Walking Qualification Weekend

What? Do you enjoy walking in beautiful countryside with others? Do you want to develop your own skills in navigation or managing groups of girls? Do you want to gain a qualification in walking? Maybe you’ve completed DofE Gold or Queen’s Guide and would like to progress. If you have answered 'yes' to any of these then this is the weekend for you.

On offer

Level 1 and 2 Training, and Level 1 and 2 Assessment course. If you wish to attend for Level 2 Assessment you must already have attended a level 2 Training Weekend.

Please note you need to have completed training at the appropriate level before applying for assessment.

Or you may wish to use the centre as a base to plan your own walks with others. Maybe you are thinking of gaining the next level of the walking scheme qualification. If so, this is a good opportunity for you to develop your skills while preparing for a walking qualification. Or maybe you need to keep your skills current in order for your qualification to remain valid.

Click here if you want to know more about Girlguiding’s Walking Scheme

The price of the weekend includes 2 nights’ accommodation indoors in the barn at Guys Farm (https://www.guysfarm.org.uk/accommodation/the-barn) and all meals from Friday evening to Sunday lunchtime. A volunteer caterer will prepare meals and we request that you kindly take a turn please at washing up and small tasks such as laying tables.

Guys Farm is a location in northern Lancashire, an area with loads of great walking opportunities. Forest of Bowland Fells, including Abbeystead and Bleasdale Fells, is one location with lots of choice for lower-level walking, taking in lovely wooded valleys, farmland, and cafes.

Training:

The training will cover the main topics of the practical and theoretical sessions of the walking scheme, including:

· Route planning

· Navigational techniques

· Group management

· Hazards and risk assessment

· Day, micro and low visibility navigation

The course will involve some physical activities and being out in all weather conditions.

Friday evening will be focused on preparing for the weekend and getting to know the other people you will be with. Saturday and Sunday will be spent outside. Transport to and from the event is not included, but if you need transport from a station, we will see who is coming that way.

If you would like to do the level 1 or 2 training or assessment, you will need to supply your own:

• Copy of the Girlguiding Walking Scheme booklet, downloadable from the Girlguiding website. https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-volunteers/learning-and-development/leading-outdoor-adventures/walking-scheme/
• OS map, number OL41 & landranger 102, plus a map case or a waterproof version
• Compass (A Silva Expedition 4 Compass would be ideal, but it must be capable of taking bearings for you to walk on)
• A headtorch suitable for finding the way in the dark (for example, a Petzl Tikkina)

For those attending the level 2 training there will be an introductory zoom meeting on Thursday 12th March 7pm.

Don’t forget your discount in Go Outdoors all you need to do to redeem your discount is log into GO to find the online code or show your uniform in store.

Grants to support the cost of attending the course may be available from county or division. Remember if you are working towards a qualification you are doing it to benefit the girls so it is reasonable to see if any financial help is available locally.

A bursary is availiable to apply for from North West England region. If you are interested in applying for this please email kate.grimshaw@girlguidingnwe.org.uk