Were you one of those people who completed a Duke of Edinburgh award? Did you manage to achieve gold, silver, or bronze? It might be that you have fond memories of it, or maybe you have never heard of it until recently because of the sad news that Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh had passed away.
For those that don’t know, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a youth awards programme founded in the United Kingdom in 1956 by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, that has since expanded to 144 nations. It has the vision to transform young people’s lives through different outdoor activities, learning skills, and creating memories along the way.
There are four sections to complete at bronze and silver level, and five sections for Gold. Many young people have said that it has transformed their lives. So if you are someone who is embarking on the scheme, or you are a parent or carer that wants to support their child, it could be that you are wondering how best to do that. Part of the scheme and award is to head out on expeditions, so having the right equipment is essential.
This article will help to explain what is the recommended kit list for the Duke of Edinburgh expedition and how you can ensure that you or your child can carry everything they need. So let’s get right to it.
How to prepare for a Duke of Edinburgh expedition
This is a big part of the awards scheme, and expeditions outside are part and parcel of the structure. But preparing for them, especially if you haven’t had too much experience with them yet, might feel like a daunting task.
What you need
As you can imagine, there is a lot of specific kit that you will need for a DofE expedition. Thankfully there is a DofE Expedition Kit List that shares everything you need in one place. A great idea to check this list and make any necessary purchases that you need in plenty of time. Planning is crucial and all part of the learning process.
What will you find on the kit list?
While the link above has all of the relevant and specific information you need I wanted to highlight some of the things you will evidently need for expeditions and activities to do with the DofE award. On the list you will find:
- Walking boots and walking socks
- Jacket
- Camping equipment such as things to eat food off
- Food and food storage options
- Water bottle
- Whistle
- Things like sun cream and a towel
How you might prepare mentally
One thing to mention is that you might want to mentally prepare yourself for the expedition. Many people struggle with nerves, anxiety, and their mental health, which could be affected in the lead up to the expedition or during the event. Knowing your triggers and being kind to yourself will be essential to help you control these feelings.
What else do I need for a DofE Expedition?
Of course, preparing in advance is key, and having the right kit list for the expedition you are about to embark on will be essential for ensuring that you can pass that activity and section as part of your progress within the scheme. So is there anything else you need to consider when preparing for a DofE expedition?
A rucksack for all of your equipment
Having all of your kit is one thing, but how are you supposed to embark on an expedition in some of the harshest areas? This is when you need the right expedition rucksack to house all of the equipment.
What makes a good expedition rucksack I hear you ask? The truth is, during a DofE expedition, you may find that there are different elements that you have to endure. So the rucksack will need to be able to be waterproof and have separate compartments to keep things accessible, dry, and stored correctly. You also need to find a rucksack that comfortably carries what you need, and is easy for you to transport.
The last thing you want is for it to be a hindrance to your performance. Having the right kit is essential, but unless you can transport it correctly and have access to things when you need them, the kit becomes useless. Take time to find the right expedition rucksack for you.
Double checking you have everything you need in the one place
You can never check too many times before you head out for an expedition. It might be that this can calm any anxiety or nervous energy that you have. Referring back to the kit list will help to give you the reassurance that you need that you are prepared and ready for the [pexpedition ahead.
Last, of all, make sure you enjoy it. This is a time when you can learn new skills, make friendships or work on existing ones, and create incredible memories that you will hold onto for a lifetime.
