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. 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



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. 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.



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

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. 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.



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. 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.



 

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. 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.



 
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