The Expedition section of the Duke of Edinburgh's award can be the highlight of the whole scheme for many of the participants and the quality of the experience is very much dependant upon leaders and supervisors being aware of the D of E ethos that the participants should be selecting a 'route of their own' for the qualifying expedition and that a sound knowledge of the content of the resources provided by the D of E will assist in providing a successful and memorable Expedition Section.
Every Award Group should have an up to date copy of the following publications as the content of these documents will clearly outline what the DofE expects to happen on an Expedition;
Visit the DofE web site for a full list of available downloads.
All leaders, supervisors and assessors involved should be aware of the DofE Modular Training Framework. Modules are available on the following:
- e-induction
- Introduction to the DofE
- Expedition Supervisor
- Expedition Assessor Accreditation
In Highland, all DofE Leaders are expected to complete the e-induction and to have had a basic induction to DofE from a DofE Development officer.
In addition leaders and supervisors are highly recommended by the DofE to hold an appropriate National Governing Body (NGB) award as evidence of competency to lead groups in their chosen environment and mode of travel.
For staff and volunteers looking for a stepping stone towards obtaining an NGB award such as a Summer Mountain Leader, Highland Council runs a Walking and Camping Accreditation course for prospective leaders wishing to lead groups in terrain as described as suitable for Bronze and Silver expedition groups.
It is a Highland Council policy, that every expedition group operating through HC as a DofE Operating Authority, must be led or supervised by a person who holds an appropriate NGB award or HC's Walking and Camping Accreditation.
Please refer to Highland Councils own DofEweb page for further information.