TrekCo run a programme of Open Expeditions at Silver level for the D of E Award Scheme. Those participants who can't, for a variety of reasons, either find a group locally or participate at the same time as their local group may sign up independently for an Open Expedition.
Please note that for Silver Expeditions we can only accept applications from
groups of four or more. Due to age constraints we can organise expeditions for groups of friends or people from the same school or area, but not individuals.
How does this work with my D of E? - We are an Approved Activity Provider (AAP) for Expeditions. This means that we are approved of, and licensed by, the D of E Award Scheme to run expeditions. You will need to inform your Operating Authority, often your school, college or local council group, that you are completing your Expedition with us.
Click here for the D of E website information page on how AAPs work
Our Silver Open Expeditions are co-ordinated with our programme for schools and are usually held in the lower lying southern part of the Peak District known as The White Peak, or in Sussex where we have the choice of the Ashdown Forest or the South Downs. We also use the outlying areas of the Lake District and other areas depending on demand.
Our expeditions include:
• Expeditions meet at a location you can reach by train.
• A full day of training on the day before the expedition (both practice and assessed). This allows you to organise the final details of your kit, liaise with others in your group, organise food and discuss your previous experience with us. We will guide you through this preparatory day every step of the way - don't worry!
• An Expedition Information Pack with all you need to know about your expedition, including detailed information on how to get to the meeting point, and a complete kit list.Your camping fees during the expeditions are all included.
• All group equipment is free. We provide tents, stoves, fuel, group shelter and everything else you'll need for your expedition.
• We will discuss your previous experience, go over the D of E requirements, brush up on your mapwork and help you plan your route.
• Supervision throughout the expedition.
• We provide Assessors for the qualifying expedition - they will discuss your progress and provide feedback and encouragement throughout your qualifying expedition.
Group numbers - There is a minimum group of four participants for expeditions; if this number of participants is not reached then the expedition will not run and you will be offered a transfer or a full refund.
Cost:
| Full package |
Training trip; Qualifying trip (2 separate trips) |
£370 |
Two x 4 day trips
|
| Training Expedition only |
Preparation day + 3 day expedition |
£200 |
Arrival the night before Day 1 |
| Qualifying Expedition only |
Preparation day + 3 day expedition |
£200 |
Arrival the night before Day 1 |
| Full qualifying week |
Arrival Day, Two training days + 3 day expedition |
£245 |
For those preferring a little more 'revision' - possibly following a longer period since practice. |
What do I need to provide?
• You need to get yourself to the meeting point, usually a railway station, at the start of the expedition; and arrange to leave from that point at the end.
• You should provide your own personal gear - this is in the kit list but is essentially kit such as waterproofs, boots, sleeping bag, mat and so on - we do have a free loan service, but you must tell us in advance on the form provided.
• Food - it's part of the D of E that you supply your own food. we recognise that until you meet up with the group this is difficult, so we build into the Training Day planning and shopping for food. Bring money!
How do I join?
Call our office on 01273 487509 for an initial talk, or just complete the form and send it in with a cheque. Payments can also be made by card on the telephone.
What preconditions do I have to meet?
- You must be aged 16 to 24
- If you're only coming for the Qualifying Expedition, we'll need to see your evidence of having completed training and a Training Expedition for Silver.
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You must be enrolled on a Silver D of E programme, have completed your initial training and have your Record Book signed by your D of E
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Organiser.You must be in a suitable condition physically to complete a 3 day expedition in upland countryside safely in the opinion of our instructors.
Dates and Locations 2012 for Silver Open Expeditions - all subject to minimum numbers
Training Expeditions
April 2nd - 5th - Training - Peak District
Qualifying Expeditions
April 9th - 12th - Qualifying - Lake District
If you are interested, please contact our office on 01273 487509 or email:
info@trekco.com