All Explorers in Draca are part of a team doing their bronze, silver or gold DofE awards (contributing towards the Chief Scout's Platinum, Diamond and Queen's Scout awards). Whilst we don’t focus exclusively on DofE, some of our programme will be geared around the planning, training and preparation needed to complete unassisted expeditions.
Kit
We have access to a range of equipment such as rucksacks, roll mats, cooking stoves etc. which Explorers may borrow for expeditions. We would encourage all Explorers to start to get their own kit over time, e.g. for Christmas and birthday presents, especially so if they are going to be doing a lot of expeditions. But don’t spend £££££s, it’s better to work out what’s needed over time. The main things Explorers need in their personal kit for now is:
We have access to a range of equipment such as rucksacks, roll mats, cooking stoves etc. which Explorers may borrow for expeditions. We would encourage all Explorers to start to get their own kit over time, e.g. for Christmas and birthday presents, especially so if they are going to be doing a lot of expeditions. But don’t spend £££££s, it’s better to work out what’s needed over time. The main things Explorers need in their personal kit for now is:
- A pair of strong walking boots
- Waterproofs (jacket and leggings)
- A warm sleeping bag (and a liner is recommended too)
- A head torch
| draca_expedition_kit_list.pdf |
| dofe-how-to-pack-your-rucksack-poster-a3.pdf |
Food
Expeditions are unassisted, meaning Explorers learn to plan what food works well. All that walking makes for hungry tummies, so extra calories are needed. But here's the challenge: it needs to not go off and not weigh your bag down.
Here's a great blog and video from a bushcraft expert on food you can take on expedition - and the great news is that it's all available from your local supermarket! See also the download below with food suggestions
Expeditions are unassisted, meaning Explorers learn to plan what food works well. All that walking makes for hungry tummies, so extra calories are needed. But here's the challenge: it needs to not go off and not weigh your bag down.
Here's a great blog and video from a bushcraft expert on food you can take on expedition - and the great news is that it's all available from your local supermarket! See also the download below with food suggestions
| draca_expedition_food.pdf |
Expedition planning
There's a lot involved in doing an expedition and all Explorers will have a part to play in their expedition team. We've found the planning document below to be really helpful in making sure all aspects are covered.
There's a lot involved in doing an expedition and all Explorers will have a part to play in their expedition team. We've found the planning document below to be really helpful in making sure all aspects are covered.
| draca_expedition_planning.pdf |
Route Planning
Route planning ALWAYS takes more time and attention to detail than you'd think. We try to do our route planning in the winter months when it's not so easy to get outside. All route plans have to be written up and submitted to an assessor for the qualifying expeditions so it's good practice to get them right.
Route planning ALWAYS takes more time and attention to detail than you'd think. We try to do our route planning in the winter months when it's not so easy to get outside. All route plans have to be written up and submitted to an assessor for the qualifying expeditions so it's good practice to get them right.
| draca_template_route_card_may_21.docx |
Expedition areas
The expeditions are decided and planned by our Explorers, so its up to them where we go. But here's an idea of the typical areas we cover at each level:
The expeditions are decided and planned by our Explorers, so its up to them where we go. But here's an idea of the typical areas we cover at each level:
- Bronze practice: South Downs (e.g. Rowlands Castle to Midhurst)
- Bronze qualifying: North Downs (e.g. Shere to Godalming)
- Silver practice: New Forest
- Silver qualifying: Peak District
- Gold practice: Black Mountain
- Gold qualifying: Dartmoor
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