Introducing the DofE award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a program designed to encourage and recognize the personal development and achievements of young people aged 14 to 24. The award is divided into four main sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Expedition, and there is an additional Residential section for those completing the Gold Award.

Participants set their own goals for each section and work towards achieving them over a set period of time. For example, in the Physical section, a participant might set a goal to improve their running endurance by regularly training for a certain distance over several months. In the Volunteering section, a participant might choose to work with a local charity or community organization.

The final section is the Expedition, which involves planning and completing an outdoor adventure, such as a hike or a camping trip, with a group of other participants.

The DofE award is internationally recognized and can bring many benefits to young people, including improved confidence, self-esteem, and resilience, as well as enhanced career and educational prospects.

What to Bring

Please check the weather forecasts before your expedition.

Parents please remember that young people will be carrying everything, make sure they pack all they need, but they won’t need lots of extra “just in case” clothes.

There are no quantities on this list. Please take into consideration the number of days the expedition is for, for example, a 2 day Bronze expedition will require two t-shirts, one being worn for the start and a spare in the rucksack. A 5 day Gold will require more t-shirts potentially.

We can’t be responsible for personal kit, so we recommend that you do not bring expensive earbuds, mobile phones, speakers and other electronics. Penknives are also not required on expeditions.

Clothing

• Hiking boots -These need to be waterproof and protect the ankle. Wellies, trainers & shoes are not acceptable for hiking. Boots must come up above the ankle joint.
• Walking socks- Use a hiking sock. Trainer socks, ankle socks and everyday socks are not absorbent enough or will slide down increasing the likelihood of blisters. Pack one clean pair for each days, if socks are wet/sweaty blisters are more likely.
• Waterproof coat and trousers -These are essential regardless of the forecast. Please ensure the coat is a proper waterproof, not your child’s usual showerproof insulated fashion coat.
• Warm jacket- Separate to the waterproof coat. This could be a fleece, soft-shell, down coat, something light and warm.
• Jumper- A lightweight warm layer, ideally not a big heavy cotton hoody. Fleece fabric dries quickly and is warmer and lighter.
• T-shirts- Look for t-shirts with wicking properties purpose made for sporting activities. Ensure the shoulders are covered up to reduce rubbing of rucksack straps.
• Trousers -Jeans are NOT suitable. Leggings, walking trousers are preferable.
• Nightwear- Maybe pack pyjamas. Consider wearing clean leggings/shorts and clean t-shirt to save weight.
• Warm hat/sun hat- Both often needed. A warm hat is often very useful in camp at night.
• Gloves -Often needed even in mid summer, especially in camp at night.

Clothing – Optional

• Waterproof sock liners
• Shorts -Weather dependant. Please ensure they are of a suitable length.
• Scarf
• Sliders/flip-flops/trainers- For use in camp only.

Personal kit

• Rucksack 60L -If using your own ensure this is robust and large enough to get everything in with an adjustable frame.
• Rucksack liner- if using own rucksack. Dry bag to put everything you want to stay dry in, like your sleeping bag and clothes. This can be a big bin bag or a purpose made dry bag.
• Sleeping bag- Ensure this is warm, look for a comfort rating of around zero. If the comfort rating is around 10 degrees C this is intended for indoor use and your child will be very cold at night. Even in summer, we get low night temperatures.
• Sleeping bag liner -Optional, but will increase warmth by around 5C
• Sleeping mat -Thin foam yoga style mat or lightweight inflatable mat. We can loan you a foam mat.
• Torch Head torch or handheld, spare batteries.
• Medication/first aid supplies- Remember your own prescription medication, Blister plasters if you know you are prone to blisters.
• Water bottle -Reusable bottle of 2L size or a hydration pack of 2L.
• Cutlery- Most meals can be eaten with a spoon. Knife and fork optional. Consider a spork.
• Plate/bowl/mug -Bowl and mug more useful. Everything you can eat on a plate can be on a bowl, less likely to spill. Make sure these are non breakable.
• Wash kit/personal hygiene- Keep to a minimum, many sites we use don’t have showers. Use small travel sized items. Make-up is not required. Remember hand sanitiser.
• Sunblock -Use a high SPF, small travel sized bottle lighter.

Personal kit – Optional

• Inflatable pillow- Optional. Do not bring a standard pillow as these are too large to go in a rucksack.
• Towel -Optional, can you manage without a shower for 1 night? If bringing use a lightweight travel towel, these are quick to dry and much smaller than a standard towel.
• Playing cards/small ball- Optional, but worth bringing something to entertain yourself with in the evening. It needs to be light, small and not noisy-no music speakers.
• Insect repellent
• Sunglasses

Don’t forget DofE participants get a 10% or more discount with our DofE Card at Go Outdoors, Blacks, Millets, Ultimate Outdoors and Tiso.

First Aid

In the event of a serious accident follow the emergency procedure:

1. Assess the situation: ensure everyone is SAFE (including you!).
2. Locate exactly where you are on the MAP and note grid reference / describe & name location.
3. Phone 999: give your name and a brief summary of the incident including injuries & the number of injured.  Phone staff; do NOT phone home.
4. Treat any casualties. Be aware of potential spinal injuries after falls – never move someone unless there is a more serious threat to life such as fire.
5. Whistle international distress signal: 6 rapid blasts followed by one minute intervals until you are located (the intervals are important for possible rescuers to stop and listen and locate you)
6. Be prepared for a long wait if you are in the hills. Protect the whole group from hypothermia.  Wear extra clothes, put up tents. Make yourselves visible, but secure loose objects if helicopter rescue is expected.

Navigation

Navigation is finding your way from one point to another. Good navigation is needed so you don’t get lost in unfamiliar areas, especially in mist or in poor weather. It is important not to lose time, so that you stick to the times on the Route Plan. Arriving late at the campsite risks having to put tents up in the dark, feeling too tired to cook. We navigate by looking at the surrounding terrain, by using a map and/or a compass.

There are 5 basic navigation skills to learn.

They are quite easy and important to attempt to master.

1. Setting the map (orientation)
2. Grid references & map symbols
3. Using contours
4. Using compass bearings to find the right path
5. Estimating time and distance

Setting the map (orientation)

An oriented map means it matches the scenery around you so it faces the direction of travel.  This is usually enough to tell you where you are.  Set the map in two ways:

1. Use  landmarks to match up the map with the surroundings:

In good visibility you can set the map by eye.  Find roads, paths, walls or streams. Spot these features on the map and line them up with the ground.  Turn the map so that the features on the ground line up with the map.

2. Use a compass to point the map exactly North – South:

If identifiable features are not visible you can set the map using the compass. Use the magnetic needle to find north and line this up with the grid lines on the map. It is now orientated or “set”.

With your map now oriented, features should be the same direction on the map as they appear to you on the ground. 

Grid references & map symbols

Using contours

Using compass bearings to find the right path

Estimating time and distance