Weekend for Leaders! (SW/SW and South East)
23 people attending
12 places left
Leaders - this weekend is just for you!
This is a weekend for leaders, heavily subsidised by OutdoorLads.
It's a chance to celebrate the organisation, our positive impact on our community and how volunteers make it happen. A chance to connect and network with other leaders, share ideas and tips, inspiration, motivation and plans. There will be some training on offer to help upskill our leaders, and it's also a thank you from OutdoorLads to you for all you put into the organisation, without which - there would be no OutdoorLads! But don't worry - this IS NOT a weekend sat inside with post-it notes and flipcharts. The emphasis will be very much on getting outside, partaking in activities and getting to know each other!
We'll be staying in a venue with dormitory accommodation and good social spaces. Located in the New Forest, the site has easy access to lots of opportunities for walking and cycling in particular. There will very likely be chance to visit a local public house over the weekend, as part of a social evening on Saturday night. As leaders, you may well be approached to run an event over the weekend for others to join in with - you have been warned! ;-)
We plan to make full use of the weekend, so please plan to depart from 3pm onwards on the Sunday. For those who wish, there will be an optional Sunday lunch trip after 3pm (you will need to pay for that yourself.)
Although primarily aimed at leaders in the South East and South West / South Wales regions, this is open to any of our leaders. A similar event aimed primarily at the Central, North-East and Yorkshire, and North West / North Wales regions is taking place in March.
If these events are successful, our intention is that they are repeated again in the future, (and to include Scottish leaders) so don't worry if you can't make it this time!
To note:
This event is heavily subsidised by OutdoorLads, and all food is provided over the weekend. However, travel expenses are not provided for this event. If that cost is a struggle for you, we don't want that to be a reason for you not to join us - please apply to the OutdoorLads Foundation for help with that cost.
Although the standard refund policy applies to this event, if you need to cancel, please do so as early as possible, so we can ensure the event is as full as possible with leaders who can benefit from the weekend.
If you are not yet a leader you will need to have applied and be well on with your leader application to join this event. If you're not sure if you should book or not, drop the office a line on support@outdoorlads.com and we'll chat it through with you.
Photos: From OutdoorLads Members and used with permission. Lake photos from Unsplash.
Dogs: this event is not suitable for dogs.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
What to bring
As well as your walking kit (see below), you will need a towel, but bedding is provided. You'll need comfy clothes for the evenings, toiletries, any additional food or drinks you wish to have, and a head torch is a good idea too.
For Walking:
We will be walking in a hilly environment, where the weather is changeable, so please come prepared.
Please ensure you have adequate layers to keep warm and waterproofs to keep you dry. Although the paths are mostly are well-trodden and maintained, many cross fields and through forests and it may be a little wet and muddy underfoot, so you'll need decent boots and perhaps also gaiters.
Boots: Hiking boots are arguably the most essential piece of kit when hiking just about anywhere. Walker’s should make sure that their boots are both waterproof and breathable, and provide good ankle support. Boots should also be in good condition.
Socks: Walking socks are often overshadowed by those new to hiking, with many novices failing to invest in proper socks. Good walking socks are essential in regards to keeping the feet dry, and in turn stopping the development of blisters. Sports socks and other socks not designed for walking will often become waterlogged, or damaged which will in turn blister feet.
Gators: Gators attach to the bottom of walking boots and extend to just under the knee. They provide waterproofing for the bottom half of the leg, and are essential in keeping the feet dry.
Walking Trousers: Walking trousers should be of a windproof design and made of a rip stop material, that will stand up to walking through ferns and undergrowth. They should also ideally be water resistant, or at least not gain weight, and lose their insulation properties when wet. Jeans are therefore to be avoided, as they are heavy when wet and provide no protection from the elements.
Waterproof Trousers: Waterproof trousers are essential in keeping the legs dry, as water resistant trousers will not keep out any significant rainfall. Walker’s should look for waterproof trousers that are breathable, in order to avoid being soaked with sweat.
Base Layer: A breathable base layer should be chosen in order to let sweat escape from the body. This should ideally consist of a breathable synthetic, specially designed fabric, though a cotton T-Shirt is sufficient.
Mid Layer: A Mid Layer goes on top of the base layer and should consist of a 100 weight micro fleece, or a rugby typed thick shirt. The layering system is important as it allows walkers to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature.
Outer Layer: The outer layer should consist of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece. This is the final layer and walkers should ensure that this layer provides ample warmth.
Waterproof Jacket: A good waterproof jacket is one of the most important pieces of kit you will require when hiking. Walkers should look for a jacket that is both waterproof and breathable in order for them to be protected from sweat. Materials such as Gore-tex are often the best choices.
Hat: As most heat is lost through the head a good hat is essential. The best hats are those of a fleece design, with wool also being acceptable.
Gloves: Gloves are essential in the colder months as walkers will require the usage of their fingers for various activities such as map reading. Windproof or better still waterproof gloves are the best choice.
Rucksack: A good Rucksack that is comfortable to wear is essential, and required to carry both food and equipment. Day sacks should have a capacity of around 30 litres with equipment being placed in water proof bags inside.
Emergency Equipment: A number of items should be taken in case problems occur whilst walking in the hills. Emergency equipment becomes of greater importance the further from civilisation walkers are. Equipment should include spare food stuffs of high energy, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, a torch and something to make fire, either storm proof matches or a firelighter.
Food & Water: At least two litres of water should be brought for each day hiking, with more being taken if cooking is required. Enough food for the duration of a walk should also be taken. Food should be of the high energy variety, with hot food being able to be eaten raw if necessary.
Map & Compass: A map of the area being walked in is essential as well as a compass. The map should be in a waterproof bag or be of a waterproof design.
Mobile Phone: A mobile phone should also be brought and kept in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies.
Don't forget to bring a towel as well.
Food & drink
Dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings, breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday, and a lunch on Saturday, are included, as is tea and coffee all weekend, and some snacks such a fruit, crisps, and chocolate.
If you would like anything else to eat or drink, please bring it with you.
If you choose to go for Sunday lunch after we have packed up, you will need to cover that cost yourself.