The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expedition Programme
Bach Ventures is an Approved Activity Provider by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. We offer training, supervision and assessment courses for Bronze, Silver and Gold level expeditions.
Based in Northern Snowdonia, this wild country area provides a challenging landscape to journey through with plenty of historic, industrial and geographical features to investigate.
Our training courses cover all aspects of the expedition section; including navigation, camp craft, equipment and food selection. We will offer advice on route selection and expedition planning however the actual route will be left to you to produce as this is an important part of the expedition process.
Qualifying expedition courses all include an acclimatisation day walk and navigation refresher. We do not pre-book campsites as we feel this is an integral part of the expedition planning process done by the participants (obviously we can provide numbers and contacts). Our supervisors and assessors liaise closely throughout the assessment expedition working together to ensure the safety and success of the venture.
Trainers / Supervisors / Assessors
For expeditions on foot; all staff hold the full Summer Mountain Leader award and are enthusiastic about the mountain environment in which they work.
Water based expeditions; staff hold either the BCU Level III Inland Kayak, Sea or Canoe coach award.
All staff are used to working with groups of young people and know how to get the most out of you. This is your expedition; we are here to ease your passage through this often challenging section of the Award.
Expeditions in kayak / canoes
We are happy to offer these courses in addition to those on foot.
Firstly, we check the participant’s current skill level and determine a programme of training from that. This would include the following; ability to handle craft safely whilst onshore, moving forwards and in reverse, sideways, looking at rescues and launching/landing techniques.
Expeditions may take place on canals, low grade rivers or on the sea. All staff allocated to this would be BCU Level III kayak or Canoe coaches. Full Personal Protection equipment would be provided and used by all participants.
Training courses
Depending on your arrival time we allow you to settle in then follow this up with sessions on camp craft and equipment / food selection.
Our first day is spent brushing up on those navigation skills. This is done mainly outside in the natural environment where it really makes a difference. Route selection, emergency planning / bad weather alternatives and recording techniques are also covered. That evening is spent planning your training expedition. At Gold level we also include a Night Walk exercise.
The following day we accompany you on the first day of your training expedition passing over gradually the responsibility of your journey to you.
Depending on your abilities we either continue with you or step back and supervise from further afield letting you take on the full challenge of your adventure. We will continue to monitor your progress and provide you will a full debriefing and make any recommendations for further training if required at the end of your adventure.
Assessment courses
We can provide both supervising staff and assessors at all levels.
The first day of your course is spent refreshing those important navigation skills and allowing you to get a feel for the countryside you are now in and getting to know your supervisor. You will then meet with your assessor who will spend some time getting to know you and finding out about the adventure you are about to undertake.
Walking Expeditions – Costings (Price is per person and based on 5 participants. Expeditions will only run with 5 or more participants)
| Level | Duration | Training | Assessment | Programme |
| Bronze | 4 Days | £120 | £160 | Day 1 arrive, settle in and purchase food and suppliesDay 2 day walk, navigation exerciseDay 3-4 expedition, debriefing and travel home |
| Silver | 5 Days | £200 | £240 | Day 1 arrive, settle in and purchase food and suppliesDay 2 day walk, navigation exerciseDay 3-5 Expedition, debriefing and travel home |
| Dates: 2012 May 4 – 7; May 25 – 27; July – Sept (any week) ; Oct half term weeks | ||||
| Gold | 6 Days | £240 | £280 | Day 1 arrive, settle in and purchase food and supplies Day 2 day walk, navigation exercise Day 3-6 expedition, debriefing and travel home |
| Dates: 2011 – April 6 – 13; May 4 - 9; July – Sept (any week); Oct half term weeks | ||||
All courses can be tailored to meet your specific requirements, this might mean more or less days training or by us coming to your local area. If you require different dates than that above please contact us to discuss your requirements.
