Three leaders from 2nd Ahoghill Company Section passed their Expedition and Outdoor Leadership assessment this weekend, which took place in Newcastle, County Down.
On Friday night, company leaders Jonathan McCartney, Ryan Young and Thomas Clarke travelled to the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Centre on the Sandbank Road, just outside Newcastle. During the weekend they would be assessed on the skills they had learned during the initial training weekend and follow up hike.
After a short introductory briefing, the assessors split the course members into the groups they would be working in for the remainder of the weekend. Each group completed a short night orienteering session on Friday night, before returning to camp overnight on the grounds of the Outdoor Centre.
Saturday consisted mainly of walking, with the groups making their way into the Mournes to set up camp in the late afternoon. After the evening meal, the groups completed a series of first aid and rescue drills, before heading back out onto the mountains for more navigation work in the dark.
After another night under canvas, the groups packed up camp and made their way back to the Outdoor Centre. On arrival a final briefing was given, before each course member learned the outcome of their assessment.
By passing their Level 1 training and assessment, Jonathan, Ryan and Thomas will receive their Expedition & Outdoor Leadership Standard Certificate. This enables them train and supervise Bronze and Silver level Duke of Edinburgh expeditions in open country.