Personal Development Challenge

Skill: Outdoor Adventures

Outdoor Adventures

For my Personal Development Challenge I would like to develop my walking and navigation skills and looking into map reading. For my final inspire and share section I would like to plan an activity with our region Inspire group, I would like to complete these skills by gaining Level 1 of the Girlguiding Walking Scheme. By completing The Walking Scheme I will be able to look into planning and preparing for walks including what to pack and equipment needed, looking at risks and the country side code, as well as looking at route planning and navigation skills, map reading and compasses, safety, weather forecasts and first aid and personal leadership.

About the Walking Scheme

The Girlguiding walking scheme involves theoretical and practical training and assessment at three levels, each relating to a different...

Water Safety Module

Element 1 - Demonstrate knowledge of water safety out and about a. Identify and manage common potential dangers near water Risks and...

Module 1

Element 1a: Identify suitable clothing and equipment for lowland country i. List suitable clothing and footwear ii. List the equipment...

Module 2

Element 2a: Plan routes i. Explain the factors influencing the choice of a suitable route There are lots of factors that can influence...

Module 3

Element 3a: Have current first aid knowledge i. Assemble a first aid kit for group use on a walk in lowland country Seen and signed off...

Module 4

Element 4a: Demonstrate personal and leadership skills i. Share your general knowledge with the group during the walk Inspire Element ii....

Walking Scheme Modules

About Personal Development Challenge

This challenge is all about developing a skill of your choice, setting goals and reflecting on your progress along the way. It’s not just the end result that’s important, it’s the journey!

At the end of your challenge, you’ll get to share your new skill with others in guiding, show what you’ve achieved and inspire others. This should be over a minimum of 50 hours.

My Project

For my personal development, I'm going to be looking at outdoor adventures

I would like to complete Girlguiding's Walking Scheme Level 1 to help build my skills and pin point criteria to meet.

As part of this my goals include:

Completing the Girlguiding Level 1 Walking Scheme.
Plan 6 walks, one walk being at least 6km.
Plan a day out for Girlguiding NWE Inspire.

Project Assessor:

Ann, County Walking Advisor

About The Walking Scheme, Level 1

After you've completed the Girlguiding walking scheme level 1, you'll be able to plan routes and navigate walks with girls in lowland country, including tracks and paths, fields, woods and lanes.

To complete the award:

Attend a Girlguiding level 1 training course.
Complete the clauses for modules 1 to 4 of level 1.
Keep a log book of walks you've completed in the UK - for level 1 this must be at least 6 walks, 1 of which must be of 6km or more in length.
Be supported while you plan and lead a walk in lowland country

Log of Hours

Meeting with Ann - 2 hours
17th September Walk - 1.5 hours
Research into walks - 2 hours
18th Feb Walk - 2 hours
Research - 3 hours
Research - 2 hours
20th March Walk - 2 hours
Research - 2 hours
Research - 1 hour
Exploring maps - 1 hour
1st aid research - 4 hours
Recce planning - 1.5 hours
27th March walk - 1.75 hours
Research - 3 hours
Risk assessment - 1.5 hours
Organisations research - 2 hours
29th March Walk - 1.5 hours
Planning Delamere walk - 10 hours
16th April walk - 30 mins
First aid training - 6 hours
1st response e learning - 1 hour
Delamere inspire walk - 2 hours
Inspire section planning - 7 hours
Inspire session - 1.5 hours
Planning route, Rangers walk - 1.5 hours
Recce walk for Rangers - 1.5 hours
Walk with Rangers - 2 hours

Supported Walk

Date : 29th May 2025 Area : Guys farm to Scorton Number of people on the walk : 8 Route : https://explore.osmaps.com/route/26691359/guys-...

Walking Scheme Log Book

Walk 1 - Levens Deer Park Date : 17th September 2024 Area : Levens Number of people on the walk : 2 Route : https://explore.osmaps.com/ro...

Inspire and Share

As part of my Inspire and Share for my Queens Guide Award, I created an activity for my Rangers group around basic knowldge of map...

Reflection

Describe your activity or role.

For my personal development challenge I have worked towards completing the Level 1 Girlguiding Walking Scheme, which comprises of 4 modules and a water safety module. The walking scheme looks at being able to take girlguiding members out in lowland country side and learn more about skills needed to do this.

Why did you choose it for this section?

Throughout my 3 years I began and re-began the personal development challenge several times, looking at completing BSL course, gardening, baking, and using the Rebel Badge Book for inspiration, I was struggling to chose a skill to develop and stick to it without having a guidance and set tasks to complete. I looked into what skills could develop within Girlguiding, which is when I found the Walking Scheme on the website. I have been wanting to get out more in the country, living close to the Lake District and saw this as an opportunity to develop my skills.

What have you learnt from the activity or role?

I've been able to develop a range of skills throughout this module including map reading, using a compass, health and safety, risk assessing, first aid, route planning, appropriate clothing, water safety, etc. I have been able to develop my knowledge and skills throughout and gain confidence to be able to go out in the countryside with members of Girlguiding.

What core skills have you developed and how?

Resilience - Learning what to do in emergencies and thinking quickly about what needs doing or changing on a route, such as if the weather changes, people are injured, etc.

Leadership - Being able to lead a group of people, being able to give advice to other people who are on the walk.

Communication - Being able to communicate with the group about health and safety, a plan for the walk, checking in with members during the walk, etc.

Independence - Being able to plan a group walk, look at health and safety risks, etc.

What would you change or improve on if you did this activity again?

I would like to learn more about going up higher routes, such as the Wainwright routes in the Lake District, I have been invited to join the Level 2 Walking Scheme weekend next year.

If applicable, how has it made a positive impact in Girlguiding

I am now able to use my skills to support the Brownies and Rangers with UMAs and Skill Builders which include outdoor activities such as map reading and navigating. I am able to take units out on Lowland Walks.