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Compass is offline while we prepare our new tools

Compass is offline while we prepare our new tools

Compass is now offline. Read more

Discover what this means

What did you use?

Use your newfound skills to show everyone the equipment you used at the activity centre.

Back to Activities

You’ll need

  • Scrap paper
  • Pens or pencils
  • Tables
  • Chairs
  • Equipment to demonstrate

Get ready to present

  1. The people who volunteered should think about their experiences and the equipment they used. They should choose three pieces of equipment to they’d like to show everyone and talk about.
  1. They should get the equipment, or photos if they can’t bring it in to show everyone. For each piece of equipment, they should jot down what it’s used for, how it’s used, how it’s maintained, how it’s stored, and an example of how they used it during their volunteering.
  1. The people who volunteered should decide how they’ll present – it’s up to them whether they want to use a PowerPoint, just talk without slides, or even record a video. They should aim for their presentation to be between 5 and 10 minutes long.
  2. They should bring everything they need to the meeting.

Set up the space

  1. Put a table at one end of the meeting place, so people can put their equipment on it while they’re presenting.
  2. Everyone should work out an order to present. If lots of people are presenting, you may need to split the presentations across two meetings.

Presentation time

  1. Everyone should chat about how to be a good audience while someone else is presenting. They could think about not talking over each other, saving questions until the end, sitting quietly, and giving encouraging smiles.
  2. The first person should put their items (or photographs) on the table, tell everyone where they volunteered and some of the things they did, then present their items.
  1. Once they’ve finished, and people have had a chance to ask questions, the next person should present until everyone that volunteered has had a turn.

Reflection

This activity was all about developing skills. What skills did people learn while volunteering? People might think about the ones that helped them use equipment, as well as other skills such as playing their part in a team or putting themselves in someone else’s shoes. How could they use their new skills in the future? Is being able to look after equipment a skill? Where else might people already use this skill? People could think about how they store and transport phones and games consoles, or even how they look after their clothes and shoes. 

This activity also needed people to communicate. How did people choose to present? Some people may have used different methods of communication. Was it easy to explain how to maintain and use equipment? Did anyone try anything fun to keep their presentations interesting?

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.

Heavy and awkward objects

Never lift or move heavy or awkward items alone. Ask for help or, if possible, break them down into smaller parts.

Outdoor activities

You must have permission to use the location. Always check the weather forecast, and inform parents and carers of any change in venue.

Poles and long objects

Be careful when moving poles or long items. Take care if the ends are sharp. Have appropriate supervision for this activity.

Chemicals

This task involves the use of potentially harmful fluids or chemicals. Make sure you follow all relevant safety guidance. Make sure you dispose of them appropriately too, in line with safety guidance.

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.

Manufacturer’s guidelines

All vehicles will be different so always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

People could present in groups, if it’ll help them feel more confident. Make sure everyone has a chance to share. People could also present to a smaller audience (for example, just the adult volunteers) or use videos or photos to help them explain.

All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.

Scouts Activity Centre Service Activity Badge

Encourage everyone to put their skills to good use. Depending on what they’ve learned, it could also count towards a badge, for example, the Scouts DIY Activity Badge, Scouts Chef Activity Badge, Scouts Naturalist Activity Badge, or Scouts Climber Activity Badge.

Everyone should be able to choose which pieces of equipment they show everyone and how they present.