Survival Scout Interest Badge

(Previously Backwoodsman Badge)

NOTE: The general scheme for examining this badge is that a Scout - will be dropped off at a point and be required to hike a distance of at least 3 km cross country without using a map, compass or roads and without making enquiries, to arrive at a place, invisible from the start point, where the rest of the badge will be examined. They will carry a rucksack which must contain everything required to undertake the badge including their rations. The examination must be conducted as an adventure and should last for 45-48 hours including the time taken on the initial hike. Generally, the adventure will commence on an afternoon, include two nights in camp and end on the afternoon of the last day.

Badge Requirements

Survival

1. Have passed the Survival Scoutcraft Badge and be prepared to demonstrate any of those requirements. OR Complete all the requirements for the Survival Scoutcraft Badge.
2. Take part in a survival adventure in an area unfamiliar to you which lasts for at least 45 hours.
3. During the adventure demonstrate the following backwoods skills:
   1. Shelters - Describe various types of natural shelters you could utilise in wild country (woodlands, forests, veld, deserts, etc.) in order to protect yourself from the sun, cold, wind and rain. Demonstrate your choice of shelter and sleep in it for the duration of the adventure.
   2. Food
      1. Explain what resources are available as food in wild country.
      2. Collect 3 different indigenous edible fruits and/or plants and prepare them as food. Explain how you would distinguish between edible and poisonous fruits and plants if you were uncertain. Discuss the dangers of eating unfamiliar fruits or plants.
      3. Construct three different snares or traps to catch animals/birds/fish. Discuss the importance of using snares or traps only in a personal survival situation and also the importance of destroying snares and traps after use or when discovered in the veld/bush.
      4. During the adventure cook all your meals from raw ingredients over an open fire without using utensils or aluminium foil. For one meal, clean and cook a chicken or other bird, or a fresh fish, or a small animal.
   3. Water - Discuss with the examiner where water can be found in wild country.
      1. Describe the methods of conserving water when in short supply.
      2. Make a solar still to collect water by condensation.
   4. Navigation -
      1. Cross 3 km of unknown country by day without using compass, roads or a map and without making enquiries.
      2. Cross 2 km of unknown country at night without using a compass, roads or a map and without making enquiries.
   5. Hazards -
      1. Demonstrate three of the following methods of signalling in order to attract attention if lost: makeshift flags, signalling mirror, smoke, flashlight, ground-to-air signs, body signals, beacon fires or whistle signals.
      2. Recognise the most common venomous snakes in your area. Describe the precautions to avoid being bitten by snakes or stung by scorpions and the first aid treatment for snakebite.
      3. Discuss the precaution to take when in an area inhabited by animals such as predators, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros, hippopotamus and baboons.
      4. Recognise the signs, and symptoms of bilharzia, Malaria, Tick Bite Fever and Typhoid Fever. Demonstrate a knowledge of the precautions to take to avoid these diseases and how to treat them.

Badge Requirements in printable PDF format

• Survival (PDF)

Safe From Harm

Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances.

All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults.

Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.

Explore More

• My Scout Journey - An overview of your path in Scouting - from joining to earning top awards like the Springbok Award.
• Scout Advancement Programme - The core steps Scouts follow to build skills and earn theme badges and advancement badges.
• Scoutcraft Badges - Aimed at Scouts 11 to 13. Fun, hands-on badges that build confidence, essential skills, and lay the foundation for Interest Badges.
• Scout Interest Badges - Aimed at Scouts 13 and older. Badges that promote personal growth through exploring interests, hobbies, and skills.
• Scout Challenge Awards - Special awards for leadership, service, and reaching top milestones in Scouting.
• Survival Scoutcraft Badge
• Ground-to-air signals
• Distress signals