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
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.
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.
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.
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
Clothing
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Camping
What will the campsite be like?
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.
Will students be sharing tents?
Yes, unless there are exceptional circumstances such as for an SEN group who are unable to share.
Will there be the opportunity to shower?
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.
Do School of Outdoors provide transport to and from expeditions?
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.
Cancellations
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.
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.
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.
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.