On the first weekend of 17th and 18th September I assisted with a Bronze D of E Practice Expedition with cadets from 140 (Matlock) Squadron. The cadets walked from Matlock to Birchover, camping at Barn Farm, then from Birchover to Bakewell.
On the first day I followed their route whilst not being involved with the group. Myself and other members of staff camped overnight at Barn Farm away from the cadets. Then on Day 2 I helped with the checkpointing which also involved walking one of the legs between checkpoints. (Above: Cadets waiting to start their walk)
This was the first time that the cadets had done a walk of this nature, over such a distance, carrying
all of their equipment. By the end of Day 2 there were some aching feet and shoulders but the cadets had coped really well and seemed to be in high spirits for most of the route. They proved to be competent in the use of a map and compass and all shared the role of navigator. Whilst speaking to them over the two days they were able to highlight a number of issues that had arose regarding the route card, the route that had been planned and the equipment that they had brought with them. As a result they will be able to make improvements when it comes to the actual expedition in October. (Above: Meeting Staff at a checkpoint, Day 1)
Camping at Barn Farm, Birchover
Cadets checking the next leg of their route, Day 2
No comments:
Post a Comment