Filed under: notices

It's not summer any more!?

The recent heatwave is fading: expect a return to normal unsettled autumnal weather.
What ever expedition you are doing this October you need to be prepared for everything:

Basics:
  • Don't forget the Big 5! 
  • Remember route cards & maps ALL in waterproof map cases.
  • Check your tents: check them by putting them up BEFORE the hike
  • Food: organise who is taking what food
  • Clothing: waterproof jacket and trousers: is yours good enough? Bring enough warm clothes and one spare set of dry.
  • Boots: adequate footwear is essential. Avoid blisters at all costs.
  • Reflective gear: in case you get caught out in the dark!
  • Consult the kit list and chapter on equipment in the RGS expedition manual (also available on this site: Expedition Training page)
Check the training pages and videos on this blog for more advice.

You need to hope for the best weather (i.e. sunny, calm beautiful autumn sunshine, with cool evenings) but be absolutely prepared for the WORST (i.e. howling gales, lashing rain, cold during the day and stormy at night ... i.e. really nasty!)  

For Gold groups: it is common for conditions to deteriorate up high this time of year, so do prepare warm clothing for cold / wet conditions in the mountains.

It's often like this ... a  typical wet autumn morning taking tents down ... don't be surprised by weather like this at this time of year... get prepared.
(download)

Important notice!

 If you are planning to do RGS dofe expeditions at any level in 2011-2012, or enrol in dofe next academic year, please refer to the new dates on the DATES! page. 
Several important changes have been made to the structure of dofe expeditions: some have been moved.  This new structure will remain fixed so you know when trips go further in advance and can hopefully keep them free more easily.
This is part of an overhaul of the RGS dofe scheme which will be published in letters before the end of the summer term.

Lost your record book?

You can find pdf files for replacement Bronze, Silver and Gold record books on the /work/dofe/replacementKeepingTrackbooks folder on the student drive of the school network.
Print out what you need and then cut and stick the pages together to make your new record book!

The new Keeping Track Books are flimsy and easily lost ... please cover them to make them more durable and do your best to keep them safe, as we will in the Office.  We never need the box or other contents submitted.

Collect record books from the dofe Office as soon as you can after any expeditions.
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RGS DofE news