Target audience:

The BESA course takes place over 2 full days (over one weekend, but NOT residential) and is primarily for staff who wish to help train and supervise young people for Duke of Edinburgh Award Bronze expeditions, but who do not have relevant National Governing Body qualifications (such as the ML Lowland Leader Award). The weekend course is also suitable for any staff who lead/supervise groups on lowland walks in the countryside. The Saturday of the weekend is also a 1-day refresher course for all those currently involved in training and supervising young people for D of E expeditions (regardless of their level of qualification) N.B. All current DofE expedition leaders are expected to attend a refresher day at least once every 2 years to keep their skills and knowledge uptodate.

Outline of event:

The ERYC Bronze Expedition Supervisor Award (BESA) course takes place over 2 full days (over one weekend, but NOT residential) and is designed to give practical training, and a relevant local accreditation (recognised only in the East Riding) primarily for staff who wish to help train and supervise Duke of Edinburgh Award Bronze expedition groups (or for any staff who wish to lead walks in the countryside) but who do not have relevant National Governing Body qualifications - such as the Basic Expedition Leader (BEL) or the MLT Lowland Leader Award. However, the weekend course is also suitable for any staff who lead/supervise groups on lowland walks in the countryside. Participants should gain competence and confidence in the relevant skills such as navigation, campcraft, group management,and dealing with emergencies, as well as a greater understanding of their roles and responsibilities as expedition supervisors. Practical training will be provided throughout Saturday and during Sunday morning, and there is a practical and written assessment on Sunday afternoon.

The 1-day refresher course (for all existing DofE expedition leaders) takes place on the Saturday only, and is an opportunity for current leaders to come together and share their experience and good practice with each other and with those participating in the BESA course, as well as refreshing their own knowledge and skills. All current DofE expedition leaders are expected to attend one of these Refresher courses at least once every 2 years.

The course is non-residential and the 2 days of training will be based at Allerthorpe Lakeland Park near Pocklington. There is a £75 charge for BESA candidates.
Those who already have relevant leadership qualifications but would like to attend the Refresher course only (on the Saturday) will be charged £5pp towards venue hire/refreshment costs.

It is expected that all participants will be committed to supporting Duke of Edinburgh expeditions organised by East Yorkshire schools and Youth and Family Support Services.

Feedback from previous course participants-

"lots of useful information gained"

"very worthwhile and enjoyable"

"very good networking and sharing of good practice"

"a very enjoyable and informative weekend"

Learning and Teaching Outcomes:

Develop the knowledge and skills to train and supervise young people on lowland walks or camping trips - especially those involved in Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.

We expect that all CPD will involve integral evaluation processes

Preparation:

Bring suitable outdoor clothing and footwear. Full details will be sent to all participants a few weeks before the course.

Online resources:

See Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition website