Duke of Edinburgh awards (often abbreviated to DofE) started as a scheme for boys in the 1950's with Prince Philip as the chairman. The now well-established scheme operates throughout the UK and is open to all young people aged 14 to 24 years old, regardless of physical ability.

There are three levels of the awards – Bronze, Silver and Gold. Outdoor expeditions are an integral part of the programme designed offer young people opportunities to expand their skill set and and develop invaluable personal skills for life and work. This scheme can therefore enable a lot of young people who may not have been introduced to outdoor pursuits such as hiking and camping, to enjoy the challenge and exhilaration of a team expedition in the great outdoors.

The expeditions can be gruelling and challenging as young people are invited to work together as a team to get through a few days of survival and physical endurance. They usually find themselves in the wilderness and mountain hiking is a common activity. Participants need to be a team between of between four and seven members. Many schools organise expeditions as part of the scheme. You can contact your local authority to find out which is the schools or organisations that operate the scheme near you. Or you can consult the DofE scheme's own list of Approved Activity Providers to find a commercial or charitable organisation that is most convenient for you.

Planning and preparation is an essential part of the expedition, with the young people developing skills both working as a team and individually. Working in new walking boots for example can avoid hiking with painful blisters. And getting out and walking and hiking before the expedition can help prevent too much discomfort after a physically demanding expedition reducing the risk of exhaustion, aches and pains.

Of course it is important to make sure the participants are well kitted out for the exciting expeditions. Well-fitting durable outdoor clothes such as walking boots, adults and childrens fleeces, base layers and waterproof trousers are essential. Safety equipment such torches, a survival bag and a whistle are also strongly recommended. Also included in the official DofE expedition kit list is larger items such as a tent, sleeping bag and Trangia stove for cooking. All this equipment and clothing necessary for the expedition is carried in a rucksack that fits well in order to minimise discomfort and fatigue.