Expedition Trainers Refresher Course Updated January 2018
What is Refresher Training? In Hampshire we pride ourselves on the quality of training and good practice within our DofE Leader/Supervisor Team. The County DofE Staff are out and about visiting groups on expedition training, practices and assessments. We are pleased that we continue to see enthusiastic young people and staff. Occasionally we have witnessed some poor practice and some out of date procedures, therefore we continue to request a refresh of safety procedures and good practice. As the Operating Authority Licence holder we have a duty to keep leaders up to date and your co-operation is appreciated.
Who needs to complete the Refresher? DofE Leaders who lead expedition groups and completed their Expedition trainers course 5 or more years ago. Whether you work regularly with groups or once a year, a refresher is important for your knowledge and development.
Course Content Navigation skills.page 5 Expedition requirements.page 6 Recommended environments.page 8 Expedition areas Page 12 Types of expeditions Page 13 Expedition approvals.page 14 20 conditions Page 15 Variation forms..page 16 Health & safety..page 17 Supervision Page 20 Risk assessments..page 23 In case of an emergency..page 24 What the assessor needs.page 25 DofE ethos..page 26 How to upgrade your qualifications.page 27 NGB qualifications.page 28 Use of AAPs Page 29
Navigation Skills Measuring distance beginners-guide-to-measuringdistance-on-a-map Reading contour lines understanding-map-contourlines-for-beginners Map scales understanding-map-scales Using a compass beginners-guide-to-the-compass beginners-guide-to-using-acompass Building a route card Start of leg, grid ref & place name End of leg check point, grid ref & place name Distance in kilometres Height climbed in metres Time allowed for travel Time for rest, meals & aims Total time for leg Estimated time at end of leg Brief details of route to be followed Escape route planning-a-walking-route-in-5-easysteps Taking a 6 figure grid reference beginners-guide-to-grid-references
Expedition Requirements Includes the following The expedition training framework At least one practice expedition in a different area to the assessed expedition An assessed expedition in suitable terrain for the DofE level Timescales Bronze - 2 days and 1 night, at least 6 hours during the daytime (at least 3 of which must be spent journeying) Silver - 3 days and 2 nights, at least 7 hours during the daytime (at least 3.5 of which must be spent journeying) Gold - 4 days and 3 nights, at least 8 hours during the daytime (at least 4 of which must be spent journeying)
Expedition Training Framework Bronze First aid and emergency procedures Based on current good practice, requirements are outlined in the training framework below. Navigation and route planning The 1:25 000 scale Explorer maps should be used as they make instruction and learning easier. Participants should also be familiar with the 1:50 000 scale Landranger maps. Preparatory map skills Practical map skills Compass skills, campcraft, equipment and hygiene Food and cooking Countryside, Highway and Water Sports Safety Codes Observation recording and presentations Team-building Proficiency in the mode of travel Expedition training framework bronze
Recommended Environments Bronze* * Where Bronze expeditions are proposed in surroundings more demanding than those recommended, participants must be trained and equipped to enable them to cope with any potential hazards. In this situation you should use the training framework for the Silver level. Walking, Cycling & Horse Riding Normal rural countryside which can be familiar to the participants Canoeing & Rowing - Canals, rivers or other inland waterways and lakes Sailing Inland waters or sheltered estuaries well within the participants competencies
Expedition Training Framework Silver & Gold *for information only Expedition training framework silver Expedition training framework gold
Recommended Environments Silver* * Where Silver expeditions are proposed in surroundings more demanding than those recommended participants must be trained and equipped to enable them to cope with any potential hazards. In this situation you should use the training framework for the Gold level. Walking, Cycling & Horse Riding Normal rural, open countryside or forest which is unfamiliar to the participants. The environment should be more demanding for participants than at Bronze level. Where possible the expedition should all be in or at least include, areas of open country or forest. Canoeing & Rowing - Canals, rivers or other inland waterways and lakes in rural areas. Sailing Inland waters or sheltered coastal waters
Recommended Environments Gold Walking, Cycling & Horse Riding Wild country*, remote from habitation which is unfamiliar to the participants. The environment should be more demanding for participants than at Silver level. Remote estuaries, marshes, fens and coastal areas may provide an appropriate environment for an expedition with the emphasis on exploring rather than doing the journey. Canoeing & Rowing - Rivers or other inland waterways and lakes in rural areas, sheltered coastal waters or estuaries. Sailing Inland waters, estuaries or sheltered coastal waters. Yachts may use open sea areas. *Wild Country is defined as an area remote from habitation. DofE expeditions should be through, rather than over wild country it s all about solitude not altitude.
Suggested Expedition Areas Bronze South Downs Isle of Wight Purbecks New Forest North Downs Silver New Forest Exmoor Peak District (White Peak) Purbecks Gold Snowdonia Brecon Beacons Dartmoor Exmoor Peak District (Dark Peak) Lake District For more ideas - Expedition-areas
Types of Expeditions On foot By wheelchair or tramper The following require National Governing Body (NGB) qualified instructors as well as expedition trainers and may have different ratios. By bicycle By boat By canoe or kayak On horseback More information on the training framework for the above modes of transport can be found in the later slides, in the expedition training frameworks and on the DofE website - Expedition-downloads NGB qualification requirements for these modes of travel are detailed on a later slide.
Expedition Approvals Hampshire County Council guidelines for DofE Expeditions - Forestry Commission Duke of Edinburgh s Award Application Form - This Application form is for wild camping in the New Forest (where Forestry Commission or overnight campsites are used) or where routes are not wholly on main tracks and paths. Please return this form with a map showing your proposed route and mark clearly any overnight locations. Charges apply for wild sites, payable at the time of booking. All applications must be 6 weeks in advance. Apply here -
20 Conditions for a DofE Expedition 20 Conditions - All DofE participants must be aware of the 20 conditions and meet them during their final assessed expedition. If this is not possible then a variation form must be completed by the DofE Leader (see next page).
Variation Forms Conditions 1, 10, 12 & 13. Variations to these four conditions must be submitted to the DofE Office and will only be considered in highly exceptional circumstances. Conditions 14, 16 & 17 for Bronze and Silver no longer need a variation form. However you will still need to make the assessor aware of any variations for these conditions. Expedition Variations Process Map Expedition Variations Application Form -download
Health & Safety Avoid rail and river crossings. Where possible avoid roads. Use high vis jackets or rucksack covers when crossing or walking alongside roads. Supervise the participants where necessary and ensure they are trained in road safety. Local Knowledge for the New Forest It is highly recommended you do not use the railway crossing at the railway cottages also known as Woodfindley as this is a level crossing and considered very dangerous. Consideration should also be given to the number of underpasses available to allow groups to cross the A31, A35 and A337 Adult supervision must be present at all times when stoves or camp fires are alight for Bronze groups. At Silver and Gold appropriate supervision is required in accordance to participants training and skills. Ensure that full risk assessments are completed for any unsupervised use of stoves or camp fires. Camp fires the DofE does not encourage the lighting of campfires on expeditions. Camp fires must only be lit on campsites which allow the lighting of fires in designated areas. If private vehicles are used make sure you have business insurance.
Stove Safety Instructions Location Take some time to pick the cooking location. A firm level surface at ground level where the stove will not be knocked over is ideal and it must be at least two metres away from flammable items/tents. Consider the weather conditions and wind direction. Make it clear to other people that stoves are lit/hot and get everything needed together before starting to cook. Have somewhere safe nearby to put hot pans. General safety Always be familiar with the stove & fuel before setting out. Be confident in how to use the stove and what dangers are associated with it and the fuel. Have water and a wet tea towel nearby, ready to use as a fire blanket. Always be careful to check if there is a flame or not, especially in bright sunlight. Never leave a lit stove unattended or unwatched. Gas stoves (Trangia is the only approved stove under the HCC licence) DofE teams must never use a gas stove that does not use self-sealing cylinders or cartridges. Remove cartridges from the stove for journeying and ensure expeditions are started with full cylinders/cartridges. For exposed areas participants can use wind shields made of aluminium foil which can be bent into shape.
Expedition Safety Card Make yourself familiar with this card. We recommend you use one for each expedition. Expedition Safety Card
Supervision The key is always to use the minimum level of supervision possible whilst still ensuring the participants safety. Supervisors must always be able to deal with team emergencies. Direct Supervision Where the supervisor is in direct contact with the team and is accompanying them. Can be used at the beginning of a practice expedition to reinforce skills. Also appropriate at hazardous sections of the journey such as road crossings. Close Supervision Where the supervisor is close enough to intervene if necessary, in order to offer support and guidance and/or to stop mistakes from being made. Teams are usually aware of the supervisors presence and are normally in visual or hearing contact at all times. Remote Supervision Where the supervisor remains out of sight and hearing of the team and allows them to get on with the expedition without any intervention. The supervisor will have a good idea of where the team are and how they are progressing. It allows the supervisor to: Periodically observe the team without intervening. Allow the team to make mistakes and to recover from them without outside intervention. Support the team by remaining remote yet in the expedition area and able to intervene if absolutely necessary or if requested.
Supervision Continued Mobile Phones It is unacceptable, at any DofE level, for supervisors and staff to rely on text messaging or phone calls with participants for updates rather than seeing them. A text or phone call cannot provide the same level of understanding of a teams morale, attitude or physical ability as a face-to-face discussion and observation during a supervisors visit. Ratio s Day walks 1:12 Overnight camps 1:12 Practice & assessed expeditions 1:7 It is best practice for male & female leaders to be present when mixed groups are camping overnight.
Supervision Plans Every supervisor should have a supervision plan for every team that they supervise. A supervision plan is an informal, written plan to empower the supervisor with the strategy and confidence to successfully fulfil their role. It is essential to ensure the team enjoys a safe and successful expedition. Road Crossings/rivers/canals/lakes Should be included in a supervision plan where direct supervision needs to be applied. Check Points These are pre-planned points where you will meet with your teams to check on their progress, morale, health and wellbeing.
Risk Assessments A risk assessment should be completed for every expedition. Risk assessments are an essential tool and can be used alongside supervision plans. All expeditions have an element of risk, as long as this risk is managed then expeditions can be made safe: Through planning Through expedition training Taking appropriate precautions Treating the environment with respect Understanding your teams abilities, needs and behaviours Identifying the hazards and putting control measures in place will reduce the level of risk
In Case of an Emergency Base Contacts Must not be related to anyone on the expedition. There must be two of them per expedition. You must make them aware of their role, which is to hold contact details and medical information for everyone on the expedition. They must also be contactable over the duration of the expedition and in the event of an emergency they are the first point of contact and will relay messages on your behalf.
First Aid and Medical Information Medical and Consent forms These should be held for all members of the trip, staff included. First Aid On all expeditions there should be at least one first aid qualified member of staff We recommend as a minimum qualification - Bronze one day Emergency First Aid at work - Silver either a one day or two day course depending on the terrain. - Gold two day ITC outdoor first aid.
What the Assessor needs from you You must provide the assessor with the following information: A route tracing/ photocopy with coloured route marked/memory map, and note of aim of expedition should be sent at least 6 weeks before your expedition date. Menu plans, kit list and route cards, list of team members and ages, copy of Forestry Commission Permission (where appropriate) should be sent no later than 4 weeks before your expedition date. Do make your assessor aware of any medical condition within the team and or any variations to the 20 conditions. For more information about assessors in the New Forest - http://www.newforestean.org.uk
The DofE Ethos Litter can be a problem. Please encourage your young people to get rid of rubbish. Try to camp in small groups to give the experience of camping in the wilderness rather than camping at a festival! Encourage team work at all times this is an opportunity for young people to make friends for life!
How to Upgrade Qualifications To upgrade to a Bronze or Silver trainer once a season has been completed, attend a DofE trainers upgrade day with one of the HCC DofE Advisors. Follow the link for details on how to book. dofe-training/dofeupgradecourse To upgrade to a Gold Trainer you must hold the NGB* qualification Hill & Moorland Leader or Mountain Leader Award and also be observed working by one of the HCC training team. * NGB National Governing Body
NGB Qualifications To deliver other types of expeditions the following National Governing Body qualifications must be obtained alongside the DofE Expedition Trainers qualification (ETC). Mountain Biking Mountain Bike Instructors' Award Scheme (MIAS) BSCA Mountain Bike Leader Sailing Small inland waters RYA Dingy Instructor Large inland lakes RYA Senior Instructor Sheltered coastal waters (dingy) RYA Senior Instructor with tidal endorsement Sheltered coastal waters (keelboat) RYA Keelboat Instructor Open sea (yachts) RYA Day Skipper or Yachtmaster Kayaking/Canoeing Sheltered inland waters BCU Level 2 Coach Rivers and sheltered costal waters BCU Level 3 Coach Horse Riding British Horse Society Riding Instructor For more detailed information please contact dofe@hants.gov.uk
Use of Approved Activity Providers Hampshire DofE are unable to recommend any Approved Activity Providers (AAPs). If you would like to use an AAP then please consult our providers list first as you are only allowed to use the ones on this list. This list can be found on Evolve. If a provider is not on the list please ask the company to contact the Hampshire DofE office. Young people can independently source their own AAP for an expedition.
Summary We hope you have found this online Expedition Refresher course useful. Please try to keep your expedition skills and section knowledge current and up to date over the next 5 years. Remember expeditions are meant to be enjoyable, a challenge and most of all safe!
What to do next? Return to the home screen here to complete the Expedition Trainers Refresher Course Questions. On completion and passing of the course questions you will be able to download an electronic certificate. Please keep this for your own record. You can find this on the home page of the course.