Complete your award and meet like-minded people in the heart of the New Forest
The New Forest Outdoor Centre, surrounded by woodland in the heart of the New Forest is hosting an unmissable DofE Gold Residential.
Designed for anyone who loves the woodland environment, we are offering a multi activity residential to immerse yourself in the woods and woodland activities. Carve a spoon, throw an axe, explore the New Forest by bike, learn some bushcraft skills as well as team tasks, high ropes and raft building challenges.
A DofE Gold
Residential Activity Schedule
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
Afternoon
Arrival
Introduction to the site
Ice breakers
Delegation of jobs and purchase weeks food
Evening
BBQ
Fundamentals of fire lighting (bushcraft)
Introduction to knife skills
Morning
Mountain Bike day in the New Forest
Morning route planning session
Afternoon
MTB day continued
Evening
Bushcraft – Whittling
Spoon carving
Morning/Afternoon
Ranged sport day:
Archery
Axe throwing
Air rifle shooting
Evening
Bushcraft – Arrow making
Morning
Team tasks
Challenge course
Afternoon
High and Low Ropes
Camp set up for evening bivi (optional)
Evening
Tarp set ups
Camp craft
Morning
Fire lighting challenge
Raft Building race
Afternoon
Course review
Feedback & farewells
You’re not on expedition anymore!
Staying overnight with us provides the opportunity to really unwind, soak up the tranquil atmosphere and hopefully spot a few stars. A night around the campfire or wood burner provides the perfect opportunity to reconnect away from screens and distractions.
There are 10 simple shepherd huts around the Carpenters Barn each sleeping up to 4 people in bunk beds. With extensive woodland available we can also offer a rustic campsite or simpler still, cook your dinner on a fire and spend the night in a hammock or under a bivi tarp.
The sleeping arrangements will be split by gender and ages of participants, all bedding is provided so no need to pack a sleeping bag!
Creating the community
Upon settling into your home for the week, meeting your instructors and the rest of the group the first task you will have to accomplish is creating a shopping list for your meal plan. As a team you will create this list with support from your instructors, there will also be opportunities to ‘top up’ on items during the week to ensure you have everything you need for hearty meals each day.
The meals will be cooked up as a group each night, this is an integral part of the community building that we want to see amongst your team. There is a role for everyone whether that be cooking or clearing up and we expect all to get involved!
You will arrange your own breakfast and packed lunches each day allowing for all dietary requirements and favourite foods.
All dietary requirements must be discussed with the group when creating your meal plan, all food costs are included in the overall cost so no extra cash is needed.
Your safety is our prioriy
Our instructors are experienced, trained and appropriately qualified for the activities they deliver and are able to balance safety with fun.
The site is private and located on an also private estate so there will be no general public access.
During your residential the instructors will be available to support you at any time and a Duty Instructor will be on call each night. Senior staff will be in the office between 9am-5pm
All specialist and personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided for activities.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
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Please see the attached kit list for a full list. Mainly, lots of clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or wet, a good pair of closed toe shoes for activities and some shoes to wear in the water.
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We advise that each participant arranges transport directly to and from The New Forest. If you would like to drive yourself then we have a suitable sized car park to leave your car for the week. The closest train station is Lyndhurst and taxis can be booked from there to the centre.
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The residential will start at 12:00/13:00 on Monday and will be finished by 13:00/14:00 on Friday.
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Yes. We are fully insured to run all of our activities and have £10 million public liability cover.
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The activities will still go ahead however we will pick the safest and most appropriate activity for the conditions each day.
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All activity staff are experienced and have at least the minimum national governing body award qualifications for the activities which they deliver and are first aid qualified. All staff at The New Forest Outdoor Centre are DBS checked.
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The DofE residentials are completely alcohol free. We will not tolerate any alcohol consumption during the week, and you will be asked to leave if you are found drinking.
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Following rules set by the DofE award scheme you are able to come on the residential with one other person that you know.
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Your assessor report will be filled in within a week after you leave and will be completed by your instructor from the week. It will then be sent to DofE, and they then send it to your local assessor, so please contact them first as they have to assign it to your account.
Our Sister Centres
Looking for slightly different scenery?
We have the pleasure of running two other outdoor centres offering DofE Gold Residentials. Both have the same ethos of immersive activities, allowing you as a participant time to grow confidence and skills. All three of our centres have unique activities and landscapes to enjoy.
Our Portland site is based on the northern edge of the island and looks straight over the harbour, made famous by its use in the 2012 Olympics as the sailing venue. The quick access to the Jurassic Coast path and subsequently the cliffs allow for fantastic Rock Climbing, Abseiling and Coasteering not to mention all of the Watersports on the doorstep.