Tools for leaders
This area of the website aims to make your role as a DofE leader just that little bit easier..
Geocaching Explained
Geo: World
Cache: A safekeeping or storage place
Geocaching is a treasure hunt using GPS co-ordinates to find a cache. There are over 1 million caches hidden around the world!
It is a great way to explore your area as well as starting up a new hobby too!
Click here: Geocaching Explained
These boots were made for Walking
Walking is about being on your feet all day. Therefore, it’s a good idea to look after them! A decent pair of boots is the most important piece of kit you can own.
Our downladable worksheet discusses factors you should considering when purchasing the right pair of boots for the type of walking you wish to undertake.
Click here: These boots were made for walking
Walking Poles
Walking poles - do you own a pair? Research has found that walking poles help maintain muscle function and reduce soreness and damage in the days following a long hike.
Check out our news section for more information and our activities section on Nordic Walking - what it is and how it benefits you.
Meanwhile, our downloadable worksheet shows you how to use walking poles
Click here: How to use walking poles
Lightweight Gear
Why is lightweight backpacking and outdoor gear so important?
Lightweight backpacking gear is amongst the most technologically advanced outdoor gear available.
The importance of this to the lightweight backpacker, is to can move over-ground faster, with more stability and / or efficiency with less weight but the same benefits as if regular-weight outdoor gear was carried.
Using morse code
The universal signal for "help needed" is SOS and is used by mountaineers, boaters, hikers, drivers - basically anyone who needs help but is too far away to call out for it.
Our worksheet will hopefully help you to understand morse code. We have also supplied a downloadable version of the morse code alphabet.
And to make things more interesting, we have also uploaded a competition for DofE groups or individuals, where a code needs to be cracked! Winning entrants will receive a survival kit!
Congratulations to Barry Peak of Queens Road Baptist Church DofE Group for cracking the code and winning a survival kit!
Click here: Understanding morse code
Click here: The morse code alphabet
Weatherproof your gear
Now that the weather seems to be improving as we arrive into Spring, we start to think about weatherproofing our gear, ready for walks and expeditions throughout the spring, summer and autumn months.
With a number of Grangers products on the market, this worksheet is here to help make sense of it all!
Click here: Weatherproof your gear
How to care for your tent
Fabsil is a product on its own in the aftercare market, having been around since our granddad’s went on camping trips as young boys.
It is recognised as THE camping accessory, prolonging the life and performance of your tent.
Click here: How to care for your tent
Purchasing the right rucksack
There's nothing worse than getting partway through your expedition to find your rucksack digs in to your shoulders. Oops! Never fear, this guide will help you choose the correct rucksack for your journey.
Click here: Purchasing the Right Rucksack
Tying knots
Having a good knot up your sleeve always comes in useful during an expedition so our guide helps to explain how to do 3 of the most useful knots out there. So read on to make sure you're never caught short in a rope tying situation....
Blister prevention
Blisters can easily ruin an otherwise enjoyable expedition so we have put together a guide to help make sure they don't affect your exped.
Advanced warning: do not read if you have just eaten/ are eating!
Click here: Preventing blisters
Understanding OS map symbols
Good navigation is obviously key to completing your DofE award so it is vital for participants to be able to recognise certain symbols. This guide and worksheet should help them on their way.
Click here: Map symbol worksheet & guide
Take up a new sport!
Doing your DofE means you have to complete a physical activity for a prolonged period so why not take up a new sport? We've suggested some sports that you may not have thought about yet but are still great fun and very rewarding.
Predicting the Weather
We've compiled a worksheet to aid in predicting the weather whilst out walking or camping. By knowing there is bad weather coming you can pitch your tent early or carry on for slightly longer than planned, safe in the knowledge there is guaranteed good weather.
Click here: Predicting the Weather
Packing your expedition pack
A few hints and tips on how best to pack your bag before going on Expedition. A well packed bag can make the world of difference and will make the expedition go just that little bit smoother!
Click here: Packing your Expedition pack
Taking a picture in winter
If you or your group are interested in taking a picture this winter, RFAR has put together a little guide to make the most out of those crisp winter scenes. And don't worry you don't need an expensive camera either!
click here: Taking a picture in winter
Compasses... explained
The compass can be a confusing piece of kit, so hopefully this guide will help explain the parts of the compass you were unsure of.
Outdoor nutrition
It's difficult to know what to eat while on expedition so hopefully this guide will be helpful!
Click here: expedition nutrition
Day hike kit list
We have heard from a few leaders that it would be helpful if they could have a kit list for day hikes so here goes..
How to put up a tent...
It may seem obvious, but there is more to it than meets the eye. Hopefully our guide will help explain the nuances of putting up that all important roof over your head in the outdoors.
Click here : How-to-Pitch-a-Tent
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