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In the spotlight

Create an instructional video to show others a skill you learned while volunteering at an activity centre.

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You’ll need

  • Camera or phone
  • Pens or pencils
  • Scrap paper
  • Access to a computer
  • Access to the internet
  • Tables
  • Chairs
  • Equipment needed for the topic of your video

Before you begin

  • You’ll need a camera or a smartphone for each group of up to five people.
  • Check that you have the right permissions for everyone to be filmed, and where (if anywhere) you can share the films. If anyone can’t be filmed at all, they can take a lead role behind the camera.
  • Feel free to use any other equipment you have, like tripods to balance the cameras or a projector to show the finished films.
  • If anyone will be using chemicals to clean things, make sure there’s enough personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and eye protection.
  • If you’re not confident with filming and editing videos, check out Present your projects with videos, supported by Raspberry Pi. It’s full of tips including camera angles and lighting, and how to use free editing software.

Plan the topic

  1. Everyone should split into groups of up to five people.
  2. Each group should check the list in the badge requirements and choose a skill to explain and demonstrate in their video.
  1. Each group should chat about their film – they should make a plan, write down a script, and finalise their ideas for content.
  1. Each group should decide on the technical details. For example, will they film their video in one go or use multiple takes?
  1. They should then write a list of all the equipment they’ll need for their video. Including the things they’ll need to film (such as a camera) and any equipment they need for their demonstration.

Create a film

  1. Everyone should film their videos. Each group should work together to make sure everyone’s involved, whether they’re in the spotlight or behind the scenes.
  2. Before they finish filming, everyone should watch through their clips to check they have everything they need.
  1. Once each group’s finished filming, they should sit around a table. They should get their video editing software ready on the computer or phone.
  1. When everyone has finished their video, a leader should check to make sure it’s appropriate for everyone.
  2. Take it in turns to watch all of the videos and give people the chance to ask questions after each one.

Reflection

This activity was all about developing skills. People used videos to share skills they’d learned while volunteering. Did people have any specific tips they’d learned from volunteering? Did anyone need to do some extra research before they were ready to make their video? When else might people use the skills they used while volunteering? Does anyone think being able to make a video is a skill? What sorts of things did people have to remember when making their videos? People could think about how they tried to get good shots, communicate clearly, and keep it interesting.

This activity also needed people to be team players. Was it always easy to work as a team? What was the most challenging part of the activity? Some groups may have found it difficult to agree on a plan, while others may have struggled to stick to their plan once they were on set. How did people support their team members? What did they do if people disagreed?

Safety

All activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get approval for the activity, and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.

Phones and cameras

Make sure parents and carers are aware and have given consent for photography.

Electronics

Remove any equipment you’re working on from the power source before you begin. Never assume the power circuit’s off – test it with a voltmeter (and then test it again to be sure). Only connect power to a circuit once you’ve finished working on it and have checked your work. Make sure your circuit isn’t overloaded, and return any covers you’ve removed.

Make sure that all electronics equipment is properly grounded. Use the right electronics tools, and always replace damaged equipment (for example, replace cables rather than repairing them with insulating tape). Always have safety equipment including a fire extinguisher, basic first aid kit, and mobile phone nearby.

Online safety

Supervise young people when they’re online and give them advice about staying safe. Take a look at our online safety or bullying guidance. The NSPCC offers more advice and guidance, too. If you want to know more about specific social networks and games, Childnet has information and safety tips for apps. You can also report anything that’s worried you online to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command. As always, if you’ve got concerns about a young person’s welfare, including their online experiences, follow the Yellow Card to make a report.

Anyone who doesn’t want to be in front of the camera (or isn’t allowed to be filmed) should still be involved in both planning and making the video – they could also be the camera operator or director.

All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.

Scouts Activity Centre Service Activity Badge

Now people have the skills to make a video, there’s nothing stopping them! People could make videos for other skills, including ones that aren’t part of this badge.

If people enjoyed getting stuck in with technology, they might want to explore the Digital Citizen or Digital Maker Staged Activity Badges.

This activity allows everyone the opportunity to get involved in all aspects of the video, from the planning to the filming to the editing.