2010 DofE Gold Expedition Packages from Peak Pursuits

• Full-day support to plan Qualifying Expedition: £40 + VAT per person
• £30 + VAT per tent group
• Maps (to purchase) 25% discount on RRP

The Gold Standard Expedition Package consists of: 

a)     2-day intensive training, in a classroom environment, introducing the main skills required on an expedition, underpinned by our Advanced Workbook. The training is based on the DofE’s Common Training Framework, and includes the following topics:

• Map, Compass & Advanced Navigation Skills
• Campcraft, Cooking and Hygiene
• Equipment and Rucksack Packing
• Observation and Recording
• Food and Menu Planning
• First Aid, Safety and Emergency Procedures
• Risk Assessing and Weather
• Countryside Code
• Practice Expedition Route Planning

During the 2 days, each team will plan their Practice Expedition under the guidance of our qualified leaders. They will produce a routecard and tracing for each day, using our MS Excel routecard template. We would request therefore if a PC per team could be made available.  

b)    A 3-day Practice Expedition, including 2 overnight camps, where each team will follow the route that they have planned during the training. Our leaders will accompany them during the first day, providing additional “in-the-field” training and guidance until they feel confident that the team are ready to support themselves. Thereafter, the teams will be supervised by our leaders remotely, setting them checkpoints where they will be met. On arriving at camp, our leaders will supervise the camping and cooking activities to ensure these are executed safely. Each leader will carry out a de-brief with their team, and produce a report on their progress. 

c)     A 5-day expedition period, starting on with a familiarisation day followed by a 4-day, 3-night Qualifying Expedition. The package includes accommodation in a local Youth Hostel on the night before the expedition on a B&B basis. The team will follow their route that they have planned, with our leaders supervising them remotely, They will be met at designated checkpoints to monitor their progress and safety. The teams will use DofE approved camp sites, and will be met at camp by our leaders who will ensure that all is well. In accordance with the DofE conditions, the leaders will not be on the same site as the groups. At the end of the expedition, we will carry out a de-brief with the group. The expedition includes full assessment by an Accredited Assessor at Gold level. 

d)    Expedition Notification procedures (using the DofE approved “Green Form”) for both expeditions will be completed by our office and sent to the Expedition Network Co-ordinator along with the routes, tracings and menu plans for approval. A copy of these forms will be sent to the Group Organiser, who is responsible for passing these onto their Operating Authority. A minimum of 7 weeks must be allowed between route planning and expedition to allow sufficient time for approval.

The standard package does require some support provided by the Group Organiser to work with the group in planning their Qualifying routes. However, we can offer an optional full-day support to facilitate this exercise, working with the group to produce their routecards and tracings for each day. Ideally, this should happen after the Practice Expedition so that the participants can use what they’ve learnt to influence their chosen route, pace and purpose.  

For Direct Entrants at Gold level, there is an additional 2-day expedition to consolidate their training, and hone their navigational skills. This also includes support working with the groups to produce their routecards and tracings. 

Both Personal & Group Equipment can be hired from Peak Pursuits. Fees cover both Practice & Qualifying Expeditions, although we do need the kit back in between. We also have an arrangement in place with a local retailer who can provide equipment for you to purchase and reduced prices. From 2010, we will not be providing maps for hire, but these can be purchased through us at 25% discount to the RRP.

Contact Peak Pursuits today or call us on 01782 722226 to discuss your requirements.