Outdoor Adventures (Level 3 Extended Diploma, Public Services)



Level 3 Extended Diploma.  Groups A and B 
Those of you who are enrolled on the Level 3 Extended Diploma (2 year course) will be taking part in two units in the new year which will involve you getting involved in outdoor adventurous activities.  This is likely to include canoeing, raft building, hill walking, bushcraft, and climbing. You will need to acquire some of your own equipment in order to be able to take part in some of the activities. The following is a basic kit list for you. If you don't have these items, this may exclude you from certain activities and as such puts you at risk of failing a unit.

The Big Mad Paddle camp.


Kit list  

  1. Walking boots - these must protect the ankle and have good tread.
  2. Woollen socks - not nylon as these will give you foot problems.
  3. Sleeping bag (minimum 3 season)
  4. Sleeping mat
  5. Metal plate or bowl
  6. Knife, fork and spoon
  7. Metal cup
  8. Water proof jacket with hood
  9. Warm clothes
  10. Trousers - Not jeans and preferably quick drying.
  11. Rucksack - we can loan rucksack but it is better if you have your own.
For decent quality and cheap kit have a look at Blacks and Millets.  You may also want to look at military surplus stores.  There are some useful links for you on this blog.


The Big Mad Paddle 2011.  Mr Illsley shakes out some wet gear. 
Cameron and Hoddy demonstrating capsize drills.
The view from our camp. The Big Mad Paddle 2011.


For your own safety it is vital that you have something suitable for your feet, something to keep you dry and something to keep you warm.  I will not allow you to take part in activities if you are not appropriately equipped.  This is for your own safety.  


Just some of the scenery in Sweden

The Big Mad Paddle Crew 2011

Unit 9 Outdoor Adventurous Expeditions

In the week starting 23rd April we will be starting this new unit (extended diploma students only).  Thuis should be good fun.  I will try and get you all off site as much as I can. 
The Unit brief and other information is now available on sharepoint so you can make a start on reasding through all this so you know what to expect.  Next week will start looking at different types of expedition.  This will include looking at recent expeditions and some of the great historical expeditions such as those of Shackelton and Cook.
By the end of this unit you should all know how to use a map and compas, how to set up a camp, how to prepare food in an expedition context, and how to plan a multi-day expedition.