DofE EXPEDITION FAQ's FOR SCHOOLS

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. If School of Outdoors is not providing the training please ensure that your students are suitably prepared for what to bring on expedition in line with the DofE Expedition Guide and Leaders Handbook. 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 would be ok for lunch and snacks. We will cover food and how to prepare and cook on camp during the training. If the training is not being provided by School of Outdoors please ensure this is covered in line with the DofE Expedition Guide and Leaders Handbook.



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 happens if the booking needs to be cancelled?

If there are any changes or cancellations please let us know as soon as possible. We do have to charge for cancellations if there is less than 6 weeks before the event is due to take place, this is because we are unlikely to get booked for a replacement event at such short notice.



What if the weather is bad on the day of the expedition?

In most cases the expedition will still be able to take place as students will be trained and equipped for poor weather. In extreme circumstances where it is felt by School of Outdoors that the expedition cannot take place due to the weather we will arrange an alternative date for the expedition to take place or provide a refund where this is not possible.



Where can I find full details of your cancellations policy?

Our full cancellation policy is in our terms and conditions which is available here.



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 a parent needs to get in touch with their 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 group and arrange for the student to make contact with home if necessary.



Can students with additional needs 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 suitable 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.



Do you provide Risk Assessments

School of Outdoors completes Risk Assessments for all events and expeditions it runs. For copies of the Risk Assessment for your event or expedition please email info@schoolofoutdoors.uk



 
 

Food and Drink

What food should be taken on expedition?

During the training we will discuss food and the nutritional value of different items. If School of Outdoors is not providing the training please ensure that your students are suitably prepared for what to bring on expedition in line with the DofE Expedition Guide and Leaders Handbook. 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 would be ok for lunch and snacks. We will cover food and how to prepare and cook on camp during the training. If the training is not being provided by School of Outdoors please ensure this is covered in line with the DofE Expedition Guide and Leaders Handbook.



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

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 a parent needs to get in touch with their 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 group and arrange for the student to make contact with home if necessary.



Can students with additional needs 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 suitable 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.



Do you provide Risk Assessments

School of Outdoors completes Risk Assessments for all events and expeditions it runs. For copies of the Risk Assessment for your event or expedition please email info@schoolofoutdoors.uk



 

Cancellations

What happens if the booking needs to be cancelled?

If there are any changes or cancellations please let us know as soon as possible. We do have to charge for cancellations if there is less than 6 weeks before the event is due to take place, this is because we are unlikely to get booked for a replacement event at such short notice.



What if the weather is bad on the day of the expedition?

In most cases the expedition will still be able to take place as students will be trained and equipped for poor weather. In extreme circumstances where it is felt by School of Outdoors that the expedition cannot take place due to the weather we will arrange an alternative date for the expedition to take place or provide a refund where this is not possible.



Where can I find full details of your cancellations policy?

Our full cancellation policy is in our terms and conditions which is available here.



 
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