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WHAT TO EXPECT

COVID 19 PROCEDURES

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 at specified 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 at visitor centre or shops/eating establishments according to location. 

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TERMS AND CONDITONS
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PRACTICE EXPEDITIONS

QUALIFYING EXPEDITION

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TESTIMONIALS

“All the instructors were excellent – the students were motivated by their teaching and they gave the students a wealth of skills which will enable them to succeed in their assessed expedition. The whole trip has been organised very well and has run very smoothly. Thank you very much!”

 

TESTIMONIALS

"Excellent instructors – we would like to work with them all again."

 

TESTIMONIALS

"Learn Outdoors has excellent instructors, health and safety, flexibility, programme design and client management.  I would happily recommend them."

TESTIMONIALS

“All safety measures in place. Excellent tutors and Course Director. Venue excellent and pupils taken through all safety procedures with walking activities to cooking.” 

TESTIMONIALS

“The instructors were excellent. They operated professionally and exhibited confidence, knowledge and approachability throughout.”

 

TESTIMONIALS

"Staff and pupils all commented on the positive and productive atmosphere over the weekend."

 

TESTIMONIALS

"All crew were lovely and really helpful."

 

TESTIMONIALS

"We felt that a lot of time and effort had gone into organising it and we really enjoyed it."

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