Hume Region Introductory Vertical Day - Cubs & Venturers

This activity provides participants with the opportunity to develop and demonstrate Outdoor Adventure Skills (OAS) Vertical skills through a range of practical, theory-based, and confidence-building activities conducted at the 1st Mittagong Scouts Hall.

The event is primarily designed for Cubs working towards OAS Vertical Stages 1-3, with younger or newer Scouts without previous vertical experience also welcome to participate. More experienced youth and Adult Members may also attend to consolidate higher-level vertical skills, assist younger participants, and develop leadership, communication, instructional, and activity-support skills under direct supervision.

Activities may include equipment familiarisation and fitting, personal and buddy safety checks, communication systems, basic knots, rope handling, horizontal rope activities, harness-based confidence activities, crate stacking, sock wrestling, abseil preparation and other vertical skills appropriate to participant experience and demonstrated capability.

Participants who demonstrate suitable confidence, behaviour, understanding, and practical competence may progress to a supervised roof-level abseil. Participation in the abseil component will be determined by the qualified vertical activity team and is not guaranteed for every participant.

More experienced participants may also have opportunities, where appropriate, to practise belaying, equipment and participant safety checks, demonstrations, assisting younger participants, teamwork, mentoring, and leadership under direct supervision.

Session 1
Time: 8:30am – 10:30am

Session 2
Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm

Session 3 (closed for registration and will be opened if Sessions 1 and 2 approach capacity)
Time: 2:30pm – 4:30pm

Participants should register for one participant session unless otherwise previously arranged with the Event Coordinator.

Leaders
Time: 7:30am – 5:00pm

Qualified Guides and Trained Participants, along with other approved Leaders and Adult Members, are welcome to support the activity. Adult Members may also use the day to develop their vertical activity knowledge and practical skills while working towards relevant qualifications and competencies.

What to bring
Snacks or food appropriate to your session, a filled water bottle, day pack, and pen/notebook. Personal abseiling equipment is optional and may only be used after inspection and approval by an appropriately qualified Leader.

What to wear
Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers are recommended for protection from ropes, harnesses, and edges. Clothing should be close-fitting, with no loose clothing, cords, drawstrings, or other items that could become caught or create an entanglement hazard. Sturdy closed footwear with good grip is required. Jewellery should be removed before participating in vertical activities. Hair must be tied back or otherwise secured to prevent entanglement. Bring a waterproof/windproof outer layer where conditions require. Uniform is not required.

Where to go
1st Mittagong Scouts Hall, Louisa Street, Mittagong.

Parents, carers and others bringing participants to the activity are welcome to make the most of their time in Mittagong and the surrounding Southern Highlands - grab a coffee or a meal, browse the local shops, visit a vineyard or explore the area while the session is underway.

The activity will primarily operate indoors. Where conditions are suitable, some horizontal activities and equipment-fitting sessions may also be conducted in the hall yard.