The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (DofE)

THE ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY

The aim of this category is for young people to gain a deeper understanding of the natural world around them and rekindle their intrinsic spirit of adventure.

Activities in this section are created to encourage a sense of adventure and discovery while learning to work towards a common goal as a team.

It will help children develop self-confidence, teamwork and  leadership during challenging tasks in a safe, but unfamiliar environments.

From Bronze, to Silver to Gold, each level builds on development and progression of skills and abilities.

Bronze: Build Your Foundation

Bronze introduces students to expedition life. Participants learn to navigate, organise their kit, set up camp and prepare meals while working together as a team.

Silver: Develop Your Independence

Silver gives students more time on expedition and greater responsibility. Participants strengthen their planning, navigation and decision-making skills while managing their equipment, energy and daily routines.

Gold: Take on a Sustained Challenge

Gold asks students to apply their skills over a longer journey. Participants develop resilience and leadership as they take responsibility for their plans, solve problems together and support their team.

Each level requires a definite number of days of participation.

*Purposeful effort includes journeying and activities related to the team’s agreed goal. These durations apply to the qualifying Adventurous Journey, not the time needed to complete the full Award.

Practice and Qualifying Expeditions

Practice expedition

Children can register for a practice expedition which gives students an opportunity to test their preparation and build confidence before their qualifying journey. It helps them identify what works, what needs improvement and how to operate effectively as a group.

Preparation focuses on:

• Map reading, compass use and route planning
• Packing and managing expedition equipment
• Tent pitching and campsite routines
• Meal planning and safe use of cooking equipment
• Teamwork, communication and shared responsibilities
• Safety procedures and caring for the environment

Qualifying expedition

During the qualifying expedition, students put their preparation into action. They follow their planned route, work towards their team goal and demonstrate their ability to manage the journey together.

Students must complete the required preparation and be ready for the demands of their chosen level before undertaking their qualifying expedition.

For each level, you need to do four or five of the following sections to achieve your medal:

Bronze Medal

Practice Expedition

AED 450

1 Nights/ 2 Days

Qualifying Expedition

AED 450

1 Nights / 2 Days

Practice + Qualifying

AED 800

2 x 1 Night / 2 Days

Silver Medal

Practice Expedition

AED 800

2 Nights / 3 Days

Qualifying Expedition

AED 800

2 Nights / 3 Days

Practice + Qualifying

AED 1,150

2 x 2 Nights / 2 Days

Gold Medal

Practice Expedition

AED 1,150

3 Nights / 4 Days

Qualifying Expedition

AED 1,150

3 Nights / 4 days

Practice + Qualifying

AED 2,200

3 Nights / 4 Days

Activity Location: Ras Al Khaimah & Fujairah. 

Inclusions:

• Preparation and training
• Expedition supervision and qualifying assessment
• Camping equipment – Tents and sleeping mats
• Drinking and cooking water 
• Maps, compasses and navigation equipment
• GPS and communication equipment
• Camping stoves and cooking equipment
• Emergency and first-aid resources

Not included:

• Personal clothing, footwear and sleeping bags
• Participants’ personal food/snacks
• Personal medication and personal items
• Transportation for students and school representatives to and from the expedition location
• Sleeping Bags : Sleeping bags are available for rent at an additional cost.

Expectations from students

Students should arrive prepared to participate, take responsibility and contribute to their team.

Before the expedition

• Attend the required training and preparation sessions.
• Help plan the team’s route, meals and expedition goal.
• Bring all items on the agreed kit list.
• Prepare physically for walking with a packed rucksack over consecutive days.
• Share relevant medical, dietary and support needs through the school’s agreed process.

During the expedition

• Follow safety instructions and agreed emergency procedures.
• Take an active role in navigation, cooking and camp setup.
• Carry and manage the equipment assigned to them.
• Support teammates and communicate respectfully.
• Keep campsites clean and minimise their impact on the environment.

After the expedition

• Return any hired equipment clean and complete.
• Reflect on the journey and contribute to the team’s presentation or report, as agreed with the Award Leader.

What Should Students Bring?

A full kit list will be provided before departure. Personal essentials typically include:

•  a suitable rucksack, 
• comfortable walking footwear,
•  weather-appropriate clothing, 
• sun protection, 
• a head torch, 
• water bottles 
• and personal medication.

The final list will identify which items are supplied by us and items not included in the package by Urban To Wild.