The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Our Hanwella Experience

How did we prepare?

To summarise here are the details:

1. About maps;
   • What maps are and why they are important (aim of map reading)
   • How to use and read various maps (scale, grid references, conventional symbols/ signs, ground shape, contours, gradient…)
   • How to take care of them
2. About compasses;
   • Components of a compass
   • How to use them for navigating purposes
3. How to take bearings
4. How to plan a safe route; making a route card
5. How to set up tents + what to do and not do while setting up tents
6. How to use a stove + how to plan a balanced diet/ meal
7. Leadership skills + responsibilities of a team

Due to the covid-19 pandemic we had online training and at first were not remarkably familiar with the equipment we were using at Hanwella. Online training on map navigation and how to use a compass gave us the ability to acquire the knowledge for map reading, navigation, and necessary outdoor skills. We started preparing by gathering the necessary equipment needed during our two day stay at Hanwella. We needed the training info booklet, kit list, compass, map of Avissawella and a ruler.

What we learnt:

We learned what maps are and what they were used and why they were important. We learned that they were a bird's eye view of a specific location, drawn to a scale and would help you find your way out of being lost. We learned terms such as scale, grid reference, conventional signs and symbols, ground shape, contour lines, gradient.

We also learned the components of a compass and how to use it properly. We were taught to take a bearing of a location and to take the back bearing to that same location as well.

We learned to be always attentive and pay attention to detail (e.g. such as a car engine to gauge the distance from it) and estimating the distance of the road from us.

We then each made a map of the hike we took and put them all together to fill out an efficient route card, with all the bearings, distances, and landmarks. We were all also given different roles on our trip. We each had the chance to be a leader, scout, map reader, pace keeper, safety, navigator and noter.

We then learned to set up a tent and were taught the do’s and the don’ts.

We cooked our own well-balanced breakfast on the morning of day two and were taught the safe and proper way to use a stove.

What we brought back to our classroom and everyday life?

The best part of the trip was living with nature, adjusting to it, and making new friends that we worked with as a team and accomplished many goals which are unforgettable!

We will all carry a map, water, snacks, and a ruler in case we ever get lost :)