THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD - Weebly · The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a Registered Charity No. 1072490 and a Royal Charter Corporation No. RC000806. The magazine for DofE

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It’s EX²We showcase our great new interactive training resource

Special focus on the Dof E’s Expedition section

www.DofE.org

SustainabilityHow to reduce your carbon footprint during Dof E expeditions

Urban spacemanExplorer Brian Blessed talks exclusively of his passion for adventures and the Dof E

The magazine for DofE Leaders Issue 2: Spring 2009

DofE magazine - issue 2 Spring 2009 Page 3DofE magazine - issue 2 Spring 2009Page 2

magazineWELCOME

Editor/Designer: Dave Wood: [email protected]

Editorial team: Peter Westgarth, Sarah Lindsell, Louise Taylor, Dave Wood, Lizzie Bishop, Anna Wing, Alicia Cory, Emma Maguire

Contributors: Adrian Barker, Alex Davies, Saskia Corder, Anne Newcombe, Deb Dowdall, Helen Barnard

Editorial Office:Gulliver House, Madeira Walk, WINDSOR, Berkshire SL4 1EU [email protected]

Distribution:Anna Wing: [email protected]

Advertising sales:Mark Brown, Fellows Media LtdThe Gallery, Manor Farm, Southam, Nr Cheltenham, Glos GL52 3PBT: 01242 259249 F: 01242 259249E: [email protected]

SUBMITTING ARTICLES: The Editor welcomes contributions on subjects related to the DofE, especially good quality colour photographs, articles, letters, news stories etc. for possible publication. Please note that we cannot guarantee publication of any submitted items. For any image submitted to the DofE magazine it is the entrant’s responsibility to ensure that all the relevant and necessary permissions for the use of the images they submit are obtained from people featured in a photograph. Therefore any person featured in a picture must give their permission, and written consent must be obtained from the parents/carers/guardians of any child under the age of 16. The DofE would also reserve the right to publicly display and publish any image submitted to this magazine in promotional, PR and operational materials, printed, digital and online. Our photography and privacy policies are available on www.DofE.org/press Whilst every care will be taken, the DofE magazine cannot and will not be held responsible for any material which is lost, mislaid or damaged. Please send items to the Windsor address.

E-MAIL NEWSLETTER: Get on the list for our e-mail newsletter to receive the latest news and information from the DofE Head Office. Sign up at: www.DofE.org/signup

THE MAGAZINE: The DofE magazine is aimed at DofE Leaders at all levels and Operating Authorities. Items (not photographs) in the magazine may be reproduced free of charge, with acknowledgement to its source. Whereas every reasonable precaution is taken prior to accepting advertisements in the DofE magazine, in respect of the suitability of the advertisers and their abilities to provide the goods and services they advertise, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award cannot and will not accept responsibility for the failure of advertisers to fulfil their obligations to their customers as a result of an advertisement appearing in this magazine.

PUBLISHED BY THE AWARD SCHEME LTD: Unit 18/19 Stewartfield Industrial Estate, off Newhaven Road, EDINBURGH EH6 5RQ. T: 0131 553 5280. Fax: 0131 553 5776. E: [email protected]

DofE HEAD OFFICE: Gulliver House, Madeira Walk, WINDSOR, Berkshire SL4 1EU T: 01753 727400. F: 01753 810666 E: [email protected]

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a Registered Charity No. 1072490 and a Royal Charter Corporation No. RC000806.

The magazine for DofE Leaders Issue 2: Spring 2009

The Expedition section is often the most memorable element of a young person’s DofE adventure.

Our MissionTo inspire, guide and support young people in their self-development and

recognise their achievements.

Thank you to all of those who took the time to let us know your thoughts on the new look and feel of the DofE and, especially, of your new-look magazine. Change is always an exciting process and it is great to be able to refresh ourselves and the ways in which we have been doing things for some time. I’ve been privileged to have worked for the DofE for over 20 years and, believe me, I’ve had my fair share of changes to accommodate. Change brings challenge. Challenge in turn brings excitement and adventure, which is what the DofE is all about. We hope our new look and feel will give those long-serving DofE Leaders and supporters out there an opportunity to refresh yourselves to ensure that you will long continue to provide top quality support to young people undertaking their DofE programmes. One point that has been brought up about the content of this magazine is the omission of the old ‘classified’ opportunities entries. We withdrew the listings from the magazine as we used to get complaints from people who found that the opportunities had often been filled by the time they received the magazine. The old magazine only ever listed a fraction of the opportunities listed on the website, which is updated daily. This area is accessed by going to www.DofE.org/opportunities or from within the participants’ area. This issue of the DofE magazine focuses on the Expedition section. We’ve got some useful information on page 34 regarding the new variations procedure for expeditions and advice on page 28 for those preparing for a range of expeditions. Broadcaster, writer and explorer Brian Blessed is the subject of our 60-second interview on page 23 and, on page 19, we showcase the fantastic new expedition training software, EX². To complete the outdoors experience, we bring you some useful tips on food hygiene on expeditions to ensure participants are kept healthy

and satisfied whilst away from home. Also in this issue, we give you more hints on how to boost your completion rate (page 20). Remember, we’d love to hear your feedback – please contact us at [email protected]

Dave WoodEditor

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CONTENTS Features6 SITTING ON CLOUD NINE Why

preparation can be as much fun as doing DofE expeditions

8 WHAT’S YOUR POISON? Food hygience tips for expeditioners

9 GOING LIVE Join HRH The Prince Edward as he launches eDofE

14 THE JOURNEY TO SUSTAINABILITY How to reduce your carbon footprint during DofE expeditions

17 TO BE PERFECTLY BLUNT Introducing an amazing new pocket tool

20 I’VE STARTED SO I’LL FINISH Part two of our advice to increase completion rates

21 ON THE BALL We review the launch of an exciting new project between the DofE and The Football League Trust

28 IT’S ALL IN THE PLANNING A step-by-step guide to planning an expedition

31 A NEW YEAR CHALLENGE How BSM can help your participants on the road to success

34 VARIATIONS ON A THEME New developments in the DofE Expedition section

35 EXPEDITIONS AND EXPECTATIONS Challenging the stereotypes of expedition Leaders

Regulars10 THE DofE IN ACTION News of

DofE activities and achievements from around the UK.

19 INTRODUCING EX² We launch our fantastic new interactive expedition training resource

23 60 SECOND INTERVIEW Explorer, broadcaster and

champion of youth, Brian Blessed speaks his mind exclusively for us!

24 DofE INFORMATION An update on news from the Charity

25 WE’RE ON THE ROAD AGAIN Peter Westgarth, CEO, brings you his thoughts on how the DofE is developing

26 OUT THERE Resources, opportunities and gadgets to help you in your DofE work

30 OPPORTUNITIES SPOTLIGHT We focus on three opportunities for DofE participants

36 FUNDRAISING FOR EXPEDITIONS Advice on fundraising as part of the Expedition section

UK DofE OFFICES: Scotland: Thain House, 226-230 Queensferry Road, EDINBURGH EH4 2BP. T: 0131 343 0920 F: 0131 332 9920E: [email protected] Wales: Oak House, 12 The Bulwark, BRECON, Powys LD3 7AD. T: 01874 623086 F: 01874 611967 E: [email protected] Northern Ireland: 28 Wellington Park, BELFAST BT9 6DL. T: 028 9050 9550 F: 028 9050 9555 E: [email protected]

ENGLAND: Midlands: 89-91 Hatchett Street, Newtown, BIRMINGHAM B19 3NY. T: 0121 359 5900 F: 0121 359 2933 E: [email protected]

South East: Gulliver House, Madeira Walk, WINDSOR, Berkshire SL4 1EU. T: 01753 727450 F: 01752 810666 E: [email protected] South West: Court Gatehouse, Corsham Court, CORSHAM, Wiltshire SN13 0BZ. T: 01249 701000 F: 01249 701050 E: [email protected] North East: Maritime Chambers, 1 Howard Street, NORTH SHIELDS, Tyne & Wear NE30 1LZ. T: 0191 270 3000 F: 0191 270 3007 E: [email protected] Yorkshire & Humber: The Yorkshire Waterways Museum, Dutch River Side, GOOLE, East Yorkshire DN14 5TB. T: 01405 780580 F: 01405 721484 E: [email protected]

North West: 2nd Floor, 20 Mathew Street, LIVERPOOL L2 6RE T: 0151 231 6220 F: 0151 236 6316 E: [email protected] East: The Radcliffe School, Aylesbury Street West, Wolverton, MILTON KEYNES MK12 5BT. T: 01908 576322 F: 01908 315929 E: [email protected] London: Award House, 7-11 St Matthew Street, LONDON SW1P 2JT. T: 020 7227 9820 F: 020 7222 7268 E: [email protected]

International Award Association: Award House, 7-11 St Matthew Street, LONDON SW1P 2JT. T: 020 7222 4242 F: 020 7222 4141 E: [email protected]

Contact us

DofE PROGRAMMES: The concept of the DofE is simple – anyone aged between 14 and 24 can do a programme at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. There are four sections at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold. Participants select and set objectives in each of the following areas: Volunteering – undertaking service to individuals or the community. Physical – improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities. Skills – developing practical and social skills and personal interests. Expedition – planning, training for and completion of an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad. At Gold level, participants must do an additional fifth Residential section, which involves staying and working away from home doing a shared activity.

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DofE HEAD OFFICE: Gulliver House, Madeira Walk, WINDSOR, Berkshire SL4 1EU. T: 01753 727400 F: 01753 810666 E: [email protected] www.DofE.org

APPROVEDACTIVITY

PROVIDER

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Personally, I am very fortunate to have been on many expeditions, both in the UK and overseas – I love them! To me the concept of journeying through the mountains on foot or sea kayaking around remote islands, being self-sufficient and exploring new areas is both uplifting and exhilarating. The following things have been useful to me over the years when planning, and being on, an expedition...

TimeStart planning the expedition as early as possible. The more time you have to plan things the less likely things are going to be forgotten or overlooked. Groups

will need time to gather equipment together, raise money, improve fitness, organise transport, work on their navigation and plan their routes. Set group deadlines and checklists to ensure all the paperwork and tasks are completed on time. Any expeditions overseas or more adventurous projects need a much longer timescale to organise. Simple things like having a passport with less than six months before expiry can be very embarrassing at an airport check in when they won’t let you travel. Remember also to visit the doctors to get the vaccinations required to travel to a particular country. Leaving things to the last minute will just be chaotic and stressful.

SITTING ON

CLOUD NINE

ExperienceWhen planning an expedition it is so much simpler if you personally have experience of the activity itself to draw upon. Years of hill walking and expedition experience under your belt will ensure that your guidance and suggestions of routes to the groups will be both appropriate and enjoyable. If you have knowledge of the area, even better, as you will know which camp sites to use, any access issues, and beautiful places to walk. If you don’t have this experience, try and find someone who does and who can help you. If your group wants to visit an area you are unfamiliar with, ask an expert. The DofE’s Expedition Co-ordinator service provides you and your groups with useful information regarding expeditions in their area.

QualificationsOutdoor qualifications are a method to demonstrate a proven level of competency. The National Governing Body Awards in Outdoor Activities are a benchmark against which parents and guardians of young people can judge you. These awards can be used to develop a career path or to gain more experience. Qualifications may be a way of proving that you have the relevant experience and have been assessed to a national standard. Gaining a nationally accredited award like the Walking Group Leader Award (WGL) or a Mountain Leader Award developed by the United Kingdom Mountain Training

Whether on foot, wheelchair, bike, horse or on the water, thousands of young people have been given

the opportunity of a lifetime to participate in DofE programmes and complete their expedition. It is thanks to volunteers and Leaders that these opportunities for young people are possible. Organising an expedition with a group of participants requires time, experience and patience. With guidance, hopefully the planning of an expedition will prove to be just as exciting as the expedition for participants and Leaders alike.

Board may reassure you that what you’ve been doing for years has been the right thing! If your groups are planning to go to more remote areas of the UK or overseas, then attending a mountain first aid course is relevant. Dealing with an injury on the hill when help is several hours away is very different to calling 999 and expecting an ambulance to arrive in ten minutes.

VenueIt is important to select a venue that is appropriate to the group’s experience and needs. What seems like a good idea when planned in a warm school or youth club may be far from appropriate in the harsh British upland. Comments such as “I never knew the paths were so rocky and ill-defined and the weather was so atrocious we had to bring the groups down” show that, even in summer, traversing higher hills may not be a good idea. Journeying through rather than over the mountains is equally exhilarating and certainly a more remote experience than sharing a summit with 100 other people.

A sense of humourWhether supervising a group on expedition or actually being on one, it is important to maintain a sense of humour. Often things go wrong; groups get lost, they arrive late at checkpoints or participants get covered from head to toe in mud after walking through a bog for several hours! I have sat for hours watching groups go round

in circles trying to navigate their way out of complicated footpath junctions. Eventually, after the sit-down protests on rucksacks, discussions, arguments and several feet-stamping moments, they laugh and carry on.

Digging deepBeing on expedition is hard work – it is both physically and mentally testing and no doubt there will be many occasions during an expedition where they have to ‘dig deep’. Support and encouragement from Leaders and Supervisors is crucial when things start to get tough. Getting out of a warm sleeping bag and tent in a remote camp site when the rain is horizontal; putting on soggy socks and walking boots and walking for eight hours does require inner strength. Somehow, though, participants always manage to find that strength and it is not long before they are singing their way around the hills in the rain. Expeditions are fun, rewarding and challenging. I look forward to my next expedition, where once more I will be faced with hard work, a heavy rucksack and spending time with my friends in a beautiful place. Hopefully, those participants who completed their expeditions this year will look back fondly to the experiences they shared with friends and will be inspired to carry on expeditioning!

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Planning for an expedition can

be as exciting as the expedition itself. Helen

Barnard, part of the team that supports the Snowdonia Expedition

Assessment Service, gives her top tips.

The Mountain Training Trust took over the administration of the Snowdonia Expedition Assessment Service in May 2008 and a team of staff from Plas y Brenin co-ordinate the notification process and allocate the team of volunteer assessors as required. The team can be contacted on 01600 720214 or email [email protected]

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Imagine you’re running a residential course for 50 students. The students are cooking for themselves and one is sick on the first day; but you don’t send them

home. Gradually more students and staff have sickness and diarrhoea. It affects group morale and curtails your activities, so you have to come home early. Parents are unhappy and the college reputation damaged. Could this happen to you? The Food Safety Act 1990 made it an offence for anyone to process food which is harmful to health – whether charging for the food or not. The Food Hygiene Regulations (England) 2006 and Regulation (EC) No.852/2004 state that you must have written procedures in place to prove what you do to make food safe to eat. Your responsibilitiesOutdoor leaders have a legal responsibility to ensure food is safe to eat, whether you are cooking for the group or it cooks for itself. You are breaking the law if you do not have a written risk assessment on

food hygiene or cannot prove you have done food hygiene training with your group. You could be taken to court over an outbreak of food poisoning. Environmental Health suggest Leaders should have a basic food hygiene certificate. You might like to use these ‘four Cs’ to brief participants and Leaders:

- Cross contamination is one of the most common causes of food poisoning, where bacteria is spread between food, surfaces and equipment. Raw food touches ready-to-eat food and dirty hands can infect fridge doors and taps etc. Keep raw and ready-to-eat food separate by using different chopping boards and utensils and store raw food at the bottom of the fridge.

- Cleaning work surfaces, hand contact surfaces and utensils with an anti-bacterial spray will help prevent the spread of bacteria. Use fresh cloths each time, as these harbour germs. Good personal hygiene is essential, washing hands after visiting the toilet and between handling raw and ready-to-eat food. Wash up using detergent to get rid of grease and rinse in very hot water to kill bacteria and allow to air dry.

- Cooking kills food poisoning bacteria so food needs to be piping hot before serving, particularly meat. When food cools down it enters the danger zone in which bacteria like to grow (5-63°C), so remember to only re-heat food once.

- Chilling food stops harmful bacteria growing, so foods with a ‘use by date’, cooked dishes and ready-to-eat foods should be kept out of the fridge for the shortest time. If food is left at room temperature, it will be in the danger zone and bacteria will multiply to dangerous levels. Never put hot food in the fridge but chill food by putting it into smaller containers and put in the fridge within 90 minutes.

Following these simple rules should reduce the risk of food poisoning on expedition or residentials, help you obey the law and protect your reputation.

Food is a major part of a successful trip, so an outbreak of food poisoning could be disastrous. Dof E Leader and food safety expert Helen Littlejohn from Cookout gives some advice on the importance of good food hygiene at camp.

WHAT’S YOUR

POISON?O

ur interactive online system that helps young people manage their DofE programme and Leaders monitor their progress – eDofE

– was officially launched on 14 October by HRH The Earl of Wessex. Over 1,000 enthusiastic volunteers are taking part in the pilots – from Operating Authorities to groups, covering the breadth of DofE activity throughout the UK. Accompanying the system when it is fully rolled-out will be a new Welcome Pack for participants and the facility to create an offline Record Book upon the achievement of their Award that young people can keep. The pilots will be extended from April this year and eDofE will then be available to the whole network from September. Here’s a quick reminder of the main benefits of the system…

Easy to use: We have designed the system so that anyone from 14 year old to an adult Leader with limited IT experience can use it. It’s simple and easy to navigate.

Any time, any place, anywhere: eDofE allows young people and Leaders to engage with the DofE at times and places convenient to them. We are making every possible effort to ensure that eDofE is accessible to any young person or adult engaged with the programme, regardless of ability, background or location.

GOING

LIVE

Connects with young people: The use of an online system allows us to appeal to young people and work with them using the technology with which they are already familiar from their everyday lives.

Exciting evidence: Young people can record their DofE activities in multiple formats – from photos and videos to blogs and pdfs. Their evidence can be uploaded direct from computers, cameras and mobile phones.

Encourages progression: eDofE makes it easier for young people to move between the sections of their DofE programme and to advance from one level to the next. It provides encouragement to complete each section and ultimately the achievement of a full Award.

Enables direct communication using the latest technology: Leaders and participants can communicate through the messaging system. Leaders can post news items that are instantly distributed to their whole group.

Gives instant access to useful resources: eDofE keeps Leaders up-to-date directly with information on courses, conference and learning opportunities. It gives young people resources to help them plan their programme.

Keeps participants involved: Young people have complex lives, moving house, leaving home, going to University. eDofE means that the young person can stay connected with us no matter what life changes they are going through. And after Gold, eDofE can be used to encourage Gold Award holders to become the next generation of Leaders.

Helps the DofE continually improve: By producing clear and accurate trends on participant activity, the DofE can continually improve the quality and relevance of the programme for young people. DofE Managers and Leaders will be able to access reporting about their groups.

Efficient: By giving Leaders access to easy summaries of individual activity and a quick and easy way to approve evidence, it will cut down on paperwork and allow face-to-face time to be used more effectively to guide and support young people through their DofE programme.

For more information check out www.DofE.org/eDofE where we’ll post updates on the pilots.

The DofE has a duty to respond to the needs of young people. This

online system makes the DofE experience more exciting and

accessible for the young people we are reaching today. It brings our

Charity into a new era.HRH The Earl of Wessex kg kcvo

“ “

The Food Standards Agency (www.food.gov.uk/safereating) publishes free booklets on food hygiene and Cookout runs food hygiene courses specifically for outdoor leaders, teachers and expedition companies.


The DofE in actionNews of DofE activities around the UKSend your stories and pictures to [email protected]

The DofE in action

LifesaverGrace Wadsworth (17) volunteered with her local Lifeboat crew as part of her DofE programme. It has led her to being taken on as the country’s youngest-ever lifeboat crew member. Working with the Lyme Regis RNLI station in Dorset, Grace is also the only woman on the crew.

Leading by exampleOver the past year Emma Butler, Anna Godfrey, Harpreet Takhar and Lizzie Bishop from DofE Head Office in Windsor have been working towards achieving their Silver and Gold Awards. Between them Harpreet and Anna have taken up swimming, learnt French and have volunteered for Shelter. The four came together for their expedition training and practices delivered by Peak Pursuits before doing separate open expeditions.

Southampton Air Cadets decided to undertake part of their expedition in fancy dress, to celebrate the 18th birthday of one of the participants, Cadet Sergeant Steph Page, pictured here taking it easy before the start.

Having a ballSt. John Ambulance Cadets from Northern Ireland enjoyed the first Youth Achievers Ball at Stormont recently. The event was organised to recognise the achievements of Northern Ireland’s young people. The Cadets enjoyed a drinks reception, canapés and entertainment from Cool FM. The finale of the evening saw a fireworks display at Parliament Buildings.

Sail awayAled, who has a learning disability and hails from Risca, Gwent, took part in a sailing venture around the English Channel on a vessel operated by Trinity Sailing. Aled was accompanied by nine mainstream people from around

Caerphilly Borough which resulted in a perfect integration opportunity for him. Aled received his Start Yachting certificate by showing a competence

in all the activities required on board, to cruise the vessel. This trip was organised by Development Officer, Richard Batten, accompanied by Aled’s DofE Leader from Trinity Fields School, Laura Hayter.

Straight to the pointDofE participant Rebecca Westley, a keen fencer and member of Holsworthy’s Army Cadets, recently had the opportunity to fence against Olympic Silver medallist Heather Fall. Heather was guest of honour at a community fun day at Holsworthy held to promote organisations offering services and activities to the public. Rebecca is using her training to complete the Physical section of her Bronze DofE programme undertaken through the Army Cadets, and is also fencing at competition level.

Meet the Fantastic Five...A group of young people from the Downs Syndrome Association recently got presented with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. Jennifer Bennett, Ian McCluney, Stephen Kennedy, Conor Hannah and Una McGarry are pictured here with their Gold Award certificates, supported by Nicola Campbell Disability Project with Belfast Activity Centre

Well preparedDofE participants from Lornshill Academy DofE Group, Clackmannanshire helped at the scene of a car accident whilst on their expedition training course near Linlithgow when

a car crashed nearby. DofE Leaders attended to the injured passenger and driver and directed traffic, while the young people provided support, sheltering the injured and looking after children.

“I had a really good time and I have enjoyed the teamwork the expedition has involved. I want to do my Silver and look forward to seeing a much more difficult environment.”Sam Spencer

Man’s best friend...Sid Tambin, from the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford, and his guide dog Jamie are pictured here on Sid’s Bronze DofE expedition in the Forest of Dean. Possibly the first guide dog to take part in a Bronze expedition, Jamie has enabled Sid to explore the countryside just like anyone else.

Champing at the bit Alice Atkins, Jack Bailey, Ben Foskett, Charlotte Marshall, plus Jess and Emily Dalwood from Seavington Pony Club in Somerset recently completed their Bronze expedition on horseback. They planned and navigated a 21-mile route along bridlepaths over Bulbarrow Hill in Dorset and the surrounding area, camping overnight and carrying much of their equipment in their saddlebags. The group are well on the way to achieving their Bronze Award, volunteering with Chard Branch of the Riding for the Disabled Association and plan to go on to undertake their Silver programmes this year.

Big ambition, big fishThe Torbay Dive Project was a Gold level activity which saw DofE participants learning to dive during 2007/08. Part of the activity was based in Torbay, part on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The group progressed to PADI Advanced Open Water Divers and have dived in pools, from the beach and even fed sharks in Australian waters!

Minibus – maxi style!The DofE in North East Lincolnshire was the first to have a minibus decked out in the new DofE livery. Says Sue Campbell, Senior Youth Worker: “We had a new bus donated by a group of local

businesspeople called the Drive for Grimsby Group. We had it liveried with the new logo to raise the profile of the DofE locally and of the new look and feel. Everywhere we go in it we get comments and all have been favourable.

Peak fitnessIn June this year a DofE team successfully climbed the highest peak in each of the four Provinces of Ireland (plus two more peaks for luck!) and, in doing so, raised money for the Charity. Participants mainly from Northern Ireland were joined by others from Scotland and Wales. Mweelrea (814m) was completed from sea level in five hours despite rain, wind and poor visibility. Carrauntoohil (1039m) was next, followed by Beenkeragh (1010m) and then Caher (1001m). Two more peaks completed the challenge: Lugnaquilla (925m) and Slieve Donard (850m). Anyone interested in the 2009 Four Peaks (+2) Challenge should contact [email protected]

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The North prevails again at The BelfryThe annual match played between the DofE’s Northern and Southern supporters was played over the Brabazon

and PGA courses at The Belfry last October. This fundraising event has previously been played at Turnberry. Pictured here is Peter Haworth receiving the Dunlop Trophy on behalf of the Northern Team from Keith Ashley, who kindly donated the trophy.


The DofE in action SNAPSHOTSMore than 100 participants received their Awards at Burton Town Hall last autumn. Karen Hulbert, DofE Leader, said: “It was a great night and everyone had a fantastic time!”

Students from Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth 1 College enjoyed three days in the Derbyshire Peak District undertaking their practice Silver expeditions last summer. The college offered DofE programmes for the first time last year as part of its enrichment programme.

Malthouse DofE Group members took part in a Trick or Treat abseil on 1 November at Dudley Castle. Despite the pouring rain it was a great event and everyone did really well, raising funds for the Stroke Association.

DofE participants enjoyed a police service course at Bedfordshire police headquarters. North Beds Schools Liaison Officer PC Sara Lelden developed and delivered the course, which highlighted the roles and responsibilities of the police service, the links between police and its local community, as well as aiming to develop citizenship.

South Bromsgrove sixth former Laura Baker decided to create a mural at Charford First School to complete the Volunteering part of her DofE programme. Pupils and parents came in over three sessions to complete the painting of the murals.

Youth worker Alex Spiller became interested in working with young people while taking part in his DofE programme, now he’s helping others through theirs. The 23 year-old from South Shields became a club helper after leaving school and completing a youth worker’s course. One of his charges nominated him for Top Achiever in the Pride of South Tyneside Awards.

A group of six young people from Skipton Open DofE Group took part in a ‘Crucial Crew’ presentation last autumn. They had attended a Police course as part of their Silver programme and created an internet safety project aimed at children.

Over 400 Cadets and staff from Thames Valley Air Training Corps helped the RAF celebrate its 90th anniversary in style, with a parade – at RAF Halton – the biggest ever such celebration at the base.

Plain sailingA group of participants from Oakham School, Rutland, undertook their Gold expedition on the waterways of Norfolk using some interesting sailing boats last summer. The area provided beauty and tranquility, whilst the boats provided a real physical challenge – and plenty of rope burns and blisters. The participants sailed gaffe-rigged wooden boats (no engines or electricity) from Hunter’s Yard (www.huntersyard.co.uk), who offer a 40% discount to youth groups.

The Moor the merrier!An open Gold expedition organised by The Boys’ Brigade took place on Dartmoor last August. There were 61 participants from all over the UK, organised into nine groups, who took part in the week-long annual event, enduring wet and misty weather for much of the expedition. The week finished with a celebratory ‘take-away’ meal and oral accounts being

presented to the Supervisors and Assessor. Thanks go to Land Rover UK for supplying vehicles used for safety cover during the week, as well as the ten adult volunteers who gave up a week’s annual leave, supporting the young people. The photograph shows the participants on the last day of the week, after their presentations, in glorious sunshine.

Great escapeSix young offenders from the Young Offenders Institute in Norwich have recently completed the first DofE expedition to be held at the establishment. The innovative Bronze expedition was undertaken in the prison grounds and saw them orienteering around the grounds, erecting tents, undertaking a rowing machine marathon in the gym and cooking.

CCPR PresidentHis Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex has agreed to become President of CCPR when The Duke of Edinburgh steps down after 58 years in July 2009. Becoming President will add to His Royal Highness’s involvement in sport and recreation in the UK and will complement his patronage of a number of CCPR’s member organisations.

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THE JOURNEY TO

SUSTAINABILITYS

ustainability is the process of making wise decisions which have positive benefits in economic, social and environmental

terms. It is becoming a topical issue for all of us and we need to demonstrate that we are at the cutting edge of best practices in this area. In particular, the Expedition section encourages 275,000 young people every year to undertake a journey in the natural environment and it is in this section that we can showcase how we are managing our impact. We can also ensure that the young people with whom we work can access their surroundings well into the future. This article gives you the chance to reflect on your group practices and gives you some tips about the first step of the journey – travelling to the starting point.

A quick quiz to getyou started:1: How many places have you been to in the last four years for Bronze, Silver and Gold practice and qualifying expeditions? 10 20 30 3 (we only have three maps)

2: On arrival at the camp site does the owner greet you: with the invoice? with a cup of tea? by name? none of the above – they did not

know we were coming?

3: How many hours have you spent in the last year in a minibus? under 10 hours under 20 hours over 50 hours lost count – I fell asleep in the

passenger seat too many times to remember

4: How many stops do your groups request in journeying to the start of their expedition? one stop two stops more than three stops I insist that they do not eat or

drink before they leave

5: How many times do you stop to refuel the minibus on expedition? never – we bring it home half full once twice usually lose count

Unlike the majority of survey quizzes there are no right or wrong answers. This is also true about the whole subject of sustainability.

InfluentialI was influenced as a young Leader by a clear statement in the mid 1980s from a well-respected outdoor educator. The philosophy behind his work in Birmingham was to try and ensure wide accessibility of outdoor adventure experiences for as many young people as possible. He questioned putting 14 young people into a minibus and driving them to North Wales for first-time experiences of adventure activities. Instead, he wanted young people to be able to find opportunities for early experiences of adventure activities in environments close to their homes – opportunities that they could then revisit throughout their lives.

Linked to this is the concept about young people and their community. Next time you are with a group of young people, get them to describe their range of regular travel, and then their range of independent travel. Most will be confident in their

home community and travel with parents or carers, but independent travel will often be limited to a route from home to friend, home to school and home to town centre. How extensive is their experience of their town and other local areas where they are not educated or do not live? With fuel costs doubling in just over two years and a growing awareness of environmental footprint of activity, is it still justifiable to continue to undertake expedition practices that were developed when fuel costs were not even considered? Here are a few areas to think about it in terms of sourcing opportunities locally and encouraging young people to get to know their local area.

Cutting down drive time to expedition time ratiosSome example ratios:- Bronze Expedition: School to

White Peak & return, six hours: 12 hours planned activity = ratio 1:2

- Silver Expedition: School to Dark Peak & return, six hours: 21 hours planned activity = ratio 1:3.5

- Gold Expedition: School to Lakes & return, 12 hours: 32 hours planned activity = ratio 1:2.6

Can you affect these ratios? Why not try opening up some mapping software, or the Ordnance Survey map for your local area and review the range of footpaths, routes and opportunities that you could use? One group I know has started this approach for their off-road cycling expedition group. After training using local routes near to school, the young people have returned to cycle the same route with friends and family, and proudly tell school staff of their further adventures.

Deciding on an ideal environmentEvery Leader has a clear view of their favourite or perfect area for expedition training. It could

include a good camp site, footpath network involving route choice and decisions, some interesting points on the landscape to see and record, and little interference from other users/groups/public. My list includes a network of footpaths where I can easily slip away from my group and then rejoin them a short distance later, allowing the group to start to make independent decisions, but still allowing me to continue to coach and encourage them if needed. Why not try creating your own ideal environment criteria list and see how you can apply this to a new area closer to home?

Is the minibus the only option?With the limited application of the guidance on minibus driving from the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Transport about voluntary driving, we will continue to face driver shortages. Therefore there must be other options.

Coaches move large numbers at a cost but also create problems on arrival. Unless your departure point has multiple routes leaving the car park, a coach full of participants will continue just to snake across the landscape for hours after their start. Why not use a combination of train, local buses or a National Park Bus to create a range of starting points for groups? Some groups are starting to use public transport, or a combination with some school-based transport, as a more affordable and practical way to move young people to and from their expedition area. This could ease the concerns about minibus drivers and reduce our travel impact. With group travel options on rail, this could become more cost effective.

Over-used routes We run the risk of over-using certain areas and having a huge environmental impact on certain landscapes. For example, are

groups fixated upon the Lakes, Snowdonia and the Peak District? Are groups driving past other very appropriate foot areas which include Dumfries & Galloway, the Cheviots and mid Wales? Why not try thinking about how used the areas are that you are going to and considering the benefits to the young people, community and environment, investigating going somewhere less well known.

Future-proofingSustainability is not only about our travel but is also about considering other factors to ensure that DofE programmes remain accessible for all young people, including those with additional learning needs, or aspects of financial affordability. Basically, we have to make sure that young people can still do DofE programmes in ten, 20 and 50 years’ time. This means we have to think now about how we maintain our appeal, meeting different needs for young people, an undamaged environment and promoting a positive view of young people in society. One thing that will help this is making sure we run the Expedition section wisely. Will you meet a Bronze Award holder 20 years from now, still using the pathways in your local park or common? And, if so, will you be able to reflect in years to come that you saw your expeditions develop more sustainable practices? Good luck with planning your future expeditions!

Stephen Brown, Executive Officer for the Outdoor

Education Advisers’ Panel and Outdoor Adviser

for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough gives tips on

making your expedition more sustainable, by

cutting down travel time and finding expedition

locations closer to home.

Have you got any top tips for making the DofE more sustainable? If so, get in touch with us at [email protected]


At the heart of everything we do at the DofE lies the health and welfare of young people. We have a responsibility to ensure that young

people remain safe at all times and are equipped to deal confidently with all circumstances. The need for this is most apparent in the Expedition section, and it is because of this that the DofE has been recommending a penknife or similar as an essential part of expedition kits for decades. The rise in knife crime, especially amongst young people, is an issue that concerns us all. It is an offence to carry, in a public place without justification and authority, any article which has a blade or is sharply pointed except for a folding pocket knife with a cutting edge to its blade of less than 3” in length. However, even a folding pocket knife of less than 3” (76mm) may still be considered an offensive weapon if carried or used for that purpose. It is for these reasons that the DofE has been working with leading manufacturer, Victorinox, to develop a Pocket Tool that, whilst still retaining the functionality essential for expeditions, is as safe as possible for young people.

The two main developments are:- A blade with a specially rounded,

blunt end. - A bespoke selection of tools

(scissors, can opener with cap lifter, wire cutter, wire stripper and screwdriver end, Phillips screwdriver, multipurpose hook, key ring, tweezers, toothpick).

Multi-purposeThe Pocket Tool can be used for all sorts of tasks, from opening a torch or camera battery compartment, preparing food to simply sharpening a pencil. However, the main use of the Pocket Tool is to enable young people to undertake basic running repairs to their equipment and clothing in the field. For example, if boot laces become knotted it may be necessary to cut them in order to get boots off, or to cut away vegetation that has become

entangled in hair or clothing. It can be used to cut lengths of heavy duty tape to repair a damaged tent or rucksack or to make a new hole for a guy line. The multi-purpose hook can help to remove small stones stuck in the bottom of boots, pull things like twine and makes an excellent tent-peg extractor. The blade, scissors and tweezers may also be used in first aid or when dealing with an emergency such as, for example, to remove a splinter, thorn or sheep tick; cut a dressing or to cut away clothing to enable a dressing to be applied. Anyone involved in training young people for their expedition must include session(s) on the use of their equipment. They are responsible for ensuring young people know why they have a pocket tool/penknife and how to use it safely. The Pocket Tool will be subject to the same strict rules of purchase as penknives and only be able to be purchased by people over 18, so parents/carers or Leaders will need to purchase one for participants under 18. However, they can do this with confidence, knowing they are choosing the safer alternative.

We’ve worked with a top manufacturer and created the best Pocket Tool for Dof E Expeditions.

TO BE PERFECTLY

BLUNT

The DofE/Victorinox Pocket Tool will be available for sale from January 2009 from outdoor retailers for around £20. For your nearest stockist pleasecontact 0116 234 4646.


EX² is a brilliant new interactive expedition training resource from the DofE, which will enable young people and their Leaders to

engage with the DofE’s Expedition section in a innovative, challenging and stimulating way. EX² is designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of people running or taking part in the Expedition section. It provides the necessary skills and knowledge to enable both the adults training young people and the young people doing their DofE programme, to enhance their expedition experience.

This comprehensive resource covers all elements of the Expedition section and can be used either before or after practical expedition training sessions.

Modules- Introducing the Expedition

section: All the DofE related rules and requirements with an overview of what it’s all about.

- Choosing your expedition: Helping young people to decide where they want to go, mode of travel and their aim.

- Your expedition skills: Training with interactive modules in everything from weather and navigation to emergency signals and packing a rucksack.

- Planning your expedition: The steps needed to plan a successful and safe expedition.

- Delivering the Expedition section: Further information for adults involved in delivering the Expedition section.

BenefitsFor young people:- Enhances their practical training- Can be used with group or

at home

- Fun & interactive- Gives them the knowledge

they need to enjoy their DofE expedition

For Leaders:- Can use to upskill and check their

technical & DofE knowledge- Cost-effective- Ensures common messages for

all participants- Easy to set up and use- Enhances practical training- Can be used to train young

people en-masse or individually

Costs- Single user licence: £16- 10 user licence: £125- 50 user licence: £500- CD: £2.50 + P&P (on top of

licence fee)

How to orderAll you need to do is download EX² and install it on a hard drive – then it’s available to use. First, download EX² from www.DofE.org/EX2 andtry out the free demo. Then purchase the appropriate licence by completing the order form available at www.DofE.org/shop All you need is a valid email address. Upon payment confirmation, we’ll email you an activation code to unlock all of the modules. Note: a CD version is available at a small supplement if you are unable to download.

The DofE is proud to launch its great new interactive online learning tool, designed to complement practical expedition training and bring the theoretical side to life.

INTRODUCING

EX²2


How are you spreading the news? Communication is a key factor in overcoming some of the many reasons why young people don’t

complete their DofE programme…so what should you do? There are numerous ways of spreading the news, inspiring young people, triggering their enthusiasm and imagination, increasing awareness within the organisation and promoting good news stories and successes – all of these will help with completion.

Notice boards- Make sure the notice board is in a

position where participants have easy access to it.

- Understanding the requirements of all the sections within the DofE is integral to achieving success, so display a brief overview of the sections and levels.

- Use a traffic light system of progress. This lets everyone understand their progress with their DofE programme.

- Signpost to different activities on offer within the group and in the community.

- Role model imagery of young people from the group taking part in inspiring activities, perhaps also including a ‘star of the month’.

- Publicise how to get involved, what to do and the people to contact. This will be useful for new participants but will help existing participants when looking for help and guidance.

- Put up FAQs & answers.- Keep notice boards up to date as

young people will be more likely to check it for changes.

Hold regular meetingsUpdate your records and make sure participants update their Record Book. Revisiting the books ensures participants feel they are supported and motivates them to complete what they have started.

Website/intranet- Does your group host information

for young people on an intranet, blog or website?

- Content could be similar to that of the notice boards and has the advantage of being accessible from a variety of locations.

- A photo gallery and blog that young people can add their own pictures and comments to can be motivating.

- As with notice boards, it is important to keep the information updated on a regular basis.

NewsletterNewsletters can advertise local opportunities and celebrate achievements, acting as an incentive for completion. A newsletter could include news, DofE activity ideas, celebration of achievements and reports of activities undertaken as examples of the range of opportunities available.

Delegate responsibilityUse Gold Award holders or participants to act as a mentor to young people who are doing their Bronze or Silver programme. Do you offer a DofE leadership programme for Gold participants? They make great role models who support the participants to complete programme planners, assist in training and be a regular point of contact, alleviating some of the pressures on you as a Leader. By following these tips more participants will enjoy a high quality experience, completing their personal journey to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.

I’VE STARTED...

SO I’LL FINISHIn the second of our regular

features on completion, we’ve got some top advice

from our East Region who’ve managed to increase

completion rates by a staggering 38% this year!

The traffic light system is a great way of showing participants’ progress and can generate healthy competition for completing programmes.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and The Football League Trust have launched a partnership which will inspire, enthuse and motivate

young people to achieve a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award through football across England and Wales. Gerry Sutcliffe mp (Minister for Sport in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport) and Clive Betts mp (a member of the Parliamentary Football Team) launched the partnership last October at Sheffield United Football Club. Through this exciting alliance, 17 league clubs will work closely with the DofE to benefit young people who will take part in a series of physical and social activities to get them fit, grow in confidence, develop their passions and bring communities closer together.

Take me to the pilotFaisal Idris was part of the pilot Score project achieving his Bronze Award. He said: “I enjoy volunteering because

I have a laugh while helping others, get to share my skills and learn new ones. Doing your DofE makes you more confident and through volunteering you are helping others which makes you feel good.”

ON THE BALL

The Score Project was a joint initiative between The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Sheffield United and the Sheffield and Hallamshire FA. The aim was to reach out and inspire young people in an environment other than school. It provided a positive outlet for safe, self-expression through meaningful, exciting activities within the environment of a professional football club. Also funded by the Football Foundation, the project proved that organisations can join forces to help the youth focus on positive behaviour and help reduce issues such as crime and provide young people with alternative ambitions and academic qualifications.

It is hoped that with the success of these first clubs that further funds will be made available to support the expansion of the partnership to allow more young people, clubs and communities to benefit.

LaunchpadThe launch event was attended by all participating Football League clubs including chairmen and community heads, Trustees of The Football League Trust and representatives from the DofE. Gerry Sutcliffe mp said: “This is a fantastic example of two organisations coming together to share their expertise in order to get young people motivated and inspired to take up sport. It’s great that 17 clubs have signed up and I hope more follow suit.” Dave Edmundson, General Manager of The Football League Trust said: “Both organisations will become an influential team that will inspire young people to be the best that they can be, and hopefully go for Gold. This is the power of football in action for the greater good and Football League Club community programmes will be fundamental to the delivery of DofE programmes.” The DofE is delighted to be working in partnership with The Football League Trust. As our CEO Peter Westgarth points out, “Our alliance will enable us to challenge social and cultural barriers to help individuals and build stronger communities. The combination of young people’s passion for football; our youth development expertise; our combined national networks and the valued Duke of Edinburgh’s Award itself will create a winning team that will benefit thousands of young people in the years to come.”

There is nothing more inspiring in sport than

having the opportunity to train alongside

your heroes, at your team’s ground and with

professional coaches. This is exactly what the DofE

and The Football League Trust are doing for young people across the country.

Gerry Sutcliffe mp

“

“

DofE magazine - issue 2 Spring 2009 Page 23

I N T E R V I E W

Brian BlessedBroadcaster, actor,

author and explorer

As coal miner’s son Brian Blessed looks forward to heading into space, he spares some time to tell us why it’s so important to keep

seeking adventure and challenging yourself, and why he’s such a big supporter of the DofE.

So, Brian, what have you been up to recently?I’ve just returned from Moscow, where I’ve spent over 300 hours in space training. I’ve been told I have the physique of a 35 year-old and lungs twice the normal size. I run seven miles every day and do weights. I am planning to go into space next year. I love adventure, it frees me and it’s the biggest love of my life. Since my first expedition in 1993, 50% of my life has been about adventure and 50% acting.

You’ve supported the DofE for years – what made you get involved?Since the 1960s I’ve met HRH The Duke of Edinburgh quite a lot – he’s a sensational man. The benefits his programme have brought to the nation are enormous. Young people needed to be inspired and he provided it. His programme allows young people from every background to succeed – it’s getting rid of barriers. As someone from an underprivileged background I can relate to this. I’ve presented Awards at St James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace and helped with expedition planning and training.

Why do you think DofE programmes are important?It’s the most important programme in the world for young people –

and it’s getting more important. The challenges and the sense of adventure have an everlasting impact on young people’s skills and life chances. If you’ve got Gold you can face anything in the world – you’re full of confidence.

Why do you think the DofE Expedition section is so important for young people? As President of the National Parks I’ve often met up with teams on their DofE expedition. It’s inspirational. Their faculties are sharpened. Their eyes are wide open and their hearing more acute. Everyone needs 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness to get away. We spend too much time with phones, TV, online, things stuck in our lugholes. An expedition gets them living and breathing, coming to life, growing properly and having an adventure.

What do you think about young people today?I am fed up with the media knocking young people and simply not covering positive news. There’s a fear of young people by their elders fuelled by this. I recently visited a project in Catterick Carr (Doncaster) where young people have helped to develop a nature reserve. There is marvellous work going on in our communities all over the UK.

So do you think you will stop at some point?Not yet! I’ve met thousands of people over 80 everywhere from the Himalayas to Snowdon. It’s important to keep challenging yourself. The greatest danger in life is not taking the adventure – then you start to die.

Brian Blessed was talking exclusively to Louise Taylor, the DofE’s

Head of Marketing

No-one else is like you. You must be able to fulfil

your dreams. The DofE allows young

people to do that.

“ “


The Annual Statistics for the DofE reflects once again the popularity of our programmes with educators, youth workers, Leaders and young

people. The headline statistics for 12 months to 1 April 2008 are:- Participants: 275,000, over

30,000 of whom are experiencing significant disadvantage.

- New Entrants: 168,117- Awards Gained: 66,273 Bronze: 43,864 Silver: 16,147 Gold: 6,262- Social Value of young people’s

activities: over £13.5 million- Number of Groups: 11,169- Number of volunteers:

over 50,000Thank you to all of those who are involved with collating and sending in the information.

informationinformation from the Charity

Skills for EmploymentDid you know ‘The position of youth in the labour market deteriorates much more than of adults when adverse economic conditions unfold.’ (OECD, Jobs for Youth, March 2008). Through the Skills for Employment programme, kindly supported by Deloitte, you can help young people make the best of their prospects during this potentially difficult time. The Skills for Employment programme enables young people to: - Identify and sell their skills. - Learn how to talk about

positive attributes developed whilst undertaking their DofE programme.

- Learn more about job, career and training choices available to them.

- Learn how to find and apply for jobs, courses and work placements.

- Develop and improve their CV and interview technique.

To find out more about how this skill can help young people please go to www.dofe.org/skills If you are iInterested in finding out more about delivering the skill please email [email protected] or call 0207 227 9810.

Digital lifestyle updateDigital lifestyle is a Skills programme ideal for anyone interested in digital technology – including music, podcasts, movies and photography. Inspiring ideas forall abilities can be found at www.dofe.org/go/digitallifestyle – or why not attend an Apple workshop at your nearest Apple Retail Store? We are giving away 50 one-year One to One memberships, which entitles the participant (or Leader) to weekly personal training with one of Apple’s expert trainers. To apply go to: http://www.dofe.org/go/digitallifestyle

Approved Activity ProvidersThe DofE has been piloting the Approved Activity Providers licence for the Expedition and Residential sections. As the pilot draws to

a close the organisations involved in the pilot have been licensed and are listed below. As an Approved Activity Provider the services and activities organisations offer have been assessed to the sectional conditions of the DofE and they can be used by DofE participants in the confidence that their programmes meet our conditions: - A to Z Expeditions Limited delivers high

quality training and expeditions for young people participating in DofE programmes. Expedition programmes designed especially for schools and Open Expeditions for individuals and small groups. T: 01981

550 433 E: [email protected] W: www.azexpeditions.com- British Schools Exploring Society is a

youth development charity offering 16-23 year olds the opportunity to partake in remote scientific expeditions all over the

world: arctic, jungle, mountain and desert. T: 0207 591 31410 E: [email protected] W: www.bses.org.uk- Adventureworks is a leading provider of

high quality, tailor-made and expertly led overseas and UK expeditions for schools, colleges and youth organisations with specialist experience of DofE expedition delivery. T: 0845 345 8850

E: [email protected] W: www.adventureworks.co.uk - Far Frontiers Expeditions Ltd is a

dynamic, independently run, specialist travel company where excellent personal service and bespoke expeditions are its hallmarks. Providers of quality overseas school expeditions with worthwhile community projects and specialise in the provision of the DofE Expedition section overseas.

T: 0844 8009 029 E: [email protected] W: www.farfrontiers.co.uk- Peak Pursuits Limited offers an excellent

range of outdoor pursuits and residentials in the Peak District, full DofE expedition packages for schools/groups and open expeditions nationally. T: 01782 722226 W: www.peakpursuits.co.uk

- Ieuenctid Cambria Youth Limited offers expeditions in the stunning, but remote Cambrian Hills of Mid Wales and provide young people with a challenging and memorable experience, aided and supported by instructors with years of experience of

DofE and expeditioning. They can provide all services in Welsh. T: 07984 529580

E: [email protected] W: www.i-c-y.co.uk- The Walking and Climbing Company

Limited are specialists in trekking and mountaineering adventurous activities in the Nepal/Tibet Himalayan Mountain range. These are tailored to run as DofE expeditions with the opportunity to complete charity project work if required.

T: 01964 551029/0771 8755031 E: [email protected] W: www.walkingandclimbing.co.uk- Wilderness Expertise is a small, specialist

not-for-profit company with over ten years’ experience in delivering quality personal development programmes which have real tangible learning outcomes. Fully integrated co-curricular programmes for the DofE and the CAS element of the International Baccalaureate. T: 01344466393

E: [email protected] W: www.wilderness-expertise.co.uk

- World Challenge Expeditions Limited’s main focus is providing educational expeditions in the developing world which teach life skills, stretch comfort zones and expand minds outside the classroom.

T: 020 8728 7200 E: [email protected]

W: www.world-challenge.co.uk

For more information please contact [email protected]

APPROVEDACTIVITY

PROVIDER

DofE magazine - issue 2 Spring 2009 Page 25

Happy New Year! And what a year it is going to be. The wonderfully positive response from Operating Authority DofE Managers to the

UK Roadshow events last year has led us to rethink our plans for engaging with the wider DofE network in the coming year. 2009 marks the launch of our groundbreaking eDofE system and we want to engage directly with as many DofE Leaders as possible to introduce them to eDofE and to hear their ideas for its use and further development.

Getting togetherThis year is a ‘General Council year’, when we bring the network together to review progress and hear what is planned for the future. This would normally involve a relatively small number of our 55,000 volunteers gathering in a central location with all of the implications of travel, time out from the day job and the cost involved in such events. This year we are going to take General Council on the road, bringing the innovations, issues and opportunities to a Roadshow event near you! Working closely with DofE Operating Authorities, we’re going to focus our efforts and communications resources on getting out and about to meet with Leaders everywhere. So, look out for the date of your local event taking place sometime between Easter and autumn 2009. I hope to see you there.

Pilot’s progressI am delighted with the progress we are making with eDofE. I have to apologise to the many groups who

missed out on being part of the pilot phase. We were overwhelmed by your enthusiasm to be at the sharp end of this innovation but had to restrict the numbers involved in the pilot tests. You won’t have too long to wait (late summer 2009) until the tested system is opened up to any group who wants to use it. And, the verdict so far from pilot users? It is “eDofEasy”, “eDofExcellent” and it’s “eDofExactly what we’ve needed for years and why didn’t you do it sooner?”.

Getting taggedAnother area of innovation is in our management of Expedition Assessments in wild country. The new Expedition Co-ordinators and their Assessor Networks managed record numbers of DofE expeditions last season and are gearing up to

recruit more Assessors to meet growing demand. The new standards for Assessor accreditation will be applied across the Assessor Networks this year. Look out for the new ID badge clearly identifying the currency of an Assessor’s credentials and their great new unique ‘DofE Assessor ID pod’, as pictured below.

Preparing for the futureWith our new systems we will be well placed to recruit and welcome new volunteers to meet the ever-growing demand for DofE programmes. We’d love to hear your ideas for recruiting new Leaders and how we can ensure that all Leaders are well informed and supported in their role of inspiring young people throughtheir DofE. I look forward to hearing from you with your feedback [email protected]

Peter Westgarth, Chief Executive of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, looks forward to being on the road again...

WE’RE ON THE ROAD

AGAIN

DoFE Magazine issue 2.indd 25 8/12/08 16:49:35


OUT THERERESOURCES • GADGETS • BOOKS • REVIEWS • OPPORTUNITIES • COMPETITIONS

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award does not endorse

any of the products on these pages and

does not receive any support from

the suppliers unless indicated.

WIN £100 of KIT

Flash & trendy!The Imation Flash Wristband combines a portable flash drive that doubles as a wristband. It’s a really convenient way to transfer, share and save digital files, all of this is protected beneath a flexible rubber

shell. Perhaps good for sharing photographs on expeditions before going home? Available for around £15 from all good online electrical retailers.

TACKLING HOMOPHOBIAA survey of Britain’s secondary schools has revealed that almost two thirds of lesbian and gay pupils have been victims of homophobic bullying. Young people who experience homophobic bullying are more likely to leave school at 16, sometimes despite being keen to continue their studies. Northamptonshire County Council has launched its Tackling Diversity and Sexuality resource – a practical resource pack for schools containing the steps schools and youth groups need to take to reduce homophobic bullying. This resource can be seen at www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/diversityandsexuality

Sharing sciencewww.ysjournal.com is an online science journal written for young scientists by young scientists.The journal is the only one in the world where young people at school can

publish their own articles and share ideas about science. The website was started in 2006 by a small group of pupils at the King’s School, Canterbury and has since flourished into an international collaboration between science students across the world. Participation could be a great Skills activity, by writing for it or a Volunteering one, by working as an editor, or helping with the marketing...

Recommended for a reason...Unscramble the following anagram to be in with a chance to win £100 worth of Recommended Kit!

Cool Kept To(hint: January saw the birth of this!)

To enter visit www.recommendedforareason.com/win and submit your answer to be in with a chance to win the kit, the winner will be chosen at random from correct entries and notified by email on 4 February 2008. For more chances to win have a go at some of the many competitions and games running on this site – good luck!

Magic wand... If you’ve got a Maglite D (part of our Recommended Kit), did you know you can get a glowing wand

attachment to clip on the end, turning it into a great signalling beacon? Snap one up

now for £2.99 inc.delivery from www.7dayshop.com

The Guide to Adventure Sports gives you the perfect opportunity to leave the TV and computer behind and stretch your legs. This book provides everything you need to know about how to get started in over 30 adventure sports, from abseiling to zorbing. It covers what the sports are, how to get involved, equipment needed, contacts listings, plus a ‘thrill factor’ for each sport. £14.99 ISBN 978-0-7136-8149-9.

Mountaineering – the essential skills for mountain walkers and climbers is an ambitious and comprehensive book for anyone who aspires to venture into the hills and mountains of the world, from the complete novice to the seasoned mountaineer. £25 ISBN 978-07136-86920

Win our review copies by emailing with either ‘Adventure’ or ‘Mountain’ in the subject line to [email protected] – we’ll draw one of each at random on 28 February 2009.

Go OverboardNeed to keep kit dry during water activities? Check out the Overboard Dry Tube bag – 60 litres capacity and includes removable padded backpack straps. Suitable for quick submersion (it even floats!), constructed from 600D PVC Tarpaulin and seals tight Durable, wipe-clean and easy to store away. See for yourself at www.over-board.co.uk

Better safe than sorry...A new handbook aimed at hillgoers everywhere,Call Out Mountain Rescue. A Pocket Guide to Safety on the Hill, takes the reader through preparation and route planning, what to take and how to pack it, how best to stay safe in the mountains and what to do if you have an accident. If you do hit trouble, there’s a rundown of the mountain rescue call-out procedure and how to relay the relevant information to the emergency services, plus a potted history of mountain rescue and some useful advice on publications, websites and organisations with which to hone your skills and research your trip before setting out. This sturdy little A6 guide has 150 colour pages. £9.99, plus p&p. Ordering details from [email protected] Win our review copy by emailing the word SuperSafe in the subject line to [email protected] – we’ll draw one at random on 28 February 2009.

Instant shedNeed portable short-term shelter for rucksacks, bikes or other equipment at your expedition base? A TidyTent may be the answer. It comes in a bag, is easily erected, attaches to a wall, fence or shed and offers protection from rain, sleet and snow. Order for around £50 from [email protected]

SIZE DOESN’T MATTER... Need to send big files via email, but your system won’t let you? Visit www.mailbigfile.com and you can send huge pictures and documents for free via the internet, instead of by email.

Going, going – gone!You may be aware that BT is removing lots of public telephone boxes around the UK. This may have an impact on expedition teams and Leaders who use telephone boxes as navigational or rendezvous points as they may no longer be there! Many of the boxes in more remote areas are protected as a public service so are remaining where they are, but it may be an idea to check before setting out. If you’re a phone box fan, why not buy an old one that’s been removed and renovate it as a group Skills project? You can pick one up (including glass and paint) for around £750 – and fully refurbished ones sell for up to £4,000! Check out what’s around at www.unicornkiosks.com/red-telephone-kiosks

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dependent on local resources, experience and your qualifications and, more importantly, on the aspirations, capability and needs of the young people. Try and help them to think creatively about what they can do. You may want to enlist the help of a local group that has specific expertise such as a canoe club or an Approved Activity Provider to deliver specialist knowledge/training. The 20 conditions of the Expedition section can help the team understand the parameters of their expedition and think practically about how they can achieve them.

For more help with getting your group excited about their expedition and deciding on the aim, we have developed two resources:- Expedition session plans for

Leaders: contained as an insert in this magazine.

- The Expedition Programme Planner: a one-page planner which you can help individuals to fill in to help them think through and clarify what they will do – download it now from www.DofE.org/downloads.

Step 2: TrainingOnce the nature of the team’s expedition is established, use the Expedition Training Framework to arrange their training as appropriate to the team’s level, mode of travel and aim of their expedition. These can be accessed through EX² and www.DofE.org/training.

Step 3: Practice expedition(s) Practice expeditions are a major milestone. They are an opportunity to bring together everything the team has learnt and use it in a real environment and they help build the team’s confidence in their ability to succeed. It is also the best time for the team to carry out a comprehensive review of their progress and begin to think about what to do next. A team’s practice expedition should be approved by your Operating Authority.

DofE magazine - issue 2 Spring 2009Page 28

dependent on local resources, experience and your qualifications and, more importantly, on the aspirations, capability and needs of the young people. Try and help them to think creatively about what they can do. You may want to enlist the help of a local group that has specific expertise such as a canoe club or an Approved Activity Provider to deliver specialist knowledge/training. The 20 conditions of the Expedition section can help the team understand the parameters of their expedition and think practically about how they can achieve them.

For more help with getting your group excited about their expedition and deciding on the aim, we have developed two resources:- Expedition session plans for

Leaders: contained as an insert in this magazine.

- The Expedition Programme Planner: a one-page planner which you can help individuals to fill in to help them think through and clarify what they will do – download it now from www.DofE.org/downloads.

Step 2: TrainingOnce the nature of the team’s expedition is established, use the Expedition Training Framework to arrange their training as appropriate to the team’s level, mode of travel and aim of their expedition. These can be accessed through EX² and www.DofE.org/training.

Step 3: Practice expedition(s) Practice expeditions are a major milestone. They are an opportunity to bring together everything the team has learnt and use it in a real environment and they help build the team’s confidence in their ability to succeed. It is also the best time for the team to carry out a comprehensive review of their progress and begin to think about what to do next. A team’s practice expedition should be approved by your Operating Authority.

IT’S ALL IN THE

PLANNINGM

aking an expedition a success relies on many different elements, each working

in harmony. Getting the preparation right at the very start of the expedition planning will go a long way to keeping a team on track and enabling the members to complete their expedition with confidence and having enjoyed it. Every step of the planning process gives opportunities for young people to develop their planning and teamworking skills. Getting involved from the beginning helps them to engage with their expedition and make it as enjoyable as it can be.

Step 1: PreparationCreating a team, or teams, from a DofE group is usually organised by the participants themselves, based on friendships and shared ambitions or abilities. Ownership of the expedition by the young people is cemented by the development of the expedition’s aim. You, as a Leader, have a key role in helping teams to think about what they want to achieve as individuals and as a team and decide on the nature, mode of travel and the environment in which they want to expedition. This is of course

Alex Davies, DofE Projects Officer and Gold Award

holder, brings you a step-by-step guide to the

planning process for a successful expedition, which

reflects the guidance given in the Handbook for Dof E

Leaders (6th edition) and in EX².

DoFE Magazine issue 2.indd 28 11/12/08 10:20:50

Making an expedition a success relies on many different elements, each working

in harmony. Getting the preparation right at the very start of the expedition planning will go a long way to keeping a team on track and enabling the members to complete their expedition with confidence and having enjoyed it. Every step of the planning process gives opportunities for young people to develop their planning and teamworking skills. Getting involved from the beginning helps them to engage with their expedition and make it as enjoyable as it can be.

Step 1: PreparationCreating a team, or teams, from a DofE group is usually organised by the participants themselves, based on friendships and shared ambitions or abilities. Ownership of the expedition by the young people is cemented by the development of the expedition’s aim. You, as a Leader, have a key role in helping teams to think about what they want to achieve as individuals and as a team and decide on the nature, mode of travel and the environment in which they want to expedition. This is of course

Step 4: Qualifying expedition, debrief and presentationQualifying expeditionYou will need to help the team consider logistics, equipment, how they will find an Assessor and how they will evidence their aim through their presentation. Remember, they’ll have to submit a Green Form for expeditions in wild country. They’ll need to make contact with their DofE Assessor, who will pass comments back to the team about their expedition route, aim and presentation; do a pre-expedition check and meet the team prior to them setting out. DebriefAt the end of the expedition the Assessor will conduct a debrief with the team where they will encourage the team to think about what they have achieved and to consider what they have learnt about themselves and the experience. Let the team know to expect this.

PresentationEncourage the team to prepare and deliver their presentation in a format they find exciting and to be imaginative in how they will gather

Alex Davies, DofE Projects Officer and Gold Award

holder, brings you a step-by-step guide to the

planning process for a successful expedition, which

reflects the guidance given in the Handbook for Dof E

Leaders (6th edition) and in EX².

information to evidence their aim whilst on their expedition.

Step 5: AssessmentEnsure that the Record Books are signed off by the Assessor and Supervisor – and celebrate the successful achievement of their Expedition section!

ConclusionUltimately your role as the Leader is to facilitate a successful expedition.

It is, however, much more complex (and rewarding) than this. You are the hub around which the aspirations of the team revolve and you are key to making their expedition personal to themand enjoyable. A great expedition is more than just the final trip, it is about the excitement of planning and training as well. This will result in a lasting achievement in which they have developed skills for life – and often friends for life too!

Pho

to: K

evin

Roh

r

The DofE publishes a list of items participants will need when undertaking a DofE expedition for any level of programme. The list is to be used as a GUIDE only, and the quantities of some items depends on level and duration of expedition. The list is available to download at www.DofE.org/go/expeditionkit

Remember, DofE participants and Leaders can get a great discount off expedition equipment at Cotswold Outdoor, the Recommended Retailer of Expedition Kit to the DofE. Find out more from www.DofE.org/go/cotswold

The list contains recommended items supplied by our commercial partners, which include:

RECOMMENDEDKIT

EXPEDITION KIT LIST


RESIDENTIALSAILING CHALLENGE: A unique opportunity for young people to be part of the crew of a 60 metre Tall Ship or 22 metre Round-the-World Challenger Yacht. Learning to set the sails, take the helm, stand watches and sail the vessel out to sea is a highly rewarding challenge. It’s also a great chance to develop self-confidence and vital skills in teamwork and communication. Tall Ships Youth Trust voyages qualify for the Residential section of Gold DofE programmes, and young people aged 14-24 may be eligible for funding – so get in touch now.

PHYSICALSCOTTISH HIGHLANDS: Training opportunities are available at all levels in all expedition skills, open canoeing, kayaking and sailing. Gain qualifications helping you with the Physical section and/or undertake an expedition on water. Come and enjoy the beauty of our surroundings in the heart of highland Perthshire. Abernethy Trust Ardeonaig, by Killin, Perthshire FK21 8SY.

There are hundreds of opportunities for expeditions, residentials and activities suitable for DofE participants and Leaders. Our website www.DofE.org/opportunities is packed with them and is updated daily. Here, we put three under the spotlight...

opportunities

SPOTLIGHT

IMPORTANT: The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award does not endorse any camp sites, activity centres, courses or other opportunities contained within these pages or on the website. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award cannot and will not be held responsible for any arrangements, financial or otherwise, concerning participation in any opportunities described here. Participants should check with their Operating Authority to ensure that an opportunity they wish to pursue will count for their DofE programme. There is no guarantee that participation in activities offered by non-DofE Operating Authorities will count towards any part of a DofE programme. The DofE will not take any responsibility for any statements made or from any matter arising from any item printed here, including non-appearance of submitted copy. Whilst every care is taken to ensure that each entry is accurate, neither The Editor nor the DofE take any responsibility for the omission or errors regarding any entry. It is the responsibility of the user to ascertain that, where necessary, a provider has an appropriate licence under the Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations. The supervision of expeditions is the responsibility of Operating Authorities.

W: www.tallships.orgE: [email protected]: 023 9283 2055

T: 01567 820523 E: [email protected]: www.ardeonaig.org

tag and the pressure to find a cost- effective solution is understandably high for many new learners. The key is to find value, and that’s often a lot more than just a cheap lesson and getting to test as soon as possible. Tricks of the tradeLooking at the best way to learn to drive, a regular and consistent approach is required, as with any learning. Two-hour lessons are best as they allow time to develop skills and practice as well as allowing time to cover the distance necessary to reach roads and locations that help develop the driver. The minimum that anyone should consider is one, two-hour lesson per week. It’s best to have them at a regular time but also to add in some at different times of day and in different conditions. Complement the practical training with timely theory test training and aim to take and pass the theory test as soon as possible after practical training has started – in any event you can’t even book a practical test until the theory has been passed. Keep track of progress with a logbook so the training is focused and always plan-in a well-conducted mock test. If the preparation is good then the result should also be favorable and then it’s vital that a newly qualified driver keeps their achievements in perspective. Passing the practical test is only the beginning and all drivers will continue to learn throughout their driving lives – but these first weeks and months are very important. The Government-sponsored Pass Plus scheme is a

great way to help support the early weeks and allow the new driver to experience some aspects of driving that are not covered by the practical test, such as driving on a Motorway! So a well considered and well planned approach is of great importance, as are good quality lessons and the right kind of training. BSM, as the Recommended Provider of Driving Tuition for the DofE, provides an ideal training framework for a learner and the discounted rates available for DofE participants offer the great value for money that makes a difference.

Countrywide supportBSM operates a network of centres throughout England, Wales and Scotland. The Business Managers of each centre are pleased to work with DofE Leaders and DofE Managers to support learning. Their contact details can be found at www.bsm.co.uk BSM also provides a range of educational materials that can be of use in supporting pre-drivers as they begin to get ready to learn and help to promote a positive and balanced approach to the process of learning to drive. Remember, learning to drive counts as a Skills section activity! For details, see www.DofE.org/go/bsm

A NEW YEAR

CHALLENGEI

n the context of the challenges DofE participants might take on, learning to drive might appear to be relatively easy and a bit ‘run of the mill’. But the first nine

months after a young driver has passed their test can be among the most dangerous they will face. There are not many activities that we allow our young people to become involved in where one mistake can be fatal, but driving a car is one of them. Once a new driver ventures out on to the roads after their test and have gone ‘solo’, they are very likely to have a few heart-stopping moments, a worrying number will crash, and a tragic few will suffer injury or worse. This time of the year will, however, see a large number of 17 and 18 year olds take on the challenge of learning to drive as they undertake this rite of passage through to adulthood. As with any activity, the need will be to make sure they get the right sort of tuition and enough of it to make sure they venture on to the road on their own as prepared as they can be.

Putting in the hoursGuidelines issued by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) suggest that anyone learning to drive will need up to two hours of tuition with a professional driving instructor for every year of their age, and that this should be supported by in excess of 20 hours of private practice with a suitable supervising driver (aged 21 or over with a minimum of three years’ driving experience). This means that this new adventure comes with a fairly significant price

RECOMMENDEDPROVIDER OF

DRIVING TUITION

EXPEDITIONNORTH YORK MOORS OPEN GOLD: A chance to experience the open countryside and moors of North Yorkshire during this open Gold week being organised by a team from the North Yorks Moors Expedition Area. Building on the success of last year’s open gold expedition, the 2009 programme will operate from the recently refurbished Outdoor Centre at Carlton in Cleveland, North Yorkshire. The open Gold expedition will take place the week of July 25-31 at a cost of £110.

E: [email protected]: www.dofe.org/go/northyorkmoors

DofE magazine - issue 1 Autumn 2008Page 32 DofE magazine - issue 2 Spring 2009 Page 33For the full kit list, visit www.DofE.org/expedition

RECOMMENDEDKIT

0844 557 7755Lines open 24 hours 7 days a week

www.cotswoldoutdoor.comOver 3000 outdoor products available

38 stores nationwideVisit www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/dofe

you need...everything

Cotswold, the recommended retailer for the D of E, now have 38 stores nationwide with experienced knowledgeable staff to give expert advice to you on all aspects of your expedition.

Get a 20% discount* at Cotswold instore and online www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/dofe, to receive your discount you’ll need to activate your partnership discount card. Go to www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/dofe and click on the register button and follow the instructions.

If you haven’t received your partnership discount card go to www.DofE.org/cotswold.

For quotations on bulk purchases either visit your local store or call 01666 575 576.

Pick up a Cotswold recommended expedition kit list instore or go to www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/dofe.

We can help with all the group kit you’ll need, e.g.Tent - Vango Spectre 300** £120 Stove - Go Systems Trail Classic £15 Fuel - Twin Pack £4 Cooking Pots from £7

Plus all the expedition needs of your group, e.g.Boots - Hi-Tec Knysna Mid WP £40 Jacket - Berghaus RG1 £70 Rucksack - Vango Contour 60+10 £50 Sleeping Bag - Vango Nightstar 450** £45

Kit talK for your group • ExpErt advicE • SpEcialiSt Boot fitting

RECOMMENDEDRETAILER OF

EXPEDITION KIT

RecommendedRetailer

20% Discountfor Leaders*

* Discount for personal use only **Available from end February 2009

examples of other brands from Cotswold

DofE Shop

The new range of DofE posters, leaflets, the Handbook for DofE Leaders and merchandise has proved a hit since it was launched last September. So much so that we experienced temporary supply difficulties, for which we apologise. New stocks were quickly obtained and hopefully everybody is enjoying using the new items to help promote their DofE

activities. All materials featured here are available from The Award Scheme Ltd., Unit 18/19 Stewartfield Industrial Estate, off Newhaven Road, EDINBURGH EH6 5RQ, tel: 0131 553 5280, fax: 0131 553 5776, e-mail: [email protected] www.DofE.org/shop Later this year we will be opening our online shop but, in the meantime, you can order by downloading our catalgue from www.DofE.org/go/catalogue

Prices are all subject to postage and packing charges. Please see order

form for details.Fleece £25 Polo shirt £13Hoody £20

Also available... jacket • bone china mugs • ‘giveaway’ pens • promotional leaflets for young people and volunteers • ceramic mugs • promotional posters for volunteers and young people • sectional leaflets • quick reference guide • certificates • window stickers •

Handbook(6th

Edition)£5.95


We constantly strive to make sure our expeditions are accessible and enjoyable for young people. There are

two key recent developments that we have made to help this continue to happen.

New expeditions variation systemWe have launched a new variations system to make it easier for young people with specific needs to participate in their DofE Expedition section and help their Operating Authority support them. We are committed to ensuring that DofE expeditions fulfil our 20 conditions whatever the aim and wherever they take place in the world, so this new system will also replace the old ‘Other Adventurous Project’ application form. To find out more and/or to apply for a variation or adventurous project please go to www.DofE.org/expedition

Introducing Expedition Assessor Networks As a DofE Leader you may not have noticed the transition this year from Wild Country Panels to DofE Expedition Assessor Networks. The change is essentially an organisational structural change and should have made no difference to the support you will have received in planning and assessing the expeditions for your groups. All

systems remain the same and teams must still submit a green expedition notification form (‘Green Form’) as before. In the spring of 2008 Wild Country Panels were closed and Expedition Co-ordinators appointed to lead the management of DofE Expedition Assessment services. Their role is to maintain and build on the amazing network of volunteer Assessors who provide information, advice and an assessment service to DofE groups. Assessors advise on the safety of participants and protect the reputation of the Charity in their area. The development results from a review led by Lister Baynes, Voluntary Chair of the DofE’s Expedition Panel, which recommended changes around the structural and financial management of the service. The result is that the Assessor Networks are now clearly placed within the structure of the Charity with the aim of enabling us to build greater capacity as we engage with ever more young people. It will also enable the Expedition Networks to be fully integrated into the DofE’s emerging IT strategy. Ultimately this will lead to a better, more efficient service to both DofE groups and our expedition Assessors – the volunteers we all rely on. It has become clear to the Expedition Co-ordinators that increased fuel costs and demand for Assessments is resulting in unsustainable increased costs

for the DofE Charity and requires action. They have concluded that, building on their experience of charging for Bronze and Silver Assessments, a charge should be levied on teams as a contribution to the costs of Gold Assessments too. Plans are in hand to introduce a charge in the 2009 season and is likely to be around £50 to £60 per team. You can find the contact details for the Expedition Co-ordinators from www.DofE.org/go/expeditionareas

International Adventurous JourneysIf your team is planning an expedition outside of the UK then, as a matter of courtesy, they should notify the National Award Authority (NAA) of the country they are visiting if there is one. Please note, responsibility for health and safety, philosophical and practical concerns always lies with the home country. You can find a list of all NAAs on the international website: www.intaward.org

VARIATIONS

ON A THEME

EXPEDITIONS AND

EXPECTATIONSP

icture this. I’m stood on a marshy moor in the middle of Dartmoor national park. I’m waiting at a checkpoint to meet my group

on the third day of their Gold expedition. It’s freezing cold, the visibility is a couple of metres and I look and feel like a drowned rat. Sound familiar? A typical day on the hill for a Leader. Growing up I hated the outdoors. I was, however, persuaded to sign up for my Bronze by a Leader who had no pre-conceived ideas about me and who encouraged me to find out what I loved about the DofE. They stressed the importance of of the mental journey side of an expedition as much as the physical side and that made me prepared to give it a try – it was only for one night after all. A couple of years later, after completing my Gold – going through days of pain, tears, injuries, 85km and a national park – I’d unexpectedly taken to it and was hooked. I began a series of outdoor walking and first aid qualifications as well as volunteering at the local DofE centre. In February I am furthering my qualifications and undertaking my ML Training.

Challenging stereotypesI’m living proof that expectations aren’t always right. When I’m at work and a client asks how my weekend went, they look at me with complete disbelief as I explain the details of the weekend’s expedition. Dressed in my tunic, with neat hair and flawless make-up, they find it hard to believe I dare to step outdoors looking anything less than perfect. Although when I’m stood on a hill looking like I’ve been out there for months rather than

Some young people may be put off by the thought of an

expedition when they just can’t see themselves doing it.

Perhaps they hate the outdoors or have a perception the section just isn’t for them. Katie James,

full-time beauty therapist and part-time Dof E Leader,

explains how she got hooked – and people’s reactions when she

tells them what she gets up to.

hours, participants also take a lot of convincing that I am a beauty therapist. I am a contradiction in terms – and I love it! The typical view of a DofE expedition is mountains, maps and muddy boots. I’d be lying if I said there was none of that involved because you know there is. However the expedition should not be defined by this image. The expedition is so much more than the mode of transport you chose to complete it.

Building on strengthsThe best advice I can give on getting young people involved, who may not see the DofE as something for them, is to remember that every participant is an individual. We all have our likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. As Leaders it’s our responsibility to demonstrate aspects of the expedition to which each individual can relate and enjoy. You will always be able to find an aspect of the expedition they will love. For the team of six outdoor-hating, self-confessed ‘girly girls’ I took on expedition this summer, it was learning a new skill and excelling in an area they hadn’t previously imagined they could. An expedition is a journey in which a group starts as individuals and returns as a team. It is an opportunity for young people whoever they are, to challenge themselves with the support of others, to forge lifetime friendships and to make some of the most incredible memories that will live with them forever. The DofE isn’t purely for outdoor loving people – it is for everybody aged 14-24. No exceptions. As Leaders, we must continue to challenge expedition expectations.

Two faces of Katie... the beautician and the DofE Leader.


It often feels as if raising funds for DofE expeditions is the most difficult thing we have to do, whether this is funding for kit, or the actual cost of planned

ventures in terms of minibus hire, fuel, staff and volunteer expenses. This is just for expeditions in the UK. If your group has decided that it wants to complete an expedition further afield, the challenges – and the funds needed – increase dramatically. This is particularly true when a great many funders include expeditions in their list of what they won’t fund. Saying that, it’s not impossible to find funding that will pay for expeditions, even from some of the funders who on the face of it, will exclude this. The answer lies in how you describe the work you want them to fund. Remember that when we use the word ‘expeditions’ it is a form of jargon. It is shorthand for a series of experiences that will challenge young people and enable them to safely explore beyond their comfort zone. It requires that they practice teamwork, leadership, decision-making and planning. It enables them to experience adventure and gives a first-hand connection with the natural world. It may well bring them together with young people from different backgrounds, cultures and areas. This could be true for expeditions in the UK or abroad. You will therefore need to explain exactly what you will be doing and not

assume that the recipient of your application can read your mind and understand your interpretation of the word ‘expedition’. After the ‘e word’, the next hazard is demonstrating that the work you are funding will benefit more than a handful of young people. This is obviously easier when you are seeking funding for expedition kit that can be used by a succession of young people. Many funders are interested in supporting work in which the beneficiaries (or young people) have had a say in devising the project and defining the need. DofE expeditions should do this anyway, but this does need to be explained to the potential funder. If the expedition

participants can complete the application themselves, or at least draft a statement of why it is important that they do this, it may help. Incidentally, while it may be true to say “It will look good on my CV” as a bald statement, it is unlikely to appeal very strongly to a potential funder.

Make people aware of the needMake sure that people know you need funding – very often people assume it just happens – or that local government or the national charity pays for it. Write a letter to the local press explaining how you are helping local young people

in the area. Better still, persuade the participants to write about how they are making a difference to their community and that they need some help. Mention it in your blog (if you write one) and talk to friends and family – local businesses may be interested in helping something that helps the children of their staff and customers, particularly if they receive a little publicity in return.

Places to look for funding- Awards for All: Particularly good

for proposals for expedition kit, or for the additional facilities and costs of an expedition involving young people with special needs. Look at the guidelines on their website www.awardsforall.org.uk

and download their special application form.

- Grassroots Grants: Small local voluntary and community groups can apply for grants under the Government’s new £80m Grassroots Grants. The three-year programme is run by the Community Development Foundation and is open to any local community groups with annual income below £20,000. Groups can apply for awards of between £250 and £5,000 to fund community activities. The application process is simple and grants will be distributed directly through local funders. Find out more from www.cdf.org.uk

FUNDRAISINGFOR EXPEDITIONS

Deb Dowdall offers some invaluable advice

and information for you to help your group raise

funds as part of Expedition section activities.

- Is there a local Mayor’s fund that supports individual young people to achieve? Quite a lot of them do,and it is a good idea to ring the Mayor’s Office and ask. The office staff may well know more about it than the Mayor personally, as they have probably been around for longer.

- The Angus Alnatt Charitable Foundation makes grants towards musical and water-based activities for young people. Write to them c/o Marian Durban, 2 The Court, High Street, HARWELL, Oxfordshire OX11 0EY.

- For some areas of the UK, The Coalfields Regeneration Trust may be helpful. They probably will not fund individual expeditions but may support that aspect of your group’s work (or a network of local groups’ work) for a year or longer. Find out more from

www.coalfields-regen.org.uk

- Local Lions, Soroptomist, Round Table, Rotary and Freemasons branches may also have funding available to help individuals or groups.

- There are also the DofE’s Serco Bursary and the Jubilee Fund, managed through our Regional and National Offices. Find out more about the Jubilee Fund at www.DofE.org/jubileefund

And finally...Always say “thank you”. It is a small and obvious thing, which is surprisingly often overlooked. Some groups have sent postcards from their expedition to the funders, others write a letter or email, including a brief report of the expedition and some photographs at the end. Others invite the funders to their de-brief, open evening or local Award presentation ceremony. Some will attend a meeting of the funders, such as a Rotary Club lunch, and provide a quick report on the expedition. If you have said thank you, and particularly if you’ve been able to publicly thank benefactors, they may well be more willing to fund you in the future.

If you have said thankyou, benefactors may

well be more willing to fund you in the future.

“ “

DofE magazine - issue 2 Spring 2009Page 38

Find out more from www.DofE.org

TH

E D

UK

E O

F E

DIN

BU

RG

H’S

AW

AR

D

Be your personal best

PeteDofE participant

Doing my DofE has been the best experience of mylife – I’ve not regretted taking up the challenge!

“ “

The world’s leading achievement award for young people

An ideal opportunity to gain a new skill that will last a lifetime

Tricia Samways – Tel: 01823 461374Venetia Cameron-Rose – Tel: 01823 432419

www.residentialcookery.com

• GAP Year • Chalet Cook • Self-Catering Student etc. •

Five Day Residential Cookery Course

TRIM

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Close to the River Wye, between the Brecon Beacons and The Malverns, Dinedor is a quiet hilltop location, offering excellent facilities for all aspects of Expedition training at all Award levels.

• Camping or Residential • Orienteering • Team building and leadership activities

...And much more!

To find out more please visit our website:

www.dinedoroutdoorcentre.org.uk

Tel: 01432 870327

MAGAZINE ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES:

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BEAUDESERT PARK• 124acresofparklandadjoiningCannockChaseCountryPark,Staffordshire

• Campingfor1000people,37differentwoodlandsites.•Moderntoiletfacilitieswithhotwaterandfreeshowers.• 6accommodationbuildingscateringfrom12to24,fullyequippedandheated.

•ActivitiesincludeHiking,Archery,ClimbingWall,Orienteering,Pioneering,Rafting,LowRopes,Abseiling,ZipWire,Cratestacking,TreeClimbing,JacobsLadder,GoKarts,IndoorGamesRoom,Crafts.

• IdealsiteforDofEExpeditions•Manynearbyoffsiteattractions.

Ideal for DofE Expeditions.Check Availability and Book On-line: www.beaudesert.org

Brochure: [email protected]: 01543 682278 Fax: 01543 682623

For more information, please contact Charlie... 0844 800 [email protected]

farfrontiers.co.uk

Far Frontiers Expeditions is proud to be the first Approved Activity Provider (AAP) for the DofE.

We are experts in the provision of Gold expeditions abroad.

Contact us if you want: • Silver or Gold assessment abroad• Silver or Gold practice in the UK

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Documents

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD - Weebly · The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a Registered Charity No. 1072490 and a Royal Charter Corporation No. RC000806. The magazine for DofE