<p> Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Gold Paddle Expedition 2016</p><p>Dear Award Participant</p><p>We have once again received an overwhelming response to the proposed D of E Gold Paddle venture in 2016. The destination will be the River Spey, one of Scotland’s longest rivers, which has proved to be a most enjoyable and exciting area to explore in the past. If this is not possible due to high water levels on the Spey, we will paddle the River Wye in the picturesque Welsh Borders.</p><p>The minimum technical requirement to take part in a river trip of this kind is BCU 2 star standard in open boats. We will however, be training towards 3 star level. All training opportunities for this event will be undertaken with qualified canoe instructors.</p><p>Wednesday afternoons are when you will undertake the training which will include paddle training on canals, rivers & lakes up until the venture at Easter. Also expedition & paddle training will be combined to for a residential project during October half term. Here you will learn about navigation, map reading, camp craft, cooking on light weight stoves, food and nutrition and what & how to pack equipment for a venture in an open canoe. A six hour Aquatic First Aid Course has been planned together with the BCU’s Canoe Safety Test.. </p><p>The total cost of this project will be £450, for which a £100 deposit is required when booking. This includes Wednesday afternoon coaching & training sessions, a five day residential project 23 – 27 October over part of the autumn half term break, Aquatic First Aid Training, Canoe Safety Test, travel and accommodation for a training weekend and a fully supervised practice journey and qualifying venture in Scotland/Wales in the Easter holidays. You must be able to attend all the sessions.</p><p>It does not cover your DofE entrance pack, any food or catering as participants are expected to look after this part of the project and camp site fees on the qualifying venture 25th – 30th April 2016.</p><p>An information evening will be held at the DofE Marina Project Shepley Bridge Marina, Huddersfield Road, Mirfield. WF14 9HR, on Wednesday 2nd September at 6.30pm. </p><p>If you are interested in taking part in this opportunity, please complete and return the attached consent form with a non refundable deposit of £100, by Wednesday 2nd September 2015. The balance to be paid in full by 12th February 2016 this can be paid in instalments if desired.</p><p>I must stress to all prospective participants that this is not an easier option than a foot expedition. It requires a good deal more training and commitment as you will be learning a great deal in a relatively short period of time. Places are limited to 24 paddlers and these will be accepted on a first come basis. All dates and further information will be distributed at the information evening. </p><p>Yours Sincerely Denise Bedford</p><p>Denise Bedford MBE. Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Manager Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Gold Paddle Training & Expeditions 2015/16</p><p>Full Nam Age in yrs. & months Date of Birth: 26/4/16</p><p>Home Address:</p><p>Post Code: e-mail:</p><p>Participant’s Telephone: Home: Participants Mobile:</p><p>Parents/Guardians (inc. phone/contact details):</p><p>Alternative Contact (Relative/Friend):</p><p>Special Dietary Requirements:</p><p>Medical information: </p><p>Known Medical Conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes, epilepsy etc.):</p><p>Medication being (or to be) taken: Dosage:</p><p>Known Allergies/Dietary Needs:</p><p>Known Phobias or Problems (travel sickness, sleepwalking, dyslexia etc).</p><p>Doctor’s Name & Surgery Address:</p><p>Date of last tetanus injections:</p><p>(Complete below if participant under 18 years)</p><p>I have completed the details above and authorise my son/daughter to take part in the above project</p><p>Signed………………………………………………………………………… Date: </p><p>Please return the completed form with deposit (cheques payable to Kirklees Council) to: Denise Bedford MBE, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Manager, Kirklees Young People’s Service, 330-332 Meltham Road, Netherton, Huddersfield, HD4 7EX Tel: 01484 222374/222380/222384 Fax: 01484 222394 E-mail: [email protected]</p>