Expeditions and explorations
What’s the difference and how do I plan and run them?
Expeditions
An expedition is a journey with a purpose. The expedition should involve travelling for at least four hours on each day, by foot, cycle, canoe, horse or other agreed means. For more information on using all these forms of transport in Scouting, check out our rules and guidance for adventures.
Group size: Four or more
Time: Two days (at least four hours travel per day)
Night away: One night away
Accommodation: Campsite, bunk house, hostel, or similar
Location: Countryside or suburban area, ideally not well known to team
Transport: Foot, cycle, canoe, horse, or other
Route planning: Rest and meal stops, and timings
Equipment: Appropriate for terrain, mode of travel, and to deal with emergencies (If camping, Scouts are not required to carry camping equipment)
Navigation: OS map, compass, GPS
Emergencies: Emergency plan
Catering: Cooking and eating at least one hot meal themselves (using kitchen, lightweight stove, campfire, or similar)
Purpose: Task or small project
Permits needed: Nights Away; plus possibly Hillwalking, Cycling or Canoeing
Event passport: May be issued to a Scout who will lead the rest of the team during Nights Away (Overnight venue should be aware and agree to this if the Scouts are to be unsupervised)
Report back: Report, performance, video, presentation, blog, website
Explorations
An exploration is a purpose with a journey. The exploration should involve travelling for at least ninety minutes to reach the destination, by foot, cycle, public transport or other agreed means. Scouts could explore somewhere in the UK or abroad. Having reached the destination, at least five hours of investigation should be carried out over the two days, following up on previously undertaking research.
Group size: Four or more
Time: Two days (90+ minutes travel to destination and at least five hours of investigation over 2 days, following previous research)
Night away: One night away
Accommodation: Campsite, bunk house, hostel, or similar
Location: Countryside, town or city area not well known to team
Transport: Foot, cycle, public transport, or other
Route planning: Rest and meal stops, and timings
Equipment: Appropriate for terrain, mode of travel, and to deal with emergencies (If camping, Scouts are not required to carry camping equipment)
Navigation: Timetables, street map, A-Z, compass, GPS
Emergencies: Emergency plan
Catering: Cooking and eating at least one hot meal themselves (using kitchen, lightweight stove, campfire, or similar)
Purpose: An investigation of an area
Permits needed: Nights Away; plus possibly Hillwalking or Canoeing
Event passport: May be issued to a Scout who will lead the rest of the team during Nights Away (Overnight venue should be aware and agree to this if the Scouts are to be unsupervised)
Report back: Report, performance, video, presentation, blog, website