Unit Leader's Page

  • The aim of the D of E resources at the Teachnet web site ( is to provide a useful set of resources for training for the Expeditions section which will be useful to Unit Leaders involved with The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
  • It is NOT a publication from The Award!
  • It is assumed that training will be conducted by a suitably qualified expedition supervisor, viz:

Gold Award - ML qualification

  • The full requirements, recommendations and regulations may be seen on The Award Scheme web site:
  • The resource pages are Word documents (.doc) which you are welcome to download and modify for use with your own Unit.
  • Navigation and camp craft is more appropriately delivered outdoors.
  • First Aid training must be delivered by a qualified, up to date First Aider.
  • You are free to print copies of the HSE Emergency First Aid pages and give laminated copies to groups to carry on their expeditions.
  • Remember that all Unit Leaders and Expedition Supervisors are required to operate under the auspices of their Operating Authority and to comply with its requirements.
  • Have fun!

Some additional tips….

Blisters – A tried and proven method

  • At the first hint of a blister, stop
  • Clean the affected area with a sterile wipe
  • Apply preventive tape to stop it getting worse (eg Mefix tape, available on request from the Pharmacy)
  • If the blister has burst, apply a blister plaster (eg Compeed) and leave it on until it comes off by itself

Things to carry in the car during expedition supervision

  • Identification
  • Map
  • Checkpoint tags
  • Rucsac, packed ready for a long walk (including strobe light, first response first aid kit and binoculars)
  • Walking boots
  • High visibility vest
  • Comprehensive first aid kit
  • Blister plasters (eg Compeed), preventive tape (eg Mefix tape, available from a Pharmacy) and antiseptic wipes
  • Support bandages (eg Tubigrip)
  • Paracetamol and Piriton (requires parents’ authority)
  • Calamine lotion and cotton wool balls
  • Insect repellent, eg Mosiguard
  • Sun block
  • Sanitary towels
  • Crisps (for salt loss)
  • High energy food, eg Mars bars
  • Flask of hot chocolate in cold weather
  • Extra survival bags
  • Spare spirit pens
  • Spare tent pegs
  • Spare fuel
  • Useful string
  • All singing all dancing repair kit
  • Spare warm clothes, socks … everything!
  • Plastic bags, black sacks
  • Water carriers - allow 1 litre per participant (5 litre mineral water bottles are useful and cheap).

M I Preston – DGSG - 2006