Traditional Rafting permit training and assessment day
Cheshire Scouts Water Activities Team are running a Traditional Rafting permit training and assessment day at Forest Camp Activity Centre.
| Date | Saturday 16th May 2026
Leaders need to attend the whole day. |
| Times | 09:30 – 15:30
We may need to be flexible due to numbers of leaders who express an interest and the number of rafts available. |
| Who can go | This course is open to:
• Members of the Scout Association. • Over 18s only. Any leader who wants training and assessment for a permit in Traditional Rafting • N.B. Those who cannot make this Saturday and want training and assessment in Rafting for a new permit need to look out for a future training 2027 course on the Cheshire Scout Website… https://www.cheshirescouts.org.uk/ https://www.cheshirescouts.org.uk/events
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| Location | Forest Camp Activity Centre – MEET IN OFFICE BY THE CARPARK |
| Transport | You need to make your own way you to the campsite |
| Cost | £10.00
In most cases groups/sections support you on this course and may give you a refund. |
| Includes | There will be a full run through of the Traditional Rafting syllabus and any implications.
From initialising the activity right through to seeing the youngsters leaving the site. |
| Does not include | The provision of wetsuits… see the kit list.
All other gear will be provided if required, helmets, buoyancy aids, rafting kit… Lunch – BRING YOUR OWN, we do have use of a kitchen |
| Contact Details | Pete Goodger 07769831919 |
| About the Course |
We are training Cheshire leaders in Traditional Rafting. The aim is to have more permitted leaders who can take youngsters out. By the end of the day you should have completed the training and have a new permit.
We will cover The Scout Assessment Checklist:
- Responsibilities
- Group Management
- Risk assessment
- Weather
- Technical
- Emergency procedures
- Equipment
https://prod-cms.scouts.org.uk//media/sy1hlipn/ac120950-rafting-traditional-may-2025.docx
| Plan of the session |
The schedule will be something like this:
Meet at Forest Camp inside the 0FFICEon the carpark at the start time
- Introductions and talk about the aim of the day
- The leaders in turn will take charge of the different tasks of a rafting session where the rest act as Explorer Scouts (maybe!!!)
- Talk about the pre activity elements you should have covered before a scout session
- Unload and build two(?) rafts
- Equipment in/on the raft
- Throw lines and knives
- Lunch – bring one!!!
- Launching and loading
- Paddling techniques
- Control
- Activities while on the water – not just paddling!
- Getting off the water
- Putting the dismantled kit away
| UPDATE: TO BE EXPLAINED ON SATURDAY |
- We need to see a risk assessment for running a two hour rafting session at Forest Camp or Tatton for a group that you are most likely to paddle with,
- a programme or list of activities you could do off/on the water with that group,
- an online application for a permit and this includes a log.
| POR |
Hopefully you all know about the Scout’s Policy, Organisation & Rules for Traditional Rafting?
If not then have a read before the session.
POR Rules relating to traditional rafting
Rule 9.7 Adventurous Activities Permit Scheme
Rule 9.8 Adult Groups Undertaking Activities
Rule 9.13.1 All Water Activities
Rule 9.13.2 Life Jackets and Buoyancy Aids
Rule 9.13.3 Classification of Waters
Rule 9.13.4 Activities on Class C Waters
POR General activity rules
Rule 9.1 All Activities
Rule 9.6 Use of External Centres and Instructors
| Kit List |
This is not a definitive kit list but really the key things to think about.
| On the water essentials | ||
| Lifejacket or buoyancy aid | must be well-fitting and well maintained | |
| Helmet | Worn at all times and must be well-fitting and well maintained | |
| Windproof jacket / Cagoule | You, as leader, must not get cold at any time and thesecan always be kept in a drybag/rucksack until needed, don’t leave shore without it!! | |
| Insulating layer / base layer | If paddling in summer (avoid cotton t-shirts) | |
| Wetsuit or dry suit | depending on the time of year a wetsuit long john or full suit can be great (we do practice man overboard!) | |
| Footwear | trainers, wet shoes,… anything that helps you walk across rough banks, beaches, glass…NO WELLIES, NO CROCKS, NO FLIP-FLOPS! | |
| Safety bag / dry bag | with a method of securing it to your craft | |
| Watch | or any reliable method of telling the time,… a banksman? | |
| Sun cream/lip protection | Even a cloudy day can get my nose! | |
| Throwing line? | Discuss! | |
| Knife? | Discuss! | |
| On the bank essentials | ||
| Shelter | Supplied by me on the day | |
| First Aid Kit | Supplied by me on the day | |
| Bottle(s) of water | Supplied by me on the day | |
| Klaxon | Supplied by me on the day |
Forest Camp
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