Self reflection on Adventure indoors training inset 1

We tried a new format for Inset week to be taken around all of the Divisions within the County - the formal training part was only 30 minutes long in section groups and the remainder of the evening there were challenges to try, with the objective of getting a challenge badge and including a café with food activities and the opportunity to network. I think the Leaders thought they were going to hear about the new programme so there was a fantastic turnout (22)!

The café format went really well and there was lots of talk going on about adapting the activities on offer to suit the girls.  I was amazed at the lack of knowledge of the 5 Essentials to start with but the dedication of Good Guiding is ..... shone though. Feels like we have gone full circle now when I first started training leaders were saying "we don't want to play games and do activities" but this time they came in saying "wow this looks good" and I think we got approached for more section questions because it was quite informal. The resource pack of the challenges, tied with a guiding blue ribbon, was won by a brand new leader who was really excited to take it away and the other leaders were pleased for her. Everyone was given a handout with URL's for the resources and stating the source of the activities on offer on the night including several from Rustle, Bustle.

The biggest surprise for me was the enthusiasm with which the challenges to get the whatever the weather challenge badge were received. As a county we had previously decided not to have a training badge but I hope that gets re-visited after this training.   

At the start of the session we had nobody booked in and I only did 12 handouts thinking that they would use at the next 2 trainings. Luckily the DC was able to photocopy at the venue but we really need leaders to let us know they are coming - I assumed it had been cancelled so nearly didn't attend! The format was a lot of work for the trainers in making examples, laying out and clearing away but I think the Leaders appreciated it. We also got off to a good start promoting the messages from the Trainers conference  -  less on programme and more on methods and participation by the girls.