DofE – A Guide for Parents

The Ultimate Guide for Parents: What to Expect When Your Child Goes on a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Expedition

If your child is about to embark on a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) expedition, you may have a lot of questions. The DofE programme is an incredible opportunity for young people to challenge themselves, build new skills, and experience the great outdoors. However, for many parents, it can be a little daunting to send your child on an adventure like this—especially if it’s their first time.

As a trusted provider for schools in Edinburgh, My Adventure works closely with schools to ensure the DofE experience is safe, enjoyable, and enriching. In this blog, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions parents have when their child is going on a Bronze DofE expedition. If you need further details, we’ve included space for helpful links throughout.

1. What is the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Expedition?

The Bronze DofE expedition is a significant part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. It involves planning and completing a self-sufficient journey in the outdoors, with a team of peers. The expedition typically lasts for two days, with an overnight camp in between, and is designed to help young people develop teamwork, navigation skills, resilience, and self-confidence.

In Edinburgh, My Adventure helps schools provide guidance and support through every step of the expedition, from preparation to completion. This ensures the experience is both safe and educational.

2. How Can I Be Sure My Child Will Be Safe?

Safety is always a top priority at My Adventure. Our qualified instructors and leaders are all highly trained and experienced in outdoor expeditions, ensuring the safety of every participant. We use modern equipment and follow strict risk management processes to minimise any potential risks. Additionally, each group is closely monitored throughout the entire expedition, with a support team available 24/7 in case of emergencies.

Parents can feel reassured knowing that we adhere to the highest safety standards. For more detailed safety measures, feel free to check out our safety page here.

3. What Should My Child Pack for Their Expedition?

Packing for the Bronze DofE expedition is crucial to ensuring your child is comfortable and prepared. A packing list will be provided by your child’s school, but here are some of the essentials:

• Rucksack: A sturdy, comfortable rucksack is key. It should fit everything without being too heavy.
• Sleeping Bag and Mat: Lightweight and easy to carry.
• Tent: This is typically provided by My Adventure for the expedition, but your child may need to help set it up.
• Weather-Appropriate Clothing: The weather can change quickly in Edinburgh, so layers are important.
• Food and Water: Lightweight, nutritious meals, and plenty of water.
• Map and Compass: Essential for navigation, though My Adventure provides pre-expedition training on these skills.
• Personal Items: Sunscreen, first aid kit, and hygiene items.

4. What if My Child Has Never Camped Before?

It’s common for many students to be new to camping and hiking, but that’s part of the learning experience! At My Adventure, we ensure that all participants receive comprehensive training prior to the expedition. This training includes navigation, setting up tents, cooking on a camp stove, and safety procedures.

Additionally, each group is led by experienced DofE leaders who provide constant support during the expedition. With the right preparation, even beginners can thrive on the journey.

If you’re worried, you can find more information on the pre-expedition training here.

5. How Will My Child Be Supported During the Expedition?

Your child will not be alone during the expedition. They will be part of a team with peers and will have a trained expedition leader with them at all times. My Adventure’s leaders are experienced in guiding groups and providing support as needed. Teams are also regularly checked, and leaders are available to help with any difficulties, whether it’s navigation, group dynamics, or general well-being.

6. Can I Visit or Contact My Child During the Expedition?

As part of the DofE experience, the expeditions are designed to foster independence and teamwork. This means that there is limited contact between participants and their families during the trip. However, if there’s an emergency or specific concern, parents can contact the My Adventure team directly.

If you’re concerned about how your child is managing, please rest assured that all our leaders are highly attentive and proactive in checking on the well-being of all participants. For emergency contact details, please refer to the information provided by your school and My Adventure.

7. What Happens if There’s Bad Weather During the Expedition?

In the UK, unpredictable weather is always a possibility. However, the DofE programme is designed to ensure that participants are prepared for all conditions. We monitor weather forecasts closely and, if needed, make adjustments to the route or schedule to ensure safety.

If severe weather is forecast, My Adventure will take all necessary precautions, including sheltering in tents for longer periods or adjusting the expedition route. In extreme cases, the expedition may be delayed or shortened, but the safety and well-being of your child is always the priority.

8. What Will My Child Gain from the DofE Expedition?

The Bronze DofE expedition offers your child a chance to learn a host of new skills, both practical and personal. These include:

• Teamwork: Working with others in challenging conditions.
• Leadership: Having the opportunity to take on leadership roles within their group.
• Resilience: Overcoming obstacles and pushing through challenges.
• Navigation and Outdoor Skills: Learning how to read maps and use a compass, as well as basic survival skills.

Beyond the technical skills, the expedition also helps to build your child’s confidence, self-reliance, and problem-solving abilities. These are all valuable traits that will benefit them both personally and academically.

9. How Do We Know When the Expedition Is Over?

At the end of the expedition, the students will return to a designated pick-up location. Parents will be notified in advance of the exact time and place for pick-up. There will be a debrief session where the students share their experiences, and there’s usually a small ceremony to mark the completion of the expedition.

At My Adventure, we are a provider that delivers the expedition phase of the Duke of Edinburgh Award for schools and private groups across Scotland. Our qualified and experienced guides work alongside the school/ group to help each member achieve goals and develop skills that are valuable for life, at the same time as enjoying the Duke of Edinburgh Award journey. 

If you enjoyed this blog article and are looking for additional information about adventures from Edinburgh, we have published a number of other blogs:

• Top Ten tips for your Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition here
• Managing your period on your DofE Expedition here
• A guide to the Duke of Edinburgh Award: here
• A guide to the Duke of Edinburgh Award: Silver here 
• A guide to the Duke of Edinburgh Award: Gold here
• Duke of Edinburgh award: Essential equipment: here
• Top Tips for Backpacking in Scotland: here
• The best head torches for adventures in the outdoors: here

If you haven’t already seen it, check out the Intrepidus Outdoors Trip Advisor, Youtube channel, Visit Scotland page and blog to hear about how others found their outdoor adventures with us!