It is now time for us to start enrolling for next years training programme. Please remember if you miss this package the next one on offer will be in 2010/2011.

We will again hope to run two vehicles to Snowdonia and possibly Shropshire and Derbyshire areas for training and assessment. Despite this being a very costly option young people appreciate the gradual introduction. However over the years the course has become increasingly popular and there are only a limited number of places. There will be a number of factors borne in mind when teams are being established, including age, experience, availability and compatibility. Boy/Girlfriends are not encouraged to be in the same team. If there are again more candidates than places available alternative suggestions will be given to those unable to secure a place. Often a reserve list is operated and eventual places offered.

The cost will be £250.00 (Golds) £160.00 (Silvers) each. This charge includes all instruction, two (Gold) one (Silver)residential weekends in Snowdonia, three days training in Warwickshire and Derbyshire, use of equipment and assessment (four days), and any additional stock equipment purchases.

All training camp site costs are included together with both Welsh Weekends. Hire of mini buses, running and staff costs.

To enable the costs to be met more easily the usual arrangement of 2 payments will be made available for everyone.
The payment dates are as follows:

£50.00 deposit with application

£200.00 (Gold’s) on the evening of 2.11.09

£150.00 (Silvers) on the evening of 2.11.09

*It is regretted that refunds cannot be made from payments due to transport, staffing, accommodation etc., having been previously booked based on enrolment numbers. Deposits however will be returned if you do not start the course.

I have refused to consider reducing our safety margin to absorb increasing costs because I consider the safety of our young people paramount.

Another option is for the cost or partial cost of the package to be recouped by means of sponsorship. Please ask for a sponsorship form if you are interested.

IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS

GOLD CANDIDATES: will be expected to attend ALL of the training programme. Any negotiation on this should be undertaken on the first evening. Failure to do this in the past has sometimes required individuals withdrawing.

Anyone not being able to do so or falling short of the standards required may be asked to withdraw in the interests of both theirs and of the other team members safety. There is some spare capacity built in and therefore all Monday evenings may not actually be used.

SILVER CANDIDATES: will be expected to attend 19th October 2009 plus all training dates as per timetable WITH THE EXCEPTION OF 6, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 26, 29, and 31

A silver team will only operate if there are at least eight people at the start of the training. However please be aware that it has been extremely difficult, on occasions in the past, to maintain minimum numbers required for a silver expedition.

At both GOLD and SILVER level Teams will be responsible for their own catering arrangements, purchase of food, and ASSESSMENTS CAMP SITE FEES IF APPLICABLE, with advice from training staff.

There is some specialist equipment which can be loaned from a central point. Candidates will be advised regarding this. The only charge for this will be lost or damaged equipment.

Please complete the attached application form and return it with the deposit before 12th.October to :

Keith Asbury at Park House.

Any query please phone Park House on Monday evenings (024 7638 2815) or my home number : 01676 540001/mobile 07711 725098 - if I am not at home a message can be taken and I will get back to you as soon as possible..

Yours sincerely,

Keith Asbury

Liaison Officer.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (North).

a) Please note early application is essential.

b) Only ONE Silver/Gold package is run per year in Nuneaton.

c) Refund of Deposit ONLY will be given up to session 1 if you are unable to start the Course. After then it will be pro rata

Please make cheques for Expediton Training & Assessment payable to:

‘The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (North) Liaison Account’

You should be enrolled at either section you are applying for e.g. Silver or Gold BEFORE you start training and have the lower level expedition signed up in your Record Book please ask Keith or Rachel for an up to date enrolment form.

Please make separate cheque for record book enrolments payable to:

‘Warwickshire County Council’