Expedition
Achieving your Award is an adventure from beginning to end and this section can give you some of your most memorable experiences!
From sailing along the Norfolk Broads to walking in Canada or horse riding in the Brecon Beacons, it can be as far-flung or as close to home as you want it to be. You can also choose how you want to travel – it doesn’t just have to be on foot! You could choose to do your expedition by bike, by canoe, by kayak, by wheelchair, by sailing boat or even on a horse or llama!
There’ll need to be between four and seven of you in an expedition team (eight if you’ve chosen to travel by tandem canoe or bike). With your team, you’ll plan an aim for your expedition, decide on your location and do lots of fun training to make sure you’re fully prepared and know what you’re doing! Your Leader will arrange a Supervisor to work with your team to organise all of this and help you plan your expedition.
Once you’ve done the preparation the fun starts when you go out and do a practice and a qualifying expedition. Once you’ve completed your final expedition you’ll give a presentation about your experiences and your achievements to your Supervisor, Assessor or another adult.
The whole experience will give you laughs, arguments, joy and frustration along the way. But, by the end, you’ll have better team and leadership skills, not to mention bags more confidence and a rucksack full of great memories!
“…we depended solely on everyone working as one. We had very low points, but when we had highs, they were exceptionally high…I still keep in touch with my team… this has to be one of the best things I have done…”
Tim, Silver Award holder
What do you need to do next?
- Find out what you need to do in detail, including the process and timescales, on our expedition requirements page
- Check out the ideas in each of the categories of expedition mode of travel using the links on the right (remember - you need to get your Leader to agree your choice and make sure it fits our requirements and 20 conditions)
- Develop a plan for your expedition which is specific and relevant to you (and your team)
- Once you've got your activity, Supervisor, Assessor and goals sorted, set up your plan in eDofE, get your Leader to approve them - and you're good to go!
Expedition Programme Ideas
Expedition Programme Planner
20 conditions of the Expedition section
This is a handy summary for everyone about to do their DofE qualifying expedition. Please talk to your DofE Leader or Expedition Supervisor if you have any questions or need further advice.
Enjoy your expedition!
1:Your expedition must be by your own physical effort, without any motorised or outside assistance.*
2:Your expedition must be unaccompanied and self-sufficient.
3:Your expeditions must be supervised by an adult who is able to accept responsibility for the safety of you and your team.
4:Your expedition must have an aim.
5:You must be properly equipped for your expedition.
6:You must have completed the required training and practice expeditions.
7:At least one practice expedition must be undertaken at each level of the programme, in the same mode of travel in a similar environment to the qualifying expedition.
8:You and your team must plan and organise your expedition.
9:You must be assessed by an approved accredited Assessor to the DofE.
10:There must be between four and seven people in your team (eight people may be in a team for modes of travel which are tandem).*
11:You must be within the qualifying age of the DofE programme level.
12:Participants must be at the same level of assessment.*
13:Your team must not include anyone who has completed the same or higher level DofE expedition.*
14:Your overnight accommodation should be camping.
15:Your expedition must be the minimum number of days required for your DofE level.
16:Your expedition should normally take place between the end of March and the end of October.
17:Your expedition should be in the recommended environment for your DofE level.
18:You must do the minimum hours of planned daily activity for your DofE level.
19:You should cook and eat a substantial meal each day.
20:You must create and deliver a presentation after your expedition to complete the section.
Don't forget that all your team must meet these conditions!
Going On An Expedition
Kit for your expedition
It’s very important to make sure you have the correct kit for your expedition to ensure you are comfortable and prepared, regardless of the conditions.
Things to think about before you rush out and spend your money
What do I already have? Have a look in your wardrobe – don’t buy what you already have tucked away somewhere.
What can I borrow? If it’s something you may never use again, can you borrow from a relative or friend.
Am I growing? Don’t spend loads on kit you will grow out of in a couple of months.
What’s the weather likely to be like? You must carry waterproofs but think about extra waterproofing like dry bags or sun protection for hot weather.
How long am I going for? It’s a different matter for a two day expedition than a four day one! Plan ahead.
What’s my budget? Don’t spend silly money on very expensive specialised kit but equally don’t buy the very cheapest that will fall apart on the first day?
Where do I buy it from? We have a 15% discount scheme when you register with the DofE. They have a great selection of equipment and specialist people to help with correct fitting.