{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"Nicola Hilliard, Creative Content Producer","standfirst":"","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003ELooking forward to 2024, we\u0027re hoping to get young people trying something new in the great outdoors throughout the year. There\u0027s even an extra 24 hours for us all to get outside.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESo, to encourage everyone to spend time outside, we\u2019ve created our \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/outdoor-in-24/take-on-the-outdoor-in-24-challenge/\u0022\u003EOutdoor in 24 challenge\u003C/a\u003E. It\u2019s a bucket list that can be completed throughout the year, with the activities being able to be adapted for different ages, abilities and locations.\u0026nbsp; How many can you tick off to earn the blanket badge?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can even use our blank bucket list to come up with your own challenge. Try completing 24 new outdoor activities, have a sleepover for 24 hours, or learn 24 new skills - it\u0027s up to you!\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor volunteers, we\u2019re encouraging you to look into getting your \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/planning-your-programme/nights-away-and-camping/nights-away-permit-scheme/\u0022 title=\u0022Nights Away Permit Scheme\u0022\u003ENights Away Permit\u003C/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/activity-permit-scheme/\u0022 title=\u0022Activity Permit Scheme\u0022\u003EAdventurous Activities Permit\u003C/a\u003E if you want to help support even more fun in the outdoors.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/qxgdupjl/two-scouts-trying-crate-stacking.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"Two Scouts in blue helmets hold on to each other and laugh while crate stacking.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHere are 24 things you can do to get outside in 2024:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBuild a den:\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003EWork with your friends to \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/den-building/\u0022 title=\u0022Try den building\u0022\u003Emake a strong and interesting den\u003C/a\u003E from natural materials. What will you create?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESit round a campfire: \u003C/strong\u003ELearn how to \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/construct-a-campfire/\u0022 title=\u0022Construct a campfire\u0022\u003Ebuild and light a campfire\u003C/a\u003E, then \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/planning-your-programme/campfire-songs/\u0022 title=\u0022Campfire songs\u0022\u003Esing campfire songs\u003C/a\u003E or \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/running-a-campfire-event/\u0022 title=\u0022Running a campfire event\u0022\u003Etell stories\u003C/a\u003E around it.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESleep in a tent:\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003ERemember, you can sleep in a tent in a back garden or indoors too!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECook something outdoors:\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003ETry \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/?name=recipe\u0026amp;setting=Outdoors\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022?name=recipe\u0026amp;setting=Outdoors\u0022\u003Ecooking something tasty outside\u003C/a\u003E. Make sure to keep the area well-ventilated, follow \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/guidance-for-food-safety/\u0022 title=\u0022Guidance for food safety\u0022\u003Egood food hygiene practices\u003C/a\u003E and extinguish the fire after use. Take a look at our \u003Ca href=\u0022#\u0022 title=\u0022Carbon Monoxide\u0022\u003Ecarbon monoxide guidance\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGo fruit picking:\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/bake-foraged-blackberry-crumble/\u0022 title=\u0022Fruity crumbles\u0022\u003EForage\u003C/a\u003E for some brilliant fruits, such as blackberries or strawberries.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMake some wild art: \u003C/strong\u003EYou could create natural paintbrushes from leaves, create a collage or sculpture, try flower pressing, or give Hapa art a go.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/20293/a-cub-is-helping-to-put-together-a-denmin.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"A Cub in green uniform and yellow and purple necker puts some sticks on a den in the forest.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGo forest bathing: \u003C/strong\u003EForest bathing is becoming popular across the world. It\u2019s about experiencing the trees around you with all your senses. You can walk slowly between the trees, or sit quietly and calmly with them.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWatch the clouds: \u003C/strong\u003EGo \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/go-cloud-spotting/\u0022 title=\u0022Clouds in the sky\u0022\u003Ecloud spotting\u003C/a\u003E. The\u00A0clouds in the sky are way up high. One, two, three \u2013 how many can you see?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGo stargazing:\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003EWrap up warm, then head outside to \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/go-stargazing/\u0022 title=\u0022Eyes to the skies\u0022\u003Eexplore the night sky\u003C/a\u003E. What can you spot high above you?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGet as muddy as possible: \u003C/strong\u003EConnect with the earth and get stuck into the mud. You go on a muddy adventure walk, a mud kitchen, an obstacle course, or \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/mud-mugs/\u0022 title=\u0022Mud mugs\u0022\u003Emake some muddy art\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETake part in a wide game: \u003C/strong\u003EFrom \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/capture-the-flag/\u0022 title=\u0022Capture the flag\u0022\u003ECapture the Flag\u003C/a\u003E to \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/play-escape-the-jail/\u0022 title=\u0022Play Escape The Jail\u0022\u003EEscape the Jail\u003C/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/?name=wide%20game\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022?name=wide%20game\u0022\u003Ewide games\u003C/a\u003E are lots of fun! Why not pick a few favourites and try playing them?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETry an activity with snow or sand: \u003C/strong\u003EYou could wait for winter and build something out of snow - or find a beach or sandpit and have a \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/discover-how-to-make-the-perfect-sand-castle/\u0022 title=\u0022Discover how to make the perfect sand castle\u0022\u003Esandcastle building competition\u003C/a\u003E to make the perfect one!\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/0t5kiuk0/a-scout-laughing-and-looking-at-the-ground-on-camp.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"A Scout smiles as they stand outside with other Scouts setting up camp.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHave a picnic: \u003C/strong\u003EMake some tasty snacks, find a lovely location, then spend some chill time with friends. Tell some stories, listen to music, play card games or even \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/host-a-tasty-fun-picnic/\u0022 title=\u0022Tasty teddy bear\u0027s picnic\u0022\u003Ehost a Teddy Bear\u2019s picnic\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPlant something: \u003C/strong\u003EWhether it\u2019s a pack of seeds, a tree or even a vegetable garden, \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/?name=plant\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022?name=plant\u0022\u003Eget digging and plant something\u003C/a\u003E that you can watch grow.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFly a kite: \u003C/strong\u003ELet your kite soar into the air and try to fly it as good as you can! Why not try making your own kite too?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGo for a walk in the rain:\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003EPop on wellies and have a puddle jumping competition to make a splash.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESee a waterfall: \u003C/strong\u003EHead out to watch a waterfall. If you\u2019re feeling extra brave, why not try an \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/activity-permit-scheme/\u0022 title=\u0022Activity Permit Scheme\u0022\u003Eadventurous activity\u003C/a\u003E, such as \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/gorge-walking/\u0022 title=\u0022Gorge walking\u0022\u003EGorge Walking\u003C/a\u003E?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHave an adventure on wheels: \u003C/strong\u003EWhether it\u2019s on a \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/road-cycling/\u0022 title=\u0022Road cycling\u0022\u003Ebike\u003C/a\u003E or a \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/get-your-scoot-on/\u0022 title=\u0022Get your scoot on\u0022\u003Escooter\u003C/a\u003E, why not get outdoors and try one of our \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/?name=bike\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022?name=bike\u0022\u003Ewheel-y good activities\u003C/a\u003E?\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/18416/volunteers-with-ball.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"Three volunteers stand in a line, while the volunteer in the centre holds a football above their head.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGo paddling in a safe river, lake or sea: \u003C/strong\u003EBe careful and dip your toes in to go paddling in the sea or \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/class-c-waters/\u0022 title=\u0022Class C Waters\u0022\u003Esafe water source\u003C/a\u003E, such as a river. Why not go one step further and paddle a \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/canoeing/\u0022 title=\u0022Canoeing\u0022\u003Ecanoe\u003C/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/kayaking/\u0022 title=\u0022Kayaking\u0022\u003Ekayak\u003C/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/traditional-rafting/\u0022 title=\u0022Traditional rafting\u0022\u003Eraft\u003C/a\u003E or \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/standup-paddleboarding-sup/\u0022 title=\u0022Stand-up paddleboarding\u0022\u003Epaddle board\u003C/a\u003E?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHike or walk with a journey stick: \u003C/strong\u003ECreate your own journey stick to hold your memories and to share your adventures with family and friends.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWatch the sunrise or sunset: \u003C/strong\u003EWake up early, or stay up late, to watch the sunrise or sunset. Can you see both in one day?\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELearn to tell recognise 10 leaves: \u003C/strong\u003EExplore a wood like a detective and see if you can recognise trees by their leaves. Can you tell 10 different leaves apart?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDo something good for wildlife: \u003C/strong\u003EFrom crafting \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/feed-the-butterflies/\u0022 title=\u0022Feed the butterflies\u0022\u003Ebutterfly feeders\u003C/a\u003E or building a bat house, to \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/build-a-bug-house/\u0022 title=\u0022Bug-ingham palace\u0022\u003Ecreating a bug house\u003C/a\u003E or making \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/make-some-wildflower-seed-balls/\u0022 title=\u0022Make some wildflower seed balls\u0022\u003Eseed balls\u003C/a\u003E, how will you help local wildlife?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESpot 10 different birds: \u003C/strong\u003ESee if you can spot 10 birds, either from the window or out on a walk. You could \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/make-brilliant-bird-feeders/\u0022 title=\u0022Feed the birds\u0022\u003Emake a bird feeder\u003C/a\u003E, packed with delicious treats for our feathered friends.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/21362/a-group-of-scouts-on-a-raft-theyre-holding-paddles-and-smiling.jpg","width":6000,"height":4000,"altText":"A Cub sits on a raft holding a paddle and smiling with other Cubs behind","caption":"","link":null},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Check out our safety guidance","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAll Scout activities must be safely managed.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou need to complete a \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Risk assessments\u0022\u003Erisk assessment\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/staying-safe-safety-checklist/staying-safe-leaders/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Staying Safe - Leaders\u0022\u003Esafety checklist\u003C/a\u003E to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Take a look at our guidance to help you carry out your\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022\u003Erisk assessment\u003C/a\u003E, including examples.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAlways get \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/approving-activities-guidance-for-lead-volunteers/\u0022 title=\u0022Approving Activities - Guidance for Commissioners\u0022\u003Eapproval for the activity\u003C/a\u003E, have suitable \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/planning-and-assessing-risk/guidance-for-supervision-of-activities/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Guidance for supervision of activities\u0022\u003Esupervision\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0and an \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/intouch/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022InTouch\u0022\u003EInTouch\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0process.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERemember to check the safety information for each activity, including what safety equipment and permits you\u2019ll need.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMake sure you\u2019ll have enough adult helpers. You may need some parents and carers to help if you\u2019re short on helpers. Don\u2019t forget to make sure all young people and adults involved in the activity know how to take part safely.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Safety","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Staying safe","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"04 December 2023","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[{"caption":"","title":"Outdoor in 24","url":null,"newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Scouts Activity Finder","url":"/activities/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Nights away and camp guidance","url":"/volunteers/running-your-section/planning-your-programme/nights-away-and-camping/","newWindow":true}],"relatedLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"Get your Nights Away permit","url":"/volunteers/running-your-section/planning-your-programme/nights-away-and-camping/nights-away-permit-scheme/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"Check out our Adventurous Activities","title":"Adventurous Activities","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/?category=Adventure","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Get your Adventurous Activities permit","url":"/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/activity-permit-scheme/","newWindow":true}],"id":77986,"nodeName":"24 things to do outside in 2024","title":"24 things to do outside in 2024","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/grqpah4m/oi24_seo-geth-01.png?rxy=0.49998643589085784,0.47029516566516627\u0026width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1db78950257cb90","caption":"Outdoor For 24 Badge Design Background","type":"png","size":30431,"width":1920,"height":1080,"altText":""},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"24 things to do outside in 2024","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"Outdoors in 24 is encouraging Scout sections, from Squirrels to Network, to get outside throughout 2024.","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC83Nzk4NiJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2023/december/24-things-to-do-outside-in-2024/"}