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.

Partner With Us!
A group of tourists or students sightseeing in front of ancient stone ruins on a hilltop, with a partly cloudy sky in the background.

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.

A certification logo with a crown, stylized monogram, and the text 'DE' above the words 'APPROVED ACTIVITY PROVIDER'.

Bronze Expedition

4 days / 2 nights

A brown calendar icon with a check mark on one date.
Icon of a person with a circular head and a rounded rectangle body, in a brown color.

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

Group of young girls sitting on grass outdoors, establishing a knot during a camping or outdoor activity, with a tent and wooden shed in the background.

TRAINING IN SCHOOL

Stage One

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

Lunch times / after school

Calendar icon with a checkmark marked on a date.

  • 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

Stage Two

2 days, 1 night

Icon of a calendar with some dates marked, including one checked off.
Illustration of a calendar page with the number 1 and the words 'Day One'.

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

Illustration of a calendar page with the number 2 in a brown circle, and the text "DAY TWO" in bold brown letters.

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

Icon of a tent inside a brown circle, next to the words "Campsite Training" in brown, bold letters.

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

Logo with a checkmark icon and the text "DAILY REVIEW SESSIONS"

Each evening includes a structured debrief:

  • Navigation performance

  • Teamwork

  • Time management

  • Areas for improvement

qualifying expedition

Stage Three

2 days, 1 night

Icon of a brown calendar with a checkmark on one date.

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

Logo with an orange circle, a white star outline inside, and the text "STUDENT OUTCOMES" in bold brown letters.

  • 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

Logo with a target and arrow icon next to the text 'Assessment Focus' in brown.

  • 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
Logo with a brown circle containing a white compass rose, and bold brown text that reads 'A Great First Step'

  • 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

Green calendar with a checkmark on a date.
Generic silhouette icon of a person with a circular head and rounded shoulders on a transparent background.

6 days / 4 nights

Year 10 Students

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

A group of scouts, dressed in tan uniforms with red and green neckerchips, gathered around on the grass, studying a detailed map spread out on the ground. They are pointing and looking closely at the map, possibly planning or navigating during an outdoor activity.

TRAINING IN SCHOOL

Stage One

  • 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

Calendar with a check mark on one date

  • Independent navigation (map & compass)

  • Route planning & accuracy

  • Pacing & time management

  • Teamwork & communication

  • Equipment selection & packing

  • Countryside & road safety

  • Observation & recording skills

PRactice expedition

Stage Two

3 days, 2 nights

Green calendar icon with a checkmark on one date.
An infographic with a green circle containing the number 1, and the text 'DAY ONE' next to it, on a white background.

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

Graphic with a green circle containing the number 2 and the words 'Day Two' in dark green.

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

Text reading "3 DAY THREE" with a green circular background and black and green text.

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

Logo for Campsite Training featuring a white tent icon inside a green circle and the words 'Campsite Training' in dark green.

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

Daily Review Sessions logo with a checkmark inside a green circle.

Each evening includes a structured debrief:

  • Navigation performance

  • Teamwork

  • Time management

  • Areas for improvement

qualifying expedition

3 days, 2 nights

A green calendar icon with a checkmark on one date.
Stage Three

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

Text reading 'Student Outcomes' with a star icon on a dark background.

  • 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

Logo with a target and arrow icon next to the words 'Assessment Focus' in dark green text.

  • Navigation accuracy

  • Teamwork

  • Self-sufficiency

  • Safety awareness

Enquire About This Programme
Logo of a compass in a dark green circle with the text "The Next Step" in dark green next to it.

  • Apply everything they’ve learned

  • Work independently as a team

  • Demonstrate confidence and decision making

  • Show readiness to complete their award

Partner With Us

Plan Your School’s DofE Programme with Confidence

  • Yes — all activities are led by qualified instructors with clear safety procedures in place.

  • We provide structured training covering navigation, campcraft, cooking and safety.

  • Yes — students are remotely supervised, with staff monitoring and ready to step in if needed.

  • Absolutely — we provide ongoing communication and support throughout the programme.

FAQs – Safety & Why Choose Us

  • We offer experienced DofE delivery with a strong focus on student development.

  • Yes — we handle everything from training to expedition delivery.

  • Our programmes follow a clear, well-organised structure to ensure smooth delivery.

  • Yes — we work closely with schools to deliver safe, high-quality outdoor education experiences.