High Dartmoor Expedition
The Programme
click for gallery
This trip provides fun, excitement and education in equal measure.
During the 5-day programme each child is encouraged to discover their more adventurous side, while supported by thoughtful, professional staff. This is a chance to develop basic expedition skills, explore Dartmoor's wilder areas and learn more about its landscape and wildlife. We encourage the course members to widen their knowledge of the area and reflect on our relationship with the outdoors and its challenges.
Most Groups are accommodated in our Powdermills Bunkhouse.
The Young Spirit Ten Tors Expedition
A two day backpacking trip visiting ten Dartmoor tors, where team members will:
• Prepare and pack equipment and rations.
• Learn and use navigation techniques.
• Venture in to a remote area of Dartmoor travelling over rocky tors, through steep valleys and returning past ancient woodland to a wild campsite close to a farm.
• Set up a camp and cook an evening meal.
• Spend a wild night out on Dartmoor, with the chance to learn more about its history and wildlife.
• Break camp and return via a less challenging route, taking our time and there is often the chance to paddle in pools on the West Dart. The route finally passes over Crocken Tor to complete the collection of ten tors.
• Take part in a review session.
High Adventure
A rock skills day at the Dewerstone, where we are able to:
• Find out about safe use of equipment.
• Learn the important climbing knots.
• Take part in belaying and encouraging others.
• Do some simple scrambling, more exciting roped rock climbs and maybe finish with an abseil or zip wire.
• Reflect on our day.
Practical Skills
Camp craft session. A brief look at some useful bushcraft skills, including:
• Safe knife and carving techniques.
• Making a pot stand
• Fire lighting using local materials.
• Using a mini hobo stove.
• Compete in the camp breakfast race.
A useful logbook supports the whole programme, where children can record their experiences and development. It also contains a Dartmoor spotter's guide to encourage individuals to look for and identify local wildlife.
Reflection and Reward
After a very busy four days, on day five we use a range of activities and techniques to reflect on our experience.
• Update and review our logbooks.
• Look at personal challenges and celebrate successes.
• Share our wildlife observations.
• Discuss how we might use our experiences to develop further.
• Present a High Dartmoor Badge to each team member.
