Planning Ahead

Today saw some of the Gold students take control over the running of some new Bronze students. Having already experienced something similar last year assisting the training of again Bronze students. This year the Gold students will look forward to helping out in the class room as well as out and about in the field.

Everyone is looking forward to a fantastic year ahead, maximising everyones potential and having a great time, spending plenty of it walking!

Farewell to Mrs Colwill, for the time being by Chloe Donaghy

From the start of our DofE journey back in 2010, Mr Smith and Mrs Colwill have been there to guide, inform and persuade us (in some cases) to get through Bronze, Sliver and now attempting Gold. Everyone upset to hear the sad news that one of our leaders was leaving the school.

Once the final Bronze groups had been settled, the journey began.

We would all like to wish Mrs Colwill the best at her new role at Maltmans Green and look forward to seeing her at the next expedition.

'as Miss would call other people, she is an absolute ledge, and a brilliant work wife'
-Richard Smith 2012

'Theres no way your getting a quote from me'
-Liam Williams 2012

'Thanks'
-Scott Brooks

Ideas for your Christmas list...

To start it off, good waterproofs are essential. With the weather always unpredictable on any exped waterproofs have to be high an your list. From experience I can say nothings worse than standing around soaking wet and freezing cold. These can really put a down on what otherwise is a fun, enjoyable weekend.

Top of the range clothing can set you back hundreds of pounds and unless your serious about your gear isn't appropriate for everyone. A few things to look out for is preferably get a breathable jacket. A breathable jackets going to repel water but also let moisture out. If you're willing to pay North Face and Berghaus are just a few brands that will be sure to keep you dry. Always remember you can get a 10% discount in a lot of shops when you tell them the product is for Dofe. If you feel you don't want to commit to buying a jacket/trousers you can also rent it out for little cost in many places and simply return after.

Let this be a warning to make sure you dress appropriately, don't ruin your weekend on something preventable. 

If you do buy a jacket its worthwhile purchasing some nikwax spray. This will help keep the waterproofing fabric in tact and lengthen the life of your jacket.

The next "must have"thing to get is a first aid pack. Whenever I go out my first aid pack is at the top of my bag and is something that my team will know. All members of the team should be carrying a first aid pack and in the unlikely chance of a serious injury happening everyone should kno where theres and each others are. You aren't going to have to spend much more than £10 on an adequate pack but I can honestly say there hasn't been an expedition where I haven't ended up using for little niggles, cuts and blisters.                             

Below- Lifesystems trek £12.45

The final piece of kit I'll recommend is an unusual one but something often looked down upon: socks!

Socks really do make a difference and will affect how you perform on your expeditions some people will wear thick sports socks such as football socks and although these are ok, walking socks are essential. Specifically designed socks should help relive some of the pressure added after walking for hours and hopefully prevent dreaded blisters!

Now although walking socks are good their are other precautions needed to properly protect your feet. Wearing a thin socks underneath your thick walking socks is going to relive a lot of the friction that would of previously been your skin. Having enough socks is something key that I learnt the hard way on my silver exped. Underestimating the weather and amount of socks needed I ended up walking in wet socks for the final day. Not a pleasant experience.

To conclude protecting your feet is the right type of boot. Their are many kinds going from thick, leather, military boots, giving you great durability and weatherproofing however comprising in weight. Alternately light weight boots not made from leather but these wont be as durable or weatherproof. Personally I'd go for leather boots that'll last you for years, but it really is down to preference so try a few on and remember to wear them in! 

What's next?

The long summer days have past and now the cold, dark winter days are well and truly upon us. The turn of a new school year though not only brings up an added workload and teachers moaning it gives a new adventure, challenge, a new DofE. With students from Chalfont now participating at bronze, silver and gold level its the largest its ever been with 100+ students enrolled.

After a successful trip to the New Forest during the summer of 2012 questions now turn to where the next trip may be held. Possibilities such as the extremes of Nepal where the highest peaks in the world can be found, to the sun baked grounds of Morocco in Northern Africa have all been raised as possibilities.


Possible location: "Annapurna Mountains, Nepal"

Morocco, where camel is the popular mode of transport


The above images show just two possibilities of areas we could go but there are many more Norway, the Pyrenees or keeping it local and going across the border and join the British Special Forces at the Brecon Beacons in Wales just to name a few.

If you have any suggestions drop a comment below or bring it up in the weekly meetings!