Expedition
Expedition
For your Expedition section you’ll do just what you expect; complete an expedition. You can do it in the UK or abroad and the environment you choose should be appropriate to your DofE level (Bronze, Silver or Gold) and ability of your group.
For your qualifying expedition, each level has a set number of hours of planned activity per day of which at least half must be on the move:
- Bronze – 2 days and 1 night, 6 hours planned activity per day
- Silver – 3 days and 2 nights, 7 hours of planned activity per day
- Gold – 4 days and 3 nights, 8 hours of planned activity per day
As levels progress the length of the expedition will increase. You’ll need to choose a non-motorised mode of travel for your expedition. That usually means canoeing, cycling, horse riding, rowing, sailing, walking and wheelchairs.
At each level you’re expected to plan and train for your expedition, and show your leader that you have the skills you need to complete it. Read the expedition requirements on the DofE website.
Prior to Silver and Gold qualifying expeditions you’ll need to complete at least one unaccompanied practice expedition to show that your group are ready for the real thing. Bronze doesn’t require a practice, but you should still make sure you’re prepared for the expedition. DofE has tips for expedition training at home.
If in doubt, speak with your Leader or County DofE Adviser.
As a part of your expedition you will need to work towards a Team Goal.
- Exploring teamwork by nominating a different leader each day.
- Studying insect life on the South Downs.
- Planning a route around three of the places that inspired Wordsworth’s poems in the Lake District.
- Considering the impact of tourism on the flora and fauna of the French Alps.
- Creating a photographic guide to the Countryside Code round the Mourne Mountains for other DofE participants
- Investigating features of the Thames using Thames cycle path.
- Using the cycle system in the Netherlands to undertake a research project on the provisions and quality of cycle paths compared to Britain.
- Following part of the Gerald of Wales route of 1188 through Pembrokeshire.
- On expedition, using simple mapping techniques to produce your own map of a local estuary and compare it with a real map when you return.
- Planning a Bronze sailing expedition on Lake Ullswater in the Lake District.
- Exploring the Norfolk Broads using sailing dinghies
- Planning a cross channel journey in a yacht
- Rowing along the Danube in Germany, booking camp sites in advance
- Recording the wildlife found on the Strangford Lough canoe trail.
- Taking a series of photos to come up with a guide to a section of London canal systems.
- Making a study of the locks and lochs on the Caledonian Canal.
- Carrying out a wilderness trip in Canada utilising the canoe trails used by the original settlers.
- Choosing several points along a river and measure speed of flow, width and depth and comparing the differences along their route, trying to explain why this may be.
- Following a disused railway track noting the current use of previous railway buildings.
- Preparing a users’ guide of a country park or National Trust estate, explaining how it can be used, e.g. fishing, picnicking, conservation.
- Planning and doing a challenging route in the Peak District, making a short video diary.
- Producing an illustrated guide to a stretch of canal. Research the history and then travel along the tow path using the expedition to gather photographs and sketches to illustrate the guide.
- Planning a route in Cropton Forest to take a series of landscape photographs to use in a calendar.
- Planning an expedition on horseback in the countryside including identifying suitable farm camp sites and bridleways.
- Planning an expedition with sea views in Devon, taking photos along the way so that you can paint a picture of your favourite scene when you return.
- Exploring accessibility and bridle paths in the Brecon Beacons.
- Going on an expedition through woodland, noting the different types and ages of trees you see.
- Going on a horse riding expedition and writing a poem on your return to describe your experiences.
Leader notes
Running a DofE expedition is where you'll get most involved as a leader in your Scout's DofE Award. It's one of the most exciting parts of the award but does take a bit of planning. We have a lot of guidance on here to help you but make sure you get in touch with your County DofE Adviser who will be able to support locally.
Read the DofE Expedition rules which have been in place since November 2023.
Expedition Training Frameworks
All young people must complete training before going on their expeditions, this can be done as a part of your weekly sessions, over a weekend or however works for your Unit. These training frameworks tell you what you need to cover for each award level.
Learn about the administrative needs for DofE expeditions.
Current opportunities for the expedition section
Young people choose activities for each section of the DofE that are specific and relevant to them. Here is a list of activities and opportunities that are currently being offered to help create your individual DofE programme.
If you have an opportunity you think would benefit others and would like to share, please send the details to dofe@scouts.org.uk.
Yr Hafod runs an ‘Open’ expedition which is intended for individuals or small numbers who are unable to form teams in their local area.
Find further details and how to book here DofE Open Gold 2024 - Scout Adventures - Yr Hafod (yr-hafod.org.uk).
We are a Scout Activity Centre that operates two offshore/ocean going yachts. We run weekends, long weekends and week-long activities from March to October each year taking many scout groups out to sea, awarding RYA start yachting and competent crew qualifications where appropriate or higher level awards such as Watch Leader or Day Skipper for limited numbers of returning participants.
We are also a DofE AAP licensed to run Bronze, Silver and Gold expeditions and residential experiences including trips across the channel, North Sea and to the Channel Islands.
For further information check out our website www.offshore.org.uk or email Danny Ward, AAP Manager, Danny.Ward@armymail.mod.uk.
Staying safe
Some opportunities on this page are external to Scouting. Participants/parents/carers booking onto any opportunities should confirm the opportunity meets the criteria of the section they are completing and should follow policies and procedures if the provider as well as following Scouting Safeguarding guidelines.
Read our safety and safeguarding guidelinesDofE Opportunity Finder
The DofE have lots of opportunities for each section on their website
Find an opportunityIdeas for activities
The DofE have ideas for activities for all sections on their website.
Find activity ideasFunding opportunities
Check out the details of available funding, eligibility criteria and how to apply on the DofE website.
Find funding opportunities