DofE silver open walking expeditions

The programme of Open Silver Walking DoE Expeditions at Snowgoose Mountain Centre is an exciting and thorough programme of expedition training, Practice & Qualifying expeditions tailored especially for individuals & small groups who may have difficulty accessing an expedition opportunity from within their area. Our comprehensive and high quality service will ensure that participants take as much away from their involvement in the Award as possible – at whatever level – whether this is on foot or by paddle.

2 day week end  SILVER expedition TRAINING & PLANNING 

• Evening before Arrivals – overnight stay in bunkhouse
• Day 1 – Introductions and group activities ▪Work through elements of the training syllabus covering topics such as navigation, emergency procedures, camp craft etc ▪Route Planning ▪Skills Training with the support & supervision of your outdoor instructors ▪ stay overnight in bunkhouse.
• Day 2 – Complete any outstanding route planning ▪ Skills Training ▪ Emergency Procedures ▪ Prepare for your expedition – planning, packing & buying food; packing. Agree action plan. (Option to stay overnight in bunkhouse or camp).

4 day SILVER PRACTICE expedition

• Evening of Arrival – Arrivals – overnight stay in bunkhouse (if at all possible meet with supervisor for pre Training Expedition check the evening before).
• Day 1 – Complete expedition preparations ▪ pre expedition checks & planning – area familiarisation – buy & pack food – pack gear.
• Day 2 – Start Practice expedition on your pre-planned route with support and tips from supervising outdoor staff. We will meet you along the way for any further training needed. You should be prepared to have 7 hours of activity each day. Cook a meal and wild camp overnight.
• Day 3 – Pack up the campsite and continue Practice expedition, gain confidence in your expedition skills and become more independent of your supervising staff, additional skills training is at hand if need be, work on your project toward the expedition aims.  Cook a meal and wild camp overnight.
• Day 4 – Continue & complete training expedition, skills training and trial project ▪ You  should be feeling more independent from your instructors in readiness for your self sufficient Qualifying Expedition. Review your expedition with your supervising instructor ▪ Agree an action plan.  Clean & Return Gear ▪Cup of tea ▪Depart from 4pm ▪ Get home, have a bath and put your feet up! )
• Note | The pre-practice training & the actual Practice Expedition are to be taken independently. If you have not done the Bronze level Award we strongly recommend that you do the pre-practice expedition training.

4 day QUALIFYING SILVER expedition.

• Evening before – Arrivals – overnight stay in bunkhouse
• Day 1 – Introductions and paperwork ▪Work through elements of the training syllabus covering topics such as navigation, emergency procedures, camp craft etc ▪ Agree aims of expedition & project ▪Plan your route ▪ Review emergency procedures ▪Skills training ▪Undertake a pre qualifying expedition check with your supervisor ▪ Area familiarisation. Complete any outstanding route & project planning ▪Skills training ▪ Preparing for your expedition – planning, packing & buying food; gear packing.  stay overnight in bunkhouse.If at all possible meet Assessor for pre Qualifying Expedition check the evening before the expedition starts.
• Day 2 – Complete any expedition preparations & Start 3-day Qualifying Expedition. You will be doing this as a self sufficient team with a designated supervisor keeping a remote watch on you. Your assessor will meet you along the way to see how things are going. You will set up your own wild camp, cook your own meals and send the night under canvas.
• Day 3 – Pack up the campsite and continue Qualifying  expedition working on your project aims toward the expedition aims.  Cook a meal and wild camp overnight. Your assessor may be in contact with you along the way
• Day 4 – Continue with your expedition route  & Project. Your supervisor will keep an eye on you remotely & meet with the group or individuals for a final debrief.

Complete your expedition!  ▪ Take part in an expedition review with your supervisor & assessor ▪Clean & Return Gear ▪Cup of tea ▪Depart from 4pm ▪ Get home, have a bath and put your feet ▪(Option to stay overnight in bunkhouse)

Dates & Prices