With the submission of the completed application form, applicants will be invited to an Assessment Weekend to be held in Hong Kong . Purposes of the Assessment Weekend are:

• To provide an opportunity to young people to better understand themselves, breakthrough their limits and explore their potentials;
  
• To select suitable candidate to go on expedition, and
  
• To experience the environment and scenario that venturers may encounter in a real expedition (5 to 10-week overseas voluntary services).

It is by itself a positive learning experience and self-developing opportunity to all those who participate. We believe that by participating in an Assessment Weekend, you will know yourself better. So, it is just a small step to start your Raleigh journey and kick start your big step of life stage.

More about the Assessment Weekend

• Assessment Weekend Programme
  
• When and Where
  
• Assessment Criteria
  
• Preparation
  
• Fee
  
• Forms

Assessment Weekend Programme

During this 30-hour Assessment Weekend, candidates will undergo a program designed to identify those with motivation, determination, team-work and compatibility to cope with the mental and physical challenges of expedition life.

The program of the Weekend is developed for selecting suitable candidates to go on expedition. There will be 20-30 candidates in each Weekend. Candidates will be divided into small groups of 6-10 people who will stay together throughout the Weekend.

The program of each Weekend may vary with the following essential ingredients : team building exercises, problem solving exercises, situational exercises, competitive exercises, map reading and hiking training, and swimming test. The number of candidates selected in each Weekend is UNLIMITED.

When and Where

The Weekend takes place over a weekend in the beautiful countryside of Hong Kong. Two Assessment Weekends are held each year in Hong Kong around March and November .

Assessment Criteria

There are 6 core criteria for assessing whether a candidate is suitable for an expedition:

a. Commitment/Motivation

Is concerned with an individual interests and sense of purpose in relation to the Assessment Weekend and participating on expedition. It includes determination and perseverance and also the support an individual giv en to the team and completion of tasks.

b. Decision Making

Is concerned with the contribution to come up with group decisions. This includes listening to the views of others, contributing ideas and being positive and decisive when necessary.

c. Leadership

Is concerned with ability to stimulate action and to take the initiative in getting things done. This includes involving and motivating others to achieve the task.

d. Adaptability/Openness

Is concerned with adapting one's behaviour to new situations and displaying flexibility. It also includes openness to new ideas and willingness to learn and benefit from such experiences.

e. Interpersonal Communication

Is concerned with the ability to communicate effectively and clearly about ideas, opinions and feelings. Demonstrates good listening skills to others and questions .

f. Team Maintenance

Is about working effectively with others, mutual support and understanding that strength team coherence. It is important on an expedition.

Each candidate will be assessed by a group of Raleigh ex-venturers based on an established scoring system. Based on the core criteria listed above, we aim to provide an objective and comprehensive assessment on each individual candidate.

Preparation

The 30-hour Weekend is both physically and mentally demanding. Candidates are advised to start their physical training 1 month before the Weekend and take enough rest before the Weekend.

Required equipment:

Please also use your own judgment to prepare yourself for a 2-day-1-night outdoor activities in a Hong Kong countryside environment. Food, water, cooking utensils, tents and sleeping bags are NOT required.

The items you MUST bring with you are listed below:

1. A water-proof whistle;
2. A compass;
3. A torch or headlamp (can operate throughout the whole activity);
4. Empty water bottle(s) which can be filled with 3L water;
5. Personal medicines, esp. those with asthma;
6. One set of spare clothes which are properly wrapped and kept dry (thick clothes when necessary);
7. Rain coat/ rainproof gear;
8. A rubbish bag (thick and black is preferred);
9. Utensils for eating e.g. bowl, chopsticks, fork, spoon, etc.

Fee

A fee of HK$ 400 is required in order to take part in an Assessment Weekend. This fee shall be submitted alongside with the application form. (Once the application is accepted, all fee is non-refundable.)

Forms

• Application Form
• Declaration Form
• Expectation Form
• Medical Form