Open Gold Expeditions

Missed Your Gold DofE Expedition? Here's What You Can Do

Has your son or daughter missed their school's Gold DofE expedition?

Perhaps the dates clashed with exams, they were ill, they were away, their school couldn't offer a suitable expedition, or they simply weren't able to take part with their usual group.

Don't panic. Missing the school expedition doesn't necessarily mean missing out on the Gold Award.

You can complete your Gold expedition with an Approved Activity Provider

DofE offers open expeditions specifically for participants who need to complete their expedition away from their normal school or DofE group.

As a DofE Approved Activity Provider, TrekCo runs Gold open expeditions for individual participants and small groups. You don't need to arrive with a complete team of friends from your school.

Instead, you'll join other Gold participants who have booked onto the same expedition.

What if I have missed my qualifying expedition?

If you've already completed your Gold practice expedition but weren't able to attend your school's qualifying expedition, you may be able to complete your qualifying expedition with another DofE centre or Approved Activity Provider.

This is one of the most common reasons people contact us.

Before booking, we recommend checking with your DofE Leader that you have completed the requirements for the expedition you need.

If you're booking only a Gold qualifying expedition with TrekCo, we will need evidence that you have already completed your Gold practice expedition.

What if I haven't done my Gold practice expedition?

That's fine too.

TrekCo offers Gold expeditions that can be completed as either a practice or qualifying expedition, depending on the date and your circumstances.

We also offer some shorter three-day Gold practice expeditions.

If you're unsure which expedition you need, contact us before booking and we'll help you work it out.

Do I need to have done Silver or Bronze?

No. You don't have to have completed Bronze or Silver in order to take part in a Gold expedition.

You do need to be enrolled on the Gold DofE programme and meet the requirements for the expedition section.

If you're not sure whether you're eligible, get in touch and we'll talk it through with you.

What happens when I book?

You'll receive information about the expedition before you arrive, including what to expect and what equipment you'll need.

When you arrive, there is a full preparation day. You'll meet the other participants, check your equipment, work on navigation and start planning your expedition route.

The expedition itself is completed in a team, with the independence expected by DofE. TrekCo's instructors monitor the teams and provide the supervision and support required while allowing participants to complete their expedition independently.

For a qualifying expedition, assessment by a qualified DofE assessor is included.

What if my child doesn't know anyone else going?

This is completely normal on an open expedition.

Many participants book individually because their school dates don't work, they have missed an expedition or they don't have a complete team.

Your child will meet the other participants when they arrive and will be placed into an expedition team.

In fact, making new friends and learning to work effectively with people you haven't met before is an important part of the open-expedition experience.

What about equipment?

You don't need to buy every piece of expedition equipment just to take part.

TrekCo can loan a rucksack and sleeping bag at no additional charge, subject to availability. We'll also provide guidance in advance about the personal equipment you need to bring.

When are TrekCo's Gold open expeditions?

Our current programme includes Gold expeditions in the Peak District, Chilterns, Sussex and Lake District during the expedition season, generally March/April to October

Dates and availability change, so please check our current dates and prices before booking. [See Gold expedition dates and prices]

Still not sure what your child needs?

If you're not sure whether your child needs a practice or qualifying expedition, whether they are eligible, or whether an open expedition is suitable for them, just contact us.

We are very happy to talk through the situation before you make a booking.

TrekCo has been running outdoor expeditions since 1989 and is a DofE Approved Activity Provider.