Expeditions...
Wirral Scouts Expedition Group offer training and expeditions for Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award as part of Diamond Chief Scout's Award and Queen's Scout Award.
The Principles:
- All qualifying explorers/networkers involve preparing for, planning and undertaking an unaccompanied, self-reliant journey with an agreed aim. Ventures must be completed by the participant's own concept.They must show forethought, careful attention to detail and organisational ability in preparation.There must be preparatory training and a minimum of one practice journey, leading to the ability to journey safely in the chosen environment.They must show shared responsibility, leadership, self-reliance, and cooperation amongst those taking part.There must be determination in the implementation of the venture.
- There must be review and presentation related to the aim of the venture.
Requirements:
- All qualifying expeditions must have a clearly defined aim which should be developed during preparation. Participants must undertake sufficient practice journeys to ensure that they are able to travel and explore safely and independently. Expeditions must involve joint planning by all members of the team.
- On completion, participants review the journey and give an account or presentation related to the aim of the qualifying expedition.
Timescales for qualifying Expeditions
- SILVER: Duration must be 3 days, 2 nights and there must be at least 7 hours of planned activity during each day.
- GOLD: Duration must be 4 days, 3 nights and there must be at least 8 hours of planned activity during each day.
Notes:
- Time associated with overnight accommodation and catering is additional to the minimum daytime hours of planned activity.
- The team should plan how they intend to spend the daytime hours which can be a combination of journeying and exploring. At least half the daytime hours should be spent journeying with appropriate rest breaks.
- The team should determine the speed of journeying, the distance travelled and the time spent exploring.
- Teams may choose to spend most of their planned hours of activity in journeying but must still make observations and recordings for their review and presentation.
- Teams undertaking foot ventures normally achieve total distances for:
SILVER: between 48km and 59km (30 - 37 miles)
GOLD: between 80km and 96km (50 - 60 miles)
Equipment:
Clothing, footwear and equipment should be suitable for the activity and the environment in which it is to be used and generally conform to current accepted standards. The equipment must be capable of resisting the worst weather anticipated since, in the event of a serious deterioration in conditions, safety may well depend on it being able to withstand the prevailing conditions. The group must carry all equipment and food to be used during the venture. All individuals must always carry the personal emergency equipment listed on the kit list.
Review and Presentation:
- A debrief must take place immediately after the journey has been completed. this should be led by the assessor and involve the team reviewing the outcomes of the venture
- Once time has been given for reflection, a presentation or account of their experiences must be completed. presentations or accounts should reflect genuine effort from each member of the team. it is the responsibility of the team to decide on the nature and form of the presentation.