Paddling to Success: Explorers Complete DofE Canoe Expeditions

Golden Hind Explorer Scout Unit has had a busy summer completing Duke of Edinburgh award expeditions. Teams at Bronze, Silver, and Gold, navigated three Canoe trails, demonstrating teamwork, resilience, and impressive paddling skills. We are really proud of our 4 brilliant DofE teams!

Bronze Teams Paddle the Medway

Bronzes arriving at the finish point

Bronze Team

Bronze Team

Our 2 Bronze DofE teams took on the scenic River Medway, paddling a two-day journey from Tonbridge to Yalding. They faced the challenge of staying upright on the Canoe chutes, working together to portage locks and keeping on top of navigation. They learned essential skills like packing to waterproof their gear, setting up and striking camp, menu planning and cooking expedition meals. Both teams made excellent time and demonstrated how capable they are. We look forward to seeing them progress on to DofE Silver!

Silver Teams Tackle the Severn

DofE Silver team at Rhydd Covert before their 3 day adventure on the Severn

The Silver DofE team embarked on a three-day expedition along the historic River Severn, starting at Ironbridge and concluding at Upton Marina. This longer route tested their skills. They had to maintain a good pace, adapt to the river’s changing conditions, and work collaboratively to overcome obstacles. They also got their first experience paddling on rapids, where they learned some new whitewater skills and we learned they are a thrill-seeking bunch of Explorers! We felt this team were really “on-it”, and the success of their expedition is all down to their hard work and preparation.

It was also fantastic to hear from their DofE assessor Vicky about the positive comments members of the public made about their behaviour and manners; other campers and the lock keepers made a point of letting her know that the team were “an asset” to Scouting and DofE. We can’t wait to see this team paddle the beautiful Great Glen in Scotland next summer!

Thrillseekers

Soloing on Jackfield Rapids

Gold Team Takes on the Great Glen

Our Gold team packed for their 4 day adventure in the Scottish Highlands

Our Gold DofE team undertook the ultimate canoeing challenge, a four-day expedition on Scotland’s iconic Great Glen. The team paddled from Fortwilliam to Inverness, traversing a series of lochs and the River Oich featuring grade 2 rapids.

After a long drive from London, we arrived at Beinglas Campsite, where everyone quickly got to know the Scottish midge. Armed with head nets and smidge spray the teams paddled downstream to Loch Lomond for a training day on Open Water. We discussed the effects of wind on open water, practised deep water rescues, rigged tarps and cooked a hot lunch. That evening we drove onward through Glen Coe to our base camp at Spean Bridge. Our next training day was a white water session on the River Oich, practising making eddies, choosing a good line, ferry gliding and discussing hazards. This was followed by rafting practise on Loch Ness at Fort Augustus, which provided entertainment for the tourists who hadn’t spotted Nessie that day.

After two solid training days the teams were off on their expeditions. This expedition demanded stamina, solid navigation and teamwork. They faced the unpredictable weather of the Scottish Highlands, endured the relentless Scottish midge, conquered long portages and demonstrated the perseverance required to complete the highest level of the DofE Award. They “locked in”, got the miles done and made a great success from their challenge. Well done to our 4 DofE Golds!

Training on Loch Lomond

River Oich

Making expedition plans over dinner

On a long portage

The Summer Expeditions were also a training opportunity for senior Explorer Rafiq. Since completing his DofE Gold expedition in 2024 he has been shadowing leaders and furthering skills and experience on moving and open water.

Rafiq, furthering skills on Loch Ness

The successful completion of these expeditions marks a significant achievement for our Explorers and Golden Hind Explorer Scout Unit, with this being our biggest DofE season so far. Our Explorers have not only fulfilled the requirements of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award but have also created lasting memories and developed valuable life skills. A huge congratulations to all our Explorers for their hard work and dedication this year, and a big thank you to our volunteer team who dedicate their time to this programme.

Leaders avoiding the Scottish Midge