What you'll learn

The Basic Expedition Leader Award is split into 10 Units, detailed below are the units and what you'll learn in each one:-

Unit 1

Understanding the principles and practice of leadership

In order to lead a group of individuals in lowland country, you will have demonstrated that you are competent to:

identify the purpose of the journey

plan and prepare a scheme of work for a journey

communicate the aim of a journey effectively to groups and individuals

lead groups and individuals with confidence throughout a journey care for groups and individuals throughout a venture

ensure the safety of individuals at all times

communicate the review to the group and to individuals

demonstrate a range of leadership styles

Unit 2

Understanding instructional and organisational methods
All Basic Expedition Leaders must be able to instruct others in the contents of Units Three to Nine.

deliver the subject matter

communicate confidently with groups

organise, prepare, manage and conduct activity sessions

use a variety of teaching aids and resources effectively

Unit 3

Planning and preparing for an activity

carry out and record a risk assessment for the journey

select an appropriate programme for the group

inform parents/guardians and participants of the venture

obtain parental consent in the case of minors

issue a form requesting information concerning any relevant medical condition and fitness of participants

arrange appropriate level and ratio of staffing

arrange insurance cover

arrange adequate support

establish channels of communication for use in an emergency

select appropriate sources of information on local conditions

arrange transport requirements

prepare costings for a venture

arrange banking procedures

produce a statement of accounts

Unit 4

Understanding conservation and access in an environment

adhere and agree to a code of practice for using any site

be able to educate other potential users on the impact of activities on the environment

select and obtain permission for access to an area which is intended for use

monitor and survey the area to ensure sustainable and effective use

demonstrate a basic knowledge of Rights of Way legislation

Unit 5

Applying basic navigational skills

set an OS 1:50000 or 1:25000 map by relief and compass

find their location on a map

translate amp symbols to ground features

translate ground features to map symbols

estimate distances traveled

prepare route cards

calculate the direction of travel with a compass

obtain a gird bearing and transfer it to Magnetic North

complete a journey navigating with a map

Unit 6

Selecting and using appropriate equipment

select equipment for personal use

select equipment for group use

select equipment for emergency use

check that all equipment is serviceable and appropriate to the planned venture

supervise maintenance procedures

advise on clothing alternatives

Unit 7

Planning and completing an activity involving overnight stops

select an appropriate camp site

use at least two of the following stoves: a gas stove; a pressure stove; a methylated spirit stove

maintain the above stoves

select appropriate foods for an expedition

prepare a cooked meal out of doors

implement hygiene procedures

care for water supplies

erect a range of lightweight tents

erect a tent for a standing camp

complete a journey involving overnight stops

Unit 8

Dealing with first aid and emergency situations
On completion of this Unit, you will have successfully completed a nationally recognised certificated Level 2 First Aid Award that is valid for 3 years.

assemble a first aid kit appropriate to the circumstances

take action to prevent accidents

administer first aid to a casualty in the outdoors

respond to injuries and signs of illness

report and record accidents

Unit 9

Understanding fitness and weather conditions in the outdoor environment

Fitness

select a venture appropriate to the abilities of the participants

provide young people with appropriate methods of developing expedition fitness

instruct beginners in the care of the feet,hands and shoulders

provide information on the links between fitness,diet nutrition and stamina

encourage participants to develop a positive mental attitude to journeying

Weather

select appropriate sources of weather information

apply a weather forecast to the plan of a venture

plan adjustments to the proposed venture when indicated by the weather forecast

understand terminology used in weather forecasting

Unit 10

Demonstration of leadership skills
The final hurdle, this one's down to you to get sorted! To complete the Award and gain your certificate you must complete at least 30 supervised hours of group leadership experience, this may be assisting with a Duke of Edinburgh's Award group; assisting with a primary school group or helping your local scout or cadet group.

Whatever you do, you must record it in your log book.