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Expeditions

 At all levels of the award, participants are required to take part in a practice and assessed expedition.

20 conditions of the Expedition

This is a handy summary for everyone about to do their Duke of Edinburgh qualifying expedition. Please talk to your Duke of Edinburgh Leader or Expedition Supervisor if you have any questions or need further advice.

Enjoy your expedition!

  • Your expedition must be by your own physical effort, without any motorised or outside assistance.*
  • Your expedition must be unaccompanied and self-sufficient.
  • Your expeditions must be supervised by an adult who is able to accept responsibility for the safety of you and your team.
  • Your expedition must have an aim.
  • You must be properly equipped for your expedition.
  • You must have completed the required training and practice expeditions.
  • You must undertake at least one practice expedition at each level of the programme. You should do this in the same mode of travel and in a similar environment to the qualifying expedition.
  • You and your team must plan and organise your expedition.
  • You must be assessed by an approved accredited Assessor to the DofE.
  • There must be between four and seven people in your team (eight people may be in a team for modes of travel which are tandem).*
  • You must be within the qualifying age of the DofE programme level.
  • All the people in your team must be at the same level of assessment.*
  • Your team must not include anyone who has completed the same or higher level DofE expedition.*
  • Your overnight accommodation should be camping.
  • Your expedition must be the minimum number of days required for your DofE level.
  • Your expedition should normally take place between the end of March and the end of October.
  • Your expedition should be in the recommended environment for your DofE level.
  • You must do the minimum hours of planned daily activity for your DofE level.
  • You should cook and eat a substantial meal each day.
  • You must create and deliver a presentation after your expedition to complete the section.