental information which is relevant to abseiling and the location they are planning to run their activity or expedition. The youth member should also include contingency plans should the weather impact on their activity.

The youth member should actively request feedback from the participants on abseiling activities to ascertain learnings by the participants. They should evaluate the aspects of the sessions with their participants as well as self-assess as to how the activities went and if they met the intended activity/session goals.

The youth member needs to demonstrate their instructional techniques based on their activity plan they have developed. The youth member will know if they are successful in their teachings if the Scouts attending their abseiling activity understand what they have told/ demonstrated to them and are able to demonstrate the abseiling skills, safety and rescue procedures that the youth member has taught them, and feedback on the sessions should be a good indicator of where the youth member can improve.

The youth member needs to complete and log a multi-pitch abseiling activity. The youth member should include in their log when they did the activities, where they did the activities, who they did them with, how high the abseils were and, if they were graded, how difficult they were.

The youth member should mentor other Scouts working on lower Vertical Outdoor Adventure Skill Stages and assist them in the assessing of Scouts working two Stages below them. The youth member will need to ensure that they understand the need and benefits in completing logbook entries after every activity or expedition.

The youth member should know what is required to prepare for a single pitch canyoning expedition based on their 'I-statements' from Stages 1-7. The youth member should be able to effectively pass this knowledge on to other Scouts, supporting them in their skill development and learning working on a lower Stage. If it has been a while since they prepared for a canyoning expedition, the youth member should brush up on their skills and look back on their previous activity reviews. It is expected that the activity would go for a full one or two days at this Stage.

The youth member should know what minimal impact best practice is, and be able to assist a Scout working on Stage 6 or lower the importance when canyoning. The youth member should refer to the Scout Environmental Charter and be able to discuss the following with regards to canyoning:  Living sustainable lives by taking action to reduce negative impacts  Protecting and improving biodiversity  Learning about the environment and inspiring others  Enjoying and connecting  Thinking global, acting local.

The youth member should know what is required to plan for a single pitch canyoning activity based on their 'I-statements' from Stages 1- 7. The youth member should be able to effectively pass this knowledge on to another Scout, working on a lower Stage to support them in their learning. This can be a couple of hours of activity, skill development, rescue practice or supporting them to run a canyoning activity for a Patrol/ Unit of less experienced Scouts.

The youth member should know what is required to be packed for a multi-pitch canyoning activity, taking into consideration the location and itinerary for the activity. The youth member will also need to take into consideration group items which will be needed for the party such as gear, additional water, first aid items, and rescue gear. The youth member can discuss this with a skilled multipitch canyoner and with the Project Patrol that they will be doing this activity with.

The youth member must have completed the Wilderness First Aid skill set. This can be through a course with an accredited provider or by other means, such as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) through SAIT or other providers. For the purposes of the Outdoor Adventure Skills, a Wilderness First Aid course consists of SIS training package's Wilderness First Aid skillset (SISSS00126), or its replacement:  HLTAID003 Provide first aid  SISOFLD004 Provide first aid in remote locations  SISXEMR002 Coordinate emergency responses.

The youth member will need demonstrate the ability to identify canyon exists and emergency routes, including any additional equipment requirements within their plan. The youth member should then demonstrate exiting the canyoning through this planned route and considering alternate routes out once in the canyon.

The youth member will need to demonstrate safely establishing new or alternative anchors in a non-routine situation. The youth member should note the details in their log, including the reasons for using an alternative anchor and ensure they include a verifier's details. For the purposes of this statement this may be making an emergency anchor, replacing a damaged existing anchor, or making a new anchor in a location where one may not normally be needed.

The youth member should demonstrate their knowledge of hydrological formations, such as holes, stoppers, undercuts and strainers. The youth member should demonstrate determining alternative routes through the canyon to avoid these hazards.

The youth member needs to complete and log canyoning activities which include swimming and navigating waterways. The youth member may need to consider what type of swimming and navigation through waterways they have done through Stages 1-7 and add some additional canyons to their experience if they don't have much experience with this.

The youth member should draft a plan in order to teach canyoning skills to Scouts. Their canyoning activity and teachings should be based on the group needs and the youth member should ensure they follow relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

The youth member should demonstrate that they are able to monitor their participants safety and their skill performance when they are canyoning. The youth member should demonstrate providing effective constructive feedback where necessary for skill improvement.

The youth member needs to plan and lead these canyoning rescue drills, ideally with the help of a Scout working on Stage 7. The youth member should ensure they log the rescue drills indicating that they have undertaken these skills. The youth member should also include in their log where they did the canyoning activities, who they did them with and who the skilled verifier was for this activity.

The youth member should demonstrate their ability to obtain and interpret detailed weather and environmental information which is relevant to canyoning and the location they are planning to run the activity or expedition. The youth member should also include contingency plans should the weather impact on their activity.

The youth member should actively request feedback from the participants on canyoning activities to ascertain learnings by the participants. They should evaluate the aspects of the sessions with their participants as well as self-assess as to how the activities went and if they met the intended activity/session goals.

The youth member needs to demonstrate their instructional techniques based on their activity plan they have developed. The youth member will know if they are successful in their teachings if the Scouts attending the canyoning activity understand what the youth member has told/demonstrated to them and are able to demonstrate the canyoning skills, safety and rescue procedures that the youth member has taught them, and feedback on the sessions should be a good indicator of where the youth member can improve.

The youth member needs to complete and log 25 canyoning activities, with a minimum of 4 activities that they should have planned and led. The youth member should include in their log when they did these activities, where they did the activities, who they did them with and, if they were graded, how difficult they were.

The youth member should mentor other Scouts working on lower Vertical Outdoor Adventure Skill Stages and assist them in the assessing of Scouts working two Stages below them. The youth member will need to ensure that they understand the need and benefits in completing logbook entries after every activity or expedition.

The youth member should know what is required to prepare for a single caving expedition based on their 'I-statements' from Stages 1- 7. The youth member should be able to effectively pass this knowledge on to another Scout, supporting them in their skill development and learning working on a lower stage. If it has been a while since the youth member prepared for a caving expedition they should brush up on their skills and look back on their previous activity reviews. It is expected that the activity would go for a full one or two days at this Stage.

The youth member should know what is required to plan for a single pitch caving activity based on their 'I-statements' from Stages 1-7. The youth member should be able to effectively pass this knowledge on to another Scout, working on a lower stage to support them in their learning. This can be a couple of hour activity, skill development, rescue practice or supporting them to run a caving activity for a Patrol/ Unit of less experienced Scouts.

The youth member should know minimal impact best practice is and be able to assist a Scout working on Stage 6 or lower the importance when caving. The youth member should refer to the Scout Environmental Charter and be able to discuss the following with regards to Caving:  Living sustainable lives by taking action to reduce negative impacts  Protecting and improving biodiversity  Learning about the environment and inspiring others  Enjoying and connecting  Thinking global, acting local

The youth member should demonstrate effective planning to enable their Patrol to rig for redirections and changeover belays within a cave environment.

The youth member needs to complete a vertical caving trip activity plan. This plan should be in addition to the two-day caving trip they planned for Stage 7.

The youth member must have completed the Wilderness First Aid skill set. This can be through a course with an accredited provider or by other means, such as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) through SAIT or other providers. For the purposes of the Outdoor Adventure Skills, a Wilderness First Aid course consists of SIS training package's Wilderness First Aid skillset (SISSS00126), or its replacement:  HLTAID003 Provide first aid  SISOFLD004 Provide first aid in remote locations  SISXEMR002 Coordinate emergency responses.

The youth member should follow the plan they undertook above and take primary leadership of this journey, which includes responsibility and risk management for the caving expedition. The youth member will need to take into consideration their Branch policies, state and local government regulations and the Australian Adventurous Activity Standards. The youth member will need to have their plan reviewed and indirectly supervised by a highly skilled caver.

The youth member will need to demonstrate rigging ladders throughout different caves during Stage 8. This will include making sure the rigging is safe, that there are appropriate belays rigged and that the rigging is retrievable. This should be done a minimum of three times.

The youth member should demonstrate identifying and determining alternative routes through the cave to avoid hazards and obstacles. This could be done in real caving trips or in mock situations.

The youth member should draft a plan in order to teach caving skills to Scouts. Their caving activity and teachings should be based on the group needs and the youth member should ensure they follow relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

The youth member will need to contact landowners and complete relevant paperwork in order to gain permission to explore a restricted caving location. The youth member may by this stage be involved in a caving club and they could have members with contacts. This statement is about asking to enter though the appropriate channels, however if the access is denied the youth member will still meet the requirements for this statement.

The youth member needs to plan and lead these caving rescue drills, ideally with the help of a Scout working on Stage 7. The youth member should ensure they log their rescue drills indicating that they have undertaken these skills. The youth member should also include in their log where they did the caving activities, who they did them with, and who the skilled verifier was for this activity.

The youth member should demonstrate their ability to obtain and interpret detailed weather and environmental information which is relevant to the caving system and the location they are planning to run their activity or expedition. The youth member should also include contingency plans should the weather impact on their activity.

The youth member should actively request feedback from the participants on caving activities to ascertain learnings by the participants. They should evaluate the aspects of the sessions with their participants as well as self-assess as to how the activities went and if they met the intended activity/session goals.

The youth member needs to demonstrate their instructional techniques based on their activity plan they have developed. The youth member will know if they are successful in their teachings if the Scouts attending the caving activity understand what the youth member has told/ demonstrated to them and are able to demonstrate the caving skills, safety and rescue procedures that the youth member has taught them, and feedback on the sessions should be a good indicator of where the youth member can improve.

The youth member needs to complete and log a multi-pitch caving activity. The youth member should include in their log when they did these activities, where they did the activities, who they did them with, how deep or high the caves were, and, if they were graded, how difficult they were.

The youth member needs to complete and log 15 days of caving activities, with a minimum of 4 activities they should have planned and led. The youth member should include these in their log, when they did these activities, where they did the activities, who they did them with and, if they were graded, how difficult they were.

The youth member should mentor other Scouts working on lower Vertical Outdoor Adventure Skills Stages and assist them in the assessing of Scouts working two Stages below them. The youth member will need to ensure that they understand the need and benefits in completing logbook entries after every activity or expedition.

The youth member should know what is required to prepare for a single climbing expedition based on their 'I-statements' from Stages 1-7. The youth member should be able to effectively pass this knowledge on to another Scout, supporting them in their skill development and learning working on a lower stage. If it has been a while since the youth member prepared for a climbing expedition they should brush up on their skills and look back on their previous activity reviews. It is expected that the activity would go for a full one or two days at this Stage.

The youth member should know minimal impact best practice is and be able to assist a Scout working on Stage 6 or lower the importance when climbing. The youth member should refer to the Scout Environmental Charter and be able to discuss the following with regards to climbing: Living sustainable lives by taking action to reduce negative  impacts  Protecting and improving biodiversity Learning about the environment and inspiring others  Enjoying and connecting  Thinking global, acting local

The youth member should know what is required to plan for a single pitch climbing activity based on their 'I-statements' from Stages 1-7. The youth member should be able to effectively pass this knowledge on to another Scout, working on a lower stage to support them in their learning. This can be a couple of hours of activity, skill development, rescue practise or supporting them to run a climbing activity for a Patrol/ Unit of less experienced Scouts.

The youth member should research and provide relevant information about lead climbing equipment selection for their lead climbing activity, including the reasons for their choices.

The youth member should know what is required to be packed for a lead climbing activity, taking into consideration the location and itinerary for the activity. The youth member will also need to take into consideration group items which will be needed for the party such as gear, additional water, first aid items, and rescue gear. The youth member can discuss this with a skilled lead climber and their Project Patrol for this activity.

The youth member must have completed the Wilderness First Aid skill set. This can be through a course with an accredited provider or by other means, such as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) through SAIT or other providers. For the purposes of the Outdoor Adventure Skills, a Wilderness First Aid course consists of SIS training package's Wilderness First Aid skillset (SISSS00126), or its replacement:  HLTAID003 Provide first aid  SISOFLD004 Provide first aid in remote locations  SISXEMR002 Coordinate emergency responses.

The youth member will need to demonstrate multiple full top rope climbing set-up using the appropriate knots, and ensure that a skilled climber has checked the youth member's set up before others test the lines. This should be indicated in their log and ensure the skilled climber has been noted as the verifier. Ideally this would be completed during a climbing skills day the youth member was leading.

The youth member should ensure they follow all the safety protocols on their climbing activity. The youth member will need to log the climb in their logbook. The youth member should include when they did this climb, where they did the climb, who they did this with and any other information about the day. It is suggested the youth member starts lead climbing on low grades and with other skilled lead climbers to gain good technique.

The youth member will need to demonstrate a full top rope climbing set-up using the appropriate knots, and ensure they follow all the safety protocols and check the youth member's set up before they test the lines. The youth member should demonstrate assisting beginner climbers learning to climb using their set up.

The youth member should draft a plan in order to teach climbing Scouts. The youth member's climbing activity and teachings should be based on the group needs and the youth member should ensure they follow relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

The youth member should demonstrate that they are able to monitor their participants safety and their skill performance when they are climbing and belaying. The youth member should demonstrate providing effective constructive feedback where necessary so they can extend on their climbing skill.

The youth member needs to plan and lead these climbing rescue drills, ideally with the help of a Scout working on Stage 7. The youth member should ensure they log their rescue drills indicating that they have undertaken these skills. The youth member should also include in their log where they did the climbing activities, who they did them with, and who the skilled verifier was for this activity.

The youth member should demonstrate their ability to obtain and interpret detailed weather and environmental information which is relevant to climbing and the location they are planning to run their activity or expedition. The youth member should also include contingency plans should the weather impact on their activity.

The youth member should actively request feedback from the participants on climbing activities to ascertain learnings by the participants. They should evaluate the aspects of the sessions with their participants as well as self-assess as to how the activities went and if they met the intended activity/session goals.

The youth member needs to demonstrate their instructional techniques based on their activity plan they have developed. The youth member will know if they are successful in their teachings if the Scouts attending the climbing activity understand what the youth member has told/ demonstrated to them and are able to demonstrate the climbing skills, safety and rescue procedures that the youth member has taught them, and feedback on the sessions should be a good indicator of where the youth member can improve.

The youth member needs to complete and log a lead climbing activity. The youth member should include in their log where they did the activity, who they did the activity with, how high the climb was, and, if they were graded, how difficult they were.

The youth member will need to demonstrate building an appropriate lead climbing anchor after they have led a pitch of a climb. The youth member will need to build their anchor out of lead climbing equipment such as cordulette, hexes, cams, and quick draws and demonstrate its use once they have completed the build. It is suggested the youth member practices this skill multiple times on the ground and in controlled environments before needing to do it on a climb.

The youth member should mentor other Scouts working on lower Vertical Outdoor Adventure Skills Stages and assist them in the assessing of Scouts working two Stages below them. The youth member will need to ensure that they understand the need and benefits in completing logbook entries after every activity or expedition.

The youth member should keep their CPR and first aid qualifications current, by updating CPR annually and re-doing their wilderness first aid course every three years.

The youth member should demonstrate effective planning of multi- pitch abseiling activities which align with their participants needs. The youth member's plans should include transport, budgets, risk management, equipment and contingency plans as well as site selection and activity planning.

The youth member should provide a detailed risk assessment and management plan as part of their multi-pitch activity plan and will need to account for:  Human risk  Environmental risk  Equipment risk

The youth member needs to complete and log a minimum of 50 abseils by the end of this Stage. These should be on various surfaces and include multi-pitch descents. The youth member should include in their log when they did these activities, where they did these activities, who they did the activities with, how high the climbs/descents where and if they were graded how difficult.

The youth member will need to demonstrate safely setting up a variety of multi-pitch abseils including rope and gear retrieval. The youth member should note the details in their log, and ensure they include a verifier's details. The youth member will need to demonstrate their knowledge of double rope techniques through this statement.

The youth member will need to demonstrate safely changing ropes on a minimum 5 multi-pitch abseil trips. The youth member should note the details in their log, and ensure they include a verifier's details.

The youth member needs to demonstrate a range of vertical rescue drills and log them in their logbook. The youth member should include techniques used, when they did the drills, where they did the activities, who they did the activities with and any other information about the day, including who can verify the youth member's engagement and skill development.

The youth member needs to do at least 20 abseiling activity days and log them in their logbook by the end of this Stage. The youth member should include where they did the activities, who they did the activities with, how high the ascents/descents were and if they were graded how difficult.

The youth member should assist other Scouts working on Abseiling Stage 7, this includes providing constructive feedback and helping them learn the skills required to progress.

The youth member's presentation may be in person or as a pre-recorded video, it could even be on a cliff or outdoors. The content of the reflection is at the youth member's discretion but should generally cover topics such as:  What would they do again?  What did not work, and would they not do again?  What skills have they learnt?  Photographs are a great addition to a presentation It should build on the youth member"s passion for vertical adventures and inspire others to explore this Outdoor Adventure Skill area.

The youth member could consider using their log, evidence gathered and skills gained in achieving Stages 1-9 Abseiling Outdoor Adventure Skills towards a Recognition of Prior Learning process to be considered for the relevant VET Unit of Competency, to work in the industry, to join a Scouting adventurous activities team or a range of other options for them to continue enjoying vertical adventures.

The youth member should keep their CPR and first aid qualifications current, by updating CPR annually and re-doing their wilderness first aid course every three years.

The youth member should provide a detailed risk assessment and management plan as part of their canyoning weekend plan and will need to account for:  Human risk  Environmental risk  Equipment risk

The youth member should demonstrate effective of planning a weekend canyoning trip. Their plans should include transport, budgets, risk management, equipment, canyoning routes and contingency plans.

The youth member should draw up a map of the canyoning system they are planning to navigate. They should indicate the vertical and horizontal obstacles, include entry, exit and evacuation routes, rough distances and heights of vertical drops or climbs involved.

The youth member needs to demonstrate a range of vertical rescue drills and log them in their logbook. The youth member should include techniques used, when they did the drills, where they did the activities, who they did them with and any other information about the day, including who can verify their engagement and skill development.

The youth member will need to demonstrate rope retrieval and effectively managing their ropes within a canyon.

The youth member should demonstrate, to a Scout doing Stage 7, correct drying and cleaning of any gear following the activity.

The youth member should assist other Scouts working on Stage 7 Canyoning. This includes providing constructive feedback and helping them learn the skills required to progress.

The youth member should be managing their canyoning trips and therefore assessing all the anchors on their trips for safety and load purposes. The youth member should ensure that the Scout setting the anchors receives constructive feedback where necessary.

The youth member should demonstrate rigging multiple anchor points to equalise load and to minimise shock loading. These set ups need to be included in the youth member's log. The youth member could always use photographs as evidence too. This can be done in a drill/ skills development day and doesn't need to be learnt or shown in a canyon.

The youth member needs to lead a minimum of 8 canyoning trips. The youth member should include in their log where they did the activities, who they did the trips with, and the complexity of the canyon system.

The youth member will need to complete a variety of different types of canyoning trips including wet, dry, vertical and horizontal. A rough idea could be 35 canyons by the completion of Stage 9 with 5 of them being difficult canyons for Australian conditions.

The youth member's presentation may be in person or as a pre-recorded video, it could even be on a cliff or outdoors. The content of the reflection is at the youth member's discretion but should generally cover topics such as:  What would they do again?  What did not work, and would they not do again?  What skills have they learnt?  Photographs are a great addition to a presentation It should build on the youth member"s passion for vertical adventures and inspire others to explore this Outdoor Adventure Skill area.

The youth member could consider using their log, evidence gathered and skills gained in achieving Stages 1-9 Canyoning Outdoor Adventure Skills towards a Recognition of Prior Learning process to be considered for the relevant VET Unit of Competency, to work in the industry, to join a Scouting adventurous activities team or a range of other options for them to continue enjoying vertical adventures.

The youth member should keep their CPR and first aid qualifications current, by updating CPR annually and re-doing their wilderness first aid course every three years.

The youth member should demonstrate effective planning of multi-pitch caving activities which align with the participants needs. The youth member's plans should include transport, budgets, risk management, equipment and contingency plans as well as site selection and activity planning.

The youth member should provide a detailed risk assessment and management plan as part of their multi-pitch caving activity plan and will need to account for:  Human risk  Environmental risk  Equipment risk

The youth member needs to lead a minimum of 8 caving trips. The youth member should include in their log where they did the activities, who they did them with, and the complexity of the cave system.

The youth member should draw up a map of the cave system they are planning to navigate. They should indicate the vertical and horizontal obstacles, include entry, exit and evacuation routes, as well as rough distances and heights of vertical drops or climbs involved.

The youth member will need to demonstrate safely setting up a variety of multi-pitch abseils within a cave including rope and gear retrieval. The youth member should note the details in their log, and ensure they include a verifier's details.

The youth member will need to demonstrate safely changing ropes on a minimum 5 multi-pitch caving trips. The youth member should note the details in their log, and ensure they include a verifier's details.

The youth member needs to demonstrate a range of vertical rescue drills and log them in their logbook. The youth member should include techniques used, when they did the drills, where they did the activities, who they did them with and any other information about the day, including who can verify the youth member's engagement and skill development.

The youth member should assist other Scouts working on Stage 7 Caving. This includes providing constructive feedback and helping them learn the skills required to progress.

The youth member will need to navigate in an untrogged cave and include the details in their logbook.

The youth member's presentation may be in person or as a pre-recorded video, it could even be on a cliff or outdoors. The content of the reflection is at the youth member's discretion but should generally cover topics such as:  What would they do again?  What did not work, and would they not do again?  What skills have they learnt?  Photographs are a great addition to a presentation It should build on the youth member's passion for vertical adventures and inspire others to explore this Outdoor Adventure Skill area.

The youth member could consider using their log, evidence gathered and skills gained in achieving Stages 1-9 Caving Outdoor Adventure Skills towards a Recognition of Prior Learning process to be considered for the relevant VET Unit of Competency, to work in the industry, to join a Scouting adventurous activities team or a range of other options for them to continue enjoying vertical adventures.

The youth member should keep their CPR and first aid qualifications current, by updating CPR annually and re-doing their wilderness first aid course every three years.

The youth member should provide a detailed risk assessment and management plan as part of their multi-pitch and lead climbing activity plan and will need to account for:  Human risk  Environmental risk  Equipment risk

The youth member will need to practice placing traditional climbing gear, extending their skills and knowledge in this space.

The youth member should demonstrate effective planning of lead climbing activities which align with their participants needs. The youth member's plans should include transport, budgets, risk management, equipment and contingency plans as well as site selection and activity planning.

The youth member should demonstrate effective supervision of climbing activities, suited to the needs and abilities of the participants. This may involve the youth member planning transport, budgets, risk management, equipment and contingency plans, as well as site selection and activity planning, and could include reviewing the plans of others and providing skilled supervision and support as a skilled mentor.

The youth member needs to complete and log a minimum of 30 climbs by the end of this Stage. These should be on various surfaces, across varying degrees of difficulty and include multi-pitch and lead climbing. The youth member should include in their log where they did the activities, who they did the activities with, the complexity and, if they were graded, how difficult they were.

The youth member will need to safely demonstrate 5 lead climbs. The youth member should note the details in their log, and ensure they include a verifier's details.

The youth member will have needed to demonstrate correct and safe placement of ropes, hardware and their person so the risk to themselves and others is minimised during the climb.

The youth member will need to consider the different issues associated with this scenario and demonstrate solutions to this scenario through a mock emergency.

The youth member will need to demonstrate a range of vertical rescue drills and log them in their logbook. The youth member should include techniques used, when they did the drills, where they did the drills, who they did them with and any other information about the day, including who can verify the youth member's engagement and skill development.

The youth member should assist other Scouts working on Climbing Stage 7, this includes providing constructive feedback and helping them learning the skills required to progress.

The youth member will need to safely demonstrate this skill over a minimum of 3 multi-pitch climbs. The youth member should note the details in their log, and ensure they include a verifier's details.

The youth member will need to participate in a minimum of 3 multi- pitch climbs by the completion of Stage 9. This should be logged in their logbook and verified by another skilled climber. Ideally one of these multi-pitch climbs would be graded at a grade 14 or higher.

The youth member's presentation may be in person or as a pre-recorded video, it could even be on a cliff or outdoors. The content of the reflection is at the youth member's discretion but should generally cover topics such as:  What would they do again?  What did not work, and would they not do again?  What skills have they learnt?  Photographs are a great addition to a presentation It should build on the youth member"s passion for vertical adventures and inspire others to explore this Outdoor Adventure Skill area.

The youth member could consider using their log, evidence gathered and skills gained in achieving Stages 1-9 Climbing Outdoor Adventure Skills towards a Recognition of Prior Learning process to be considered for the relevant VET Unit of Competency, to work in the industry, to join a Scouting adventurous activities team or a range of other options for them to continue enjoying vertical adventures.