2010 DofE Silver Expedition Packages from Peak Pursuits

Standard Expedition Package (inclusive of all camp fees) from £195 + VAT per person

Direct Entrants Expedition Package (inclusive of all camp fees) from £250 + VAT per person

Additional Options Available

Half-day support to plan Qualifying Expedition: £70 + VAT per leader (recommended maximum ratio of 1 leader to 2 teams)
Group Equipment Hire (tents, stoves, fuel - covers both Practice & Qualifying Expeditions): £30 + VAT per tent group
Laminated Maps to buy for your teams at £10.99 per map (that's £3 per map discount from RRP!).

The Silver 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 Intermediate Workbook. The training is based on the DofE's Common Training Framework, and includes the following topics:

Map & Compass 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 2-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 3-day, 2-nights Qualifying Expedition, assessed by our own team of accredited assessors. Participants 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. On arriving at camp, our assessors will also observe their campcraft and cooking to ensure these activities are carried out in a safe manner. At the end of the expedition, we will carry out a de-brief with the group.

The standard package does require some support provided by the Group Organiser to work with the group, especially in planning their Qualifying routes. We do offer an optional half-day support to facilitate this exercise, by providing leaders to work with the group to plan their route, produce their routecards and tracings for each day, and develop their aim and presentation ideas. We strongly recommend that schools and youth groups include this element of support as this has been proved to significantly improve the quality of the training and expedition. It should take place as soon after the Practice Expedition as possible so that the participants can use what they've learnt to influence their chosen route, pace and purpose.

For Direct Entrants at Silver level, we do recommend an additional 2-day expedition to consolidate their training, and hone their navigational skills.

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.

Looking to buy equipment? We are able to order this for you at significantly discounted prices. Please contact us for a Price List and order form.

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