Inclusive DofE Expeditions

At Out on the Downs, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to experience the challenge, adventure, and growth that comes with a DofE expedition—regardless of their individual needs.

What Does “Integrity of the Award” Mean?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is built on the principle of personal challenge. As participants progress from Bronze to Silver to Gold, the level of difficulty should increase—whether that’s through terrain, duration, or independence.

Core elements of the expedition include:

  • Journeying: Walking, cycling, paddling, or other forms of travel.
  • Campcraft: Cooking, cleaning, and managing life away from home.
  • Teamwork & Independence: Working together while developing personal responsibility.

These elements remain central, but reasonable adjustments can be made to ensure accessibility without compromising the award’s integrity.

How We Make Expeditions Inclusive

We work with participants, families, and leaders to tailor expeditions that are both challenging and achievable. Every adjustment is made on a case-by-case basis, ensuring the experience remains meaningful.

Examples of Adjustments:

  • Accommodation:
    While wild camping is typical at Gold level, alternatives like bunkhouses or campsites with facilities can be used. In some cases, participants may return home overnight or be supported by a parent/carer nearby.

  • Travel & Route Planning:
    Routes can be adapted to suit physical or medical needs. We’ll discuss what constitutes a reasonable distance and mode of travel—whether walking, wheeling, or using public transport to access start points.

  • Support Structures:
    Participants may be dropped off and picked up daily, or supported by known adults if needed. We ensure these adjustments still allow for independence and teamwork.

Keeping the Challenge Alive

At its heart, the DofE expedition is meant to be a real and rewarding challenge—but not an extreme one. It’s not about scaling Mount Everest or pushing beyond all limits. Instead, it’s about offering a meaningful experience that stretches each participant in a way that’s appropriate for them.

Whether it’s navigating new terrain, cooking outdoors, or working as a team in unfamiliar conditions, we ensure that every expedition:

  • Progresses in difficulty across Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels.
  • Respects individual needs while maintaining the core elements of the award.
  • Encourages growth through achievable, authentic adventure.

We’re here to make sure the challenge is real, not impossible—and that every participant finishes with pride, confidence, and unforgettable memories.

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