National Adventurous Activities Framework
Revision to the NAAF Qualification Framework for the Leading of Scouting’s Adventurous Activities
In November 2022, a revision to the National Adventurous Activities Framework (NAAF) was endorsed by the National Operations Committee, making several changes to the policy for the use across Scouts Australia in all Branches. Along with related appendices, the NAAF defines the qualification requirements for those responsible for Scouting’s adventurous activities.
This revision to the National Adventurous Activities Framework (NAAF) has followed a consultation process over the past year to update the existing document to current standards. It reflects minor changes as a result of a number of variations to training packages and consideration of how we can better relate to Scouting:
- Following the Australian Adventurous Activity Standards (AAAS);
- The release of updates to the Vocational and Educational Training (VET) sector Outdoor Leadership package with new unit codes, superseding the Outdoor Recreation package;
- Better ways to support of the Youth Program and its Outdoor Adventure Skills component.
There are some small changes to the main NAAF document. We continue to use Safe Participant and Trained Participant as Scouting skills levels. Assistant Guide qualification is available which may be achieved by qualified youth members or adults with relevant VET units. Scout Appointed Guides continue to be required for most adventurous activities and the VET units required are defined for new appointments and those wishing to transition. The final National Instructors are transitioning to Assistant Leader Trainers (determined by Branches as three year renewals are reached).
There are many changes to the activity groupings listed in Appendix 3 making it more applicable to activity areas allowing various skill levels become qualified to coordinate different difficulties within an activity area. No all leaders will require the most advanced level within an activity area. (An example is Off Road Cycling which previously had 1 level now has general and intermediate).
Remember, while we strongly encourage and support youth members to lead our Scouting activities, including those considered adventurous, there is an overarching duty of care that requires a Scouting Leader with a Leader Appointment to be responsible for Scouting activities, even where third parties or Scouting members may be providing specialist skills and activity leadership. There is also an activity approval process to be satisfied according to Branch requirements.
The progressive nature of Scouting qualifications for adventurous activities remains based on the applicable skills, environment, and risks. However, the National Adventurous Activity Committee and Branch Leaders with key adventurous activity roles have been preparing for these changes for some time; and those in your Branch are the contacts for questions and support.
The NAAF itself and related key documents may be found below: