Swap walking boots for paddles and discover a different way to DofE.
Give your pupils a different way to experience DofE. Bear Creek Adventures specialises in Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) canoe expeditions on the River Severn for schools and youth groups across Shropshire, Worcestershire and the Midlands.
Based near Bridgnorth, we combine over 40 years of paddling and expedition experience with detailed local knowledge of the river. Our structured programmes include canoe training, practice and qualifying expeditions, helping young people build confidence, independence, navigation skills and teamwork through a shared adventure.
Experienced staff support pupils as they develop the skills to take ownership of their journey and succeed safely and confidently.
School DofE bookings are now open for 2027 and our Open Gold DofE for 2027 is now available to book.
Join one of our Free DofE Events
Free First Aid Course for DofE Teachers
2 Day Outdoor First Aid Course
Date: 16th & 17th November 2026
Location: Rhydd Covert, Kidderminster Rd, Bewdley DY12 1LE
Price: FREE for DofE Teachers
Summary
Our 16 hour Outdoor First Aid course, delivered over two days, is designed for teachers, outdoor activity leaders and guides. Combining practical scenarios with expert instruction, the course covers CPR, AED use, emergency assessments, medical emergencies, injuries and environmental conditions, with a particular focus on situations where professional help may be delayed. Delivered by experienced instructors, the course builds confidence in managing outdoor emergencies and provides a recognised certification valid for three years.
Free DofE Teacher Canoe Trip - River Severn
Introduction to our Canoeing DofE Expeditions
Date: 28th May or 7th June 2027
Location: Starts at Severn Park, Bridgnorth
Price: Complimentary trip
Summary
Our free canoe familiarisation day trip gives DofE teachers the chance to experience canoeing on the River Severn and see how expeditions work in practice. Led by Monty, the trip runs from Bridgnorth to Arley, with time to ask questions or simply enjoy the scenery. All equipment, a hot drink and return travel on
the Severn Valley Railway
are included.You can choose your preferred day on booking your free spot.
Why Choose Canoeing for Your DofE Expedition?
Canoeing offers a rewarding way to complete a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition, combining adventure with teamwork, independence and practical skills.
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Teamwork throughout the journey: pupils paddle together, coordinate their efforts and support one another.
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Kit carried in the canoes: expedition equipment travels in the boats rather than on pupils’ backs, offering a different physical challenge.
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Practical navigation skills: teams use maps and river features to plan and follow their route.
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Confidence through responsibility: pupils make decisions, solve problems and take increasing ownership of their expedition.
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Progression from Bronze to Gold: longer journeys build on pupils’ paddling and expedition skills.
With experienced staff, detailed River Severn knowledge and supervision adapted to the group and conditions, we help pupils develop the skills and confidence to succeed.
Experienced DofE Leadership and River Severn Knowledge
All our DofE canoe expeditions are overseen by Monty Beaumont, co-owner of Bear Creek Adventures and River Severn Canoes.
Monty combines experience in education and expedition leadership with detailed knowledge of the river:
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Former DofE leader and teacher at a leading independent school, with first-hand experience of organising school expeditions.
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UK and international expedition experience, supporting young people through outdoor challenges.
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Works on the River Severn throughout the season, bringing practical knowledge of routes, access points and changing conditions.
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Understands the demands on school staff, including planning, pastoral responsibilities and pupil wellbeing.
That experience shapes our programmes: clear arrangements for teachers, structured preparation for pupils and appropriate support as teams develop independence.
Safety on the River Severn
The River Severn is a calm, non-technical river when used appropriately. Safety comes from experience, planning and local knowledge, all of which we provide.
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We canoe this river every season
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We monitor river levels and weather continuously
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We adapt supervision levels to the group, conditions and award level
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We are AALA licensed and fully insured with AIM (£10 million)
Our approach balances independence (as required by DofE) with appropriate safety oversight.
What All Levels Receive
All Bronze, Silver, and Gold expeditions receive the same high-quality core provision:
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Canoes, paddles, buoyancy aids
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60-litre dry bag per person
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100-litre dry bag per canoe
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All technical canoe equipment
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Qualified, experienced staff
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Safety supervisor and DofE assessor (based on a minimum group of 12)
We can also provide tents and cooking equipment if required, although Silver and Gold groups often prefer to use familiar kit.
Training Structure (All Levels)
Each level follows the same clear, supportive structure, with timings increasing as students progress.
Training Day 1 – Land-Based Skills
Delivered at your school or a nearby venue.
Covers:
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First aid
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River navigation
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Camp craft
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Cooking and food planning
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Packing kit and weight management
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Emergency procedure training
Training Day 2 – Water-Based Skills
Delivered at a suitable local water venue.
Introduction to canoeing
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Basic paddling strokes
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Trim and balance
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Packing a canoe
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What to do if you capsize
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A short supervised canoe trip
👉 On both training days, students practise cooking a meal.
From experience, food planning is one of the biggest factors in expedition success.
Expedition Structure by Level
Bronze DofE Canoe Expedition
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Practice Expedition: 2 days / 1 night
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Qualifying Expedition: 2 days
Silver DofE Canoe Expedition
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Practice Expedition: 2 days / 2 nights
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Qualifying Expedition: 3 days / 2 nights
Gold DofE Canoe Expedition
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Practice Expedition: 2 days / 2 nights
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Qualifying Expedition: 4 days / 3 nights
Practice Expedition
During the practice expedition:
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Students put their training into real use
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Our staff provide close guidance and coaching
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Skills are reinforced and confidence built
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On the final day, teams plan their qualifying expedition route
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Planning takes place at the end of the day after they have been canoeing
Qualifying Expedition
For the qualifying expedition:
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Staff take a step back
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Remote supervision is provided, as required by DofE
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Safety cover is adjusted based on:
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Group competence
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River levels
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Weather conditions
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This ensures independence without compromising safety.
What We Provide
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Fully qualified and experienced expedition staff
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Safety supervisor and assessor
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All canoeing equipment
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Dry bags (minimum 60L per person + 100L per canoe)
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Optional tents and cooking equipment
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AALA licence
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£10 million public liability insurance
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Delivery of training days
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Practice and qualifying expeditions on the River Severn
What Schools Provide
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Transport to and from venues
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A member of school staff for pastoral support
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(They are welcome to canoe if they wish)
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Personal clothing and sleeping equipment
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Food for training and expeditions
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Booking and payment for campsites on the qualifying expedition
Free Support for DofE Teachers
We also offer free canoe familiarisation trips for DofE teachers, giving staff the chance to:
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Experience the River Severn by canoe
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Understand how canoe expeditions work in practice
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Ask questions and see routes first-hand
These sessions are popular and help schools plan with confidence.
Price & how to book
We keep pricing clear and simple:
£65 per student, per day
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Covers training days, practice expedition, and qualifying expedition
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Campsite fees for the qualifying expedition are paid directly by students, supporting ownership and responsibility
How to Book a DofE Canoe Expedition
We work directly with schools and DofE coordinators.
To get started:
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Contact us with your group size and award level
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We’ll help you plan dates and structure
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We’ll confirm delivery and next steps
👉 Enquire About DofE Canoe Expeditions - call 01384 929078 or email monty@bearcreekadventures.co.uk
Why Schools Choose Bear Creek Adventures
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Specialists in DofE canoe expeditions
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Unmatched River Severn knowledge
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Strong safety culture
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Clear, structured delivery
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Deep understanding of schools and young people
Open Duke of Edinburgh Canoe Expeditions
Complete Your DofE Expedition on the River Severn
Want to complete your Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition but don't have a school or group to join? Our Open DofE Canoe Expeditions offer the perfect opportunity to take part, meet new people and enjoy an unforgettable adventure on the beautiful River Severn.
Designed for young people who aren't completing their expedition through a school or existing DofE group, our open expeditions bring participants together to form a team, develop new skills and work towards their award.
You'll enjoy the same expedition experience as a school group, with the added reassurance of experienced instructors providing supervision and pastoral support throughout, including during the evenings and overnight camps.
How Does It Work?
Our programme is divided into two four-day blocks, giving participants plenty of time to learn, practise and prepare before completing their qualifying expedition.
1st–4th June 2027 | Training & Practice Expedition
Four days of training, camping and canoeing on the River Severn. Participants will develop essential paddling, navigation, teamwork and expedition skills, putting their learning into practice as they prepare for their qualifying expedition.
27th–30th July 2027 | Qualifying Expedition
Participants return in the summer holidays to complete their DofE qualifying expedition, putting their new skills, confidence and independence to the test as they journey along the River Severn.
The break between the two blocks provides time to prepare equipment, build fitness and consolidate everything learned during training.
Camping & Practical Information
Both four-day blocks include camping, giving participants the full expedition experience while developing independence, resilience and friendships.
Training & Practice: 1–4 June
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Drop-off: Severn Park, Bridgnorth, or The Brewers (confirmed before departure)
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Collection: Lickhill Campsite, Stourport-on-Severn
Qualifying Expedition: 27–30 July
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Drop-off: Location confirmed following the training block
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Collection: Severn Park, Bridgnorth
Participants will need to arrive fully equipped for each block. A detailed kit list and joining instructions will be provided before departure.
Prices & Booking
£70 per person, per day
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£280 per four-day block
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£560 per person for the full eight-day programme
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Minimum group size: 10 participants
Why Choose Bear Creek Adventures?
Our expeditions are overseen by Monty Beaumont, an experienced expedition leader, former DofE Leader and school teacher, and owner of River Severn Canoes.
With experienced instructors, a supportive environment and the beautiful River Severn as your expedition setting, we help young people develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and independence while working towards their DofE Award.
Interested in joining our next Open DofE Expedition?
HANDY TIPS AND INFORMATION TO HELP YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR DOFE EXPEDITION WITH US
