How to Pack for a DofE Canoe Expedition on the River Severn: A Student’s Guide
Embarking on a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) expedition by canoe is an exciting and rewarding challenge. Navigating the River Severn offe
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duke of edinburgh award expeditions - river severn
Embark on a journey of adventure and personal growth with Duke of Edinburgh's Award canoe, kayak or stand up paddle board expeditions in the heart of the Midlands. Whether you're pursuing the Bronze, Silver, or Gold level, our experienced team members will support your expedition on the River Severn or beyond, providing a challenging yet rewarding experience. Join us to develop teamwork, navigation, and outdoor skills while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the region. Dare to push your limits and earn your Duke of Edinburgh's Award with our unforgettable expeditions.
Paddlesports Skills Training Programme includes training in paddlesports skills, water rescue skills, map reading and familiarisation with OS maps, meal planning, basic first aid, emergency action plans, practical navigation training, equipment familiarisation and kit checks.
The programme also includes route planning sessions, practice expedition, and assessed expedition with assessor reporting, and campsite fees. We also provide transportation of equipment to and from start and finish points.
There will always be a minimum of 2 supervisors present, as well as a minimum ratio of 1:12 for expeditions and training days.
Equipment we provide includes paddlesports craft (canoe, kayak, SUP), paddles, buoyancy aid, 60L dry bags per person and per craft, expedition tents, laminated maps, compasses, and gas stoves with gas.
DofE Locations
While most of our expeditions are conducted on the River Severn, we're flexible and can accommodate other locations that suit your preferences and expedition requirements.
Bear Creek Adventures is proud to be an Approved Activity Provider for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
what's incluDED IN Our DofE Canoe Expeditions
Welcome to Bear Creek Adventures’ D of E Canoe Expeditions - a journey where the soundtrack is nature, the paddles are your instruments, and the experience is almost as calm as your favourite meditation app! Here’s what’s in store for our fearless voyagers:
Training Programme
• "Look Mum, I’m Canoeing" Session: Learn the art of paddling with a splash of style - perfect for those who’ve only ever paddled in their baths.
• Practice Expeditions: Our training trips equip you with skills and stories to tell (or heavily embellish) at family gatherings.
Guidance and Support
• Qualified Guides: Our guides are not only experts in canoeing, but they also hold DBS checks and First Aid certifications. With the patience of saints and the humour of seasoned comedians, they ensure your paddling efforts are met with patience and encouragement, not eye rolls.
• Route Gurus: Navigate without Google Maps! We help plan the perfect path that won’t accidentally lead you towards uncharted territories or pirate ships.
Equipment
• Top-Notch Canoes and Paddles: Our gear is rigorously tested by experts and fully approved.
• Ultimate Safety Gear: Helmets and buoyancy aids so fashionable that you might consider wearing them to your next party.
Camping Equipment
• Deluxe Tent Suites: Tents so cosy and compact, it’s like sleeping in a peaceful marshmallow.
• Survival Chef Kit: Includes cooking gear, because gourmet expedition cuisine shouldn’t just be a myth.
Logistical Support
• Canoe Chauffeurs: We handle the transportation of the equipment to the start of the trip and pick it up at the end, so you can focus on perfecting your paddling selfies.
• Permits and Permissions: We handle the fine print, so you can manage the fun part of paddling and powering through like a pro.
Assessment
• Supplied Assessors: We provide qualified assessors to ensure your expedition meets D of E standards, helping you achieve your award successfully.
Post-Expedition Activities
• "What Did We Just Do?" Debrief: Share memories and heroic stories of navigation with your fellow adventurers, ensuring lifelong friendships or at least hilarious stories. Perfect to take back to school and share with other students considering DofE.
• Assessors’ Reports: We provide detailed assessors' reports to document your achievements and contributions, ensuring all the hard work is recognised.
Additional Resources
• 24/7 Hotline: Call for support, advice, or just to chat about canoeing's philosophical implications.
• Guide to Canoeing Lingo: Become fluent in phrases like "gunwale" and "tumblehome," making you sound impressively nautical back at school.
Join us for an unforgettable Paddle-venture, designed to leave you inspired. Contact us to book your spot!
We also offer the following gear as needed:
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Boats, Paddles, and Buoyancy Aids (for water-based activities)
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Tents & Group Shelters
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Cooking Stoves & Fuel
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Group First Aid Kits
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Maps & Compasses
Price & how to book
Ready to unleash your explorers? First, let's talk cost – even intrepid explorers need to budget, you know! Our pricing is delightfully straightforward (we promise: no hidden fees). It's a flat rate of £60.00 per person, per day:
• Bronze Package (£360.00): Two days of training followed by a four-day expedition. Two days for practice (so you don't accidentally end up in the North Sea), and two days for the qualifying expedition.
• Silver Package (£480.00): You get the same two days of training, three days of practice, and a three-day qualifying expedition. Less chance of getting lost, more time to appreciate the scenery.
• Gold Package (£540.00): The ultimate adventure! Nine glorious days: two days training, three days practice, and a four-day qualifying expedition. They'll be practically living outdoors!
• Gold Expedition Only (£240.00): Already seasoned pros? We've got them covered. Skip the training and practice and go straight to the qualifying expedition.
Need additional training days? Just ask! We're happy to add more days, because what's life without a bit of extra preparation? Extra fees apply.
Please call us on 01384 929078 or email info@bearcreekadventures.co.uk to discuss your DofE requirements.
HANDY TIPS AND INFORMATION TO HELP YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR DOFE EXPEDITION WITH US
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