AFTER SCOUTS ARE TOLD SITTING ON GRASS IS DANGEROUS, A LOOK AT THE GLORIOUS DYB, DYB, DYB DAYS OF OLD BEFORE ELF ‘N’ SAFETY

Be prepared is the Scout motto — and that once meant being tied up and lowered off a bridge. No doubt such stunts would bring today’s elf ’n’ safety zealots out in spots, especially given the story reported by the Mail last week about the Scouts banned at a jamboree in detling, Kent, from eating while sitting on the grass in case they got ill. Yet, as these pictures show, Scouts and Guides were once allowed to enjoy the great outdoors without being wrapped in cotton wool...

Girl power: In 1955, Guides at camp throw one of their number in the air on a blanket. Did anyone complete a council risk assessment, though?

Don’t fall in! The bridge design is rudimentary and so far these Scouts are crossing safely, but there’s a gaggle of waiting lads hoping they won’t be going for a dip

Toggle tower: A Scout leader from 3rd Altrincham troop perches on a rickety frame of poles and ropes. Right, battling it out in boxing gloves