Inspire and Share
- May 23, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 11, 2025
As part of my Inspire and Share for my Queens Guide Award, I created an activity for my Rangers group around basic knowldge of map reading, first aid and planning a walk. The plan for the Rangers session was to have 4 stations which the groups could rotate between and learn information, before sitting down in their groups for a walk to come up with a creative walk plan following a scenario. Below are some of the tasks I created:
Station 1: First aid, activity based on 'Shaping Scenario', a programme activity, activity print out on the left.
Each situation, place and injury were placed into containers individually for the rangers to pick at random each one. Alongside the activity, the Rangers had a first aid kit to look in as well as a first aid book on how to treat different situations.
Station 2: Whats in the bag?
An activity which explores what could be taken in your bag on a walk.
Rangers had the print out to the right with a range of items including map, water bottle, etc as well as some items which you wouldn't take, such as a Nintendo switch, and other ones. They had lables written with each of these one which they could put into 'taking with me' and 'leaving at home'. They also had a bag with items which would be helpful to take on a walk including a hat, lunch box with some snacks in, types of clothing to wear, etc. Each item was labeled with more information for the rangers to read.
Activity 3: Map reading
An activity around reading maps, each had an information card on relief lines, map symbols and grid references. Using the information, the Rangers had a range of questions to ask using a map to answer.
The questions include: What is the 6-figure reference of XXX, What is the height of XXXX Hill located at 512, 625, what symbol would you find in the grid square 511, 641.
Activity 4: Risk assessments
The Rangers had a map with a long walk around an area of the lake district, the walk included walking over train lines, by roads, by water, up hills, etc. The Rangers were to work together to identify as many risks as they could using information they have learnt.
Below are some more photos of the print outs for the Rangers:
Following each station, the 4 groups each had one of the 4 scenarios:
Scenario 1
Welcome explorers!
We have had news that Tizzie-Whizie’s, the infamous creature that lives on Lake Windermere, has been spotted by fishermen on Belle Island! It is your job to find your way to Belle Island and see if they really are there.
We have checked the forecast for today and the weather looks clear and dry. Here is some more information that may be helpful for planning your route:
Accommodation: Bannerrigg Farm, located at 42.6, 98.8
Road closures: The A591 is shut from Inge to Alice Howe due to escaped cows! Due to the heavy traffic, we recommend you sticking to footpaths and trails as much as possible, and away from town centre.
Other information: You may need a boat to get to Belle Island, as well as stopping somewhere for a rest at some point along the way.
Whilst planning your route think about:
What are you going to need to bring?
What are you wearing?
What hazards might you come across?
Oh No!! You decided to take a lovely walk over School Knott, whilst walking down, one of your group members fell into some nettles, what will you do?
Your route can be as simple or as complex as you wish - be creative!
Scenario 2
Welcome Cryptozoologists!
We have heard recent rumours that Big Foot has been spotted around the Helvellyn area, we need you to go and explore the area, stick to the main routes around the mountain and see if you can find Big Foot! He has been spotted around the Red Tarn and also by walkers from Ruthwaite Lodge, check out both places!
We have checked the forecast for today, December 21st, with highs of 5°C, lows of -3°C and a chance of snow.
Here is some more information that may be helpful for planning your route:
Accommodation: Camping at Harrop Tarn, located at 31.2, 13.6
Other information: Due to heavy snow, Dollywaggon Pike is inaccessible.
Whilst planning your route think about:
What are you going to need to bring?
What are you wearing?
What hazards might you come across?
Oh No!! Whilst walking around Keppel Cove, one of your group members has got a bad blister, what will you do?
Your route can be as simple or as complex as you wish - be creative!
Scenario 3
Welcome photojournalists!
Overnight we have had reports from Coniston that Connie, the cousin of Nessie the Loch Ness Monster, has been spotted on Coniston Water! She has been spotted around Peel Island, make your way there!
We have checked the forecast for today and it appears to be raining all day.
Here is some more information that may be helpful for planning your route:
Accommodation: Black Beck Cottage located at 31.7, 96.6
Road closures: The B5285 is fully closed today due to an increase in toad migration. we recommend you sticking to footpaths and trails as much as possible to avoid disturbing the toads.
Whilst planning your route think about:
What are you going to need to bring?
What are you wearing?
What hazards might you come across?
Oh No!! Whilst on your way back to Black Beck cottage, you decided to walk through Grizedale Forest but your map fell in a puddle and is no longer readable, you’re lost!! What will you do?
Your route can be as simple or as complex as you wish - be creative!
Scenario 4
Welcome Rangers!
Whilst on your residential at Park House, you stumbled upon Peter rabbits and cousin, Benjamin, they need help getting Benjamin’s hat back from mean old Mr McGregor! Mr McGregor lives south of Hill Top house on Castle Wood Hill.
We have checked the forecast for today and it appears to really hot, watch out for the summer sun!
Here is some more information that may be helpful for planning your route:
Accommodation: Park House, located near the church in Hawkshead, 35.2, 98.1
Road closures: All the main roads greater then 4m wide around Hawkshead are closed today due to high temperatures causing the concrete to crack! The Furness Fells is said to have good shelter from the heat.
Whilst planning your route think about:
What are you going to need to bring?
What are you wearing?
What hazards might you come across?
Oh No!! Whilst on your way back to Hawkshead, you stopped for a sunbathe by Elter Holme, one of your group members suffered from heat exhaustion, what with you do?
Your route can be as simple or as complex as you wish - be creative!
Below are some photos, with permission, of the Rangers completing their activities!
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