Duke of Edinburgh’s Award PUTNEY HIGH SCHOOL GOLD WALKING

Information Pack 2020

Training and Practice

26th – 30th May 2020 Brecon Beacons East

(PUT20-GP1-T)

&

Assessed Expedition 25th August – 29th August 2020

Brecon Beacons West (PUT20-GA1-T)

SCHOOL CAMP Ltd, Unit 1 Old Legions Place, Perth y Dion, Resolven, SA11 4NJ.

Tel: 01639 710348 Email: info@schoolcamp.co.uk

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ABOUT SCHOOL CAMP Ltd School camp Ltd provide a wide range of innovative off site adventurous outdoor activity events. Our products include, Outdoor Activity days, Adventurous Activity Camps, Curriculum Enhancement Camps, Teambuilding days, BTEC / PE Outdoor Adventurous Activity Modules and Geography Field Trips. We pride ourselves in providing high quality, cost effective outdoor education solutions for individuals, families, schools, colleges and youth groups.

Approved DofE Activity Provider (AAP)

School Camp Ltd is proud to be a Duke of Edinburgh's Award Approved Provider of both the Expedition section and the Residential section. Formally incorporated in 2010 we have been involved in the expedition section of the award in many formats for many years and understand the needs of groups and individuals. We offer Bronze, Silver and Gold expeditions across the UK both by Canoe and on foot.

Adventurous Activities Licence Holder (AALA)

School Camp Ltd is certified by the government run Adventurous Activities Licencing Scheme. Holders of this badge are able to offer adventurous activities to groups and under 18s and undergo inspections from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

HOW WILL YOUR EXPEDITION WORK? Pre-expedition - This information pack contains all the information for your expeditions. It is very important that you read this and use it to fully prepare for the expedition. You will be required to a training and planning session before attending the training / practice expedition. Practice expedition Planning - There is no need to plan a route for the practice expedition. We will briefly look at this during your pre expedition planning session, and the main planning (route cards) will be done during the training and practice expedition. Training & Practice expedition - The training section of the expedition will help to you understand the expectations and requirements of the Gold Award. It will skill you up so that your group can operate safely and efficiently in ‘Wild country’. The practice expedition (the last two days) will be two days of expedition carrying your equipment and will give you a chance to become more independent over its length. You can expect to be well supported and closely supervised at the start, but once we are happy you have the skills the supervision our staff will support you more remotely. The next time you are out on expedition will be the Qualifying / Assessed expedition, so if you have any questions or concerns then the practice expedition is the time to ask. Planning the Qualifying / Assessed expedition route - On the last day of the training and practice expedition we will start the planning process. You will choose from available campsites and produce route cards for submission to DofE. You should not need to undertake any other preparation between the practice and assessment expeditions. Expedition Purpose - It is a requirement that your expedition has a purpose / aim, and that this shapes your assessed expedition route. Our instructors will discuss ideas for this this with you at the practice expedition. After the expedition you will need to present your finishing to us. You may choose to present this after the expedition had finished, or to email a presentation to our office. Expedition registration paperwork (Green forms) - We will complete all the required paperwork and submit it to the DofE to ensure that your expedition is recorded correctly.

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Qualifying / Assessed expedition – These expeditions start the afternoon before the official 4 day assessed expedition starts. On this afternoon we will help you prepare for the expedition, to review the route, and ensure you are fully equipped. The DofE refer to this as the acclimatisation day. You will meet your assessor and will explain your expedition aim / purpose and talk them through your route. Over the following 4 days you will be remotely supervised by our instructors who will monitor your progress and meet you at several points to ensure your safety. Assessors – Qualified assessors will be provided by the company and will meet you at various points to ensure that you have met the requirements of the award. At the end of the expedition your report will be uploaded directly into your E DofE account so please ensure we have your DofE number.

GOLD WALKING PROGRAMME

Your Gold expedition section will be covered in 11 days This will be made up of:

• Planning / Preparation meeting

• Training and practice expedition (5 days) – 2 days training, 2- day practice, and expedition planning.

• Qualifying / Assessed expedition (5 days) - 1 day pre-assessment preparation, and 4-day assessment

AFTER SCHOOL TRAINING

Venue: Putney High School

Date TBC (MAY 2020)

16:00 – 19:00

• Menu Planning

• Packing

• Equipment

TRAINING PRACTICE EXPEDITION PROGRAMME

DAY

1

Early afternoon meet and introduction, before afternoon training.

Aim: To introduce / develop existing skills

• Navigation inc o Maps and features o Walking on bearings

• Relocating

• Route cards and timing

• Walking in the mountains

• Looking after yourself and the team

Evening

• Camp craft

• Gas trangia use

• Expedition food

• Equipment choice

DAY

2

Aim: To practice the skills covered the day before, whilst specifically thinking about emergencies.

• Navigation

• Timing

• Emergency procedures

• Lost procedures

• Weather and Escape routes

• First aid

• Emergency scenarios

• Access and countryside code

• Environment considerations

• Wild camping

DAY 3 Pack up camp, Supervised journeying and thought about possible investigation in relation

to an assessed expedition’s purpose. Possible wild camp training.

DAY 4

Pack up camp, Independent check pointed journeying, working on timing and navigation. Arrive campsite and pitch tents.

DAY 5

Morning route planning exercise. Early afternoon debriefs and review with instructors. Coach to / depart from local station

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ASSESSMENT/QUALIFYING EXPEDITION PROGRAMME DAY

1 Early afternoon meet, to review routes and expedition purpose.

Camp overnight and discuss scenarios and emergency plans for expedition.

DAY 2

Meet assessor and discuss expedition. Assessment day 1 - Independent remotely supervised journeying and exploration in relation to expedition purpose. Camp

DAY 3

Assessment day 2 - Independent remotely supervised journeying and exploration in relation to expedition purpose. Camp

DAY 4

Assessment day 3 - Independent remotely supervised journeying and exploration in relation to expedition purpose. Camp

DAY 5

Assessment day 4 - Independent journeying. Pm Debrief and purpose presentation with assessor Late afternoon pickup / depart from local station

COST The total cost of both expeditions is £559. Please see the booking information later in this pack for detail regarding the payment / instalments.

WHAT IS INCLUDED There are no hidden charges in our expeditions. The cost includes:

✓ Qualified instructors / trainers ✓ Registered assessors ✓ DofE assessment fees ✓ All campsite fees (and indoor accommodation if offered) ✓ Maps and compasses ✓ Camping equipment (tent, stoves, rucksacks if needed) ✓ Gas ✓ Office telephone and email support through your expedition section. ✓ Vat (European Tour Operators) ✓ 1 Coach journey at the end of the practice expedition.

The cost excludes:

▪ All food on both expeditions ▪ Travel from your home to the start point and return from the finish point, including trail travel and

local taxi.

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TRAINING AND PRACTICE EXPEDITION DETAIL

Location: Brecon Beacons National Park Meeting point: Merthyr Tydfil Train station @ 12:00 You will be met by an instructor who will help you get a taxi to the meeting point. This taxi is at your own cost please expect to pay £5pp when a taxi is shared. Finish point: Merthyr Tydfil Train station Finish / earliest train time: 15:00 A coach will drop take you to the station and this is included in the expedition cost. This service is provided by a third party provider but included in the cost of the expeditions. TRAVEL TO AND FROM THE PRACTICE EXPEDITION Travel to and from the event is to be arranged at your own cost. Train booking notes:

- Please book trains to Merthyr Tydfil station. - We strongly recommend that you contact group bookings to get the best train price.

PRACTICE EXPEDITION ACCOMMODATION The Expedition base: Dolygaer Scout Centre, Dol-y-gaer, Pontsticill, CF48 2UR Campsite on 1st night Dolygaer – One nights indoor accommodation. Campsite on 2nd night Dolygaer – Camping Campsite on 3rd night Cwmdu Campsite, Cwmdu, Crickhowell, Powys NP81RU – Camping Campsite on 4th night Newcourt farm, Felindre, Three Cocks, Brecon, Powys, LD3 0SS – Camping PRACTICE EXPEDITION FOOD

It is a requirement of this section of the DofE award that you can plan and provide food suitable for an expedition, for this reason we do not include food in the package. You should plan a menu as a group, and bring a range of food from home with you. There are resources on our website to guide you in what to bring, and we will go through this in detail at your pre expedition meeting when we will discuss suitable food and help you plan a menu. On the second evening you will have an opportunity to visit a local supermarket before the practice expedition starts, so you will need to bring money in case you need to visit a shop. We suggest you bring the following items from home: 2 portions of noodles (with a flavoured sauce), rice (uncooked 100g), pasta (uncooked 300g), stir in sauce, cereal bars, chocolate, tea & coffee, milk sachets, biscuits, flavoured crackers, 2 apples / carrots, Dried mixed fruit, 1 small Onion, Pack of Brioche, Pack of Tortilla wraps, small jar/tube of long life pate / paste, Tuna

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meals in foil tray, Super-concentrated squashes, Small tin of tuna, salmon or sardines, Rice pouch (flavoured), Boiled sweets / high sugar sweets, Instant flavoured porridge (just add water porridge) Whilst planning your food please consider:

- The weight of the food. - The size (and weight) of the packaging - The ease of cooking on a single gas burner. - Instant energy ‘snack’ foods for daytime

top ups. - How likely items are to get squashed whilst

packed.

- The product shelf life as you will not have a refrigerator.

- Portion size. - Balance of protein and carbohydrates

(breakfast and evening meals)

QUALIFYING / ASSESSMENT EXPEDITION DETAIL Location: Brecon Beacons National Park Train station: Merthyr Tydfil Train station @ 14:00 You will be met by an instructor who will help you get a taxi to the expedition meeting point. This taxi is at your own cost please expect to pay £5pp when a taxi is shared. Finish point: Merthyr Tydfil Train station Finish time: 16:30 You will not need a taxi as you will walk into the train station as your expedition finish point. TRAVELLING TO AND FROM THE ASSESSED EXPEDITION Travel to and from the event is to be arranged at your own cost. Train booking notes:

- Please book trains to Merthyr Tydfil station. - We strongly recommend that you contact group bookings to get the best train price. - We recommend getting a flexible return ticket just in case you finish earlier than expected.

ASSESSED EXPEDITION FOOD

It is a requirement of the expedition section that you plan and provide food suitable for the expedition. Please note that there is a Tesco superstore at the train station should you forget any items, or want to buy fresh food on arrival. You must bring food for the entire trip including food for the night before the expedition. You will have access to a kitchen (with ovens) the night before the expedition starts, and so you might want to plan a more complicated menu for the first night.

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DofE EQUIPMENT LIST We recommend that you develop your own equipment list and we will train participants to select the correct equipment on the training and practice expedition. Training will be based on the following equipment list which should be used as a guide when packing for the practice expedition. Items marked with a star* will be supplied by School Camp Ltd, at no extra cost. Items marked ^ require you to book / request this item. There will be no extra charge for this.

Individual Equipment 60/65 litre expedition rucksack ^ Waterproof coat (waterproof & windproof)

Group Equipment Provided without need to book Tent(s) *

Waterproof over-trousers Camping stove(s) / Trangia *

Walking boots Gas *

3 pairs walking boot socks Cooking pans *

2-3 t-shirts Compass(es) *

Thermal t-shirt (optional) Maps (1:25 000) *

2 fleece tops or similar Emergency Card *

2 walking trousers / leggings (warm, NOT jeans) Whistle *

Underwear (socks / Sports bra) High Vis vest *

Nightwear

1 pair of trainers (optional) Group Equipment

Warm hat & or sunhat (both required) Scourers + washing up liquid

1 pair gloves (if appropriate) Camera (optional)

1 pair shorts (if appropriate) Toilet paper

Sun cream (if appropriate) Tea towel

1 pair gaiters (optional) Food

Rucksack liner (or 2 x large plastic bags) Plastic bags (for rubbish etc.)

Sealable plastic tub / Lunch Box Notebook & pen/pencil

Bowl & Mug Watch

Knife, fork, spoon First Aid Kit

Water bottle (2 Litres) Matches (in waterproof container)

Sleeping bag (in Waterproof bag) 2 mobiles phones

Sleeping mat ^

Sleeping bag liner (optional)

Insect Repellent (optional)

Torch + batteries

Personal first aid kit

Snacks / Emergency food rations

Wash kit

Towel

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RESPONSIBILITIES / OUR DUTY OF CARE

School Camp Ltd Will Be Responsible For o The cost of campsites. o Providing camping and cooking equipment. o The health and safety of the group through-out the scheduled activities and for those under 18

during the whole event. o Ensuring the expedition fulfils the DofE requirements. o Ensuring a first aider is always on hand for first aid support. o Ensuring that our staff are DBS checked in line with our company policy. o In the event of an emergency our instructors will act in the best interests of the individuals involved

and adopting a loco parentis role. o Booking and paying for one coach shuttle at the end of the practice expedition.

You Are Responsible For

o The cost of any additional services arranged at the event or with the accommodation providers. E.g. washing, or any tab created during your stay.

o For the arrangement and payment of your transport to and from the event, including trains and local taxis.

o Supplying medical / dietary information at least 2 weeks before your event. o For your own transportation home if you opt out of the expeditions or are removed from the activity

for breach of the conduct contract. o Providing your food for the duration of the expedition.

SUPERVISION OF UNDER 18S We are aware that this is an area of concern for parents. The company will adopt the loco parentis role throughout the residential. Having worked as a teacher for many years the Director oversees the training of every staff member to ensure they are suitably qualified and experienced in working in this role. In addition, each staff member will be DBS checked in line with our company policies. As this is a DofE event you should expect that you will spend a time being remotely supervised. This means that we will be on hand monitoring progress and anticipating hazards on the route. We will stay with you during the training phases and will begin to distance ourselves once you have demonstrated the required independence. During remote supervision will meet with you several times a day but remain relatively close at hand should you require us. Once in campsites groups may be left unsupervised whilst our staff move trailer and vehicles downstream. In the event of a concern or problem then you / the parent will be our first port of call, should we be unable to contact you then be will act in the best interests of the participant. Should a parent wish to contact the instructor of their child then you may do so through our 24h out of office number, provided nearer the time. UNSUPERVISED TIMES

There will be occasions when clients will be unsupervised in and around the accommodation, and whilst equipment or vehicles are being moved between locations. There will be periods of free time where clients will be free to move around within the boundary’s set by the instructors. This will include areas of the villages, shops and parks which surround the building. We will operate a check in and check out procedure and will encourage participants to stay in groups. Clients will not be left unsupervised in dangerous environments. Please note that we will not see individuals onto their train and once dropped at the train station clients will be out of our duty of care.

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PARTICIPANTS CONDUCT CONTRACT To ensure the smooth and safe running of our events we request that you agree to the following conduct contract.

o Not to bring, purchase or consume any alcohol or drugs during the event. o To smoke only in designated areas and not to smoke whilst on activity sessions. o To treat each other, staff and the equipment with respect. o To accept and tolerate differences in other participants. o To be supportive of each other and of School Camp staff. o To participate in all activities fully and to the best of your abilities. o To use appropriate language at all times. o To enjoy the experience and have fun!

INSURANCE & REGULATIONS EFFECTING THIS PROGRAMME

INSURANCE POLICY

It is always reassuring to know that we have a comprehensive and outdoor activity specific insurance policy issued by Activities Industry Mutual. This provides public liability and product insurance of up to £10,000,000, which is above the industry standard. You can download our Insurance certificate from the teacher downloads section of our website. PERSONAL INSURANCE Insurance against personal loss resulting from the of loss of possessions, or financial loss resulting from your cancellation due to ill health, delayed transport arranged by you, extreme weather is not included or provided by the company. We recommend that all customers take out an adequate insurance policy that will cover the full cost of their booking in the case of cancellation and that covered the value of the possessions to be brought on the trip. We work with Endsleigh who provide a specialist insurance policy, covering our adventure activities, your cancellation and belongings, please contact us for more information. ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES LICENCE - AALA

School Camp Ltd holds Adventurous Activity licence (AALA) issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Our licenced activities include; Kayaking, Open Canoeing, Improvised rafting, Rock climbing, Abseiling, Gorge Scrambling, Coast steering, Orienteering, Hill Walking & Mountaineering, and Off-Road Cycling. You can download a copy of our AALA licence from the teacher downloads section of our website or you can check our licence on the HSE website via this link www.aals.org.uk/aals/provider_detail.php?ref_no=R1911 DofE APPROVED ACTIVITY PROVIDER School Camp Ltd is an approved activity provider (AAP) for both the expedition section and the residential section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s award. We are able to provide expeditions by food, bike and canoe and well as gold residential courses. The DofE award independently verified our processes and programmes to ensure that your participation in our expeditions and Residentials will fully cover the requirements of the award. More information about our AAP accreditation can be found at http://www.dofe.info/en/content/cms/leaders/approved-providers/school-camp-limited-/

PACKAGE TRAVEL REGULATIONS This event is considered a package as described by the package travel regulations.

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RISK ASSESSMENTS and MANAGING RISK

Every activity we provide is fully risk assessed to the best of our ability. We risk assess each location and activity and provide the necessary equipment and run the activity in a way that minimises the risk to the individual. In addition, dynamic risk assessments are completed continually throughout our events by our qualified staff. There is always a small risk when spending time and participating in activities outdoors. Students have been known to get blisters and small cuts and grazes and these are swiftly dealt with by our instructors. Parents should be made aware of the nature of the activities to be undertaken so that they understand the risk. You can download our risk assessment from our website.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Will there be a safe place to leave valuables?

o No. We do not suggest that you take valuables with you whilst on expedition. Our instructors

cannot take responsibility for them at any stage.

• Do I need a mobile phone?

o Yes. We need two persons per expedition group to keep a mobile phone on them during the

expedition. You may find having your phone helps to arrange your pick up / journey home after

the expedition.

• Can I use my mobile phone?

o As you are to be self-sufficient you will not be able to use your phone whilst on the expeditions,

as per DofE guidance.

• What is the instructor to participant ratios?

o There will be one full time instructor attached to each group during the practice and training

phases.

• What if I am ill?

o If you are unable to complete the expedition, then we will be able to help to arrange your

transport home (at your own cost) or will liaise with home to arrange your pickup.

• If I am over 18 will I be able to drink alcohol?

o No. School Camp Ltd and have a no alcohol policy on all outdoor activity events.

• Can I smoke?

o School Camp Ltd discourages smoking and encourages a healthy lifestyle. However, we

understand that some people have already made life choices and will provide opportunities and

safe areas to smoke on request.

• Cancelling my place after I have paid my deposit?

o We are realistic about changes of plans and will offer you alternative dates / locations where

possible. Please see the terms set out in the booking conditions.

• How do I get to the start point?

o Each expedition will have a start point and you should make your own arrangements to get to

this meeting point.

• How do people contact me in an emergency?

o The best way to make contact if you have not signal is via the School Camp office or on 01639

500539. This phone line is monitored 24 hours but is only for emergency use outside of normal

office hours.

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MAKING YOUR BOOKING

Please note that you will need to complete a booking form to reserve your place. The booking form is completed online and can be accessed from the ‘do it online’ section of our website – Schoolcamp.co.uk Please select Putney High Gold DofE (PUT20-G) as your course. PAYMENTS You will pay for your expedition in 3 instalments and can set up Monthly Direct Debit payments should you wish.

MAKING YOUR DEPOSIT PAYMENT Once we have received your booking form you will receive information about making the deposit payment.

You will be able to this with a single Direct Debit payment or by Bank transfer (using your internet banking)

MEDICAL INFORMATION & CONSENT FORMS

You need to ensure that we have a completed medical / consent form which will be submitted electronically nearer the time. We should receive this, 2 weeks before your expedition. If you have previously completed a medical form, please consider if anything has changed since the last expedition and inform us in writing of any changes. You should also inform your instructor on your arrival at the start point.

INDIVIDUAL BOOKINGS TERMS AND CONDITIONS – DIRECT DofE

It is vital you read, understand and accept the following conditions prior to signing the attached booking form as on

receipt of a signed and dated booking form, or your deposit payment, full terms and conditions will apply.

PAYMENT 1. For Individual bookings a £75 non-refundable deposit is payable on receipt of the booking form. 2. Full payment is due 1 month prior to each event, or as detailed in this pack or your direct debit schedule. 3. School Camp Ltd. will invoice individuals for any costs that accrue during the event. Such costs include but are

not solely limited to; the loss or malicious damage to our property or other equipment; services or items ordered by you or your young people from a third party (campsite, food outlet etc) and invoiced incorrectly to us. Such invoices are payable on receipt of the invoice.

AMENDMENT OR CANCELLATION

4. Amendment by customer. - If an individual wishes to amend any of the booking details (including the event on which they have booked) after payment of the deposit, then we will endeavour to make the change but cannot guarantee this. The following amendment terms apply.

a. School Camp Ltd can only accept written requests (mail or email) for amendments. b. Amendments are only confirmed once you have received written confirmation from the company.

Programme cost - £559 (both expeditions)

1st Payment Deposit due at time of booking = £75 2nd Payment Due 4 weeks before the Practice and training expedition = £289 3rd Payment Due 4 weeks before the assessment expedition = £195

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c. If there are any cost implications of the amendment, seasonal or otherwise, then you will be informed of this in writing and a written confirmation that you accept these costs will be required.

d. In the event of transferring the booking to another course or date then the value of the new booking must be of the same value to the cancelled booking, or an additional fee will be charged.

e. School Camp Ltd. Reserves the right to charge a £50 administration fee to cover the cost of making any amendments and the issuing of new paperwork.

5. Cancellation by customer. a. If you wish to cancel a booking, then School Camp Ltd must receive notification in writing (mail or e-

mail). b. Any cancellation takes effect from the date we receive notification and will be confirmed by us by

email. c. The following cancellation fees will apply.

i. After payment of the £75 deposit and before full payment date (20 working days before the event date) - The deposit will be lost or can be transferred to another booking.

ii. 19 - 11 working days prior to delivery - 50% of the full event cost will be payable or this figure can be transferred to another date or booking (subject to availability).

iii. 10 working days or less -100% of the full event cost will be payable d. In the event of the booking covering multiple date sets then a pro rata refund will be applied. This will

be based on the cost (less the deposit) divided by the number of days in the booking. e. Your place is fully transferable to another person and you may resell or gift your place to another

similar person who meets the requirements of the course. Please contact us to arrange this. 6. Amendment or cancellation by School Camp Ltd.

a. In the event that we are unable to provide expeditions that meet the requirements of the DofE Award (other than force majeure) then you will be contacted and will have the option to withdraw from the event and receive a full refund.

b. In the event that we have to cancel the programme (other than force majeure), and are unable to agree a mutually convenient date on which to reschedule the event then then a refund proportional to remaining undelivered days of the programme will be issued.

NON-ATTENDANCE OR NON-COMPLETION OF THE ACTIVITY

7. In the case of non-attendance, in the case non participation in activities, or going home before the end of the event then no refund will be made.

8. Any participant excluded from an activity or who is sent home by the company for behavioural, medical, social or emotional reasons will not be eligible for a refund.

FORCE MAJEURE

1. School Camp Ltd. will not be liable to pay any compensation, nor refund any monies paid, for the cancelation or forced programme change due to circumstances beyond the companies’ control. This includes any issue that we or our suppliers would not have been able to reasonably foreseen. Such circumstances include but are not limited to war or threat of war, terrorist activity, riots or civil strife, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disasters, fire, water levels or weather.

2. In such circumstances, and subject to availability, School Camp Ltd will make every effort to offer an alternative event on the booked dates.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

3. Individuals must supply School Camp Ltd with a completed medical / permission forms. In the event of the individual being under 18 then this form must be signed by a parent or guardian.

4. School Camp Ltd. must receive a copy of the medical and dietary information no less than 10 days before the event. After this form is submitted School Camp Ltd must be informed of any changes to the supplied information in writing. This is particular relevant in the case of multi date bookings.

5. School Camp Ltd accepts no responsibility for any development or further aggravation of any existing condition suffered during or after a programme, disclosed or undisclosed.

6. School Camp Ltd accepts no responsibility for any injury caused whilst participating in the activities provided in any other manner other than directed by the instructor.

7. School Camp Ltd accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage to personal belongings whilst on our courses and events.