We support Duke of Edinburgh International Award organisations with training for the Adventurous Journey section.
The Beginner To Bronze program provides all training necessary for participants to be confident and safe on their first expedition. Training is provided by a qualified and experienced D of E trainer and assessor and can be tailored to your organisation's specific needs.
The Beginner To Bronze Course
The full course can be adapted to your organisation's needs.
Classroom Training
We start indoors, learning about the purpose of the expedition, route planning and the principles of map and compass work.
This section covers:
- Using online tools to plan a route, identifying potential hazards as well as campsites and water sources.
- Understanding map scale and converting to distance on the ground.
- Using contour lines to imagine the shape of the land as we travel.
- Introducing map symbols.
- Planning escape routes for emergencies.
- Downloading and setting up the Zachranka app.
- Downloading and setting up the Mapy app for emergencies.
- Introducing healthy food options with minimum washing up.
- Discussing the 'Leave No Trace' principle and respect for the environment.
- Team goal options.
Practical Training
Building on the classroom theory, we progress outdoors to combine the skills. This is an opportunity to find and correct misunderstandings in a controlled environment and identify any areas which need attention before undertaking the practice journey.
This section involves:
Identifying waypoints based on a bearing, a distance and a clue.
Selecting the best route to the next waypoint taking into account terrain.
Beginning to understand how to build a mental picture of the land based on the map symbols.
Practical tips for identifying actual position and staying on track.
Identifying and correcting navigational errors.
The relationship between the route plan and the actual route.
Practicing setting up shelters, cooking healthy meals and filtering water.
Basic emergency and survival techniques.
Practice Journey
After the training comes the exam!
The practice expedition is the team's chance to try everything out for real. During this stage, they will carry all of their equipment and food, as well as practice gathering information for the team goal.
During the practice journey, the trainers can be as close as necessary to observe the team's preparedness and provide support or extra training as required.
The trainer will assist with their route plan if needed and check that all preparations have been carried out with respect to safety and risk management.
By the end of the practice expedition, the team should be full of confidence and ready to handle the first qualifying expedition of their Duke Of Edinburgh's Award journey. Beginners no more!
From the classroom to the hills with Hands-On Education!
