Expedition Leader Training | Four elements

Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award & Outdoor Adventure Teacher Training - Expedition Skills

This three day expedition skills course is designed specifically for school and youth group leaders working with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and other outdoor adventure programmes based in Germany. It is designed to support new Award Leaders with expedition skills needed for leading the Expedition section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Germany. It is also the perfect refresher for those wanting to brush up their navigation skills and get some hands on experience.

With over 15 years of experience running and leading these programmes we have designed a course to support Award leaders and teachers to build skills and confidence for supporting and leading these valuable programmes. The course focuses on tour planning basics, equipment know-how, map-reading and navigation skills, as well as the essentials regarding risk management and safety.

Over the course of three days we mix theory with practice, mainly working outside and learning through practical experience. Each participant receives a copy of our Expedition Leadership in Germany manual, tailored specifically to the course.

Course Content

Map-reading and navigation skills
Planning and preparation
Choosing and checking gear
Campcraft basics
Risk and safety management
Incident management
Group activities

Itinerary

Day 1: Thursday

Distance: 9.5km, Ascent: 700m, Descent: 3m, Walking time: Approx 3.5 Hrs

Meet in Benediktbeuern, welcome & introduction.
Hike to Tutzinger Hütte.
Dinner.
Gear & packing workshop.
Lunch: No lunch stop en-route. Bring packed lunch.

Day 2: Friday

Distance: 6km, Ascent: 500m, Descent: 500m, Walking time: Approx 3 Hrs

An introduction to map work.
Hike including risk management themes.
Incident management workshop.
Group activities.
Dinner.
Evening talk.
Lunch: Bring packed lunch or can be purchased at hut.

Day 3: Saturday

Distance: 9km, Ascent: 100m, Descent: 750m, Walking time: Approx 4 Hrs

Hike including incident scenario role-play.
Group activities.
Weekend de-brief.
Departure (approx. 16:00).
Lunch: Packed lunch (can be purchased at hut).

Accommodation:

Rooms: 4 bed rooms, shared bathrooms.
Half-board: Breakfast & 3-course dinner – please let us know any dietary requirements in advance.
N.B.: Lunch, snacks, drinks not included but available for purchase at the hut. (Cash only).

Activity level

This is an easy- medium difficulty tour. Most of the routes are along BLUE and RED (Alpine Club Classification) paths. You should be prepared to walk between 4-5 hrs per day – with the longest days’ ascent being a 700m climb. The walking pace will be around 300m/hr (ascent).

Most paths are well maintained and there are few exposed or secured sections making it a technically easy- medium tour for any hiker.

Included

Qualified English & German speaking trainer
Course manual
4elements’ course certificate
2 nights accommodation half board (in shared rooms)

Not included

Lunches (We will mainly stop along the route for refreshments/ lunch)
Drinks
Personal insurance (travel insurance and personal accident insurance)
Tips

Region

Benediktbeuern and the Benediktenwand

Benediktbeuern lies in the foothills of the Bavarian Pre-Alps, along the river Loisach. The area is known for the surrounding moorland and wealth of plant, animal and bird life as well as the mighty peak of the Benediktenwand (Benedikt’s Wall) which stands above it. This area of the Pre-Alps provides a great playground for all manner of Alpine activities- from simple day hikes along the streams and through the woods, to hiking trails, climbing walls and mountain-biking routes.

The network of paths and range of landscape make it a perfect base for practising navigation, map-reading and outdoor skills.

Accommodation

The Tutzinger Hütte sits below the majestic Benediktenwand and its peak. From here you can hike, bike, climb (or watch the climbers).

We stay in shared 4- bed rooms- assigned for our group. Theory sessions are held in the seminar room and outside.