CHOCPAW EXPEDITIONS
&
THE DUKE of EDINBURGH's
AWARDS PROGRAM
Chocpaw Expeditions has been providing adventures for youth & school groups since its foundation 34 years ago. From Scout & Guide groups to Outdoor Ed students, Recreation & Adventure clubs, 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 be come involved in a variety of personal development activities. It aims to provide a balanced program of extracurricular activities & each level of the awaed 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 growrh of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Program in Ontario. Inspired by the same fundamental goals for youth in our programs, Chocpaw Expeditions has been working directly with the Ontario chapter to grow in our capacity to provide Duke of Edinburgh participants with expeditions that meet all the requirements for the expedition portion of the awards. We feature dog sledding expeditions, canoe trips 7 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
- Camps & trail systems
- Accommodations at camps
- A fully participatory experience
A guiding staff familiar with Duke of Edinburgh awards 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/complete some basic practice & training sessions. This is to ensure that you are well prepared for your adventure & 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.
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 & prepares the participant for an overnight journey.
Overnight Qualifying Journey: Includes outdoor activities & one night camping & puts into practice the skills & protocols learned in training & practice trips.
The Bronze Award
To complete the Expedition portion of the Bronze Award, participants must complete a trip - dog sledding, canoeing, or hiking - including one night under canvas. Prerequisites are a Preliminary Training session & a practice journey.
The Silver Award
The Silver Award requires participants to complete a 3 day expedition - dog sledding, canoeing, hiking - including 2 nights under canvass. Prerequisites include the Preliminary Training Session & an overnight qualifying journey.
The Gold Award
The Gold Award requires participants to complete 2 4 day expedition - dog sledding, canoeing, hiking - including 3 nights under canvass. Prerequisites include the Preliminary Training Session & an overnight qualifying journey.
Chocpaw Expeditions offers all sections of the awards programs from our base in South River. Preliminary Training & Practice sessions are also available at Seneca College in Toronto, 6 Rivers Wilderness Centre based out of London, & Kinark Outdoor Centre in Haliburton.
Click here for 2008 Winter Duke of Edinburgh Dog Sled Trips & Rates