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. We will work with the DofE Leader at your 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 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. 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.



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. The training will cover food and how to prepare and cook on camp. Advice can be found from the DofE here.



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. You 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 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. Many of these drinks also contain ingredients which can dehydrate the body rather than hydrate.



Safety

If I'm not allowed to bring my mobile phone, what happens in an emergency?

We will provide each group with a basic phone for emergency use only, this will be pre-programmed with the Supervisors mobile number and our 24hr emergency number. Training covers what to do in an emergency so you 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 you and be on hand at any critical points.



What if a someone needs to get in touch with me?

School of Outdoors provide a 24hr emergency contact number. If there is an emergency then someone will be able contact this number and we will be able to relay a message to the supervisor of the team and arrange for you to make contact with home if necessary.



I have additional needs, can I take part? will it be safe for me?

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 I am 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 you are 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.



 
 

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. The training will cover food and how to prepare and cook on camp. Advice can be found from the DofE here.



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. You 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 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. 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 I be sharing a tent?

Yes, unless there are exceptional circumstances which means you are unable to share. We will work with the DofE Leader at your 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 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. 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

If I'm not allowed to bring my mobile phone, what happens in an emergency?

We will provide each group with a basic phone for emergency use only, this will be pre-programmed with the Supervisors mobile number and our 24hr emergency number. Training covers what to do in an emergency so you 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 you and be on hand at any critical points.



What if a someone needs to get in touch with me?

School of Outdoors provide a 24hr emergency contact number. If there is an emergency then someone will be able contact this number and we will be able to relay a message to the supervisor of the team and arrange for you to make contact with home if necessary.



I have additional needs, can I take part? will it be safe for me?

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 I am 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 you are 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.



 
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