Expeditions

DofE Expeditions

At Timperley DofE Centre, the Expeditions section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award gives participants the opportunity to develop important outdoor skills, teamwork, resilience, and confidence through planning and undertaking practical adventurous journeys as part of a team.

Expedition Aim & Requirements

The expedition section has clearly defined aims and requirements to help participants understand what is expected of them at each Award level. This includes planning routes, navigating terrain, and being self-sufficient during the journey. Resources such as the Expedition Guide and updated Aim & Requirements documents are made available to support participants in preparing for their expedition assessments.

Group Kit

To support teams on their expeditions, Timperley DofE supplies essential group kit including:

• Camping stoves, pans and gas cylinders

• Tents and first aid kits

• Compasses and map cases

• Survival bag and other shared equipment

This kit is issued to each group before their expedition weekend to enable safe and effective teamwork in the field.

Expedition Training

Training forms a key part of expedition preparation. Materials and sessions cover practical skills such as:

• Map navigation and route planning

• First aid basics

• Pitching tents and using equipment

• Cooking outdoors

• Packing a rucksack

These training resources help participants build confidence and competence before their qualifying expedition.

Packing and Route Planning

Participants are supported to learn how to pack their rucksacks correctly and to plan sensible and achievable routes for their expeditions. Guidance is provided at a high level and in more detail for different Award levels, ensuring young people are well prepared for the challenges of the countryside.

First Aid

To further support safety and readiness, Timperley DofE also provides links to first aid training videos from St John Ambulance covering key skills such as DR ABC, recovery position, fracture care, treating burns, and more—ensuring participants know how to respond to common situations they might encounter on expedition.