TNES Overseas Expeditions Parent Information Guide www.terra-nova.co.uk
Terra Nova Expedition Services Ltd Summit House, Salcombe Court Salcombe Rd, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7EG Tel: 01773 833300 e-mail: terranovaexpeditions@terra-nova.co.uk web: http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/p/terra-nova-expeditionservices/ Contents Background... 3 Ethos... 3 Application Process... 3 Expedition Planning... 4 Training... 4 Clothing and Equipment... 4 Accommodation... 5 Parent Handbook... 5 Expedition Timeline... 5 TNES Leaders... 6 Partnership with the school... 6 Policies and Procedures... 6 Licences... 7 Declaration of Conformity... 7 Declaration of Risk... 7 Safety and Backup... 7 Insurance... 8 Agreements and Contracts... 8 Costs... 8 Passports and Visas... 8 Medical and Next of Kin Information... 9 Inoculations... 9 Contacts... 9 The Bohunt School Arctic Expedition 2019... 11 The Bohunt School Mongolia Expedition 2019... 14 The Bohunt School Himalaya Expedition 2019... 17 The Bohunt School Azerbaijan Expedition 2019... 20 Expedition Application Form... 23 2
Background Terra Nova Expedition Services Ltd is the sister company of Terra Nova Equipment Ltd. We are an experienced expedition management team who have led and organised a wealth of expeditions. We offer: School overseas expeditions Polar expeditions Adult expeditions TNES is an expedition company, its background and ethos is linked to a previous expedition company; Bull Precision Expeditions Ltd. It carries on that history, that tradition and that legacy. And as such the pedigree of its expeditions stretch back to the first school expedition to reach the South Pole in 2004. An expedition that Terra Nova Equipment sponsored. The team s expedition experience extends from the Antarctic to the Arctic, notable expeditions including the Fuchs Foundation 2007 Expedition; celebrating the 50 th Anniversary of the first crossing of Antarctica and the first Deaf Expedition to the North Pole in 2008. We only work with a maximum of ten schools per expedition season; this means we are able to concentrate on making sure we have the right leader allocated to the right group and destination. It also means we can offer a truly personal service at all times. Our adult expeditions are based on the same lines, limited number of expeditions to selected wilderness areas. TNES is the expedition provider for the Fuchs Foundation and the Kathryn Bull Memorial Trust. Ethos All our expeditions are planned from scratch; we don t have brochures. We work with the teachers, students, school, and adults to plan and organise the expedition based upon each group s aims and objectives. Expeditions begin with a blank piece of paper, a pencil and a map. That is the TNES ethos. We believe in offering unique tailor made experiences and prefer to travel to those parts of the planet where no other groups go. We offer frontier experiences that stretch people to learn and develop in an exciting and wilderness setting. TNES will work closely with the participants throughout the planning phase. On the expedition the students will make all the decisions themselves regarding all aspects, under supervision of TNES staff. Application Process Our school expeditions begin with a meeting at school with the teachers and then progress to a launch assembly to students. There then follows a parent/student briefing night. We then interview all students wishing to take part in the expedition. The interview is a forum where our staff can ascertain why the student wishes to undertake the expedition; it is also an opportunity for the student to ask questions. It is the first part of the student s personal development experience over the expedition journey. Feedback and guidance on interview technique is offered if requested by the school or the student. Upon completion of the interview phase, students are offered a place on the expedition. 3
Expedition Planning Key to the planning of expeditions at TNES is the leaders. All our leaders are heavily involved in the planning of the trips. For they are the ones who will be on the ground. Our Expedition Manager co-ordinates the leaders who are involved from the beginning in the itinerary, budget, locations, Risk Assessments and logistics. Training All school overseas expeditions have a minimum of two training events. Training events are tailored to suit the expedition group needs. The training phase has three main aims. To develop and prepare students for the expedition in terms of technical and practical training, to provide generic advice on fundraising, clothing, equipment and destination advice, and finally to work and train with the leader who will take them on the expedition. First weekend The first weekend is normally held in Derbyshire and is run from a residential base. It covers topics such as clothing and equipment, fundraising, expedition destination planning and briefing, and most importantly meeting the leader. There is always a walk in the local area. During this weekend the students spend a large proportion of time planning their expedition under guidance from the TNES leaders. If the expedition is a project based expedition, they will also look at the project ideas and begin the process of planning their project. Second weekend (trekking expeditions) If teams are undertaking a substantial trek on their expedition they will take part in a second training weekend which is specific to camping and trekking skills. Normally we use the Lake District or sometimes The Dark Peaks (Derbyshire). This weekend focuses on camping and cooking skills; navigation and team work, and incorporates a longer walk with full pack. If teams are wild camping on their expedition, then they will undertake wild camping on the training too. Third meeting (second meeting for project only expeditions) This training is normally undertaken at the school. It usually is accomplished in one day, but occasionally may take another half day. The training focuses on updates on project work, final updates on kit and equipment and final itinerary planning. Due to TNES not using a brochure based information system we attend two parent update nights. One is held halfway through the planning process and the final one is just prior to the expedition departure. This information provides updates on the itinerary progress and is a question and answer forum for all aspects of the expedition. Clothing and Equipment All group and specialist equipment used on the expedition is provided by TNES, this includes all the tents and stoves, communication equipment, first aid kits and any specialist equipment relevant to specific environments such as firearms for Arctic regions. All expeditions are equipped with satellite phones and Personal Locator Beacons. Clothing and equipment for students is provided by the student and guidance on this is issued on the first training weekend. The guidance is given by the leaders going on the expedition, and following the first training weekend, a clothing and equipment list will be issued to the school. 4
Accommodation Most of our expeditions are tent based; yet some will use youth hostel style accommodation; especially if it is a more project based expedition. The nature of the accommodation depends entirely on the nature of the trip. Parent Handbook Prior to the expedition all parents are sent a Parent Handbook. This handbook covers everything that you should need to know leading up to and during the expedition. Information such as; flight details, contact information and clothing and equipment lists are included. Expedition Timeline 3 or 4 week school expeditions usually have a 16 to 18 month time line. The sequence of events is therefore as follows:- As parents of students undertaking an expedition with TNES, you will be provided with the following information from TNES via the school. Document Objective When School Expedition Proposal Outlines the objectives of Issued at the school assembly Form undertaking an expedition with TNES, the ethos of the proposed expedition together with an overview of TNES policies and Letter to parents regarding an information evening Expedition Application Form Participant Agreement Offer Letter Joining Instructions for Training Weekend 1 Expedition Kit List procedures. Invitation to attend a presentation evening regarding the proposed expedition. Interested students are to outline their reasons for wishing to undertake an expedition with TNES. This form also captures basic personal information about the student, e.g. next of kin and passport details, etc. Forms a contract between the student and TNES. The school is issued with an Expedition Agreement which is referred to in the Participant Agreement. Annex 1 of the Participant Agreement captures detailed medical information about the participant. Provides an official offer of a place on the expedition to the students and sets out details of payments required. Provides details of where the training will be held, what will be covered and what the students will be required to bring. Gives details of all the personal kit for the expedition to be provided by the student. 2 weeks after the school assembly Prior to the expedition interview 2 weeks after successfully completing the interview 2 weeks after successfully completing the interview 2 weeks prior to the training weekend Issued and personalised for each specific expedition at the first training weekend Itinerary The expedition is planned with the students at the first training weekend. Itineraries are then put First draft one month after the first training weekend 5
Document Objective When together by TNES and issued to the school. Joining Instructions for Training Weekend 2 Parent/Student Handbook Provides details of where the training will be held, what will be covered and what the students will be required to bring. Provides details of itinerary, flight information, kit requirements, etc. Student Handover Pack Key information for the expedition. Post Expedition Questionnaire To obtain feedback from the students following the expedition. TNES Leaders 6 2 weeks prior to the training weekend 4 weeks prior to the expedition departure At Build up Day (prior to the expedition) 2-4 weeks after returning from the expedition Due to only working with a maximum of 10 schools becoming an overseas leader for TNES is select. Most our leaders have worked with us for several years and have a huge wealth of experience and wilderness first aid training. We do not recruit leaders who have not led an overseas expedition before and we will only recruit new leaders who have above the average level of qualifications and who have led several overseas expeditions. Our existing leaders recommend other experienced leaders to us. We hold one recruitment day per year. Partnership with the school When we run an overseas expedition for a school we contract with the school to deliver the expedition, as well as with the parents/guardians. Therefore in terms of health and safety we work in partnership with the schools Senior Management/ Head Teacher. This means that we also work with the schools Operating Authority, (if required) which means the expedition is signed off by an external body. Policies and Procedures TNES has full written policies and procedures that have been written and evaluated over several years by staff and Expedition Leaders who have visited the destination country. These policies relate to: Health and safety Emergency contact procedures Staff qualifications Reporting procedures All expedition destinations are risk assessed by a TNES Expedition Manager prior to the expedition, for any specific risks relating to the area. Further to this we have generic risk assessments in place for all overseas and UK travel. Expedition Participants will be risk assessed for any specific medical issues; and finally our Leaders will be performing ongoing dynamic risk assessments during the expedition. We work in partnership with the schools Expedition Visits Co-ordinator and also if required, the Operating Authorities Outdoor Education Advisor. TNES staff have also undertaken the Off Site and Safety Management Course which is administered by the Royal Geographical Society.http://www.rgs.org/OurWork/Fieldwork+and+Expeditions/GO+seminars+and+workshops/Offsite+Safety+Management.htm Every expedition that goes overseas also adheres to any Foreign and Commonwealth guidance being issued at the time of the expedition. All risk assessments and Expedition Operating Procedures are available to all participants and parents either from the school or direct from TNES.
Licences In order to operate expeditions overseas and training events for them we hold several licences:- AALA: TNES reference number: R2430 Adventure Activities License: http://www.hse.gov.uk/aala/index.htm British Standards 8848 compliant Our overseas expeditions are externally audited for the British Standard for Overseas Expeditions and Fieldwork BS 8848. This is done by an independent body, the Young Explorers Trust: http://www.rgs.org/ourwork/fieldwork+and+expeditions/bs8848+british+standard.htm ATOL Terra Nova Expedition Services Ltd (TNES) have applied for an ATOL Licence. This requires a minimum level of funding and a minimum level of assets in the business in order for a license to be given. We easily meet these criteria and expect the licence in January. TNES is part of the Hubaco group of companies. Hubaco Ltd was set up in the year 2000 and includes Terra Nova Equipment Ltd which has been trading since the 1980s and Your School Uniform.com Ltd which was acquired in 2011. The Directors of Hubaco and its subsidiaries are Carolyn Budding and Andy Utting. The ATOL scheme is designed to reassure consumers that their money is safe, and will provide assistance in the event of a travel company failure. For more information about the ATOL Licence please visit the ATOL website: https://www.caa.co.uk/atol-protection/ Declaration of Conformity "TNES uses Young Explorers Trust (YET) as a competent, external and independent other party assessor of their conformity to British Standard BS 8848 as laid down in the specification. The assessment includes a sampling process for verification, but all ventures are subject to self-assessment in accordance with the standard. YET is not acting, of itself, as the arbiter of the quality of provision, but assesses provision by TNES against the standard to give assurance of good management practice." Declaration of Risk "Ventures that include adventurous activities involve exposure to accepted elements of risk, challenge and adventure greater than those normally encountered in everyday life. Whilst such activities provided by TNES are subject to exacting safety management processes, it cannot be guaranteed that all possibility of resultant injury to participants, or others, is eliminated." http://www.theyet.org/evaluations/ ATOL - TNES has its own Air Travel Operating Licences which provides financial protection for any person taking part in a TNES expedition overseas. http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=1080 Safety and Backup All teams carry an Iridium Satellite Phone where permitted, or mobile phones with an in-country SIM card if not. All teams carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) that, in the event of an emergency, notifies TNES head office once it is activated. All teams will have an in-country agent who is available for the duration of the expedition to help the team for the duration of the expedition. British Embassy/Consulates/Police Forces. Each team will register in with the appropriate authority when they arrive in-country and provide copies of itinerary, passports and tickets where applicable. 24 Hour backup from TNES head office. Each team has 24 hour access to the TNES office and support team. 7
Insurance We have two types of insurance, Public Liability and Indemnity Insurance and Travel Insurance. Each participant on a TNES Expedition is covered by our Travel Insurance. This insurance covers the following: Medical and additional expenses Cancellation and Curtailment Rescue and Repatriation. Further details of our insurance cover is provided in the Student Welcome Pack. Agreements and Contracts We contract with each school we work with, but also with the participant s parents/guardians if they are under the age of 18. These agreements highlight key information such areas as refunds and cancellation procedures. In short, they list all the obligations of TNES to make sure the expedition is run safely and smoothly. Costs The cost of the expedition to Greenland, Mongolia or the Himalaya will be 3550 per person, to Azerbaijan will cost 3150 and will include the following: 1. Parent information evening 2. Initial assessment day (interview) 3. Training weekends (number to be agreed with school) 4. All meetings and liaison with students and staff during planning stages 5. Expedition phase 6. Expedition Leader 7. Flights 8. Food 9. Fuel 10. Group equipment 11. Medical equipment 12. Communications 13. Post expedition report for group 14. Individual expedition reports 15. Character reference for UCAS forms/employer (on going) 16. Post expedition presentation development 17. Insurance (excluding personal effects & delayed baggage) 18. 24 hour on-call back up in UK 19. Free teacher place if more than 12 student take part 20. Specific training required by Leaders and Teachers for the expedition such as; Fire Arms Training for an Arctic expedition. Not included in the cost is the following:- 1. UK travel 2. Personal equipment TNES has discount arrangements with retailers. More information will be provided in your expedition welcome pack. 3. Personal kit & delayed baggage insurance 4. Any visa requirements 5. Personal medication 6. Personal spending money for any souvenirs, tips, extra drinks and snacks, etc. Passports and Visas Students must hold a valid passport in order to participate in a TNES expedition. TNES will require a copy of the student s passport in order to book flight tickets and make the necessary travel arrangements (copies of passports will be sent to TNES by the school). The passport must be valid for the proposed duration of the stay (and usually 6 months after return to the UK depending on in country laws), and acceptable to the relevant Immigration Authority. You do not have to wait until your old passport 8
expires to apply to renew it. Any time left on your old passport when you apply will be added to your new passport, up to a maximum of nine months. TNES are not responsible for the cost and arrangement of travel and transit visas. If a visa is required, students will be informed of this by the school. It is the student s responsibility to make the necessary arrangements with regard to travel and transit visas. Medical and Next of Kin Information Students will be required to supply medical and next of kin information to TNES. Detailed medical information will be required for insurance purposes. Next of kin information is captured on the TNES Expedition Application Form and a detailed medical questionnaire is contained within the Participant Agreement. Inoculations Students will be required to consult their GP prior to undertaking an expedition to understand whether any inoculations will be required for the expedition destination. TNES are not medical professionals and as such are not responsible for the cost and arrangement of any necessary inoculations. You can research inoculations further at: http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations.aspx Contacts If you have any query about the expedition process then please feel to contact a member of the expedition team: Email: terranovaexpeditons@terra-nova.co.uk Head Office Tel No: 01773 833300 9
TNES Expedition Proposals Arctic, Mongolia, Himalayas, Azerbaijan 10
The Bohunt School Arctic Expedition 2019 A frontier experience carrying out a challenging journey experiencing new culture on the largest island in the world. Cost: 3550 Aims 1. To undertake a journey in a remote area 2. To experience different cultures Expedition Area The area will be the east coast region of Greenland; notably in the area of Ammassalik Island and its surrounding fjords and islands. The destination has been chosen in line with current Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice... Staffing Requirements Upon confirmation of the expedition TNES will allocate a Leader/Leaders for the expedition. The leader will work throughout the planning, training, expedition and post expedition phase. This leader will be working with the team on the initial assessment. The proposed leader for this expedition is Carolyn Bailey. The leader assigned will have as a minimum the following qualifications: Mountain Leader Summer Certificate (MLTE) Scottish Winter Mountain Leader (SML) Mountain Instructor Certificate Trained Expedition First Aid Certificate (REC) Enhanced CRB check. Will have undergone a Polar Bear Fire Arms Course Due to the nature of any gender mix the school will be asked to provide a male Assistant Leader (link teacher) for the training weekends and the expedition. The leader from TNES will have the following responsibilities: Oversee planning Risk Assessment In - Country Logistics planning Training of the team 11
Health and Safety on Expedition Overall responsibility for the team on training and expedition Science support The Assistant Leader (link teacher) will have the following responsibilities: Pastoral support of students on training and expedition Fieldwork leadership The ratios of leaders/students will be 2:12 (If 12 students undertake the trip). This ratio will be adhered to whatever number the school wish to send. TNES staffing ratios for hill walking related activities is 1:12. Risk Assessment TNES will conduct all risk assessments to the school s LEA. The following risk assessments are already in place: Travel on Visits Bear Procedures Science expeditions and field work Walks in Remote Terrain Remote supervision Generic risk Residential accommodation Use of external providers Lightweight camping Expeditions to remote areas The in-country risk assessment will be carried out by the Leader and liaison with the in-country agent The following will also be done. Specific student risk assessment for medical conditions etc. Bear Policy The east coast of Greenland has a population of Polar Bears. TNES employs staff which have been planning and leading expeditions in this area for several years. TNES has a robust bear policy that is reviewed each year. A copy of our Bear Policy will be included in your Student Welcome Pack. Expedition Training Three weekends will be required to train the team. Training weekend one will be local to the school and be based out of a residential building. The second training will be further afield either the Lakes or North Wales and also be focused out of a centre for the first night, but then focus on wild camping. The final event will be a team building day at the school close to expedition departure date. In addition to this the expedition Leader will attend meetings with participants and the assistant leader as required. There will also be an initial assessment day to examine the skills and qualities of the proposed candidates. Timescale and proposed Dates It is envisaged the expedition will take part in July 2019. The exact dates are yet to be confirmed by the school in consultation with TNES. Initial Assessment Day (proposed): December 2017 Training weekends (proposed): 1. Feb/March 2018. 2. March/April 2019. 3. 6 weeks before departure Expedition (proposed): July 2019 Proposed Expedition Programme The expedition phase is planned to cover 3 weeks. There are two main phases; 1. Preparation in country 2. Journey to local community 12
At this stage the timetable is only a proposed one. This will be subject to in-country assessment. The plan can also be changed to accommodate the group s needs during planning. It is their expedition. Listed below is the provisional plan of the day to day activities. Please note that this is not a rigid plan as circumstances may change due to weather and local circumstances. Sample Programme Day 0 Build Up Day: School/Home Day 1 Bus transfer Airport, Fly Iceland Day 2 Bus transfer Internal airport, fly Kulusuk Day 3 Kit Sort, food sort, Day 4 Boat transfer Nagtivit, set up camp Day 5 Head to Pingajik, camp by lake? Day 6 Recce glacier ascent Day 7 Spare day Day 8 Ascend Glacier, and return to camp Day 9 Trek to Skostensfjeldet Day 10 Trek to Skostensfjeldet Day 11 Trek to Isertip Jmiq Day 12 Trek to Isertog Day 13 Trek to Tungortupqane Day 14 Trek to Kitermit Day 15 Boat transfer to Local Community Day 16 Inuit Community Day 17 Inuit Community Day 18 Inuit Community Day 19 Boat transfer to Kulusuk Day 20 Fly Iceland Hostel Day 21 Fly UK Home 13
The Bohunt School Mongolia Expedition 2019 A frontier experience carrying out a challenging journey by canoe experiencing new culture in a frontier location. Cost: 3550 Aims 1. To undertake a journey in a remote area 2. To experience different cultures Expedition Area The exact area to be decided upon consultation with the in country agent. Yet, the main focus will be a two week open canoe journey and a remote community visit. The destination will be chosen in line with current Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice. Staffing Requirements Upon confirmation of the expedition TNES will allocate a Leader/Leaders for the expedition. The leader will work throughout the planning, training, expedition and post expedition phase. This leader will be working with the team on the initial assessment. The proposed leaders for this expedition are Bruno Yates and Carl Alvey. The leader assigned will have as a minimum the following qualifications: Mountain Leader Summer Certificate (MLTE) Scottish Winter Mountain Leader (SML) Mountain Instructor Certificate Trained Expedition First Aid Certificate (REC) Canoe Qualifications Water safety qualifications (desirable) - our in-country agent also has a high level of Canoe and water safety qualifications. Enhanced CRB check Due to the nature of any gender mix the school will be asked to provide an assistant female leader for the training weekends and the expedition. (Unless TNES provides a female leader.) The leader from TNES will have the following responsibilities: Oversee planning Risk Assessment in-country Logistics planning 14
Training of the team Health and Safety on Expedition Overall responsibility for the team on training and expedition Science support The Assistant Leader (link teacher) will have the following responsibilities: Pastoral support of students on training and expedition Fieldwork leadership The ratios of leaders/students will be 2:12. (If 12 students undertake the trip). This ratio will be adhered to whatever number the school wish to send. TNES staffing ratios for canoeing and hill walking related activities is 1:12. Risk Assessment TNES will conduct all risk assessments to the schools LEA. The following risk assessments are already in place; Travel on Visits Canoeing Walks in remote terrain Remote supervision Generic risk Residential accommodation Use of external providers Lightweight camping Expeditions to remote areas The in-country risk assessment will be carried out by the Leader and liaison with the in-country Agent The following will also be done. Specific student risk assessment for medical conditions etc. Expedition Training Three weekends will be required to train the team. Training weekend one will be local to the school and be based out of a residential building. The second training will be further afield either the Lakes or North Wales and also be focused out of a centre for the first night, but then focus on wild camping. It will also involve canoeing training. The final event will be a team building day at the school close to expedition departure date. In addition to this the expedition Leader will attend meetings with participants and the assistant leader as required. There will also be an initial assessment day to examine the skills and qualities of the proposed candidates. Timescale and proposed Dates It is envisaged the expedition will take part in July 2019. The exact dates to be confirmed by the school in consultation with TNES. Initial Assessment Day (proposed): December 2017 Training weekends (proposed): 1. Feb/March 2018. 2. March/April 2019. 3. 6 weeks before departure Expedition (proposed): June/July 2019 Proposed Expedition Programme The expedition phase is planned to cover 3 weeks. There are two main phases; 1. Preparation in country 2. Journey to local community by canoe The main focus of the trip is to carry out a long canoe journey to a remote local community. Traveling by canoe the expedition will undertake a two week journey wild camping along a river. The expedition team will then spend time immersing themselves in a remote community and experiencing the local culture. The aim is then to travel back to Ulaanbaatar overland by train before visiting the capital city and heading back to the UK. At this stage the timetable is only a proposed one. This will be subject to in-country assessment. The plan can also be changed to accommodate the group s needs during planning. It is their expedition. Listed below is the provisional plan 15
of the day to day activities. Please note that this is not a rigid plan as circumstances may change due to weather and local circumstances. Sample Programme: Day 0 Build Up Day School/Home Day 1 Fly to Ulaanbaatar Hostel Day 2 Preparation in country Hostel Travel to canoe departure point and Day 3 prepare expedition equipment. Hostel Day 4 Commence canoe journey Day 5 Canoe Day 6 Canoe Day 7 Canoe Day 8 Canoe Day 9 Canoe Day 10 Rest Day Day 11 Canoe Day 12 Canoe Day 13 Canoe Day 14 Village community stay Day 15 Village community stay Day 16 Village community stay Preparation for departing the local Day 17 community Day 18 Train Journey back to Ulaanbaatar Day 19 Train Journey back to Ulaanbaatar Arrive Ulaanbaatar and explore the city Day 20 before preparing to depart Ulaanbaatar. Hostel Day 21 Fly UK Home 16
The Bohunt School Himalaya Expedition 2019 To climb a 6000m peak in the heart of the Himalayas. Cost: 3550 Aims 1. To undertake a journey in a remote area 2. To experience different cultures. Expedition Area This journey will take you into Incredible India and the mighty Himalaya giving you the chance to see amazing scenery, explore the area with some sensational trekking and have the opportunity to climb a 6000m peak in Ladakh named Mentok Kangri. This is a beautiful peak on a long ridge running south of the Korzok village to the shore of the Tsomoriri Lake. Mentok in Ladakhi language means flowers and in the summer months, the Korzok Valley blooms with wild medicinal flowers giving the name of its peak. After your trek you will return to the hustle of Delhi with an opportunity to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra. The destination will be chosen in line with current Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice. Staffing requirements Upon confirmation of the expedition TNES will allocate a Leader/Leaders for the expedition. The leader will work throughout the planning, training, expedition and post expedition phase. This leader will be working with the team on the initial assessment. The proposed leader for this trip is Adele Pennington. The leader assigned will have as a minimum the following qualifications: Mountain Leader Summer Certificate (MLTE) Scottish Winter Mountain Leader (SML) Mountain Instructor Certificate Trained Expedition First Aid Certificate (REC) Enhanced CRB check Due to the nature of any gender mix the school will be asked to provide an assistant female leader for the training weekends and the expedition. (Unless TNES provides a female leader.) The leader from TNES will have the following responsibilities: Oversee planning Risk Assessment In - Country Logistics planning 17
Training of the team Health and Safety on Expedition Overall responsibility for the team on training and expedition Science support The Assistant Leader (link teacher) will have the following responsibilities: Pastoral support of students on training and expedition Fieldwork leadership The ratios of leaders/students will be 2:12. (If 12 students undertake the trip). This ratio will be adhered to whatever number the school wish to send. TNES staffing ratios for hill walking related activities is 1:12. Risk Assessment TNES will conduct all risk assessments to the schools LEA. The following risk assessments are already in place; Travel on Visits Science expeditions and field work Walks in Remote Terrain Remote supervision Generic risk Residential accommodation Use of external providers Lightweight camping Expeditions to remote areas The in-country risk assessment will be carried out by the Leader and liaison with the in-country Agent The following will also be done. Specific student risk assessment for medical conditions etc. Expedition Training Three weekends will be required to train the team. 1. Training weekend one will be local to the school and be based out of a residential building. 2. The second training will be further afield either the Lakes or North Wales or Scotland and also be focused out of a centre for the first night, but then focus on wild camping. 3. The final event will be a team building day at the school close to expedition departure date. In addition to this the expedition Leader will attend meetings with participants and the assistant leader as required. There will also be an initial assessment day to examine the skills and qualities of the proposed candidates. Timescale and proposed Dates It is envisaged the expedition will take part in July 2019. The exact dates to be confirmed by the school in consultation with TNES. Initial Assessment Day (proposed): December 2017 Training weekends (proposed): 1. Feb/March 2018. 2. March/April 2019. 3. 6 weeks before departure Expedition (proposed): June/July 2019 Proposed Expedition Programme The expedition phase is planned to cover 3 weeks. There are two main phases; 1. Preparation in country 2. To climb a 6000m peak. The main focus is to attempt the 6000m peak; Mentok Kangri. At this stage the timetable is only a proposed one. This will be subject to in-country assessment. The plan can also be changed to accommodate the group s needs during planning. It is their expedition. Listed below is the provisional plan of the day to day activities. Please note that this is not a rigid plan as circumstances may change due to weather and local circumstances. 18
Sample Programme: Day 0 Build Up Day: School/Home Day 1 Fly to Delhi. Hostel Day 2 Delhi Transit 1000m - Overnight bus to Manali. Transit Day 3 Arrive Manali early morning. A day in Manali to explore. /Hostel Day 4 Manali /Jobra Chika 3075m - Hampta Pass acclimatisation trek. Jeep up to Jobra at 2990m and trek 3hrs up through Pine and Maple forests to Chika. Day 5 Chika to Balu Ka Gera 3630m - Climb through stunning scenery past cliffs at Jwara to camp below the pass at Balu Ka Gera. Day 6 Balu Ka Gera to Siagoru 3930m - Early start for the big climb up to the pass at 4300m. The day will be approximately 8hrs and will have some steeper sections up and down from the pass. Great views of Deo Tibba and further ranges. Day 7 Siagoru to Chhatru 3350m - 4 hrs easy descent to the road where the Rohtang Pass, Hampta Pass and Spiti all converge. Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Kaza 3650m - Rest day to explore sensational monasteries and the scenery of the Spiti valley. Kaza to Karzog 4527m - A long drive to Karzog, the home of the Changpa nomads. Kaza to Karzog 4527m - It could be likely that this is a 2 day journey. Karzog 4527m - Further acclimatisation day. Trek and explore from Karzog. Day 12 Karzog Base 5300m - A days trek up to base camp. Day 13 Rest Day Base camp Base 5300m - A slow acclimatisation day walk Day 14 from Base camp. Day 15 Acclimatisation Base camp Summit Day 5300m - Summit Mentok Kangri (between Day 16 6175m and 6250m) and then head back to Base. Day 17 Base Karzog 4570m - Descend back to Karzog Day 18 Karzog to Leh 3500m - 7 hrs drive back to Leh. Hostel/ Day 19 Leh to Delhi 216m - Fly to Delhi Hostel Day 20 Contingency day in case of bad weather / flight delay Hostel Day 21 Fly UK Home 19
The Bohunt School Azerbaijan Expedition 2019 A frontier expedition carrying out a challenging journey experiencing new culture. Cost: 3150 Image courtesy of https://transcaucasiontrail.org/en/hike/ Aims 1. To undertake a journey in a remote area 2. To experience different cultures. Expedition Area The expedition area and country to be determined by the school in consultation with Terra Nova Expedition Services Ltd (TNES); the destination to be chosen in line with current Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice. The expedition team(s) will be travelling through the stunning foothills of the mountains to the north of Azerbaijan. The aim is to help the Transcaucasian Trail team (https://transcaucasiantrail.org/en/home/) find and map a route. To do this the team(s) will research possible routes, hike in the mountains, meet local communities and map their progress using a variety of techniques. A true exploration adventure that will leave behind a legacy for long distance adventure hikers from across the World. Staffing requirements Upon confirmation of the expedition TNES will allocate a Leader/Leaders for the expedition. The leader will work throughout the planning, training, expedition and post expedition phase. This leader will be working with the team on the initial assessment. The proposed leader for this expedition is Craig Offless The leader assigned will have as a minimum the following qualifications: Mountain Leader Summer Certificate (MLTE) Scottish Winter Mountain Leader (SML) Mountain Instructor Certificate Trained Expedition First Aid Certificate (REC) Enhanced CRB check 20
Due to the nature of any gender mix the school will be asked to provide an assistant female leader for the training weekends and the expedition. (Unless TNES provides a female leader.) The leader from TNES will have the following responsibilities: Oversee planning Risk Assessment In - Country Logistics planning Training of the team Health and Safety on Expedition Overall responsibility for the team on training and expedition Science support The Assistant Leader (link teacher) will have the following responsibilities: Pastoral support of students on training and expedition Fieldwork leadership The ratios of leaders/students will be 2:12. (If 12 students undertake the trip). This ratio will be adhered to whatever number the school wish to send. TNES staffing ratios for hill walking related activities is 1:12 Risk Assessment TNES will conduct all risk assessments to the schools LEA. The following risk assessments are already in place; Travel on Visits Science expeditions and field work Walks in Remote Terrain Remote supervision Generic risk Residential accommodation Use of external providers Lightweight camping Expeditions to remote areas The in-country Risk Assessment will be carried out by the Leader and liaison with the In- Country Agent The following will also be done. Specific student risk assessment for medical conditions etc. Expedition Training Three weekends will be required to train the team. 1. Training weekend one will be local to the school and be based out of a residential building. 2. The second training will be further afield either the Lakes or North Wales and also be focused out of a centre for the first night, but then focus on wild camping. 3. The final event will be a team building day at the school close to expedition departure date. In addition to this the expedition Leader will attend meetings with participants and the assistant leader as required. There will also be an initial assessment day to examine the skills and qualities of the proposed candidates. Timescale and proposed Dates It is envisaged the expedition will take part in July 2019. The exact dates to be confirmed by the school in consultation with TNES. Initial Assessment Day (proposed): December 2017 Training weekends (proposed): 1. Feb/March 2018. 2. March/April 2019. 3. 6 weeks before departure. Expedition (proposed): July 2019 Proposed Expedition Programme The expedition phase is planned to cover 3 weeks. There are two main phases; 1. Preparation in country 2. Journey to local community 21
The main focus of the trip is to carry out mapping for the Transcaucasian Trail. The Transcaucasian Trail (TCT) will be a world-class, long-distance hiking trail more than 3,000km in length, following the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains and connecting roughly two dozen national parks and protected areas in the region. Bordering Europe, Asia and the Middle East, the region known variously as the Caucasus, the South Caucasus, or Transcaucasia is one of the most biologically, culturally and linguistically diverse regions in the world yet one that few have had the chance to explore. Now, united by a shared vision of a long-distance trail network across the region, a growing community of local and international hikers, cartographers and conservationists is putting this hidden gem on the map to help ensure that the landscapes and heritage of the region can be enjoyed by future generations. The TCT has been in active development since 2015, and momentum for the movement is growing fast. The Bohunt Students will be establishing a route for the TCT in Azerbaijan. More information about the TCT can be found here: https://transcaucasiantrail.org/en/home/. Linked into a visit with a local mountain community. The details of the trip will be finalised following a recce trip in the summer of 2018. At this stage the timetable is only a proposed one. This will be subject to in-country assessment. The plan can also be changed to accommodate the group s needs during planning. It is their expedition. Listed below is the provisional plan of the day to day activities. Please note that this is not a rigid plan as circumstances may change due to weather and local circumstances. Sample Programme: Day 0 Build Up Day School/Home Day 1 Fly to Baku Hostel Day 2 Meet with Transcaucasian Trail team. Hostel Day 3 Preparation in country Hostel Day 4 Travel overland to expedition starting point. Day 5 Trail trek Day 6 Trail trek Day 7 Trail trek Day 8 Trail trek Day 9 Logistic Back up. Resupply. Base camp. Day 10 Trail Trek Day 11 Trail trek Day 12 Trail trek Day 13 Trail trek Day 14 Village community stay Day 15 Village community stay Day 16 Village community stay Day 17 Trail trek Day 18 Trail trek Day 19 Trail trek Day 20 Return to Baku Hostel Day 21 Fly UK Home 22
Expedition Application Form The data collected on this form will be held and processed confidentially. It will be used for the purposes of planning and carrying out the expedition and only disclosed to trusted third parties involved in the expedition process, e.g. our Expedition Doctor and Flight Providers. Personal Contact Details School/College/ Organisation Expedition Destination and Year First Name Surname Preferred Name Home Address Home Telephone Number Mobile Number E-mail Address Gender Date of Birth Nationality Passport Information Surname (as it appears on your passport) Given Names (as they appear on your passport) Passport Number Date of Issue Date of Expiry Passport Issuing Office e.g. IPS, UKPA 23
Parent/ Guardian Contact Details Name of Parent/Guardian Address Daytime telephone number Evening telephone number Mobile Number E-mail Address Background Information Why do you want to undertake the expedition? How will undertaking the expedition help you with your plans for the future? What are your strengths? Have you done anything else like this before? How do you plan to fundraise? Do your parents/guardians support your application? Parents Signature Any medical conditions? If so, also specify any medications taken. Any specific dietary requirements? Student s Signature Once completed please return this form to Mr Avery by 30 th November. 24