Activation - Sat 21st & Sun 22nd June 2025
Activation 2025 - bookings will open in early 2025, probably February.
If you have any queries at all, please contact activation@derbyshirescouts.org
Activation is a full day of taster activities, laid on by the County Active Support Units.
The cost to attend is £ 23.00 which includes a badge. Participants need to bring their own food/drinks and you need to organise your own transport to site.
The event takes place near Carsington Water and is a one day event. Activities will include rock climbing, sailing, caving, archery & air rifle, geocaching, mountain biking, crate stacking, survival skills & canoeing to name a few. Each Young Person will be able to participate in 4 Activity sessions on the day. It is important to remember that these are introductory sessions of the activities and follow the same format as previous years.
Activities are allocated based on preferences and the actual availability on the sessions. It is unlikely that the young people will get their top 4!. These cannot be changed on the day and are weather dependant.
Further Information
Leaders can book to come along on the day by emailing the Activation Team, but please note that they will be expected to help out on-site (various jobs are available including help walking the youngsters from and to the car park at either end of the day).
Activation is an annual event held, overlooking Carsington Water in Derbyshire, in the early Summer.
Activity Teams from across Derbyshire come together to provide a wide range of taster sessions of Activities for Cub Scouts, Scouts and Explorer Scouts to enjoy.
Activities
Archaeology isn’t just about digging, it can be a fun and interactive way to learn about history, past cultures and our heritage. The Derbyshire Archaeology team offer lots of practical activities to help young people explore the history of Derbyshire as well as thinking about bigger questions and how we can use archaeology to help us with present-day problems. No prior experience of archaeology is required for you to join in the fun.
Clothing
Archaeology can get messy - old clothes are essential.
Badges
- All Sections - there is a dedicated and unique badge and you can ask more at Activation about how you can achieve this.
Links
These 2 activities are alongside each other and you get 45 minutes of each. It is a legal requirement that a parent/legal guardian gives permission for shooting. The sessions begin with a safety briefing and demonstration.
Air rifle shooting is a great introduction to the sport of shooting. It’s the obvious next step for anyone who’s tried laser games or paintballing and wants to take it further: it gives people a chance to learn the basics of safe gun handling, as well as the art of shooting straight, before they pick up a full-bore rifle or similar. As with any shooting sport, you’ll need to take a deep breath, be in control, and work on your coordination if you want to get your shots on target.
Archery is all about using a bow to propel an arrow through the air. You’ll have to keep an eye on the target as you pull back the arrow then release. Don’t worry if you don’t get it right first time – take a deep breath, put another arrow in your bow, and adjust your aim for your next try.
Clothing
It is worth noting that shooting participants lay on the ground to shoot so long trousers/leggings are more comfortable. Footwear is very important in Archery and participants must wear closed toed, solid shoes.
Long hair should be tied back whilst on the range.
Badges
- Cubs - Our Adventure - Adventurous Activity
- Scouts - Adventure Challenge - Adventurous Activitity
- Explorers - Physical Recreation
We tailor the activities to the ages of the children but they may include water filtration, fire lighting, critter challenges and cooking. This activity is run on-site alongside a hedgerow, it is a lovely, relaxing space.
Clothing
No special clothing is required but Bushcraft is a great example of why you shouldn't wear your best or new clothing to Activation, it will get dirty and smell of smoke!
Badges
- Cubs - Our Adventure - Outdoor Activity - Backwoods Cooking and many more
- Scouts - Adventure Challenge - Outdoor Activity
Take a step back in time in lead mining history with an easy guided tour by the Derbyshire Scouts Caving Team. The team have over 12 years of experience with most of them holding national qualifications in Caving so you are in safe hands.
There will be a chance to see stalactites and look at lead mining features left behind many years ago. Some of the trip will be in candlelight to give the full experience. Please do ask questions whilst on the trip - we love to share what we know.
Clothing
All caving trips do get wet, muddy and sweaty. Wear old clothes you don't mind getting filthy and please - no denim. Whilst it may be a hot day, the temperature underground is much cooler so a jumper will be needed. Shorts are not suitable as you crawl in some areas. Crocs or trainers are not sturdy enough, you need Wellies or walking boots. Unfortunately youngsters without these requirements cannot do Caving. Gloves are not mandatory but can make the experience more comfortable.
Badges
- Cubs - Our Adventure - Adventurous Activity
- Scouts - Adventure Challenge - Adventurous Activitity
- Explorers - Physical Recreation
Links
Local company Acclimbatize provide us with a Climbing Wall and Instructors.
The climbers are harnessed to a rope while they climb the wall – the rope is attached to a belayer on the ground to keep them safe.
This a great activity to get used to Climbing and learn the basics to get you started. It is also a fun session for regular climbers.
Clothing
Trousers or leggings are best for this activity to reduce bumps and scrapes to the legs. Shorts ride up in a harness so we will ask any children with short shorts on to change to protect their modesty.
Badges
- Cubs - Our Adventure - Adventurous Activity
- Scouts - Adventure Challenge - Adventurous Activitity
- Explorers - Physical Recreation
Our Creative Team offer a wide range of activities to choose from. They are highly skilled and experienced instructors. Using different mediums such as wool, paper, card, wood and wax, the youngsters make fabulous creations.
Pyrography and Felting are great fun to join in. Woggles can be weaved with paracord or made from soap stone.
The Creative sessions are in the end of the main marquee in a lovely open space.
Clothing
Old clothes are best for this activity as the youngsters have messy fun.
Badges
- Cubs - Artist Badge - Our Skills Challenge -Creative
- Scouts - Creative Challenge
- Explorers - Creative Challenge
Links
This eye-catching activity can't be missed as you walk onto the site.
Standing on top of the stack, how high can you build it before it comes crashing down? Requiring balance and confidence, this activity will push you to your personal limits whilst encouraging team working and communication.
Clothing
Trousers or leggings are best for this activity to reduce bumps and scrapes to the legs. Shorts ride up in a harness so we will ask any children with short shorts on to change to protect their modesty.
Badges
- Cubs - Our Adventure - Adventurous Activity
- Scouts - Adventure Challenge & Teamwork Challenge
- Explorers -
Crossbow shooting combines skills from archery and pistol shooting. You shoot bolts, which are like shorter versions of the arrows used in archery. Crossbows use a trigger to shoot the bolts, a bit like in rifle or pistol shooting.
You shoot at a target, usually from 8 to 20 metres away. You’ll have to keep an eye on the target as you pull back the bowstring and set the bolt in place. Don’t worry if you don’t get it right first time – take a deep breath, set another bolt in the crossbow, and adjust your aim for your next try.
Tomahawk throwing is a growing sport and can become very addictive. Once the basic techniques are mastered, you can have hours of fun!
The large targets are made from soft wood and participants throw the tomahawks at these from a distance. Over the session they will learn how to improve their technique.
The sessions begin with a safety briefing and demonstration.
Clothing
Long hair must be tied back whilst on the range.
Footwear must fully cover the foot, no opened toed shoes (Crocs, sandals, etc.), and no wellies.
Badges
- Cubs - Our Adventure - Adventurous Activity
- Scouts - Adventure Challenge - Adventurous Activitity
- Explorers - Physical Recreation
Links
Fencing is a combat sport that involves duelling with swords.
Apart from the swords, fencing is recognisable because of the outfits everyone wears. Lots of the unique equipment, like the face mask which is designed to keep people safe.
Fencing isn’t just about how strong and agile you are – you’ll need to master the technique if you want to succeed. As well as paying attention to the rules (and having a good sporting attitude), you’ll need to think on your feet and move strategically to score points and avoid your opponent’s sword.
Fencing may be a solo sport, but you’ll learn to be a good team player too. You’ll need to remember to salute your opponent before the bout begins, then cheer on your friends and congratulate the winner. The great thing about fencing is that you can have plenty of fun even if you don’t win – it’s still a chance to try something different and pick up a sword.
Clothing
It's strongly recommended that participants wear a long sleeved top.
Long hair must be tied back.
Badges
- Cubs - Our Adventure - Adventurous Activity
- Scouts - Master at Arms
- Explorers - Physical Recreation
Links
The fun of using our hand held GPS make this a walk with a purpose. You will head off with our hillwalking team over rough ground and stiles to find the hidden treasure
Clothing
Sturdy footwear and a hat are recommended for this activity. If it is wet you will need a waterproof coat. Long trousers offer protection from nettles etc. Definitely no denim!
Badges
- Cubs - Our Adventure - Outdoor Activity - Navigation
- Scouts - Scouts Adventure Challenge and Hillwalking
Links
Made up of Explorers, Network Members and Leaders from around Derbyshire, the Bike Active Support Unit is a team of experienced cyclists offering bike related activities at Activation.
The session will begin with a safety briefing and then a practise on the field before heading out on the trail. As it is a short, taster session, the younsgters will already need to be able to ride a bike. This is a great chance to improve skills and perhaps learn some new ones.
Clothing
Long sleeved tops and long trousers are recommended to protect arms and legs whilst on this activity.
Helmets will of course be provided.
Badges
- Cubs - several
- Scouts - Outdoor Challenge & Cyclist Badge
- Explorers - Mountain Biking
Links
Derbyshire Paddlesports Team run this activity at Activation. The youngsters are walked as a group down to the water to participate.
Bell boats are really stable crafts, so they’re brilliant to introduce people to water sports. They’re made from two long, narrow, canoe-like boats that are attached together with a platform in the middle. These twin hulled canoes are great fun out on Carsington Water.
Bell boats are great for practising teamwork, as they’re paddled by up to 12 people. People use single-bladed paddles to propel the boat through the water.
Stand Up Paddleboarding is new for 2024 and we are delighted to have it at Activation. The rider stands up on a large board and uses a paddle tomove through the water.
Stand-up paddleboarding, also known as SUP, is one of the fastest-growing boardsports in the world.
Paddleboarding has its roots in Africa, South America, and the ancient Polynesian culture.
Clothing
It is very likely that the youngsters will get completely soaked on this activity. This is why spare sets of clothes are a must and are included on the Kit List
Badges
- Cubs - Our Adventure - Adventurous Activity & Time on the Water
- Scouts - Adventure Challenge - Adventurous Activitity & Time on the Water
Links
Pioneering is the skill of making structures using ropes and wooden poles/spars. The poles are joined by rope lashing / knots to make a finished structure. Common items that constructed vary from small camp gadgets (washstand, pot drainer) to much larger structures like gateways, bridges or towers. Pioneering is a very historical skill and its history can be traced all the way back to the start of the Scout movement.
This activity takes place on the main field and is great fun!
Clothing
Often the participants are kneeling on the grass so we'd recommend long trousers. A hat is essential to protect participants from the sunshine.
Long hair should be tied back.
No open toed shoes or croc style footwear can be worn.
Badges
- Cubs - Our Outdoors & Pioneering
- Scouts - Pioneering
- Explorers - Pioneering
Links
This activity is off-site and participants are taken by mini-bus.
Climbing has been around for ages – and there are loads of different ways to give it a go indoors, outdoors, and as a sport. In traditional climbing, the climbers are harnessed to a rope while they climb the wall – the ropes are attached to a belayer on the ground to keep them safe.
Climbing is a great chance to find your bravery while being active. The group will work as a team and help and encourage each other.
Visit the website below to view a great video or checkout the photos on Facebook.
Clothing
Trousers or leggings are best for this activity to reduce bumps and scrapes to the legs. Shorts ride up in a harness so we will ask any children with short shorts on to change to protect their modesty.
Badges
- Cubs - Our Adventure - Adventurous Activity & Teamwork
- Scouts - Adventure Challenge & Teamwork Challenge
- Explorers - Climber Activity Badge
Links
Derbyshire Scouts Sailing Team run Sailing at Activation. The youngsters are taken by mini-bus down to the Sailing Club to participate.
Dinghy sailing is all about travelling in small boats that are powered by the wind. Sailing dinghies have lots of moving parts, and they’re often sailed in pairs. The sails are a really important part of controlling the dinghy, but getting it to go in the right direction also involves using a rudder and the crew moving across the dinghy to help it balance.
Clothing
It is very likely that the youngsters will get completely soaked on this activity. This is why spare sets of clothes are a must and are included on the Kit List
Badges
- Cubs - Our Adventure - Adventurous Activity & Time on the Water
- Scouts - Adventure Challenge - Adventurous Activitity & Time on the Water
Links
Inclusivity
Activation is open to everyone, and we want all young people attending to have a fantastic time. There are many amazing activities, and previous participants have had a great day.
We are aware that the day can be quite intense for some and, therefore, we will have a dedicated 'chill out zone' for people to take a break if they need to.
Please be aware that the site is a large outdoor venue (picture below), with some walking to activities. The site is fully enclosed and well supervised and all activities are led by qualified instructors.
It will be helpful for us to know if there is any additional information to ensure your child has a good experience, for example, if they have any additional support at school. We are happy to discuss any additional requirements to help your child. We will also contact Leaders for advice on how they support your child.
Contact
Any questions, please contact the Activation Team