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.
All exedition packages come with the below as standard if required
Maps
Compasses
Group First Aid kits
Tents
Stoves with gas
Please check with your school what equipment they are providing and what you need to provide yourself. If there is anything that your school is not providing and you do not have yourslef please talk to the DofE Leader at school.
We do carry a limited supply of spare kit and so would try to supply you with a replacement wherever possible. If this is not possible then we would see if your team are able to share any missing equipment.
Please check that you have everything before leaving home as there are some items which are required in order for the expedition to take place. The DofE kit list can be found here.
For all expedition we request that you do not bring your 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 do encourage you to bring a camera so that they can photograph anything for your aim work and create some great memories which you can share when you get home.
During the actual qualifying expedition it is one of the DofE's 20 conditions, that participants should be self sufficient and therefore you will not have the opportunity to spend any money whilst out on the expedition.
However you 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 you do not bring any valuables with you on expedition as we 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 you 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!
This will be covered 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. The DofE kit list can be found here.
We recommend that during the journeying trousers are worn in order to protect from nettle stings, insect bites, ticks and the sun. However a pair of shorts are great in summer for relaxing once at camp.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
If there are any changes or you need to cancel please let your school or centre 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.
In most cases the expedition will still be able to take place as you 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.