DofE EXPEDITION FAQ's FOR STUDENTS
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 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 I be sharing a tent?
Yes, unless there are exceptional circumstances which means you 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 you bring a small flannel or wet wipes.
Do you provide transport to and from expeditions?
We are unable to provide transport, however we will endevour to work with your school or centre to make the start and finish points as easily accessible for drop offs and collections as possible.
Clothing
What food should be taken on expedition?
During the training we will discuss food and the nutritional value of different items and make sure you are fully prepared with what to bring. The DofE top tips can be found here.
Can I 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 lunches and snacks.
Will water be provided?
At most campsites fresh water is available, if this is not the case at a particular site then we will arrange for water to be distributed at the camp.
Can I bring energy / fizzy drinks to help me 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
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 I be sharing a tent?
Yes, unless there are exceptional circumstances which means you 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 you bring a small flannel or wet wipes.
Do you provide transport to and from expeditions?
We are unable to provide transport, however we will endevour to work with your school or centre to make the start and finish points as easily accessible for drop offs and collections as possible.
Food and Drink
What food should be taken on expedition?
During the training we will discuss food and the nutritional value of different items and make sure you are fully prepared with what to bring. The DofE top tips can be found here.
Can I 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 lunches and snacks.
Will water be provided?
At most campsites fresh water is available, if this is not the case at a particular site then we will arrange for water to be distributed at the camp.
Can I bring energy / fizzy drinks to help me 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 I be sharing a tent?
Yes, unless there are exceptional circumstances which means you 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 you bring a small flannel or wet wipes.
Do you provide transport to and from expeditions?
We are unable to provide transport, however we will endevour to work with your school or centre to make the start and finish points as easily accessible for drop offs and collections as possible.
Cancellations
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 I be sharing a tent?
Yes, unless there are exceptional circumstances which means you 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 you bring a small flannel or wet wipes.
Do you provide transport to and from expeditions?
We are unable to provide transport, however we will endevour to work with your school or centre to make the start and finish points as easily accessible for drop offs and collections as possible.