Expedition Information

Adventure, Teamwork and Challenge

The expedition section is often one of the most memorable parts of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Participants work as part of a team to plan, train for and complete an expedition journey while developing confidence, independence, navigation skills and teamwork.

Orangefield DofE provides training, guidance and support throughout the expedition process to help participants prepare safely and confidently for their expedition experience.

Expedition Locations

Bronze and Silver

Our Bronze and Silver expeditions take place within the Mourne Mountains.

The Mournes provide an ideal environment for participants to develop navigation skills, teamwork and self-reliance while exploring some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular scenery.

Gold

Gold expeditions are currently planned for the Lake District.

Previous Gold expeditions have also taken place in County Wicklow, Ireland.

Final expedition locations may vary depending on programme arrangements and planning requirements.

Training and Preparation

All participants are expected to attend the training and preparation activities provided by Orangefield DofE.

Training includes:

Route planning
Navigation skills
Campcraft
Equipment preparation
Expedition safety
Teamwork and leadership
Environmental awareness

We want every participant to feel prepared and confident before undertaking their expedition.

Practice Expeditions

Practice expeditions form an important part of the preparation process for all expedition levels.

All Bronze, Silver and Gold participants are required to complete a practice expedition before undertaking their qualifying expedition.

While the Duke of Edinburgh Award does not require a practice expedition at Bronze level, Orangefield DofE does. We believe practice expeditions provide valuable opportunities for participants to develop skills, build confidence and gain experience before their qualifying expedition.

Practice expeditions help us to:

Build confidence and independence
Develop navigation and campcraft skills
Assess group dynamics and teamwork
Identify any support or training requirements
Ensure participants are prepared for their qualifying expedition

Participation in the practice expedition is therefore a requirement of the Orangefield DofE programme at Bronze, Silver and Gold level.

Expedition Teams

Participants complete expeditions as part of a team.

To help create safe, effective and enjoyable expedition groups:

A minimum of four participants is required to form an expedition team.
Where numbers are insufficient, we may explore opportunities to work alongside other groups or offer participants the option to defer their expedition until the following year.
Mixed-gender teams must include a minimum of two participants of each gender.
Team composition remains subject to leadership approval and safeguarding considerations.

Our aim is to create expedition groups that provide a safe, supportive and positive experience for everyone involved.

Safeguarding and Welfare

The welfare of our participants is our highest priority.

Where mixed-gender groups are participating:

Boys and girls may stay at the same campsite.
Separate sleeping arrangements will always be provided.
Mixed-gender tents are never permitted.

All expedition activities are delivered in accordance with safeguarding procedures and leadership guidance.

Further information can be found on our Safeguarding page.

Equipment and Kit

Participants are responsible for providing their own personal clothing, footwear and equipment.

We strongly recommend reviewing the official DofE Expedition Kit List before purchasing any equipment.

View Official DofE Expedition Kit List

Before buying equipment, please remember that Orangefield DofE supplies:

Tents
Cooking equipment
Group safety equipment
Maps and navigation resources (where required)

Please check with the leadership team before purchasing specialist expedition equipment, as many items may already be available through the group.

Waterproof Clothing

One of the most important pieces of expedition equipment is good quality waterproof clothing.

Weather conditions in the Mourne Mountains, Lake District and other expedition locations can change quickly, even during the summer months. Participants should ensure they have:

A waterproof jacket suitable for hillwalking and mountain use
Waterproof over-trousers
Appropriate walking footwear

Fashion items, lightweight “showerproof” jackets or clothing designed primarily for everyday use are unlikely to provide adequate protection during an expedition.

If you are unsure whether an item is suitable, please speak to the leadership team before making a purchase. We are happy to offer advice and may be able to help you avoid unnecessary expense.

The official DofE kit list is intended as a guide and your Expedition Supervisor will have the final decision regarding the suitability of equipment for an expedition.

Save Money on Expedition Kit

All DofE participants can access the DofE Card discount scheme.

The DofE Card provides discounts at a range of outdoor retailers and can help reduce the cost of purchasing expedition equipment.

Before purchasing any expedition kit, we recommend checking whether discounts are available through the DofE Card.

Learn About the DofE Card

Expedition Readiness

Participation in an expedition is subject to leaders being satisfied that participants have:

Attended the required training events
Demonstrated appropriate preparation
Worked effectively as part of their expedition team
Shown they can participate safely and responsibly

Our aim is to ensure that every participant has the best possible opportunity to enjoy and successfully complete their expedition.

Expedition Safety

Mountain environments can be challenging and conditions can change quickly.

Participants are expected to:

Follow leadership instructions
Demonstrate responsible behaviour
Support their teammates
Prioritise safety at all times

In exceptional circumstances, where leaders believe an individual or group is behaving in an unsafe manner, Orangefield DofE reserves the right to remove individuals or entire groups from an expedition.

This would only ever be considered as a last resort and where necessary to protect participant welfare and safety.

2026 Expedition Dates

Bronze

Training Night – Friday 5 June 2026
Training Night – Wednesday 1 July 2026
Practice Expedition – 4–5 July 2026
Qualifying Expedition – 22–23 August 2026

Silver

Training Night – Friday 5 June 2026
Training Night – Wednesday 1 July 2026
Practice Expedition – 3–5 July 2026
Qualifying Expedition – 21–23 August 2026

2027 Expedition Dates (Provisional)

The following dates are subject to confirmation and may change depending on programme arrangements and other event commitments.

Bronze

Practice Expedition – 26–27 June 2027 or 3–4 July 2027
Qualifying Expedition – 21–22 August 2027

Silver

Practice Expedition – 25–27 June 2027 or 2–4 July 2027
Qualifying Expedition – 20–22 August 2027

Gold

Practice Expedition – 25–27 June 2027 or 2–4 July 2027
Qualifying Expedition – 26–31 July 2027

Training dates for 2027 will be confirmed in due course.

Questions?

If you have any questions about expeditions, equipment, training or preparation, please get in touch.

Our volunteer leadership team will be happy to help.