Frequently Asked Questions

(Participants)

  • How much food do I need?


    Please watch the video about food… You will need a hot meal each evening, packed lunch each day and breakfast each morning apart from the day you set off from home as you will eat breakfast before you come. Also make sure you have some snacks.

  • Can I cook at lunchtime?


    While you can cook at lunch time we would prefer you don’t, it is time consuming, you need to carry extra water to cook with as well as cleaning the pans. You could cook the food at breakfast

  • Can I wear walking shoes or trainers?


    No. We require you to wear hiking boots that cover your ankles as these provide you with more support, and as they come up your foot/leg higher than trainers will stop mud/water going over the top of the shoe more easily. Hiking boots also have better grip than trainers so you are less likely to slip.

  • What equipment do Sam Sykes Ltd provide?

    Please refer to your kit list as this is mentioned on there.

  • Can I borrow a rucksack?


    Yes we provide rucksacks to borrow, please see kit list.

  • Can I change groups?


    We realise that sometimes friendships change. If you feel uncomfortable in the group you have been placed please discuss this with the teacher that looks after DofE in your school. It may be possible for you to switch groups, but if the groups are all full someone else will need to move to accommodate this so it may not be straightforward. All groups need to be between 4 and 7.

  • Will I be with my friends?


    This is not up to us, the groups are planned by the school staff. If you are in different groups during the day you will be able to see them in the evening on the campsite.

  • What time is bedtime?


    You will be starting to get ready for bed at 9pm and we expect quiet and lights out at 10pm at the latest. In all honesty you will be tired and may well be asleep before this.

  • When do we get up


    Typically 7am, but this may be earlier if you have an early bus to catch.

  • Can I use my phone?


    You are not supposed to be using your mobile phone on expedition for anything other than taking photos or an emergency. You should not be using it to check on social media or call/text home. Some schools do not allow you to bring a phone on the expedition. There will be nowhere to charge a phone, and often there is poor signal.

  • Can I bring portable speakers?


    No. These are a disturbance to other countryside users and the rest of the campsite.

  • Will there be showers?


    Not necessarily. Some of the campsites will be very basic, and if you are wild camping (at Gold) there will be no toilet or showering facilities. We try to let schools know if there will be no showers. But remember you need to carry everything you bring so pack accordingly, and can you manage for 1 or 2 nights with out a shower?

  • Will there be drinking water available?


    All the campsites have drinking water available and at Gold if you are wild camping there will be filters available to purify your water. Bring a 2L water bottle to ensure you have enough to drink in the day.

  • How do I pass?


    Please refer to the expedition requirements set by the DofE as long as you meet these you will pass.

  • Do I need any money?


    You shouldn’t need any money on the expedition as you are not supposed to be going into shops to buy anything. It is good to get used to this on the practice.

  • What if I don’t like the food I have brought?


    We suggest you plan your meals before you come and think about what you like to eat. All meals need to be cooked in 1 pan, so keep it simple and if in doubt try the menu before you come. Failing that bring some snacks so you don’t go hungry.

  • What do I do in the evenings?


    Some of the evening will be spent planning your route for the qualifier, some of it will be spent cooking and eating your meal, but there will be some spare time. It will be worth bringing a small card game like Uno or Dobble to play.

  • I have an injury/medical condition, can I still do the expedition?


    It is possible for most people to do their DofE expedition, but if you have a recent injury, illness or a medical condition we need to know about this in order to support you. Please speak to your DofE lead at your school who will discuss your requirements with us so we can find a solution.

  • We have a family holiday booked, so can’t do the whole expedition, is this OK?


    Unfortunately you need to complete the required number of days as set out by the DofE, please see the requirements.