DofE navigation training map reading skills

DofE expedition support for schools

Complete DofE Provision for Schools

At Educamps Adventures, we provide fully structured DofE and outdoor education programmes for schools, designed to build confidence, resilience and independence through real-world experiences.

Whether you’re looking for a reliable DofE provider or a partner to deliver wider outdoor learning, we offer everything your students need — from training to expedition delivery.

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Approved By DofE

Educamps Adventures is proud to be an Approved Activity Provider (AAP) for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, delivering high-quality expedition training and outdoor experiences for schools.

As an approved provider, we deliver programmes with structure, professionalism and a strong focus on safety, helping students build the skills, confidence and experience needed to successfully complete their award.

Bronze Expedition

4 days / 2 nights

A two day introduction to expedition, designed to build confidence, teach essential skills and take students on their first steps towards independence.

Year 9 Students

TRAINING IN SCHOOL

Instructor-led sessions introducing expedition basics, building confidence and preparing students for their first expedition.

Lunch times / after school

  • Map reading & basic navigation

  • Compass skills & route planning

  • Equipment selection, packing & use

  • Campcraft & campsite setup

  • Stove use & basic cooking

  • First aid & safety awareness

PRactice expedition

2 days, 1 night

Supervised

Students learn core expedition skills in real outdoor conditions with full instructor support.

Students learn:

  • Navigation basics (map reading and route planning)

  • Applying routes in real terrain

  • Campcraft (tent pitching and campsite setup)

  • Stove use and cooking

  • Team roles and communication

  • Emergency procedures and safety awareness

Semi-Independent

Students begin applying their skills more independently, working in teams with support available if needed.

  • Students navigate pre-planned routes in teams

  • Apply skills learned on Day One

  • Begin making decisions as a group

  • Build confidence and independence

Staff:

  • Monitor progress

  • Provide support if needed

  • Intervene only for safety

Delivered every evening

Camp Craft

  • Tent pitching

  • Site organisation

  • Kit management

Cooking

  • Stove use and safety

  • Meal preparation

  • Hygiene

Preparation

  • Planning for next day

  • Reviewing routes

Each evening includes a structured debrief:

  • Navigation performance

  • Teamwork

  • Time management

  • Areas for improvement

qualifying expedition

2 days, 1 night

A fully independent, assessed expedition where students operate in teams with remote supervision, demonstrating their ability to meet DofE requirements.

  • Gain essential expedition skills

  • Build teamwork and communication

  • Develop confidence in outdoor environments

  • Learn how to stay safe and make decisions

  • Prepare for more independent expeditions

  • Step-by-step progression from supported to semi-independent

  • Learning by doing in real outdoor settings

  • Strong emphasis on safety and decision making

  • Building resilience, confidence and independence

  • Preparing students for future Silver and Gold expeditions

Enquire About This Programme
  • An accessible introduction to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

  • Designed for students with little or no expedition experience

  • Supports personal development beyond the classroom

  • Helps schools deliver DofE with structure and confidence

silver expedition

6 days / 4 nights

Year 10 Students

A progressive expedition programme designed to build independence, leadership and resilience through real outdoor challenges.

TRAINING IN SCHOOL

  • Campcraft & efficient setup

  • Stove use & safe cooking

  • First aid & emergency response

  • Equipment selection & packing

Instructor-led sessions developing expedition skills, independence and decision making.

Lunch times / after school

  • Independent navigation (map & compass)

  • Route planning & accuracy

  • Pacing & time management

  • Teamwork & communication

  • Equipment selection & packing

  • Countryside & road safety

  • Observation & recording skills

PRactice expedition

3 days, 2 nights

Supervised

Instructor works directly with teams while walking.

Students learn:

  • Map reading and basic compass use

  • Route planning and navigation techniques

  • Managing pace and group movement

  • Team roles and communication

  • Safety awareness and emergency procedures

Semi-Independent

Teams travel between checkpoints with support available.

Students:

  • Navigate independently using planned routes

  • Make decisions as a team

  • Manage time and group progress

  • Apply skills in real situations

Staff:

  • Monitor progress at checkpoints

  • Provide feedback

  • Intervene only if necessary

Independent

Teams travel fully independently between checkpoints.

Students:

  • Navigate accurately using map and compass

  • Manage time and pacing effectively

  • Work together as a team

  • Make safe, independent decisions

Staff:

  • Monitor progress remotely

  • Ensure safety

Delivered every evening over the 3 days

Camp Craft

  • Tent pitching

  • Site organisation

  • Kit management

Cooking

  • Stove use and safety

  • Meal preparation

  • Hygiene

Preparation

  • Planning for next day

  • Reviewing routes

Each evening includes a structured debrief:

  • Navigation performance

  • Teamwork

  • Time management

  • Areas for improvement

qualifying expedition

3 days, 2 nights

A fully independent, assessed expedition where students operate in teams with remote supervision, demonstrating their ability to meet DofE requirements.

  • Builds on Bronze-level skills

  • Develops independence and decision making

  • Prepares students for greater responsibility

  • Strengthens confidence in real situations

  • A clear progression in the DofE journey

  • Navigation accuracy

  • Teamwork

  • Self-sufficiency

  • Safety awareness

Enquire About This Programme
  • Apply everything they’ve learned

  • Work independently as a team

  • Demonstrate confidence and decision making

  • Show readiness to complete their award

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Plan Your School’s DofE Programme with Confidence

FAQs – Safety & Why Choose Us