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.
As we are trying to provide low cost expeditions not all group equipment is provided as standard.
All exedition packages come with the below as standard if required
Maps
Compasses
Group First Aid kits
Tents
Stoves with gas
We do carry a limited supply of spare kit and so would try to supply a replacement wherever possible. If this is not possible then we would see if the group are able to share any missing equipment.
Please try to encourage students to check they have everything before leaving home as there are some items which are required in order for the expedition to take place.
For the expedition we request that students do not bring their own personal mobile phones, part of the excitement of the expedition is being able to navigate without outside aids and appreciating the surroundings without the distraction of social media, etc.
We would encourage students to bring a camera so that they can photograph anything for their aim work and create some great memories which they can share when they get home.
During the actual qualifying expedition it is one of the DofE's 20 conditions, that participants should be self sufficient and therefore they will not have the opportunity to spend any money whilst out on the expedition.
However they may wish to bring a small amount of money so they can buy an ice cream at the end of the expedition.
Depending on location there may also be the opportunity to purchase any last minute supplies prior to starting the expedition.
We would request that students do not bring any valuables with them on expedition as School of Outdoors cannot take any responsibility for damage or loss to personal items.
If an item belonging to School of Outdoors is damaged or lost through negligence then we will need to charge for repair or replacement. We will not charge for any damages caused through wear and tear, adverse weather conditions, etc.
Of course, we want the expedition to be fun! We just request that they do not bring items such as iPad's, MP3 players, handheld games consoles, etc. But we love joining in with things like frisbee, football or a game of cards!
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.
Where training is not provided by School of Outdoors, you need to ensure this is covered in line with the DofE Expedition Guide and Leaders Handbook.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
This will vary depending on what area your expedition is taking place. Generally the campsites are very basic. For Bronze and Silver they normally have toilets and running water. For Gold it will be wild camping.
Yes, unless there are exceptional circumstances such as for an SEN group who are unable to share.
We will work with the organiser at the school or centre to ensure that tent sharing is done in line with any school policies and request that we are made aware in advance of any known situations where someone cannot share with another particular person.
Most of the campsites we use are very basic and often do not have shower facilities. We recommend as part of the kit that students bring a small flannel or wet wipes.
We are unable to provide transport, however we will endevour to work with you to make the start and finish points as easily accessible for drop offs and collections as possible.
For Bronze we aim to start either at the school or very nearby. For Silver and Gold we can try and find areas that are accessible by train from your area.
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.
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.
Our full cancellation policy is in our terms and conditions which is available here.