DofE EXPEDITION FAQ's FOR PARENTS

School of Outdoors is an Approved Activity Provider for DofE Expeditions and training. 

Please see below a list of frequently asked questions.

If you can't see what you are looking for please feel free to contact us.

 

Kit / Equipment

What food should be taken on expedition?

During the training we will discuss food and the nutritional value of different items. DofE guidance on food can be found here.



Can students bring pre-made meals?

As part of the DofE's 20 conditions, a hot meal needs to be prepared each day, therefore sandwiches, wraps, etc are not suitable as a dinner for the expedition but are ok for lunch or snacks. Training will cover food and how to prepare and cook on camp. DofE guidance on food can be found here.



Will water be provided?

At most campsites fresh water is available, if this is not the case at a particular site then School of Outdoors will arrange for water to be distributed at the camp. Students should aim to carry enough water to see them through the day, however we will be able to provide water top ups on route if these are needed.



Can students bring energy / fizzy drinks to help them through the expedition?

We don't recommend energy or fizzy drinks during the expedition as these can cause energy spikes which are then followed by a low, making the expedition even harder in the long run. Many of these drinks also contain ingredients which can dehydrate the body rather than hydrate.



Clothing

What and how much clothing should be taken on the expedition?

We will cover this during the training sessions. How much is needed will vary depending on level, location and time of year. We recommend clothing that will dry quickly if it gets wet - so no jeans! Even during the summer it can get cold at night in remote areas, so a hat and gloves should be packed all year round. The full DofE recomended kit list can be found here.



Can shorts be worn for the expedition?

We recommend that during the journeying trousers are worn in order to protect from nettle stings, insect bites and the sun. However a pair of shorts are great in summer for relaxing once at camp.



Safety

If students are not allowed to bring mobile phones, what happens in an emergency?

We will provide each group wiht a 'dumb' phone for emergency use only, this will be pre-programmed with the Supervisors mobile number and our 24hr emergency number. Our training covers what to do in an emergency so all students will know what to do, as well as how to perform basic first aid. All our expedition staff are experienced at supervising groups and will be remotely supervising them and be on hand at any critical points.



What if I need to get in touch with my child?

School of Outdoors provide a 24hr emergency contact number. If there is an emergency then please contact this number and they will be able to relay a message to the supervisor of the team and arrange for the student to make contact with home if necessary.



My son /daughter has additional needs - can they take part? - will it be safe for them?

Absolutely! DofE is something which is achievable by all and nobody will be excluded from taking part. We do need to know of any needs or circumstances in advance as it may mean we need to amend the route or location of the expedition to ensure it is accessible.



What happens if someone is taken ill or injured on expedition?

All expedition staff are suitably trained and first aid qualified. If necessary we will arrange for medical treatment. If someone is unable to complete the expedition due to injury or illness we will contact both the school home contact and a parent / guardian to arrange collection.



 
 

Food and Drink

What food should be taken on expedition?

During the training we will discuss food and the nutritional value of different items. DofE guidance on food can be found here.



Can students bring pre-made meals?

As part of the DofE's 20 conditions, a hot meal needs to be prepared each day, therefore sandwiches, wraps, etc are not suitable as a dinner for the expedition but are ok for lunch or snacks. Training will cover food and how to prepare and cook on camp. DofE guidance on food can be found here.



Will water be provided?

At most campsites fresh water is available, if this is not the case at a particular site then School of Outdoors will arrange for water to be distributed at the camp. Students should aim to carry enough water to see them through the day, however we will be able to provide water top ups on route if these are needed.



Can students bring energy / fizzy drinks to help them through the expedition?

We don't recommend energy or fizzy drinks during the expedition as these can cause energy spikes which are then followed by a low, making the expedition even harder in the long run. Many of these drinks also contain ingredients which can dehydrate the body rather than hydrate.



 

Camping

What and how much clothing should be taken on the expedition?

We will cover this during the training sessions. How much is needed will vary depending on level, location and time of year. We recommend clothing that will dry quickly if it gets wet - so no jeans! Even during the summer it can get cold at night in remote areas, so a hat and gloves should be packed all year round. The full DofE recomended kit list can be found here.



Can shorts be worn for the expedition?

We recommend that during the journeying trousers are worn in order to protect from nettle stings, insect bites and the sun. However a pair of shorts are great in summer for relaxing once at camp.



 

Cancellations

If students are not allowed to bring mobile phones, what happens in an emergency?

We will provide each group wiht a 'dumb' phone for emergency use only, this will be pre-programmed with the Supervisors mobile number and our 24hr emergency number. Our training covers what to do in an emergency so all students will know what to do, as well as how to perform basic first aid. All our expedition staff are experienced at supervising groups and will be remotely supervising them and be on hand at any critical points.



What if I need to get in touch with my child?

School of Outdoors provide a 24hr emergency contact number. If there is an emergency then please contact this number and they will be able to relay a message to the supervisor of the team and arrange for the student to make contact with home if necessary.



My son /daughter has additional needs - can they take part? - will it be safe for them?

Absolutely! DofE is something which is achievable by all and nobody will be excluded from taking part. We do need to know of any needs or circumstances in advance as it may mean we need to amend the route or location of the expedition to ensure it is accessible.



What happens if someone is taken ill or injured on expedition?

All expedition staff are suitably trained and first aid qualified. If necessary we will arrange for medical treatment. If someone is unable to complete the expedition due to injury or illness we will contact both the school home contact and a parent / guardian to arrange collection.



 
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