7 Common mistakes DofE participants make and how to avoid them!
Category: DofE Advice and Guidance
Posted by Holly Moffitt
Everyone makes mistakes but being aware of classic scenarios that DofE participants find themselves in is a great way to avoid making the same mistake too.
Lets delve into common mistakes that participants make and how you can change tact. After all, we want to see you do the very best you can and help you achieve your full potential...
#1 Not testing the kit in the elements
An obvious one but it can be one that catches people as last minute purchases get thrown in the rucksack the night before. It is fantastic to be rocking a good quality waterproof or some sturdy walking boots ready for your expedition, but make sure you have given it the full test in the elements ahead of the big day. You really don't want to be faced with a week long expedition wearing boots that haven't been broken in or a piece of kit you are not truly familiar with. Head out and give it some action, expose it to the elements and make sure it is comfortable, reliable and not too weighty for your expedition.
#2 Packing unnecessary things
You are going to be carrying a heavy load on your back so let’s not add more than necessary. You will be provided with a kit list for your expedition which will be comprehensive and will cover everything you need. It may be initially tempting to throw in those extra items but later in the week you may think otherwise when you've walked around with everything on your back. Be ruthless and go through your packed items more than once to determine what you really need and what things are simply nice to haves.
#3 Relying on others to navigate
It can be tempting to take a backseat when there is a more forthright member of the team who may have a little more confidence with the map. However that doesn't help you in progressing forward with your navigation and confidence doesn't always mean accuracy. Take ownership of your own navigation and work as a team to come up with a plan, break down the navigation into legs and determine what you believe to be the right path. If you haven't played a part in the navigation then you have no leg to stand on if you find yourselves in the wrong location. Team work makes the dream work! And the more you practice your own navigation, discussing routes as a team and pulling from your navigation toolbox to locate where you need to go - the better you will become!
#4 Forgetting to utilise everyone’s skills in the team
You are working as part of a team so why not make use of everyone’s strengths and work more efficiently? We want to see you work effectively both as an individual and as a team. Thinking about your teammates and how you can work together is smart management and planning.
#5 Changing up the plan
There is a time and a place for adjusting the plan – for example weather, injury or unforeseen circumstance may demand this. However, when it comes to plotting a route, sharing a safety plan and carrying this out – we would always recommend to stay true to your plan as best as you can. Stick to your guns! You have put hard work, thought and consideration into your plan to ensure it is top notch so lets trust it.
#6 Sense of humour failure
When the rain comes in, the hill looms ahead and it’s a long afternoon between your current spot and crawling into the sleeping bag – sometimes there can be a sense of humour failure. This is part of the experience and a key skill in overcoming the challenge, seeing the bright side and digging deep to maintain team morale. The discomfort is temporary and the satisfaction looking back will be immense. We know every moment won't be a barrel of laughs but coming armed with a good sense of character and cheeriness can go a long way for you and your teammates.
#7 Doubts creeping in
It is easier said than done but kicking those doubts to the curb allows you to stay on track and not let any small hiccups impact your confidence. Things may not go as planned or imagined but you have trained hard for this, you know your stuff and you are very capable. Believe in yourself!
Are there any other common mistakes you can think of or have experienced yourself along the way?
Remember, no one is perfect, and mistakes can and will happen. You may not be able to control that but you can control your response. Recognising its going a little left field and working as a team to get things back on track is part of the journey and our assessors will love to see you problem-solving.