OPEN DofE FOR INDIVIDUALS
Making DofE expeditions a fantastic, rewarding journey.
On an open DofE expedition you’ll meet others in a similar position to you and our friendly instructors/assessors will be there to support you throughout.
You’ll receive pre-expedition information about your trip so you’ll know where to come to, who you’ll meet and what to bring etc. You’ll also receive a copy of ‘Our Tips for Success’ training booklet. Check out the sections below to find out more.
What's included:
- Expert supervision – all our instructors are very experienced and hold the Mountain Leaders Award as a minimum qualification
- Accredited Assessors (for qualifying expeditions)
- Camp fees
- DofE fees paid by Learn Outdoors
- Insurance
- Emergency Procedure Cards
- Hi-vis vests
- Emergency spare equipment (fleeces, waterproofs, sleeping bags, rucksacks etc.)
- ‘Our Tips for Success’ training booklet and our new ‘Performance Criteria Checklist’
- Expedition paperwork e.g. Green
- Forms will be submitted on your behalf
- Quality training
- Medical and Consent Forms and Equipment Lists
- Medical Advisor – we retain the services of a qualified doctor to advise on specific medical matters associated with expeditions.
- A document containing all our ‘Risk Assessments, Operating Procedures and Policies’ is available on request.
- Tents and stoves – we can loan high quality trekking tents and gas Trangia stoves if required
What you need to provide:
- Transport to and from the expedition(s).
- Food for the duration of the expedition(s) (we’ll provide advice on foods to bring).
- Your own kit (a comprehensive kit list will be provided).
- Any accommodation you may require pre and post expedition.
- Maps of the expedition areas – we’ll let you know what to bring.
Preconditions - Practice Expedition
- You must be aged between 16 and 24.
- Be registered for your Gold award.
- Be physically fit enough to undertake a multi-day expedition in wild country.
Preconditions - Qualifying Expedition
- You must be aged between 16 and 24.
- Be registered for your Gold award.
- Provide evidence of successful completion of at least one practice expedition.
- Be physically fit enough to undertake a multi-day expedition in wild country.
EXAMPLE ITINERARY - GOLD DofE TRAINING & PRACTICE - Open DofE expeditions for Individuals
An example of a Gold training and practice expedition will look something like this:
Day 1:
- Arrive
mid afternoon atspecified campsite. - Meet your supervisor and other participants.
- Set up camp.
- Commence training.
- Cook your evening meal at the campsite or eat out in town.
Day 2:
- Training day based exploring topics such
as: risk management; emergencies and First Aid; expedition kit checks; food and nutrition; map skills etc. - Return to the campsite in the evening and cook your evening meal.
Day 3:
- The morning will start with training sessions at the campsite followed by walking in the hills accompanied by instructors looking at Gold level navigation techniques.
- Return to the campsite in the evening and prepare for the start of the expedition proper.
Days 4, 5 and 6: Practice Expedition
- Carrying all your equipment you’ll walk three days worth of planned routes taking in some beautiful Welsh countryside, sleeping at a combination of quiet farm campsites and wild camps.
- Instructors will be supervising and delivering further training as required.
- Finish the expedition with a debrief.
- You’ll usually have access to a cafe/shop for refreshments.
EXAMPLE ITINERARY - GOLD DofE QUALIFIER - Open DofE expeditions for Individuals
An example of a Gold qualifying expedition will look something like this:
Day 1 – Pre Expedition Day.
- Arrive late morning at
specified campsite. - Meet your assessor and other participants; kit checks; set up camp.
- Short
acclimatisation walk. - Cook your dinner on
camping stove. - Overnight camp at
campsite .
Days 2,3,4 and 5 – Qualifying Expedition.
- Participants assessed according to the 20 conditions and remotely supervised by Learn Outdoors staff.
- Camping will be on two quiet campsites and a wild camp.
- Finish with assessor debrief.
- You’ll have the opportunity
access refreshments atvisitor centre or shops/eating establishments according to location.
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