Expeditions - how to do them in 2021

As the weather improves and anti-epidemic measures are relaxed, we are again tempted to go outdoors and on expeditions. Before students return to school, however, things still can't go as we are used to. One of DOFE's core values is to learn not to give up, so here is a summary of options and tips for tackling expeditions despite the current constraints. At the end of the article, you will also find a recap of the revised terms and conditions, which are currently in effect until July 31, 2021. 

1. Start planning online 

We know that almost everything is happening in the online space at the moment, including our social interactions, and few people are excited about it. But it's a way to be able to respond flexibly to the release of arrangements and ensure that you can ideally make the dispatch before the end of the school year. Using of our expedition training manual online training will be easier for you. There are plenty of tips on videos, articles and online and offline activities for each area. And at least your participants will have something to look forward to!  

2. Customize the terms and conditions according to your needs (within the allowed options) 

Do your participants perform at silver or gold level and have they completed several expeditions? Do you have a bronze group that will be leaving soon or don't want to wait until the holidays or the next school year? Consider cancelling the training expedition, obviously not at the expense of the quality of the expedition. To help you decide whether to keep or cancel a training expedition, this Document.  

Or tailor the training expedition to your needs. Not interested in online expedition training? Do it during a training expedition. Have your participants stay overnight on school property or in another safe environment (with landowner permission). Don't plan on traveling to the other side of the country. Even an intra-district expedition can be challenging in its own way, for example by discovering new beautiful places in your immediate area.  

*Edits to all terms and conditions can be found at the end of this article.

3. Use the services of the National Centre  

We also believe that one day this situation will pass and we will be able to meet again at least in small groups. If your participants don't want to wait for the situation to improve, let them know about our open expeditions. We have 2 more dates from August to October for this year. We plan to insure expedition safety with mandatory testing and small groups. We will be very happy to give you all the details on request. This option is paid, but any participant who needs it is entitled to apply for a contribution from our Social Fund.  

Another option you can use is to have the National Centre formally sponsor the expedition if for some reason you are unable to organise a school event. The expedition will take place exactly as you are used to, but under the umbrella of the DOFE National Centre.  

4. Increase shipping safety  

Even if it is possible to go out into the countryside, safety and health is always paramount. The risks of infection can be reduced by taking small measures that can reduce the risk to a manageable level. These include sleeping and cooking, the activities where the closest contact occurs.  

• Test yourself before going on an expedition, ideally twice. Once 2-3 days before the expedition and then with a self-test kit just before the start 

• Pay attention to sleep. If each participant doesn't have their own tent, they can sleep spaced apart under a horizontally stretched tarp where air circulation is higher or under a tarp. Expect to be colder than in a tent and warn participants (especially the coldest) to bring warmer sleeping bags or more layers. A waterproof cover can also be used as a "bivouac sheet" in a pinch, and costs a few crowns.  

• Make sure everyone has their own dishes to eat with. Participants should cook individually or in small groups and not taste the food before sharing 

• Warn participants not to share drinks, snacks, give tastes, etc.  

These were a few tips from us. Also, we can't wait to get out into nature (not only with the participants). We hope that as the sun gets better and better, so will the overall situation and we will all enjoy our expeditions later this school year! 

 

*Still valid for successful expeditions 15 international conditions, with the following modifications. The modifications are valid for the time being until 31 July 2021: 

• Condition 2: The number of team members is 4 - 8 persons regardless of the pair activity 

• However, care must be taken to ensure that each member is involved as much as possible in the preparation and execution of team tasks   

• Condition No 5: The requirement to complete a training expedition is removed.  

• A training expedition is considered to be completed if the team meets all conditions proving its readiness for a live expedition after the expedition training - see point 1b) 

• Condition 7: The expedition can take place in a familiar (urban) environment 

• Due to the risks associated with travelling by public transport, it is possible to undertake the expedition in the vicinity of the school / group members' place of residence or overnight stay 

• Condition 12: Overnight accommodation can be adapted to the environment in which the expedition takes place   

• It is thus possible to spend the night in the school yard, in the school gym or with the permission of the owner in someone's garden or on the property (trainer, participants)  

• It is not necessary to enter the expedition into ORB several months in advance, two weeks is enough (for the insurance of participants)