High Dartmoor Expedition

The Programme

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

The Expedition

A two day backpacking trip, where team members will:

• Prepare and pack equipment and rations.
• Learn and use navigation techniques.
• Walk an easy route over rocky tors and past ancient woodland to a wild camp site
• Set up a camp and cook an evening meal.
• Spend a wild night out on Dartmoor, learning more about its history and wildlife.
• Break camp and return via a more challenging route.
• Complete the letterbox challenge on the way back to base.
• 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 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 tent pegs.
• Fire lighting.
• Making and 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, we take time on day five to:

• 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.