Natural Shelter Building for Scouts
A simple shelter can be built using fallen branches, sticks, leaves, bark and other natural materials. The aim isn't to build a permanent structure, but to create a temporary shelter that provides protection from wind and rain.
Skills Scouts can learn
- 🌳 Choosing a suitable location – level ground, good drainage and away from dead branches or other hazards.
- 🪵 Collecting natural materials – use fallen wood rather than damaging living trees.
- 🏗️ Building a basic frame – create a strong ridge pole and supporting framework.
- 🍂 Adding insulation – use layers of leaves, bracken or other suitable natural materials.
- 💨 Understanding weather – consider wind direction, rain and exposure.
- 🤝 Teamwork – allocate jobs and work together to construct the shelter.
- 🔥 Campcraft awareness – understand how shelter location relates to safe fire areas.
Types of Natural Shelters for Scouts
For Scout bushcraft, there are several simple types of natural shelter that can be built from fallen branches, leaves and other natural materials.
| Shelter type | Description |
|---|---|
| Lean-to | A simple sloping shelter made by leaning branches against a ridge pole. |
| A-Frame | A ridge pole supported at both ends, with branches forming two sloping sides. |
| Debris Hut | A small enclosed shelter covered with a thick layer of leaves, moss and other natural debris for insulation. |
| Teepee Shelter | Long poles are leaned together to form a cone-shaped frame, then covered with natural materials. |
| Wigwam/Dome Shelter | Flexible poles are bent into a rounded framework and covered with leaves, bark or vegetation. |
| Natural Lean-to | Uses an existing fallen tree, large branch or natural feature as part of the shelter structure. |
| Raised Shelter | A shelter built above the ground on a simple platform, useful where the ground is wet. |
| Snow Shelter | In suitable climates, packed snow can be used to create an insulated shelter. |
Scout Bushcraft Tip
For younger Scouts, the lean-to and A-frame are good starting points. They are relatively simple to construct and provide opportunities to learn about wood selection, knots, teamwork, insulation and shelter from wind and rain.
Always use fallen materials where permitted, avoid damaging living trees, and check the area for hazards such as unstable branches and dead trees.
Lean-To Shelter
A lean-to is one of the simplest natural shelters for Scouts to build. A strong ridge pole is supported at one end or along its length, with branches leaned against it to create a sloping roof. Smaller branches, leaves and other natural materials can then be added to provide protection from the weather. A lean-to is a good introduction to basic shelter construction and teamwork.
A-Frame Shelter
An A-frame shelter has a triangular shape and is a popular Scout survival shelter. A strong ridge pole is supported by forked or Y-shaped sticks, with smaller branches leaning against both sides to form the frame. The framework can then be covered with natural materials such as leaves and foliage to provide insulation and protection. Scouts UK also recommends the A-frame as a practical natural shelter activity.
Debris Shelter
A debris shelter uses a simple framework covered with a thick layer of natural materials such as leaves, grass, twigs and other woodland debris. The covering helps reduce heat loss and provides protection from wind and light rain. Building a debris shelter gives Scouts a useful opportunity to learn about insulation and why keeping the ground and shelter walls dry is important.
Natural Teepee Shelter
A natural teepee shelter is built by leaning long branches together so that they form a cone-shaped structure. Smaller sticks can be added to strengthen the frame before natural materials are placed over the outside. This design can make an interesting Scout bushcraft activity because teams can experiment with different sizes and construction methods while learning how to create a stable framework.
Wigwam or Dome Shelter
A wigwam or dome-style shelter uses several flexible poles or branches to create a rounded framework. The poles are positioned around a central area and brought together at the top to form a strong structure. Smaller branches, foliage and other suitable materials can then be used to cover the frame. This type of natural shelter can be more challenging to build and is useful for developing teamwork and construction skills.
Natural Lean-To Shelter
A natural lean-to makes use of existing woodland features wherever possible. A fallen tree, large branch or suitable natural feature can provide part of the structure, reducing the amount of construction required. Scouts can then add supporting branches and natural covering to create a simple shelter. Always check the area carefully first and never build beneath dangerous dead branches or unstable trees.
Raised Shelter
A raised shelter is designed to lift the sleeping or sitting area above the ground. This can help reduce contact with cold or damp ground, although building a safe raised structure requires considerably more care and construction skill. For Scout activities, a simpler ground-level shelter is often more appropriate unless the activity has been carefully planned and risk assessed.
Snow Shelter
In suitable winter conditions, snow can be used to create temporary shelters. Examples include snow caves, snow trenches and compacted snow shelters. These require specialist knowledge and appropriate weather and snow conditions, so they are generally more advanced than woodland shelter building. Scouts should only attempt snow shelters where suitable training, supervision and conditions are available.
Choosing the Right Natural Shelter
The best shelter design depends on the available materials, weather, location, group size and experience of the Scouts. A simple lean-to or A-frame is usually a good starting point for beginners, while more complex designs can provide additional challenges for experienced groups.
Whatever design is chosen, Scouts should first check that the location is safe. Avoid animal trails, insect nests, areas where water may collect and places beneath dead branches or other objects that could fall. Use suitable fallen materials where possible and avoid damaging living trees and plants.
Lean-To Shelter Construction
There are many different types of natural shelters that Scouts can build using fallen branches, sticks, leaves and other suitable woodland materials. Shelter building is a practical Scout bushcraft activity that develops teamwork, problem-solving and an understanding of how a shelter can provide protection from wind, rain and cold. In this activity, we will focus on building a simple natural lean-to shelter.
1
Select a Ridge Pole
Locate a strong, fallen branch to serve as the main support beam, ensuring it is long enough to span the desired width of your shelter.
2
Position Supporting Poles
Gather smaller branches and lean them against the ridge pole at an angle to form the sides of your shelter.
3
Apply Natural Covering
Layer leaves, bark, and other natural materials over the frame, starting from the bottom to ensure water runs off effectively.
The Shelter Building Challenge!
Put your skills to the test with an exciting Shelter Building Challenge! Gather your Young People and compete to construct the most effective shelter within 45 minutes. Focus on teamwork, creativity, and resourcefulness to win.
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Location: Essex