The Training Weekend is the culmination of our training programme. It is a chance to put all your new skills into practice on the mountains of the Peak District and get ready for our summer expeditions!
The Training Weekend this year will take place in the Peak District, on Friday 28th February - Sunday 2nd March 2014 (end of Week 8).
The training weekend costs £30, which includes all transport and campsite costs, as well as a meal on Saturday night; if we find that the weekend costs less than planned you will be refunded the difference afterwards.
Sign up for the 2014 Training Weekend is now closed.
Once you have paid online you should be redirected to a simple form which you should complete, as it is really important for us to have your next of kin contact details.
It is compulsory for anyone who has not been on an expedition before, priority will be given to those people and is strongly recommended for all those going on our expeditions this summer.
Here is a basic itinerary for the weekend:
Friday:
Depart campus around 5:30pm
Fish and Chips en route
Arrive and pitch tents
Saturday:
Day Hike with basic kit
Introduction to the trangia and cooking expedition food
Pub!
Sunday:
Walk on Sunday with first aid and navigation scenarios.
Strike Camp and return to campus by 7pm.
Equipment:
For the training weekend, you will need everything from our kit list; once you have signed up more details on kit shall follow; the society offers kit hire for most items, from as little as 50p!
Lightweight walking trousers (NOT Jeans)
Thick walking socks
Walking boots *
Warm jumpers (ideally microfleece)
Waterproof Cagoule *
Waterproof Trousers *
Karrimat *
Sleeping Bag *
Large Rucksack *
Water Bottle(s) (min 1L total) *
Bowl, Knife, Fork and Spoon
Clothes for travel/evenings.
The items with a * are available to hire from us for a small cost.
Sleeping Bag Liners are free to hire, and these are strongly recommended as they will keep you much warmer at night.
Walking boots are available to hire, however, we strongly recommend you buy your own pair to ensure you get a good fit. A decent pair can be bought for around £30 upwards.
Remember that if you show that you are part of DofE you will get a discount at most outdoor store chains.
Food
You should bring food for yourself for breakfast, lunch and snacks on both Saturday and Sunday. Bring plenty of food as there probably won’t be opportunities to stock up during the weekend. Pitta breads, cereal bars, bananas, malt loaf, nuts/driedfruit are all good ideas. Basically, aim for lightweight, high energy foods.
On Saturday night, you will practise cooking expedition food (provided) on the stoves .
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