“Sam Sykes has never failed to impress when he speaks to our parents during the D of E information evenings, providing relevant information and confidence in the award and the way in which it is run. His team challenges our girls safely in an outdoors environment and we have confidence in their leadership of the award.
Communication with the Sykes team is always first class and we have enjoyed an excellent relationship with them over the last four years, finding them to be thoroughly professional and always flexible to meet our particular needs”
Julia Harrington – Headmistress – Queen Annes School, Caversham
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Approachable, available, obviously had lots and lots of experience of doing DofE… I would definitely recommend Sam Sykes.” Michelle – Beech House School
"I had not realised what a difference it would make having an expert with us who took away the stress and worry of looking after DofE award groups."
"The students have gained many skills that foster an appreciation of the outdoor environment and a desire to undertake many more expeditions in the future."
Here at Sam Sykes™, Duke of Edinburgh approved providers, we encourage everyone to go for gold from the outset. Whatever level you achieve, by taking part in such an amazing endeavour you will give yourself the best chance to achieve something that truly makes you stand out.
“The benefits the DofE has brought to the nation are enormous. Young people need to be inspired and be able to fulfil their dreams. The DofE allows young people from every background to succeed – it’s getting rid of barriers. As someone from a disadvantaged background, I can relate to this.”
Brian Blessed
Actor, adventurer and author
*Marshmallows not included, sorry
Expedition Approved Activity Providers (AAPs) are organisations which have been licensed by The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to provide expedition opportunities to participants.
DofE expedition management is our bread and butter, is in our DNA, it’s what we do
For 60 years in nearly 150 countries, the DofE award scheme has been inspiring millions of young people. Providing challenges that are enjoyable and fulfilling, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for many.
With three awards on offer – Gold, Silver and Bronze – we encourage everyone to go for gold from the outset. By taking part in such an amazing endeavour, you will give yourself the best chance to achieve something that makes you truly stand out.
We know from talking to schools, colleges, businesses, and charities, that when it comes to proving you’ve got what it takes, participation in the DofE simply cannot be beaten.
You will need to choose a location that suits your aim and needs.
You will need to undertake training to ensure you’re fully primed to be self sufficient.
After you complete your training, you’ll do a practice expedition. This is to ensure you are capable enough to complete a full expedition. If not, don’t worry, you can do more learning before doing it for real.
If we’re happy, we’ll sign your DofE logbook and you’re ready for your qualifying expedition.
Next you’ll get a real feeling of independence and adventure. You’ll then get to go off with your group on a self-sufficient journey! You’ll plan for yourselves with an expedition aim that you’ve chosen.
You’ll need to meet the ’20 Conditions’ for expeditions set down by the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
More information can be found on the relevant expedition level pages:
Stuck for what to have as your expedition aim? Here are a few ideas from dofe.info that participants have used in the past which may inspire you…
Approachable, available, obviously had lots and lots of experience of doing DofE… I would definitely recommend Sam Sykes.” Michelle – Beech House School
"I had not realised what a difference it would make having an expert with us who took away the stress and worry of looking after DofE award groups."
"The students have gained many skills that foster an appreciation of the outdoor environment and a desire to undertake many more expeditions in the future."