DofE Training Weekend 22/23 March 2024

Over Friday 22^nd and Saturday 23^rd March our DofE students participated in a training weekend, working towards the knowledge and skills needed to enable them to complete their Bronze and Silver DofE expeditions. 

Friday evening started with practical training in erecting tents, learning how to use backpacking stoves safely, cooking a hot meal and first aid. 

On Saturday, each Team went on a 2-3 hour hike in the area local to the Academy, shadowed by their Team Supervisor, to train and test their navigation skills. They had to use their map to follow their route back to the Academy, taking turns to navigate and randomly being asked to identify where they were and what compass bearing an object may be, to put their skills to the test. 

The weekend was a huge success despite the weather which was everything, sunny, raining and hailstorms - yes, we had it all!  With many skills learned or enhanced and Team relationships developed we look forward to their next outdoor adventure. Next the Silver Teams are now looking forward to their Practice Expeditions over the Easter holidays, in unfamiliar surroundings, being fully self-sufficient and being active in the Suffolk countryside for a minimum of 7 hours a day, for 3 days and 2 nights. Good Luck!!!