D of E clothes question

[BerriesandLeaves]

Dd is going on a 3 night D of E expedition in a couple of weeks and I'm sorting out clothes for her. On the website they recommend a short sleeved t shirt in a wicking fabric with a fleece and waterproof on top as layers. Would it be better for warmth at night and sunburn avoidance to get long sleeved? On the other hand short sleeved would be cooler while walking as it's set to get warm where we are down south

One of DD's staple lunch foods on her expeditions (she's done the full set) was flavoured couscous - just add boiling water to it in a Tupperware in the morning when the Trangia is on. I think they had pasta most evenings (filled the first night, plain thereafter). DIY trail mix of all the types of dried fruit and nuts (inc choc peanuts and raisins) for energy through the day, and individually wrapped cake bars as something to look forward too. It's sort of the inverse of normal healthy eating!

' an umbrella'

I think DDs gold group did take one very lightweight folding umbrella - for holding over the stove during food prep in the rain.

It does seem long for bronze compared to friends' kids from other schools. I'm not sure why. I think the school's been doing D of E for 25 years though so i guess they must know what they are doing.

wow that is a long time for the practice. Maybe they are doing training stuff on the first couple of days?
Ours had a training day at school, then practice was one night, 2 days and so was expedition.

Silver is 2 nigths and 3 days.
On the bronze he said the rolls etc on the second day were horrible as all sweaty and stale. Also, you can't put cheese/ham in them, so they were chocolate spread, which was too sweet at lunchtime.

Pepperami is a good idea, he loves those.

The organisation who does theirs is quite strict over stuff, so they are not allowed to heat anything except hot water, so you have to have the boil in a bag instant meals. Not allowed to use the washing up facilities on the campsite, only the water tap for drink bottles, so it is all about not haveing to wash pans. Also, they don't heat anything up at lunchtime, it has to be pre-prepared. (and judging by last time, they were reluctant to stop at all for anything, ds team just ploughed right on - 2 minute lunch break etc!! (their choice)

No it's not practice as they've been doing that after school each week since Xmas. I'd prefer it if it was just one night really like the assessed one. Never mind

Sorry name changed. I mean it's not training as they've done that already.

DS has done bronze & silver and DD has done bronze with a variety of weather conditions. Neither of them changed their clothes, they stayed in the same stuff the whole time! DD had to throw her pants away - but she wouldn't thank me for telling that story!

Both of them had layers if they needed them, mostly fleece and sports stuff, so as not to be heavy or water absorbing. They can get really hot while they are walking with the back pack on.

Make sure boots are worn as much as possible before hand - DD particularly said that lots of her friends hadn't worn their boots at all before the practice expedition and really suffered.

My two had the bags of food you add hot water to for their evening meals, which they really liked. They took loads of high cal snacks, like M&Ms and sweets. They said that sometimes you just need a sugar hit.

Don't forget sun tan lotion if it looks like it will be dry. DD did her bronze practice in one of the heat waves and it was very tough. Fortunately, the teachers drove around with extra water and they all wet their hats to try and keep cool.

Neither of mine are very outdoorsy and they both loved doing it so much. Hope your DD enjoys it Berriesandleaves.

I suppose it'll only be two days of hiking as the first and last days will be travelling on the coach. Maybe they think it'll give more practice.