The Boys Brigade Northern Ireland

Transcription

1 The Boys Brigade Northern Ireland Expedition Handbook For Leaders Instructions for how to plan an expedition BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

2 Contents Page Aim of This Booklet 3 The D of E website, Leaders Section 4 Overview of each section of the Award 5 Expedition Section 6-7 Planning a Route 8-11 Route Cards Assessors Green Notification Forms Copy of Route 26 Risk Assessments 27 Appendices Consent form, Aims, Problems during expeditions 20 Conditions, Contacts etc Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24 BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

3 Dear Expedition Leader The aim of this booklet is to provide all BB expedition leaders clear guidance about how to plan an expedition, to detail what paperwork is required for an expedition and when, and to who to submit this paperwork. In light of the changes that have been made to D of E expeditions recently we feel it is important that all BB leaders are made aware of the requirements of an expedition and the procedures in place within BB regarding Duke of Edinburgh s expeditions. Please read through this booklet and keep it handy to be used for guidance when planning your expeditions. If you have any queries about any of the contents in this booklet please contact us. We will update this booklet as and when necessary, so please keep an eye on the BB website for changes or newer versions. We will also notify companies if we do make any changes. We wish you every success and enjoyment for all your future expeditions. Kenneth McLaughlin Training & Development Support Officer BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

4 The D of E Website Click on Leaders to access information about what needs covered in training and forms etc to download Link to resources and downloads This is where you can download green forms and route card templates BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

5 Each Section of the Award BRONZE Volunteering Physical Skills Expedition 3 months 3 months 3 months Plan, train for and completed a 2 day, 1 night expedition All participants must undertake a further 3 months in the Volunteering, Physical or Skills section. SILVER Volunteering Physical Skills Expedition 6 months One section for 6 months and the other section for 3 months Plan, train for and completed a 3 day, 2 night expedition Direct entrants must undertake a further 6 months in the Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skills sections. GOLD Volunteering Physical Skills Expedition Residential 12 months One section for 12 months and the other section for 6 months Plan, train for and completed a 4 day, 3 night expedition Undertake a shared activity in a residential setting away from home for 5 days and 4 nights Direct entrants must undertake a further 6 months in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skills sections. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced. 1 Chronicles 16:11-12 BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

6 The Expedition Section The Training Syllabus should cover The detailed Common Training Syllabus is set out in the Programmes File and on the Award's website ( The Expedition Guide, Exploration Resource Pack CD Rom and Over To You Expeditions contains practical advice and further details. The DofE Leader within your BB Company must be satisfied that all of the above sections of training have been completed before the qualifying expedition. The DofE Leader must sign the appropriate section in the Keeping Track Booklet / book to confirm that the boy is suitably trained and ready for qualifying venture. BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

7 Summary of what needs done for expedition at each level of the award Practice Expeditions Before the boys can go out on the qualifying expedition they must have completed sufficient training. The number of practice walks will be dependent on the individual group, but as the leader you must be confident that they are ready for their qualifying expedition. As a minimum they must complete one practice expedition, of comparable duration to the qualifying expedition, i.e. silver practice should be 7 hours each day. Practice expeditions should be: in similar terrain to the qualifying expedition. of comparable duration to the qualifying expedition and meet the minimum time requirement for expeditions of that level Qualifying Expeditions bronze expeditions involve 2 days with a minimum of 6 hours activity each day silver expeditions involve 3 days with a minimum of 7 hours activity each day gold expeditions involve 4 days with a minimum of 8 hours activity each day camp craft is not to be included in this activity time Every qualifying expedition (Bronze, Silver and Gold) needs to be assessed by an accredited assessor. A list of these assessors are available on the BBNI website at All qualifying expeditions must meet the 20 conditions of the DofE expeditions. A copy of these 20 conditions is available on the DofE website and also at the back of this booklet. ****************** PLEASE NOTE ********************* An Expedition Notification MUST be completed for EVERY expedition undertaken. This can be completed online at this will be forwarded to NIHQ at Rathmore House in Larne. BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

8 Guidance for Routes Planning a Route Bronze expeditions should be in open country, but not wild country. E.g. in Mournes, do not take bronze groups over the Mourne Wall, stay lower down. Try to avoid walking on roads. Silver expeditions should not include roads, groups should be given the opportunity to venture into more remote areas than bronze and include a wild camp. Gold expeditions should not include roads; groups should be walking in wild country and camp in a remote or wild area. Please see page 32 for a letter issued by D of E office regarding some problems that have occurred in both the Mournes and Antrim Hills recently. Submission of Routes For Bronze: Green Notification Forms, Route cards and a copy of your route should be sent to the Wild Country Panels for both unaccompanied practice and qualifying ventures. A copy of Bronze routes should also be sent to your DofE Battalion Advisor. (Names of battalion advisor and details of wild country panels are available at the back of this booklet. A list of battalion advisors can also be found on the BB website, For Silver and Gold: Green Notification Forms, Route cards and a copy of your route should be sent to the Wild Country Panels for both unaccompanied practice and qualifying ventures. A copy of these routes should also be sent to Stuart McCormick the BB Expedition Co-ordinator. Relevant expeditions should notify the forestry service (see page 37) Stuart McCormick - smccormick93@hotmail.com Supervision of Groups As ever, safety remains our prime concern. We would therefore remind you that trainers and supervisors of all groups must hold an Outdoor Leadership Certificate. Supervision should be a minimum of one qualified leader per group, i.e. 7 young people. DofE leaders should ensure that the parents/carers have been informed of the unaccompanied and self-reliant nature of Award ventures and the mode of supervision. BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

9 Access Issues - Mournes Please check the DofE website for up to date information about access issues. Access in the Mournes Northern Ireland currently does not have legislation which permits freedom to roam. Access in the Mournes is by de facto and historically there have been very few problems or restrictions. The land is either publicly owned by Northern Ireland Water and Forestry Services, managed by Trustees or the National Trust or privately owned. DofE participants and leaders must respect all land owners and minimize their impact on the land. BB has adopted the Leave no Trace principles. The area of Crocknafeola Wood (grid reference ). There are access restrictions in the land surrounding this forest and so groups must not enter the section described below. The area bounded by the North Western and Southern part of the forest and the area created if you plot a line joining the following grid references together: , , , , , , , , , , If you require any further information on this please contact the DofE NI office on GIRLS BRIGADE GROUPS MUST NOT USE THIS AREA (OR ANYWHERE NEAR THE CROCNAFEOLA AREA) Sandy Brae: Parking is available at Attical Community Centre, well signposted at the lower end of Sandy Brae and always open. An optional donation of 2 may be left in the post-box at the Centre. It is run by local people, without grant aid, and money will be used to support its work. Meantime, please do not park on the edges of Sandy Brae Road and, on no account, drive beyond the end of the tarmac surfaced road. If desired, drop off passengers at end of tarmac and return to park at Centre - it is less than 1km. After crossing the footbridge, grid ref please walk around the back of the house indicated on the map. Avoid the farmland around Brown Hill, Sandy Brae at Sheepfold/foot Bridge. Grid Ref BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

10 No access around the track south of the Bloody Bridge. Grid Ref Trassey Track to Happy Valley: Please avoid using the apparent access points on the Trassey Road between the Trassey Track and Happy Valley. The only authorized access is via Meelmore lodge at When walking along the Mourne way in this section please stay to the upper side of the Mourne Wall. Sheep Pen on Trassey track ( ) These are working sheep pens and should not be used as a campsite or toilet. Land at the back of Tollymore forest has been completely fenced it off and no one should be walking through it. There is an access path in from the wall into the forest. The style on the wall would be about GR and there is a new path joining the one going into the forest. Gate on Moyad Road: Please use the gate at grid reference on the Moyad Road to gain access to and from Slievenaglogh/Slieve Muck as an alternative to climbing the wall on the side of the road. Parking at Rocky River: Vehicles are not permitted up the track into the area between Hen and Cock Mountains and Rocky Mountain. All transport must be parked at the car park opposite the track (grid reference ). Slieve Croob: Groups should avoid the Slieve Croob area ( ) as there are access problems particularly in the eastern side. BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

11 Access Issues Antrim Hills Please check the DofE website for up to date information about access issues. 1. Avoid area, known as Slaght, bounded by track (arrowed lines), Greenan Road and Owencam River particularly around standing stones as bull frequents this area. There is a problem now crossing the land on the south side of the Owencan River as well as the bull on the north side. The Wild Country Panel is trying to find a way round it at present. If you plan to take a group into this area please contact Ingrid for advice. 2. This is an old map but still used regularly! Red dashed line shows original route of Ulster Way. Do not follow route as shown from where it crosses road 1k north of Agnew s Hill continuing north towards a standing stone. This is farmland which is fenced off and should not be entered. Instead follow signs for Ulster Way and Antrim Hills Way, SE along the road to a stile clearly marked at a sharp bend about 1k further on (arrowed). The route from here (point X) going north is well signed and joins the original red dashed line again at the Sallagh Braes. 3. Grouse rearing takes place in the hills west of Agnew s Hill and the gamekeeper in charge wants walkers to use the waymarked Antrim Hills Way (solid black line) He has said that if walkers want an alternative they could use the dashed route. He is based at the Greenmount Hill Farm through which the route passes. We would ask groups to observe the principles of Leave No Trace' especially with regard to litter, disposing of human waste and safeguarding water supplies. DofE are encouraging both supervisors and assessors to ensure that groups not only carry a trowel but know how to use it properly! BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

12 Route Cards All routes should be written and submitted using the DofE route card template. This template is available to download on the DofE website (see page 4 for instructions). Older versions of route cards should no longer be used. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Psalm 37:5-6 BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

13 Filling in a Route Card Points to remember when completing a route card. All expeditions (practice and qualifying) must have an aim. This is an example of an aim for Bronze. Other examples can be found on pg 29 The names written here should match the names on the Green Form, include full names You must emphasise to your group the importance of sticking to the times on their route card. Name of the BB group It is important to make sure that BOTH a grid reference and good description is given. E.g. instead of path junction which is not very descriptive, better to say path junction at Castle Bog. This column must be filled in. Please make sure that the description of the onward route is as easy to follow and as descriptive as possible. (Better to give too much information than not enough). BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

14 Include all totals. You must ensure that the route meets the minimum time required for that level. Include at least one mobile and one landline number here that can be used to contact leaders in case of an emergency. If you have incorporated planned activity into your route, please ensure that it meets the requirements of the award and detail specific activities on page two of the route card. This is an example for a Silver expedition who s aim was Study of Forests. Important points about planned activities The time allocated for planned activities should be realistic, i.e. it would not take any longer than minutes to take some tree rubbings, so do not allow an hour!! Young people should be spending their studying and exploring time doing just that and it should be emphasised that this is not just time for rests. Young people will be expected to include all the details of their studying in their project at the end. It would be beneficial for the young people if they had a worksheet or questions etc. decided beforehand to use as a guide during this time. BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

15 Route Cards Below is an example of a completed route card. Please note Give the young people points on their route card that they can use regularly as marker to confirm location and progress. Do not expect them to walk more than 4-5km in one leg on a route card, but instead make the points regular. Ideally each route card should have a minimum of 5 points each day. The expedition co-ordinator is responsible for keeping a record of expeditions carried out by BBNI each year and to ensure they meet the minimum requirements of the D of E, i.e. with respect to number of hours etc. It is the supervisors responsibility to check the route for suitability and safety e.g. by walking the route beforehand. BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

16 Assessors Getting an Assessor Every qualifying expedition (Bronze, Silver and Gold) needs to be assessed by an accredited assessor. The assessor MUST not have been involved in the training of the group and should not be from the same company. BB headquarters have an up to date list of BBNI &GBNI assessors, indicating what level they are able to assess. (Any accredited assessor could also be used). Please contact an assessor and see if they are available on the dates of your expedition. A copy of the green form, route cards and route should be sent to the assessor no later than two weeks before the expedition. (If you are unable to find an assessor please contact the BB expedition co-ordinator or NIHQ at Rathmore House.) During expedition The supervisor is responsible for the well-being and safety of the group. The assessor is not responsible for the group. Please make sure the boys are aware that they only adults who should be approaching them throughout the expedition are their own leaders and their assessor. If the preassessment was carried out by a different assessor and the boys have not met the assessor, tell them the assessor s name and where they are from so they can check identity. All assessors have ID issued by DofE to confirm that they are an assessor. External Assessor Please be aware that if you are using an external assessor (i.e. not a GB or BB assessor) there is a set charge from D of E Bronze expedition 40, Silver expedition 60 and Gold expedition 80. This is the cost per group, (so if you have two groups out at the same time you pay that price for each group). Details of how to pay external assessors can be found on the D of E website. BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

17 Pre assessment check Companies should contact the assessor to arrange a pre-assessment meeting. This should be approximately one week before the start of the expedition. It doesn t have to be the same assessor who is doing the expedition, but they do need to be accredited. Here is a copy of a note that could be used to inform boys about the pre-assessment meeting. I lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

18 Planning an Expedition If you are planning a joint GB/BB expedition, please ensure that appropriate female/male leaders are present. Unaccompanied Practice Expedition(s) Select appropriate route of comparable duration to the qualifying expedition see page weeks before each expedition for each group send: Copy of green form Copy of route cards Photocopy of map with route marked on If the route enters a forest you must notify the Foresty by phone or see details for each forest at the back of this booklet.. You should aim to have a minimum of two weeks between practice and qualifying expeditions to allow blisters time to heal etc. Qualifying Expeditions Select appropriate route must be correct duration see page weeks before each expedition for each group send: Copy of green form Copy of route cards Photocopy of map with route marked on Once your route has been checked by the BB Expedition co-ordinator or Battalion Advisor: 2 weeks before each expedition for each group send assessor: Copy of green form Copy of route cards Photocopy of map with route marked on If the route enters a forest you must notify the Foresty by phone or see details for each forest at the back of this booklet.. Information for each of these stages can be found throughout this booklet. The aim of this page is to give you a quick summary of the process. BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

19 Green Forms The Green Form has recently been updated. The new version MUST be used. This can be downloaded from the DofE website (see page 4 for instructions). Important Points: Each group needs one green form for each venture. E.g. two groups = two green forms. You need two copies of each green form: For Bronze send the following to the Wild Country Panel and your BB Battalion Advisor: 4-6 weeks before each expedition for each group send: Copy of green form Copy of route cards Photocopy of map with route marked on For Silver and Gold send the following to the Wild Country Panel and Stuart McCormick, BB Expedition Co-ordinator: 4-6 weeks before each expedition for each group send: Copy of green form Copy of route cards Photocopy of map with route marked on For all Levels, once your route has been checked by the BB Expedition co-ordinator: 2 weeks before each expedition for each group send your assessor: Copy of green form Copy of route cards Photocopy of map with route marked on BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

20 What is a Green Form for? The following few pages include screenshots of the green form with the important sections highlighted and notes included for your information. This form needs to be completed for all ventures, Bronze, Silver and Gold. Both unaccompanied practices and qualifying expeditions. Who needs to be notified? You need two copies, one for the Wild Country Panel Co-ordinator and one for Stuart McCormick the BB Expedition Co-ordinator (or Battalion Advisor for Bronze). All expeditions must comply with the 20 conditions. See pages 30&31 of this booklet. BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

21 What do you send and When? This is only applicable if you are not using an accredited GB or BB assessor. One green form per team! If you are using an accredited GB or BB assessor. To simplify and save postage, include all at 4 weeks beforehand At least 4 weeks before each expedition for each group send: Copy of green form Copy of route cards Photocopy of map with route added BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

22 After Submission Bronze Level Battalion Advisor Silver & Gold Levels Expedition Co-ordinator Battalion Advisor (Bronze) or Expedition Co-ordinator (Silver & Gold) will confirm that route is suitable and meets all requirements. If route is not suitable you will be advised of changes which should be implemented. Route should be returned for checking and approval within one week. After the route has been approved by BB, send a copy of green form, route cards and copy of route to your assessor. This will allow them to familiarise themselves with your route. This should be sent to assessor no later than two weeks prior to the start of the expedition. For Silver and Gold, this will be issued by the Wild Country Panel BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

23 Supervision BB groups will not be covered by insurance unless there is at least one qualified leader who has completed GB/BB level 1 or 2. (for gold they must have level 2). It is the responsibility of each BB Company to ensure that there is adequate, supervision of all groups. Your expedition will not be valid and you will not be covered by insurance if you have not notified the correct people in good time. If this is not submitted on time, you cannot take your group out!!!! I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

24 Filling in a Green Form Tick this for practice expeditions and when you have organised an assessor. Only tick this if you have not been able to organise a BB or GB assessor. Boys Brigade Name of BB Company You DofE leader. Also include in here if you have GB/BB level 1 or 2 Wild Country Panel and a copy to BB Battalion DOE Advis May be the same person as the person submitting the form. Not normally applicable for BB groups. Must meet minimum requirements of Bronze = 12 hours, Silver = 21hours, Gold =32 hours. See list available on BB website or contact headquarters. They must be accredited through DofE Assessor MUST not have been involved in training of this group and should not be from the same company. This section about assessor only needs to be completed for qualifying expeditions just leave blank for unaccompanied practice expeditions. Company should contact assessor to arrange this. It doesn t have to be the same assessor who is doing the expedition, but they do need to be accredited BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

25 These people should be members of one group only. All sections need filled in, including details for all practices for a qualifying venture, including dates and locations. All expeditions need an aim, both practice and qualifying. Examples of a few have been included at the back of the booklet, pg29. We would encourage you to use the same assessor to review the presentation. Each day MUST meet minimum requirements, see page 7. (Bronze 6Hrs, Silver 7Hrs, Gold 8Hrs daily) BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

26 Copy of the Route A Copy of the Route also needs to be sent to both the Wild Country Panel and Battalion Advisor (Bronze) or Expedition Co-ordinator (Silver and Gold). Example: License No: LAPB 2 BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

27 Risk Assessments The conscious process applied to the identification of hazards, the subsequent evaluation of the associated risks and the implementation of a series of control measures to minimise the risks highlighted The assessment is then recorded and reviewed at appropriate intervals Route / site specific Risk Assessments These are usually undertaken by the supervisor The supervisor should involve the participants in the assessment Route / site specific risk assessments must be documented Route / site specific risk assessments must follow guidelines laid down by the Operating Authority Ongoing / Dynamic Risk Assessments Can be difficult to document Is at least as important as the first two Should be undertaken primarily by the Supervisor, but also by other leaders, assistants and participants Involves monitoring variable hazards: Changing weather Ability of participants Team morale Key Points Supervisors need to identify the hazards and risks specific to each particular venture. Advice must be sought from the panel secretary and the assessor if a team is going into an unknown area or Wild Country Panel area. Participants MUST be able to make dynamic risk assessments. Risk Assessments should NOT be overcomplicated. In most activities, potential problems and hazards can be dealt with by simple measures. Supervisors need to have a simple framework of safety measures, which are known, understood and carried out by everyone involved. Further information about risk assessments can be obtained from BB Headquarters. BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

28 Consent Forms It is essential that you have a completed parental consent form when taking groups out. The Supervisor needs to be aware of any pre-existing medical issues for each boy. DofE leaders should ensure that the parents/carers have been informed of the unaccompanied and self-reliant nature of Award ventures and the mode of supervision. This is a copy of the BB special activity consent form; this can be downloaded from the BB website. BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

29 Ideas that can be used as an Aim Chuff Chart This is probably best suited for Bronze expeditions. At each point on the route card each young person will give themselves a score from 1-10 to represent how they are feeling (1 both legs broken ready to go home 10 absolutely brilliant). Over the course of the expedition they keep a record of all their scores and they can the present this as a graph etc in their presentation to describe their feelings throughout the venture. Various Studies There are various topics that can be studied throughout expeditions, e.g. forests, rivers, bridges, tourism, litter, erosion, use of water reservoirs, purpose of Mourne wall etc. or they could do a comparison of wild country areas e.g. compare Antrim Hills and Mournes or look into geocaching in the area. The choice of the project will largely depend on the interests of the young people. They should be encouraged to research the topic, take pictures during the expedition and explain what they found out in their presentation. Please see page 14 about the suitable length of time allocated for studies. Video Diary (or Photo diary) of Expedition. This is one that young people enjoy doing; they keep a record of thoughts, feelings, and significant events etc that happen during their expedition. They can then edit and present this. The drawback is responsibility for the video or equipment, for Gold expeditions there is also the need to consider battery life etc. The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31 BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

30 What to do if. Major issues seldom arise during expeditions but if an issue does occur it is vital that you keep others informed and seek advice as quickly as possible if you are unsure of what to do in that particular situation. If you need advice during your expedition there are people at hand to help: The assessor is someone who you can seek advice and support from particularly if the weather changes quickly or there is a safety issue with the route or campsite. Your BB Captain will know the boys and can be contacted if you need advice about how to deal with an issue involving the boys etc. Stuart McCormick, Jonathan Graham, James McClements or Kenneth McLaughlin are available should you require assistance during your expedition. BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

31 Emergency Procedures Although incidents are very rare it is essential that when they do occur the correct procedures are followed. If an incident happens 1. The assessor and supervisor should make contact with each other as soon as it is practical to do so. 2. The assessor s role is to offer advice and support to the participants and the supervisor and to protect the general interests of the DofE. 3. The supervisor is responsible for informing the parents/guardians of the participants In the event of a major incident involving serious injury or where police or mountain rescue are involved, the assessor must contact the duty officer at the DofE s Head office as soon as possible (tel: ). You should also notify Kenneth McLaughlin from BB on Assessors should maintain a written record of events including phone calls. More details of this procedure can be found in the training materials you received when completing your assessor training through DofE, or can be requested from DofE office in Belfast. If contacted by the media please do not make a comment, instead direct them to BB headquarters and DofE headquarters. USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS :- Rathmore House NIHQ : Kenneth McLaughlin : Training & Development Support Officer Boys Brigade DoE Committee Jonathan Graham : Stuart McCormick : James McClements : BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

32 May 2010 Dear DofE Leader Since the expedition season started this year the DofE office has received numerous calls and s complaining about the behaviour of groups out on practice and final expeditions in both the Antrim Hills and Mournes. Situations which have been highlighted include: farmers angry about groups walking through their land or camping on it without permission birds being released from cages on an estate which resulted in a gamekeeper having to bring in extra staff to ensure the birds were safely recaptured groups lighting campfires and on one occasion using a farmer s replacement fence posts as the fuel groups camping in sheep pens and using the sheep pens as a toilet It has also emerged that a number of groups are not notifying the appropriate Panel that are going into an area to carry out either a practice or final expedition. Considerable work has been undertaken by Panel Secretary s/chairmen and the DofE staff to ensure such facilities are not lost to groups in the future, as a result of inappropriate behaviour by a minority of young people. I would request your support in ensuring that your groups adhere to the Leave no Trace principles which are fully endorsed by the DofE If you are unfamiliar with the area your group is going into you should notify the appropriate Panel and seek guidance on appropriate campsites. Behaviour such as that witnessed to date in this expedition season damages the credibility of young people and the DofE, as well as undermining the tremendous contribution that leaders and assessors make liaising with farmer and landowners. Yours faithfully Kate Thompson Director Northern Ireland BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

33 20 Conditions for DofE Expeditions BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

34 BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

35 BB Requirements to Lead an Expedition A leader supervising Expeditions must hold an Expedition and Outdoor Leadership Certificate at the appropriate level. Certificates are valid for five years and are subject to renewal. Expedition and Outdoor Leadership Certificate The Certificate in Expedition and Outdoor Leadership for all those who train children & young people in Expedition skills, and/or supervise Expeditions, is set at three levels: i) Basic: for those who have passed the Theory part of the assessment, allowing them to instruct children & young people and lead accompanied training expeditions in moderate and familiar terrain and in doing so, gain experience. (Equivalent to Level1 in Northern Ireland) ii) Standard: for those leaders training and supervising Expeditions within the Brigade s Award Scheme (i.e., up to the Queen s Badge or Silver DofE Award standards) (Equivalent to Level.1 in Northern Ireland) iii) Advanced: for those leaders training and supervising Expeditions to Gold DofE Award standards (i.e., in wild country).equivalent to Level 2 in Northern Ireland.) The Brigade will recognise externally operated training schemes such as the Basic Expedition Leadership Award (BELA) and Mountain Leader training schemes. Locally provided training is also recognised but The Brigade retain the responsibility for assessment of locally trained candidates. To obtain a BB Expedition and Outdoor Leadership Certificate, an application should be made to NIHQ, Rathmore House, Larne - including copies of externally gained certificates. A valid First Aid Certificate is required prior to the award of any certificate. It is recommended that these certificates are kept updated at the appropriate times.a.2. E Expeditions Other than on Foot To supervise expeditions other than on foot (e.g., by canoe, yacht, cycle, horseback), leaders should hold a certificate of competence issued by an appropriate association or club, in addition to the Brigade s Expedition and Outdoor Leadership Certificate. Duration and Renewal of the Certificates The Expedition Certificates last for a period of five years and will be kept live by undertaking the equivalent of one expedition per year. Log sheets are available from the appropriate Regional Headquarters for leaders to keep brief details of their expedition experience. These should be kept by the individual leader in his or her Training Record file. Applications for five-year extensions should be made to the appropriate Regional Headquarters, by sending in the completed log sheets. BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

36 Details of BB/DOE Battalion Advisors Contact details for each of the battalion advisors can be obtained from BB Headquarters if required. Antrim Ards Ballymena Belfast Belfast Coleraine Down East Antrim East Antrim Londonderry Lurgan Mid Ulster Portadown Route West Ulster Mr D Scott Mr P Warnock Mr M Farquhar Mr P Seay Mr D Porter Mr J Hamill Mr T McCormick Mr G Lorimer Mr N Irwin Vacant contact Mr G Miller Mr G Bibb Mr G Auld Mr D Davison Mr M Cousley Mr J Graham Details of Wild Country Panels Antrim Hills Brian Dillon Residential Educational Officer Sperrins/ Donegal/ Co. Fermanagh Ronnie Russell Mournes Trevor Quinn, Senior Warden The Bungalow Coleraine High School Lodge Road Coleraine Co. Londenderry BT52 1LZ 1 Hospital Road Omagh Co. Tyrone BT79 0AW Ardnabannon O. E. C. 3 Ardnabannon Road Castlewellan Co. Down BT31 9EN Tel: brian.dillon@neelb.org.uk Tel: ronnierussell@welbni.org Tel: Fax: trevor.quinn@seelb.org.uk BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

37 The Forestry Service 20/05/11 The Forestry Service contacted us recently to discuss some concerns they had in relation to DofE groups visiting Forestry Service property. They have asked me to pass on a number of pieces of information and these are listed below They have a concern relating to gorse fires and the spread of the Japanese Larch disease and they are keen to ensure the safety of our groups while they are on expedition. To this end we have reached a compromise which I hope everyone will find is satisfactory. If groups are simply using public pathways and rights of way within a forest the Forestry Service has asked that Expedition Supervisors/Leaders send an to the relevant forest ranger prior to the group s expedition. The purpose of this is simply to let them know there will be a group out in the area and which forests they will be travelling through. They will also require contact details for a group leader, expedition dates and approximate numbers of young people. They do not require Activity Permits, insurance details or route cards. As one ranger is responsible for a large area you should find that one or two s will cover all of the forests a group intend to visit. The ranger will then acknowledge your and let you know if there are any access issues or events happening within the forest at that time. Kind regards If groups wish to walk in areas other than the public pathways they need to notify the ranger that this is their intention and they may be asked to provide additional route information. I have attached a copy of the contact details for the 8 rangers in Northern Ireland and the areas they are responsible for. Wild Camping is No longer permitted within Forestry Service Property. If you wish to camp on designated camp sites within Forestry Service Property you need to book in advance by contacting the relevant ranger. DofE participants will be charged youth group rates. If your group wishes to camp in Tollymore Forest Park it will be necessary for them to be accompanied by a Leader who will remain with the group at the campsite overnight. Joanna Clarke Operations / Development Officer Northern Ireland The DofE BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April

38 Forestry Service Contact Information East Forest Management Area 1 (North West Londonderry) and Area 2 (Antrim) contact Andrew Houston or to: andrew.houston@dardni.gov.uk Area 3 (North Down and Ards) contact Janet Taylor or to: janet.taylor@dardni.gov.uk Area 3 (Mid & South Down, including youth site camping at Castlewellan and Tollymore Forest Parks) contact Richard Kernohan or to: richard.kernohan@dardni.gov.uk Area 4 (Armagh, including youth site camping at Gosford Forest Park) contact Dawson Jones or to: dawson.jones@dardni.gov.uk West Forest Management Area 5 (Sperrin) contact Ciaran Cassidy or to: ciaran.cassidy@dardni.gov.uk Area 6 (West Tyrone) contact Declan Coulter or to: declan.coulter@dardni.gov.uk Area 7 (West Fermanagh) contact Colin Reilly or e- mail to: colin.reilly@dardni.gov.uk Area 8 (East Fermanagh) contact Roy Spence or to: roy.spence@dardni.gov.uk BB NI Expedition Handbook, last updated April