Expedition dates (which will of course change year on year):

  • Bronze: Thursday 13th – Friday 14th June 2024 (Northumberland)
  • Silver Practice: Wednesday 17th – Friday 19th April 2024 (Edmundbyers)
  • Silver Qualifying: Wednesday 10th – Friday 12th July 2024 (Middleton-in-Teesdale)
  • Gold Practice: Wednesday 1st – Friday 3rd May 2024 (Edmundbyers)
  • Gold Qualifying: Monday 17th – Thursday 20th June (Richmond, North Yorkshire)

For your Expedition section, you will need to plan, train for and complete an unaccompanied, self-reliant expedition with an agreed aim.

You must do the correct training for your level, at least one practice expedition (for Silver and Gold), a qualifying expedition (the one that is assessed) and a final presentation (for Silver and Gold) in order to complete the section.

 

You will complete a training day at school, where you cover the following sections: first aid and emergencies, food and meal planning, equipment, countryside code, camp craft and safety, expedition aims and the 20 conditions, navigation and route cards.

Here is the official DofE kit list. It is extensive and you do not need everything on here! For example, if you know the weather is due to be quite warm, you do not need to bring a wooly hat and scarf! https://www.dofe.org/shopping/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DofE-Expedition-Kit-List-January-2023-4.pdf

As this is a very long list, here is a condensed version with the basics required:

Personal kit

  • Walking socks
  • T-Shirts (synthetic, technical T-shirts are best)
  • Walking trousers (synthetic tracksuit trousers or leggings)
  • Warm layer (jumper, fleece pullover or jacket)
  • Underwear
  • Pair of gloves
  • Warm hat
  • Sun hat
  • Sun cream
  • Personal medication & small first aid kit
  • Watch
  • Whistle
  • Torch
  • Spare batteries / or spare torch
  • Notebook and pen / pencil
  • Mobile phone (Check with your supervisor)
  • Water bottle
  • Food
  • Emergency food rations
  • Cutlery, bowl and mug
  • Lighter / matches
  • Small wash kit
  • Towel
  • Small amount of money for emergencies
  • Toilet paper, dog poo bags & period products
  • Rucksack (65 litre capacity as a maximum)
  • Sleeping mat
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping bag liner (optional)
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof over trousers
  • Pair of walking boots (NOT SHOES!)
  • Trainers/flip-flops
  • Small repair kit (gaffer tape, cable ties)
  • Bin liners (to line rucksack)

Group kit

  • Tents
  • Cooking stove
  • Fuel for stove
  • Group first aid kit
  • Maps (you will get this in pack on morning of trip)
  • Compasses (you will get this in pack on morning of trip)
  • Survival bag (your tent will suffice!)
  • Tea towel
  • Washing-up liquid
  • Pan scourer / J-cloths
  • Plastic bags (for rubbish)