We are Wildside Expeditions.
Wildside Expeditions is a relatively new company, started in 2017, offering DofE expeditions for youngsters aged between 14 and 24. We hope to fill a gap for the expeditions section, where schools and colleges either do not run DofE expeditions or for some reason you have not been able to get on board.
Dave Croasdale; As the Senior Manager of Wildside Expeditions my philosophy is to help youngsters take part in a fantastically rewarding scheme. My background is working in a large secondary schools until recently, having supervised DofE expeditions for 5 years, run many outdoor activity courses, field trips and ski trips abroad. I had pastoral responsibilities for many years which gives me a clear understanding of the needs of youngsters today. Outdoors is what I enjoy and what I want to pass on to others. I have run expeditions with Wildside for 6 years. |
Michael Griffiths; I am a qualified Mountain Leader & an ex-teacher with over 30 years' experience. As well as being a DofE supervisor and assessor, I have qualifications in mountain biking and climbing. Hailing from Snowdonia I have enjoyed the outdoors for as long as I can remember and have a passion for the outdoors. I also lead walks in North Wales and take mountain training courses. Search MGOutdoors for more details. I have run Duke of Edinburgh expeditions in my school for a number of years.
Gary Williams; I am a qualified Mountain Leader, I have been involved with DofE since 2009 working for a Local Authority in North Wales, now retired. I have supervised and assessed numerous expeditions in England and Wales, as well as delivering expedition & Leader training to volunteers. I have a passion for adventure travel & have trekked in Peru, China, Jordan, Tanzania & Nepal. I believe outdoor education, and in particular the DofE, offers young people the opportunity to develop skills which are invaluable for the rest of their lives.
Kat Moss; I have worked with Wildside Expeditions for five years, and also been involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Award at a centre in North Wales for a number of years. I have hiked in the USA and Canada, but get just as much pleasure from discovering the hills and mountains of Wales, the Peak District and the Lake District. The Award has amazing value for the youngsters that complete it, the expedition often being the highlight of that achievement.
All instructors have considerable Duke of Edinburgh Award experience. They are well qualified, all have current First Aid qualifications, all are enhanced DBS checked, but more importantly they have the enthusiasm for the outdoors, as well as the skills and knowledge to make expeditions a success.
Safety, licence, insurance...
Wildside Expeditions works hard to ensure expeditions are as safe as possible, without taking the unique experience of being self-sufficient away from the youngsters.
- Wildside Expeditions are an Approved Activity Provider, AAP, for the DofE Award. This confirms we have met the DofE's stringent criteria for operating safe expeditions.
- CRB/DBS Enhanced checks. All instructors have current checks and are updated every three years.
- Insurance. We are fully insured with public liability of £5 million. Details on request.
- First Aid. All instructors have a current REC First Aid certificate.
- Supervision of youngsters. We follow DofE guidelines at all times, campsites are supervised. At gold, remote supervision takes place, at other levels a series of checkpoints are used to know the whereabouts of all groups.
- We have been licensed by Adventurous Activities Licensing Service which is the body that regulates adventurous activities in the UK. It is a government body and part of the HSE,
Equipment...
All group equipment can be provided by Wildside Expeditions. This includes tents, stoves and gas, maps & map case, compass, group shelter, rucksack and sleeping mats if required.
It is recommended that youngsters provide their own personal equipment, such as boots, sleeping bag and waterproofs.
All food must be brought by the youngsters, further advise will be given about food and equipment when a booking has been made.
It is recommended that youngsters provide their own personal equipment, such as boots, sleeping bag and waterproofs.
All food must be brought by the youngsters, further advise will be given about food and equipment when a booking has been made.