Waltham Walk

The Waltham Walk is a unique challenge for young people. It allows them to work closely as a team to overcome all sorts of "obstacles", both physical and mental, throughout the weekend. During the event, they can develop their team work and expedition skills in a competitive and adventurous environment. It is an important part of the challenge that the young people cope with all that is thrown at them in order that they gain the maximum experience possible - both the thrill of success and achievement, as well as learning from any mistakes made.

It is appreciated that, because of the competitive aspect, all leaders want their teams to come high in the final rankings as possible and the temptation to "lend a hand" is constantly present. The Waltham Walk is a competition where the "taking part and doing one's best" attitude is of paramount importance, over-riding any need for points and places. Team Supervisors should, therefore, observe the following Protocol:

• From the moment your team enters the Start Briefing Room, they are "on their own". Your training has got them to that point and they should now be able to look after themselves. If they cannot, then consider why they are there!

• The team has been given specific requirements for the weekend and should be conversant with the rules. Make sure that your team knows these rules and are fully briefed well before the event, not in the start car park ! It is for their own safety as well as the smooth running of the event.

• Please respect those that are staffing the event; the WW Committee members and the staff running the numerous checkpoints. They are all volunteers, mostly with many years of experience of the Walk, and are doing their very best to ensure a good time is had by all. If you wish to become more involved with particular aspects of the event, please contact the Committee - there are always jobs to do!

• Some teams do not have Supervisors in constant contact; do not put them at a disadvantage by assisting your team in any way. If you wish to follow the progress of your team throughout the weekend, remember the following:

- Your team should be capable of map reading. Let them do it by themselves.

- Do not give answers to the puzzles - the points gained can affect final placing of teams to the detriment of those who work things out for themselves.

- The team should be carrying all the items they need for the entire Walk. Do not carry gear for them or act as a mobile supply point.

- Do not walk with them over any part of the route - they can manage!

NB Mini Trek teams need to be supervised and the teams should be at a discrete distance in front of the supervisor. Do not act as a "pacemaker". The physical strain of the walk is hard enough; pushing young bodies past their natural limits could be dangerous.

• Follow all instructions about where to park vehicles. Permission is granted for use of private land, some of which has certain conditions and specific allocations, e.g. access and parking. If you see that a checkpoint is particularly congested, please move on to another.

• Please treat all teams as if they were your own. The safety and well being of all participants is of paramount importance, whoever they are. If you see anybody in difficulty, remember that they are told not to talk to people who do not have a WW Identification Card. Do not be offended - ask them to stop and then go to a checkpoint where help can be called upon.

• Remember - the decision of any Committee Member is FINAL. Any teams caught breaking the rules, and this includes assistance from their leaders, are liable to have points deducted at the very least, or disqualified at the worst.

Thankyou