Filed under: silver

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.
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Silver expedition June 26-28

The biggest Silver hike EVER! Over 100 students and staff were involved in this 3 day expedition across the Surrey Hills.  Groups coped well in the hot & humid conditions; the best prepared brought a sun hat, sun cream and plenty of water.  Navigation was OK: mistakes are expected and groups generally recovered their routes quickly.  The Surrey Hills area is tricky to navigate so it's quite a test and you all did well!

Note: some hikers suffered unbelievably bad blisters which can be down to bad luck but please everyone do your best to check your boots fit properly, wear good quality walking socks (thin inner, thick outer) and try to keep your feet dry & cool and boots free from grit: not always easy!  "Treat your feet" and stop as soon as any hot spots appear. 

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May half term expeditions

Silver training: destination South Downs: 4 groups trekked from Bramber Castle to Arundel Station via Washington and Amberley.  Surprisingly cool & cloudy & windy weather but no rain.  All groups performed really well on the big second day which involved some significant climbs and 10 hours of hiking for some of them.  Several individuals showed confident navigation skills and all groups aspired to near-perfect LEAVE NO TRACE camping.

2 Bronze canoe groups completed a 2 day overnight canoe adventure on the Basingstoke Canal for their training expedition.  Excellent reports were received.  Well done to our pioneering canoeists!  Pictures emailed to me for this blog would be welcome.

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South Downs Silver qualifying

57 pupils in 10 groups trekked 50km in 3 days from Lewes Station to Amberley Station. Groups did a superb job in great weather: no navigation problems, camp sites kept tidy and individuals in happy spirits (mostly!), despite some really sore feet.  All the staff enjoyed helping you complete it.  Well done!

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Silver hike June 27-29 2010 finished!

In hot sunny weather 66 4th year pupils in 11 groups completed their Silver training expeditions.  Well done ... everyone successfully completed the 3 day 50 km challenge.  I was impressed with groups who battled on and kept a positive attitude despite feeling really uncomfortable and tired out with the heat.  Blisters, heat rash and sore shoulders were common problems on this expedition.
 
This hike took place in the Surrey Hills and on the North Downs between Reigate and Guildford. 

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Sign Language Course 2010

The RGS Sign Language Course starts in September!

It can count for Silver skill OR volunteering (service). 
It is run by a professional sign language tutor and takes place on Tuesdays after school 4-5pm and lasts about 12 weeks.
 
It is open to DofE 5th formers wanting to do a useful voluntary service or skill.  For those doing it as a service you will need to extend your activity by raising deaf awareness in school or finding a placement in the community (tricky in the past).  For those doing this as a skill you will find the course is sufficient to cover the silver requirement of 3 months of regular activity.
 
Sign up now in the DofE Office: any lunchtime!

Police Course 2010

NEWS: Current 4th year Bronze pupils continuing with Silver in the 5th form can enrol on the RGS Police Course which starts in September 2010.  The Police Course counts as a SKILL and is an official course run by the Police.  It runs for about 10 weeks on Tuesdays 4 - 5pm at school, usually Room 1.

It's a popular course so sign up soon - get your name down at the dofe office. 

Enrol in the summer term.

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