D of E weekend at Rough Close April 2010

[Bossman]

During the weekend Friday the 23rd April 2010 through to Sunday the 25th April 2010 13 Cadets accompanied by 4 Staff from 2028 (Southam) Squadron took part in a Bronze D of E Expedition weekend at Rough Close near Coventry. One group were left alone to complete their qualifying expedition, while the other group were trained and supervised in order to complete their practice venture.

The weekend was organised by the Squadron D of E Officer, CI Rogers and was a Bronze Qualification weekend for 5 Cadets and a practice Bronze for 6 of the Cadets. The two remaining Cadets assisted the Cadets doing their ‘practice’ navigation but also took the opportunity to improve their own skills ready for their Gold practice later in the year. The weather on the Saturday remained dry throughout with sunny skies and temperatures which got higher as the day progressed. For most of the Cadets taking part in the Bronze expedition for the first time it was quite an experience but with two qualified Silver D of E Cadets with them and a member of staff following at a respectable distance behind, they had help when they needed it to improve their navigational skills.

The Bronze qualifying group set off on Saturday morning from Rough Close and completed a circular route in the area north of the camp. Although the practice group followed the same route it was completed in the opposite direction and allowed the assessor and supervising staff to briefly meet with the Qualifying Group along their route. All the cadets were in high spirits which was helped by the glorious weather on the Saturday. The breeze was cool and the sun was hot; making for almost perfect weather (although the cadets commented a slightly cooler day would have been better for walking with expedition packs).

The Qualifying Group made good progress through the day and could have easily completed their journey in less than the time required-but time was taken to complete their expedition aim. During their evening meal they were asked to comment on their findings about the paths and rights of way. During this time the practice group (who had arrived about an hour later) was assisted in preparing camp. They were taught everything from putting up a tent to how to cook a meal safely.

After a surprising rain shower in the early hours of the Sunday the cadets awoke to a dry and promising morning. After all having a hot drink and breakfast the Qualifying Group set off on their final day. The practice group was not far behind but more guidance was provided in the morning in order to leave the camp as it was found. The Bronze Practice group made good progress through the day and travelled much quicker than the day before; maybe a sign of significant improvement. The days weather was again remarkably bright and sunny again-everyone appreciated the weather over the weekend! The Qualifying Bronze Group was met by their assessor along the route and was happy to discuss progress-knowing that the finish was not far away.

Both groups finished their journeys shortly after lunch at Kenilworth Castle, and were happy to discuss their ventures at the end of a successful weekend.

CI Rogers who was assisted throughout the weekend by WO Storer-Rogers and CI Halford said, after they all finished “these cadets are carrying on from where we left off last year, they are keen to learn and develop, with all three D of E levels on the horizon for 2010, and it should be an even better year for our results.”

Flight Lieutenant Moreton, CO of 2028 Squadron who spent the Saturday with the Cadets commented, “There is little doubt in my mind that after last year my Cadets really want to achieve success at D of E. They and the Staff know how committed I am to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. There is also no doubt at all that the navigation training weekend we held at Capel Curig earlier in the year has helped them greatly.”








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I wonder sometimes what being the Boss actually means!