DofE GOLD EXPEDITION

“Having delivered DofE expedition training since 1993 I can say with 100% confidence that the Sam Sykes team deliver a truly world class educational outdoor experience.  Importantly, Queen Anne’s girls feel confident the moment they meet the friendly, super experienced and highly qualified Sam Sykes instructors.  Flexible and competent administration support, equipment used and coaching throughout Bronze, Silver and Gold Award expeditions is simply the best I have witnessed”

Gary Blunt – DofE Manager – Queen Annes School, Caversham

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TRAINING & PRACTICE QUALIFYING FOR AGES LOCATION Price*
5 DAYS
5 DAYS
16+
 FROM £446pp + VAT

Benefits of a Gold DofE Award

For the hundreds of thousands of young people who take part each year, the benefits of achieving a DofE Award at any level are endless.

It’s difficult to list all the benefits of a gold expedition here… You should definitely know how much fun you’ll have. How pushing yourself to do new activities will help you to grow in confidence and, develop useful skills. Why meeting new people, and forming a team, will inspire you and, lead to lasting friendships. And how a DofE Award can give you the edge when you apply for college, university or a job.

The Duke of Edinburgh award programme is about helping you along the path to a productive and prosperous future. By completing your planning, training, practice, and qualifying, as many of our participants say, it’s life-changing.

With nationwide expeditions and a range of exciting activities, our Gold package is the ultimate DofE adventure.

Read more on DOFE.org

DofE EXPEDITION KIT LIST

AKS School DofE

“At gold level I feel the students have gained many generic skills that should foster an appreciation of the outdoor environment and a desire to undertake many more expeditions in the future.”

Nick O’Loughlin – Arnold School

TRAINING & PRACTICE: 5 DAYS

DAY 1 • TRAINING:
  • Put up tents
  • Cover basic map skills
  • Afternoon walk
  • Stove demo
  • Assessment route cards
DAY 2 • TRAINING:
  • Breakfast, then depart with day sack
  • Day walk
  • Build on group skills and navigate more difficult terrain
  • First aid skills
  • Discuss Countryside Code
DAY 3+4+5 • PRACTICE:
  • Depart with full kit
  • Day walk
  • Remote supervision and check pointing
  • Wild camp on second night
  • Debrief by group leader

What food to bring on a DofE expedition

QUALIFYING: 5 DAYS

DAY 1 • ACCLIMATISATION DAY:
  • Meet group
  • Check kit and bag pack
  • Agree assessment route check points and assessor meet locations
  • Check weather forecasts and access updates
  • Cooking and evening supervision by our staff
DAY 2+3+4 • QUALIFYING:
  • Agree daily check points and assessor meet locations
  • Group down camp
  • Group complete planned route
  • Cooking and evening supervision by our staff
DAY 5 • QUALIFYING:
  • Agree day check points and assessor meet locations
  • Group down camp
  • Group complete planned route
  • Assessor debrief and group presentation

How to pack a rucksack for DofE

Book your group on a Managed Package

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A flavour of a DofE expedition

One of the four mandatory sections of the DofE, the expedition is one of the most memorable experiences in many young people’s lives. Team work, resilience and navigation skills come to the fore. It’s fun, character-building and inevitably involves at least one animal encounter. Enjoy this short snapshot made up of DofE participants vlogs. Thank you to all that contributed!

DofE Expedition Resources

Example Gold DofE Residential Reference

Example Gold DofE Residential Reference

A personalised written reference is prepared by Blackpool Zoo and Sam Sykes. This is a key item for your applications and interviews moving forwards.
DofE Expedition Participant Information

DofE Expedition Participant Information

Talking to schools, colleges, businesses and charities, when it comes to proving you’ve got what it takes, participation in the DofE simply cannot be beaten
Sam Sykes DofE Catalogue

Sam Sykes DofE Catalogue

Inside you’ll find everything you need to know about our wide-ranging, worldwide services that give young people the opportunity to embark on the adventure...
DofE KIT LIST – Kit you need to bring on a DofE Expedition (Personal Kit) ">

DofE KIT LIST – Kit you need to bring on a DofE Expedition (Personal Kit)

What kit do you need to bring on a DofE Expedition? Our video gives DofE expedition participants a break down of the 'Personal Kit' they'll need to pack
20 conditions of the DofE Expedition

20 conditions of the DofE Expedition

This is a handy summary for everyone about to do their DofE qualifying expedition. Talk to your DofE Leader if you have any questions or need further advice
D of E food – What to bring on a DofE expedition ">

D of E food – What to bring on a DofE expedition

To better enjoy your DofE Expedition - Bring filling, healthy, and most importantly, tasty meals. The following are some of our recommended meal ideas for:...

View all our DofE Expedition Packages

DofE BRONZE EXPEDITION

DofE BRONZE EXPEDITION

A quality programme of training, practice, and qualifying expeditions for all sizes of groups at Bronze level for your school or group.
DofE SILVER EXPEDITION

DofE SILVER EXPEDITION

"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."
DofE GOLD EXPEDITION – HORSE RIDING

DofE GOLD EXPEDITION – HORSE RIDING

A fantastic DofE Gold Horseback Expedition - Taking you straight out into the hills and offer a real sense of adventure. Ensure success with Sam Sykes™
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN OUR DofE PACKAGES

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN OUR DofE PACKAGES

Planning & organisation | Experienced, qualified instructors | Exemplary safety systems | All group kit | All areas of the DofE syllabus covered

Download our 2019 catalogue

Inside you’ll find everything you need to know about our wide-ranging, worldwide services that give young people the opportunity to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

Click here for the 2019 DofE Catalogue >

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