Bespoke DofE Expeditions

Custom DofE expeditions for Schools, Youth Groups & Organisations

Chase Training Solutions delivers Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions with passion, purpose, and a deep commitment to empowering young people. Our expedition programmes are more than just a pathway to a prestigious award - they are a transformative journey that builds confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills.

We don’t just deliver expert-led expeditions; we create meaningful experiences that go beyond the Expedition section itself. Our programmes help participants achieve additional positive outcomes, enhancing personal development, teamwork, and confidence. We ensure every expedition is enjoyable, memorable, and aligned with the guiding principles of the DofE Award — adding real value to every step of the journey 😊

Our staff team combine years of outdoor expertise with a passion for youth development, ensuring each young person gains practical and lifelong skills, alongside memorable adventures and positive experiences.

If you're looking for a DofE Approved Activity Provider (AAP) that blends professionalism with heart, and has genuine understanding of all the DofE programme guiding principles and benefits, not just the aim, principles, and outcomes of the Expedition section, Chase Training Solutions is the perfect choice for your participants.

Having 48 years' experience, and acclaimed for organising and running high quality, fun and affordable DofE expeditions within the voluntary and statutory sectors at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, successfully supporting tens of 1000’s of young people through their expedition training, practice and qualifying expeditions, and 1000’s of Expedition Teams, Chase Training Solutions has a proven record of achieving positive outcomes with this aspect of their DofE programme, through our delivery of the Expedition section.

We have an excellent reputation within DofE Licenced Organisations, National Operating Authorities, Directly Licenced Centres, Multi-Academy Trusts, independent schools, and local authorities, for delivering the Expedition section to the highest standards, and who regularly use us for delivering the DofE Expedition section, as well as recommending and booking participants onto our popular ‘open’ expeditions.

Using CTS as your DofE Expedition section Approved Activity Provider (AAP), gives you, your participants, and their parents, the assurance that the delivery of the Expedition section is in the best possible hands. We are managed by a unique leadership team, that has a genuine in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Expedition section, the guiding principles of DofE programme, and experience in its delivery within a range of settings, including informal and formal education. We are guided by our founder and Director, who started his current 52 years long DofE journey in 1974, by completing Bronze, Silver and Gold awards, before continuing his involvement through organising, supervising and assessing expeditions; as well as managing and running DofE groups, which he still does! He also worked over ten years full-time for the DofE charity as the Expedition Field Officer, assisting with the operational delivery and development of the Expedition section; supporting DofE Licenced Organisations to ensure the Expedition section was delivered to a high quality and reaching as many young people as possible; organising and leading UK and overseas DofE expeditions and Gold Residential section projects; sitting on the DofE’s National Expedition Advisory Panel; and delivering outdoor training for adults involved with the Expedition section. He is a former Mountain Rescue Team member; the Expedition and Outdoor Leadership Technical Adviser for The Boys’ Brigade (England & Wales), the national Duke of Edinburgh's Award Ambassador for St John Ambulance; and a professionally qualified youth worker.

CTS is renowned for safety, ‘best practice’ and keeping within the values, ethos and spirit of the DofE, ensuring that participants meet the principles, outcomes and aim of the Expedition section and guiding principles of the DofE programme, achieving all of the positive outcomes from their participation, that are focused on youth work values and principles. These values underpin the key principles of youth work practice and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award: Active participation and empowerment of young people; Voluntary engagement by young people; Non-formal education and informal learning; Equality, equity, diversity and inclusion. The benefits of participation must impact positively on young people both in that they should get personal benefit from taking part and other young people should be able to share in the outcomes of what they achieve. This form of youth work intervention adds value to the lives of all young people, helping them develop lasting skills and attributes.

The most recent Expedition section Aim and Requirements, for planning and undertaking DofE expeditions, offer more flexibility and choice which, for many young people, empowers them to feel able to do their DofE when they might not have before. The updates are designed to remove barriers for young people who might otherwise feel they cannot take part in a DofE expedition – such as those with medical conditions or who require specialist support – while losing none of the quality and challenge that makes a DofE Award such a highly recognised achievement. If you feel that your participants would benefit from the flexibilities offered, contact us to find out how we can help them get the most out of their Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition programme.

We are acclaimed for positively supporting young people with additional needs, young offenders, those who are marginalised or at risk; and have over 30 years' experience of delivering restricted space DofE expeditions (yes, they really have been permitted for that length of time!) in a variety of environments, extending the Expedition section experience to all young people. Watch how we supported young people from 'Young at Heart', through the organisation and delivery of a restricted space Bronze qualifying expedition at Blackwell Adventure in Worcestershire, as part of our support for the DofE charity's 'Bridging the Gap' project (Video courtesy of DofE). We empowered the participants to develop an expedition that was fun and memorable, meeting the aim, principles, and outcomes of the Expedition section, and their own needs 💜

Our support of the DofE Expedition section is UK wide, at all levels of the Award, and in dozens of schools and organisations, including Staffordshire, Birmingham & West Midlands, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Cheshire, Herefordshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Coventry & Warwickshire, Somerset, Devon, London, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Middlesex, Kent, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire; and are continually expanding across the country!

We would welcome the opportunity to visit your school or organisation, or meet 'online', to discuss your requirements and produce a bespoke expedition programme that fits within your budget and one that the participants will enjoy, meeting the 'Aim and Requirements' of the Expedition section, and the wider DofE programme, i.e. The environment chosen must become progressively more challenging through the award levels – environments could include rural, urban or restricted spaces; There should be a reasonable gap between the practice and qualifying expeditions, etc. Contact us to find out how we can help your young people get the most out of their Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition programme.

The positive feedback we receive, endorses the way in which we facilitate success and fun, generating memorable, challenging and valuable experiences in the DofE Expedition section, enabling young people to learn and develop holistically, as we guide and support them to further their personal, social and educative development during our DofE expedition programmes. This fosters the true ethos and spirit of the DofE; including the guiding principles of the DofE programme, giving participants the greatest benefit of participating in the DofE Expedition section.

“Having previously tried several AAP’s to help with our school DofE, including some of the other 'well known' ones, and being disappointed with their support to our students, we were reluctant to try another, however, we were recommended to try CTS, and are so pleased we did! Your organisation, staff, and the way in which they've supported our students, is truly amazing. Miles ahead of the others we tried. On your website you say that you are 'second to none' and, having experienced your services, feel that this statement is not overstated. Thank you so much and we'll be using you again and again!”
– DofE Manager (Secondary School)

“This was our first year completing the DofE Award for a long while and CTS were fantastic in being so helpful, reliable, open, and honest to help us sort out plans to make our expedition happen. The company was extremely accommodating and flexible to allow us to work around a very tight schedule and we are very thankful for that. The CTS Team were great with our pupils and helped them develop their skills in all their training days ready for the expedition. This must have contributed to the success of the groups completing their award and doing so in good time and with little mistakes. As a school we have received many happy comments from parents for their expedition and this goes to show how well the expedition worked for our students and the positive comments they are going home to share with their families. Thanks again for a great few training days and expedition.”
– DofE Manager (Secondary School)

“Thank you to Dave and all his team; Ben, Mark and Derek, for all their support in leading our Gold practice and qualifying expedition this year. It was the first time that we had taken our students as a group on a gold expedition and there were many challenges because of their SEN needs. However Dave and his team were amazing and worked with us to create an expedition that met the requirements, catered for their additional needs but more importantly proved a challenge to the students. Throughout the expedition Dave worked alongside our school staff succinctly to provide extra support where needed but let school staff take a lead when students needed support from familiar school staff members. Dave was a pillar of support when things went unexpectedly wrong and made sure that the students could still achieve their expedition section. Overall it has been an amazing achievement and experience for both the students and staff. It will not be be forgotten easily.”
– DofE Manager (Special Needs School)

Did you Know?
In 2019, we were selected, from all other Approved Activity Provider's across the country, and asked by the DofE charity, to deliver the Expedition section for a pilot project (Bridging the Gap) using funding released by the Trustees, to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds in the Birmingham and surrounding areas, making the DofE more accessible and relevant to them. We were asked to support the project in acknowledgment of the quality of the expeditions we run and the positive way in which we engage with young people, meeting the aim and benefits of the DofE programme. It's a great privilege and is testament to the work that we do and the support we give young people during our expedition programmes.

Using CTS as your DofE Expedition section Approved Activity Provider (AAP), gives you, your participants, and their parents, the assurance that the delivery of the Expedition section is in the best possible hands. We are managed by a unique leadership team, that has a that has a genuine in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Expedition section, the wider DofE programme, and experience in its delivery within a range of settings, including informal and formal education. We are guided by our founder and Director, who started his current 52 years long DofE journey in 1974, by completing Bronze, Silver and Gold awards, before continuing his involvement by organising, supervising and assessing expeditions; as well as managing and running DofE groups, which he still does! He also worked over ten years full-time for the DofE charity as the Expedition Field Officer, assisting with the operational delivery and development of the Expedition section; supporting DofE Licenced Organisations to ensure the Expedition section was delivered to a high standard and reaching as many young people as possible; organising and leading UK and overseas DofE expeditions and Gold Residential section projects; sitting on the DofE’s National Expedition Advisory Panel; and delivering outdoor training for adults involved with the Expedition section. He is a former Mountain Rescue Team member; the Expedition and Outdoor Leadership Technical Adviser for The Boys’ Brigade (England & Wales), the national Duke of Edinburgh's Award Ambassador for St John Ambulance; and a professionally qualified youth worker.

We offer a bespoke service, to ensure that your exact requirements are met, whether this be a series of sessions delivered at your school/centre or specially designed residential training sessions. Leaving this aspect and delivery to us, takes the stress and hassle of organising expeditions away from yourself as a DofE Manager or DofE Co-ordinator.

The updated Expedition section Aim and Requirements, for planning and undertaking DofE expeditions, offer more flexibility and choice which, for many young people, empowers them to feel able to do their DofE when they might not have before. The updates are designed to remove barriers for young people who might otherwise feel they cannot take part in a DofE expedition – such as those with medical conditions or who require specialist support – while losing none of the quality and challenge that makes a DofE Award such a highly recognised achievement. If you feel that your participants would benefit from the flexibilities offered, contact us to find out how we can help them get the most out of their Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition programme.

We are acclaimed for positively supporting young people with additional needs, young offenders, those who are marginalised or at risk; and have over 30 years' experience of delivering restricted space DofE expeditions (yes, they really have been permitted for that length of time!) in a variety of environments, extending the Expedition section experience to all young people. Watch how we supported young people from 'Young at Heart', through the organisation and delivery of a restricted space Bronze qualifying expedition at Blackwell Adventure in Worcestershire, as part of our support for the DofE charity's 'Bridging the Gap' project (Video courtesy of DofE). We empowered the participants to develop an expedition that was fun and memorable, meeting the principles, outcomes and aim of the Expedition section and their own needs 💜

Our support of the DofE Expedition section is UK wide, at all levels of the Award, and in dozens of schools and organisations, including Staffordshire, Birmingham & West Midlands, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Cheshire, Herefordshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Coventry & Warwickshire, Somerset, Devon, Greater London, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Kent, Middlesex, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire; and are continually expanding across the country!

The positive feedback we receive, endorses the way in which we facilitate success and fun, generating memorable, challenging and valuable experiences in the DofE Expedition section, enabling young people to learn and develop holistically, as we guide and support them to further their personal, social and educative development during our DofE expedition programmes. This fosters the true ethos and spirit of the DofE; including the purpose and values of the DofE programme, giving participants the greatest benefit of participating in the DofE Expedition section.

Did you Know?

In 2019, we were selected, from all other Approved Activity Provider's across the country, and asked by the DofE charity, to deliver the Expedition section for a pilot project (Bridging the Gap) using funding released by the Trustees to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds in the Birmingham and surrounding areas, making the DofE more accessible and relevant to them. We were asked to support the project in acknowledgment of the quality of the expeditions we run and the positive way in which we engage with young people, meeting the aim and benefits of the DofE programme. It's a great privilege and is testament to the work that we do and the support we give young people during our expedition programmes.

Our expedition programme costs for 2025/2026 & 2026/2027 Academic Years

Bronze (4 Day)

£160.00* (Per Participant)
1 Day classroom-based (Food & Cooking; Campcraft; Clothing & Equipment; Rucksack Packing; Route Planning)
1 Day instructor-led navigation training (Navigation & Compass Skills: map orientation; locating position from the map - ability to identify appropriate features from the map to assist navigation or location finding and understand how these features may affect journey times e.g., contour lines; map symbols; compass - cardinal and the four intercardinal points. Plus: Emergency Procedures; Countryside Code)
2 Day Qualifying expedition

Intended for participants with camping/navigation experience, i.e. through Scouts, Boys’ Brigade, Girls’ Brigade, Girlguiding, family camping , etc.

Bronze (5 Day)

£195.00* (Per Participant)
1 Day classroom-based (Food & Cooking; Campcraft; Clothing & Equipment; Rucksack Packing; Route Planning)
1 Day instructor-led navigation training (Navigation & Compass Skills: map orientation; locating position from the map - ability to identify appropriate features from the map to assist navigation or location finding and understand how these features may affect journey times e.g., contour lines; map symbols; compass - cardinal and the four intercardinal points. Plus: Emergency Procedures; Countryside Code)
1 Day practice walk (Remotely supervised and unaccompanied with additional instruction)
2 Day Qualifying expedition

Intended for participants with little or no camping/navigation experience, therefore, meeting the full requirements of the Expedition Training Framework.

Bronze (6 Day)

£235.00* (Per Participant)
1 Day classroom-based (Food & Cooking; Campcraft; Clothing & Equipment; Rucksack Packing; Route Planning)
1 Day instructor-led navigation training (Navigation & Compass Skills: map orientation; locating position from the map - ability to identify appropriate features from the map to assist navigation or location finding and understand how these features may affect journey times e.g., contour lines; map symbols; compass - cardinal and the four intercardinal points. Plus: Emergency Procedures; Countryside Code)
2 Day overnight practice expedition (Remotely supervised and unaccompanied with additional instruction, including camping experience)
2 Day Qualifying expedition

Intended for participants who wish to undertake the full and traditional Bronze DofE Expedition section experience.

Silver (7.5 Day)

£300.00* (Per Participant)
1 Day classroom-based (Food & Cooking; Campcraft; Clothing & Equipment; Rucksack Packing; Route Planning)
1 Day instructor-led navigation training (Navigation & Compass Skills: map orientation; locating position from the map - ability to identify appropriate features from the map to assist navigation or location finding and understand how these features may affect journey times e.g., contour lines; map symbols; compass - cardinal and the four intercardinal points; determining the direction of footpaths or direction of travel. Plus: Emergency Procedures; Countryside Code)
2 day/2 night Practice expedition (Remotely supervised and unaccompanied with additional instruction)

3 Day Qualifying expedition

Intended for participants who have completed the full Bronze Award.

Silver (8 Day)

£330.00* (Per Participant)
1 Day classroom-based (Food & Cooking; Campcraft; Clothing & Equipment; Rucksack Packing; Route Planning)
1 Day instructor-led navigation training (Navigation & Compass Skills: map orientation; locating position from the map - ability to identify appropriate features from the map to assist navigation or location finding and understand how these features may affect journey times e.g., contour lines; map symbols; compass - cardinal and the four intercardinal points; determining the direction of footpaths or direction of travel. Plus: Emergency Procedures; Countryside Code)
3 day/2 night Practice expedition (Remotely supervised and unaccompanied with additional instruction)

3 Day Qualifying expedition

Intended for participants who are Direct Entrants or who wish to undetake the full DofE Expedition section experience.

Gold (11 Day)

£475.00* (Per Participant)
1 Day classroom-based (Food & Cooking; Campcraft; Clothing & Equipment; Rucksack Packing; Route Planning)
1 Day instructor-led navigation training (Navigation & Compass Skills: map orientation; locating position from the map - ability to identify appropriate features from the map to assist navigation or location finding and understand how these features may affect journey times e.g., contour lines; map symbols; compass - cardinal and the four intercardinal points; determining the direction of footpaths or direction of travel, travelling on a bearing. Plus: Emergency Procedures; Countryside Code)
4 Day Practice expedition - including required acclimatisation day if held in 'wild country' (Remotely supervised and unaccompanied with additional instruction)
5 Day Qualifying expedition - including required acclimatisation day if held in a 'wild country' environment.

*Prices quoted are subject to VAT, however, most schools and VAT registered organisations are usually able to reclaim the VAT charged on the invoices we raise for delivery of the Expedition programme.

Costs at all levels are based on a minimum number of fourteen participants. A smaller number of participants can be catered for, and the cost will be determined and agreed through consultation with the school or organisation; however, we may also be able to run your programme alongside another school or organisation, thereby, keeping the cost to that advertised. Please contact us to enquire how we can support a smaller cohort of young people.

The above models of delivery are by no means ‘set in stone’ and we can be flexible regarding the approach we use to ensure successful completion of the Expedition section for the young people taking part, i.e. training split over two weekends; mid-week days, combined training and practice expedition; residential training days (additional charges may apply), etc., and all designed to meet the DofE Expedition Training Framework for the environment chosen, i.e. rural, urban or restricted spaces, and the Expedition Aim & Requirements.

**The following sentences are included in the Expedition Training Framework to ensure that the appropriate training programme is in place and delivered for participants:

‘The training plan for a DofE team should be a progressive process with skills being acquired on training sessions and then practised in the outdoor environment until participants are capable of carrying out the skills without support or adult intervention.’

‘The DofE Leader must mark the training as complete on eDofE, once the Expedition Supervisor is satisfied the participants have evidenced the required competence. It is important to note that the Licensed Organisation or Approved Activity Provider is responsible for ensuring all participants are adequately trained and safe to complete a remotely supervised qualifying expedition.’

We do not compromise the safety of young people, the positive experiences for young people taking part, their enjoyment, or the importance of the training topics indicated in the DofE Expedition Training Framework (which was designed to be delivered over 12-16hrs, excluding the *first aid element), hence the longer training period than that delivered by some other providers, or by offering 'back-to-back' practice and qualifying expeditions. It's worth noting that the training required cannot be effectively achieved in one day; through online training sessions or courses; or even a combination of both!

*We do not include the first aid element during the two days training as time does not permit; however, we can deliver, if requested, a specific 4hr DofE Expedition First Aid course to participants at a separate session, meeting the first aid requirements of the Expedition Training Framework. There is an additional charge for this at £12.50 (plus VAT) per participant. Most schools and organisations we support prefer to deliver this themselves or, participants have already completed sufficient training either internally or externally, hence, the reason this is not part of the expedition programme fee, however, if required, can be delivered to all or part of the cohort.

What's included

Complete support before, during and after the expedition programme
In-school meetings to discuss school and participant needs; meeting staff, participants and parents
Assembly presentations to promote DofE/Expedition section
Expedition administration and paperwork, including assistance with EV paperwork, schedules and risk assessments
Online and downloadable resources and documentation for DofE Licensed Organisation
Comprehensive pre-expedition paperwork for participants and parents, including consent forms, kit lists, etc.
Expedition equipment (if required)
High quality and comprehensive training programme that ensures each participant has the required skills, knowledge and confidence, to complete their practice and/or qualifying expeditions in a safe and enjoyable manner, which also helps to promote a positive experience whilst undertaking this aspect of their DofE programme
Online and downloadable resources for participants, supporting 'face-to-face' expedition training
Accessible expedition venues to meet the DofE 'Expedition Aim & Requirements' relating to the environment becoming progressively more challenging through the award levels; including starting and finishing from school location where appropriate
Customised expeditions for young people with additional needs, including physical and learning disabilities
Supportive instruction, supervision and assessment throughout the expedition programme from our staff team that hold Nationally Recognised Award qualifications appropriate to the chosen expedition environment, enhanced DBS checked, first aid qualified, and who are experienced, passionate, and caring instructors that are 'handpicked' by CTS, not just because of the outdoor qualifications they hold and the years of experience they have, but also because of their knowledge of, and safe practice within the DofE Expedition section and the wider DofE programme; their enthusiasm and motivation; their commitment to ‘best practice’; and their ability to empower, inspire, encourage and engage with young people from all backgrounds, promoting personal, social, and educative development, increased self-confidence, self-esteem, and young people's enjoyment of participating in the DofE. Outdoor qualifications alone, i.e. proven technical competency, do not develop the ‘soft’ skills, or the leadership ability and personal qualities required to positively deliver the DofE Expedition section to young people. This is why, when selecting staff to support and work with us, we look beyond their outdoor qualifications.
A dedicated Expedition Coordinator, who manages your expedition programme and oversees all instructors, participants, and safety procedures
GPS tracker for each Expedition Team
DofE Accredited Assessors for all qualifying expeditions
Post expedition reviews with participants and leaders
Completion of online eDofE Assessor Reports
Campsite fees for participants and accompanying
school/organisation staff
£10m Public Liability Insurance