Leader Skills Weekend 1

Want to learn a few new skills or brush up on some old ones? Join us for a fantastic weekend at Queen Charlotte’s Wood, socialising with other Adult Leaders and enjoy participating in the activities for once!
The course will run over two days in two groups of 8. A full day of the course will be delivered by outdoor accredited Bushcraft instructors who will teach you plethora of skills, techniques and teaching methods you can use with your Beavers, Cubs, Scouts or Explorers. The other day will be spent trying out and learning a number of other outdoor activities including GPS Navigation, Climbing, Archery and Pyrography.
Who Should Attend?
The event is open to all adult appointments in Mersey Weaver. The course will cater to everyone from the complete novice to the seasoned outdoorsman looking to hone their skills! The course is designed to be more in-depth and intimate than the Skills weekend organised by County and will allow you to explore the resources we are incredibly fortunate to have on our doorstep.
Course Syllabus

Group A

Group B

Time
Saturday
Sunday 
Saturday
Sunday

0830
Arrive / Breakfast briefing
Breakfast briefing
Arrive / Breakfast briefing
Breakfast briefing

0900
Knife Skills Intro
GPS Navigation Activity & Outdoor Climbing Taster
GPS Navigation Activity & Outdoor Climbing Taster
Knife Skills Intro

1000
Knife Skills Project
Knife Skills Project

1100
Saw Skills Intro
Saw Skills Intro

1200
Plant and Tree Walk
Plant and Tree Walk

1300
Game Prep / Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Game Prep / Lunch

1400
Axe Skills Intro
Branding & Pyrography
Gas Safety, Lamps & Stoves
Archery Taster
Branding & Pyrography
Gas Safety, Lamps & Stoves
Archery Taster
Axe Skills Intro

1500
Shelter Building Intro
Shelter Building Intro

1600
Tool Maintenance
Tool Maintenance

1700
Game Prep / Dinner
Debrief & depart
Game Prep / Dinner
Debrief & depart

1800
Fire Lighting

Fire Lighting

1900
Cordage & Projects

Cordage & Projects

2000
Campfire & Chill

Campfire & Chill

Each session will run for approximately 45min with 15min for tea/coffee and questions.
Leaders will also be shown how to site and setup a hammock tarp.
Cost
We have managed to negotiate a significant discount from the Bushcraft instructor who would normally charge £120 for a 1 night course. In addition the District Executive have agreed to subsidise the cost of the event further by waiving camping fees.
Catering
All meals will be included over the weekend. Including brews and biscuits.
Breakfast Saturday:   Bacon (or vegi alternative) rolls
Lunch Saturday:         Pigeon, Chicken, Veg &  Pasta of Rice side
Dinner Saturday:       Rabbit & Veg Stew, Homemade Bread, Homemade Cake

Breakfast Sunday:   Bacon (or vegi alternative) rolls

Lunch Sunday:         Pigeon, Chicken, Veg &  Pasta or Rice side
Please let us know of any dietary requirements.

Camping
All camp fees are included in the cost. Participants are invited to camp from the Friday evening (bring your own evening meal) or you can arrive between 8:00 – 8:30am on the Saturday morning. Participants are encouraged to to camp on the Saturday night for the best experience bushcraft experience but this is not mandatory. We will provide hammocks and tarps and a couple of tree tents for any leaders who would like have either of these two experiences, alternatively you can bring your own tent or test out the shelters you built!
What to wear/bring

Clothing:

Waterproof Jacket
Waterproof Trousers
Synthetic/Wool Baselayer
Polyester Fleece (& spare)
Synthetic Trousers
Synthetic Liner Sock
Hiking Socks
Hiking Boots/Strong Shoes
Warm Hat
Gloves
Buff

In bag:

Tent (if don’t intend to hammock)
Sleeping Bag & Blanket
Insulating Mat / Thermarest
Bowl/Plate
Cutlery/Spork
Insulated Mug
Water Bottle
Headtorch
Change of clothes
Personal First Aid Kit
Gardening Gloves

N.B. Please do not bring your own axes, knives and saws. These will all be provided.