CHOCPAW EXPEDITIONS
AND
THE DUKE of EDINBURGH
AWARDS PROGRAM
Chocpaw Expeditions has been providing adventures for youth & school groups since its foundation 35 years ago. From Scout & Guide groups to Outdoor Education students, Recreation & Adventure Clubs, and to students of History & Literature.
What is the Award?
The Duke of Edinburgh Awards Program was introduced in the UK in 1956 as a means to encourage & motivate youth to become involved in a variety of personal development activities. It aims to provide a balanced program of extracurricular activities & each level of the award challenges participants in four areas: Service, Expeditions, Skills, & Physical fitness.
For more detailed information on what the program is all about visit the Duke of Edinburgh website at www.dukeofed.org
Chocpaw Expeditions & the Duke of Edinburgh Programs in Ontario
Over the last several years we have witnessed the incredible growth of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Program in Ontario. Inspired by the same fundamental goals for youth in our programs, Chocpaw Expeditions as been working directly with the Ontario Chapter to grow in our capacity to provide Duke of Edinburgh participants with exeditions that meet all the requirements for the expedition portion of the awards.
We feature dog sledding expeditions, canoe trips and hiking trips that meet the Duke of Edinburgh criteria.
Expedition/Adventurous Journey
The adventurous journey is one of the four sections that must be completed for each award. It’s objective is to encourage a spirit of adventure & discovery, an understanding & appreciation of the natural environment, & the importance of working together in a team.
What Chocpaw Expeditions offers
1. Camps & trail systems
2. Accommodations at camps
3. A fully participatory experience
4. A guiding staff familiar with Duke of Edinburgh award requirements & fully certified & skilled in outdoor skills.
Duke of Edinburgh Expedition Pre-Requisites
Before going out on an expedition, the Duke of Edinburgh requires each participant to attend and complete some basic practice & training sessions. This is to ensure that you are well prepared for your adventure and will get the most out of it in terms of the objectives laid out for the award itself. You are required to complete a preliminary training, a practice trip & a qualifying journey at each level of the Duke of Edingurgh Award.
Preliminary Training
This is the first step in the Expedition phase & gives the opportunity to learn about facets of camping in a controlled setting. Topics covered include safety precautions & emergency planning, first aid, map reading, compass work, and the wilderness code of behavior.
Practice Trips
These trips vary in requirement for each level of the award and prepares the participant for an overnight journey.
Overnight Qualifying Journey
Includes outdoor activities & one or more night camping, depending on the award level. The participant puts into practice the skills & protocols learned in training & practice trip.
The Bronze Award
To complete the Expedition portion of the Bronze Award, participants must complete a trip – dog sledding, canoeing, or hiking – which including one night under canvas.
Prerequisites are a Preliminary Training session and a practice trip.
The Silver Award
The Silver Award requires participants to complete a thee-day expedition – dog sledding, canoeing, hiking – which including two nights under canvass.
Prerequisites include the Preliminary Training Session & an overnight qualifying trip.
The Gold Award
The Gold Award requires participants to complete a four-day expedition – dog sledding, canoeing, hiking – including three nights under canvass.
Prerequisites include the Preliminary Training Session & an overnight qualifying trip.
Chocpaw Expeditions offers all sections of the awards programs from our base in South River.
Click here for 2009 Summer Duke of Edinburgh Canoe and Hiking Trips and Rates.
Contacting Chocpaw Expeditions