Tailored DofE Expeditions for Schools
Arranging safe, rewarding DofE expeditions can be a challenging and time consuming task. Let us lighten the load with our hassle-free service.
Arranging safe, rewarding DofE expeditions can be a challenging and time consuming task. Let us lighten the load with our hassle-free service.
Whether you already have a DofE expedition programme in place or are considering starting one, we can help.
Bronze, silver or gold; walk, canoe or cycle we will tailor a comprehensive programme of training, practice and qualifying expeditions for your groups.
For your peace of mind we will take care of everything from initial training through to the actual expeditions. Your school expeditions will be meticulously planned by our experienced head office team and delivered by outstanding instructors. We will support your groups every step of the way providing all training, supervision and assessment.
Organising DofE Expeditions can be daunting- risk assessments, route planning, operating authority notifications, green forms, training, remote supervision…And what do you do if it doesn’t go to plan? Do you and your team have the skills and experience to deliver challenging expeditions whilst effectively managing risk?
All of our school expedition programmes follow the same general structure, whatever the level of the award. They include in-school training (we come to you) followed by practice and qualifying expeditions of the appropriate length.
At Gold, we add a second in-school training day between the practice and the qualifying expedition so we can review the practice and prepare for the assessed expedition. There is also an acclimatisation day at the start of the qualifying, as per DofE requirements.
For canoe programmes, we add at least one extra day to the start of the practice. This gives participants more time to get to grips with the specifics of canoes, like wet rescues.
For cycling programmes, we add one extra day to the initial training held at school to cover bike maintenance and additional first aid procedures.
We keep our pricing as simple as possible, charging a daily rate, per participant for all our training days and expeditions.
For walking programmes that rate is £55 per participant per day, based on at least 10 participants signing up to a particular programme.
For canoe and cycling expeditions, the rate is £70 per person, per day of training and expeditions (again based on a minimum of 10 people enrolling).
As soon as we agree dates and locations, we will provisionally confirm your programme – there is nothing to pay at this stage. Your first payment (a £50 deposit per participant) will be payable when you confirm numbers.
The final, balance payment will be due 28 days before the start of the programme. So participants can spread the payments out, if they wish to.
A to Z Expeditions has designed a comprehensive, full service package for our clients. We will help and support school DofE Co-ordinators and participants every step of the way.
There is so much that we include we couldn’t list everything here..but as a start, we will give you:
Your own, full time, A to Z Expeditions Client Account Manager.
Expedition launch presentation at your school.
Expedition planning – itineraries, campsite bookings, staffing etc.
All expedition training, plus helpful handouts for participants
All supervision during the expedition, day and night
Group Kit – tents, stoves and fuel, group shelters, group first aid kits, maps
Canoe & Cycle specific equipment e.g. Boats, bikes, helmets, bouyancy aids etc.
DofE Accredited assessors for qualifying expeditions
“Running safe, inspiring DofE expeditions in remote areas of the UK isn’t usually our customers’ area of expertise…but it is ours!
With A to Z Expeditions, professional help is at hand. We will help you start, develop and grow a DofE programme your school can be proud of.”