Q. I like what I see and would like to apply to one of your expeditions?

A. Just download and complete the form and return it together with a deposit cheque of £50.

Q. What clothing and/or specialist equipment will I need?

A. It depends on the nature of the expedition. However, you will need appropriate clothing. On some expeditions you may need extra such as a mountaineering expedition. However, all specialist equipment such as crampons, ice axes, etc will be provided free of charge. The expedition leader will provide a comprehensive kit list and will indicate items you may need to purchase.

Q. Are there any hidden charges?

A. No

Q. What makes your group so special?

A. Our team members are recruited nationally and carefully selected. Youngsters cannot buy their way into our teams so you can be assured that you will be joining a successful team. For more information see selection page

Q. Do I need any special skills or experience to apply?

A. No. You will however need determination, humour, tolerance and a good level of personal fitness. You will return from your venture with a high level of skill and considerable experience.

Q. What will I get out of it?

A. Fun, Adventure new friends and the experience of a lifetime

Q. Will I be able to meet the rest of my group in the UK?

A. Yes. You will meet some of them on your selection course and all of them for at least four training days before departure. You will also meet them at our annual Ball and Summer B-B-Q.
         

Safe and responsible expeditioning demands the highest standards of leadership. Our members are frequently sponsored to gain qualifications and regularly attend the following courses:

• Basic Expedition Leaders Awards
• Rescue Emergency First Aid Care (see most recent course report)
• British Canoe Union Instructors Award
• Mountain Bike Leadership Award
• Mountain Leadership Award
• Single Pitch Assessment
• Cave Leadership.

The Society maintains close links with the Young Explorers' Trust, The Royal Geographical Society, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and the Association for Outdoor Learning.  We have sponsored a national code of practice for 'Safe and Responsible Expeditions'. >>read more...

Our expedition leaders have many years experience of leading expeditions for young people and the organisation has been approving school expeditions for over 20 years.  Because we are a charity we do not make a profit from the young people who attend expeditions.  All money is invested in the expedition, on equipment, on training and on experienced and trustworthy guides.  All leaders pay their own costs in full, so you can be sure they are as committed to the success of the expedition as the young people.

Please read on to find out more about the qualifications and experience of our team.  Their knowledge on the ground is second to none, and their dedication to expanding opportunities for youth, unfaultering.

Meet the team

John Hegarty

2002 Teaching Award Winner for South England for School and Community Involvement >> read more...
 

Clive Burgess

Recent trip: Cascades 2008
Clive Burgess: Head of Upper School in a large Weymouth Sports College. Co- Founder of the Dorset Expeditionary Society, he has 20 years experience of youth expeditions in the UK and overseas. He is a Fellow of The Royal Geographical Society. He has led expeditions to Canada, the USA, South America, Europe. Climbing experience covers Alaska, Colorado, the Alps, Andes, Canada. His most recent climb was on Mt McKinley (Denali), one of the world’s most demanding mountains. 

Next trip: Peru 2007
Ross Anson has previously taken part in expeditions to climb and mountain bike in the Andes and the Himalayas, as well as the Amazon rainforest and many expeditions in the British outdoors, largely in Dartmoor and the Brecon Beacons. He has experience of leading youngsters in outdoor activities such as trekking and mountain biking, as well as helping them train for the ‘ten tors’ competition aged 15. He is presently working towards his Mountain Leader award.

Next trip: Cascades 2008
Karen teaches art at a secondary school in Weymouth, Dorset. She loves walking, painting, wild landscapes and is forever in search of PEACE! She will be in charge of welfare during the trip.

Richard Edgeley

Recent trip: Colorado 2006
Teacher at Wey Valley School and assistant leader on Bike Colorado expedition. Married to Karen. 2 children Rosie(10) and Tom (8). Been involved in sport all my life, mainly team sports - cricket and rugby. Got into mountain biking last 3 years, enjoy day long hacks and completed a couple of Polaris challenge events. Looking forward to the adventure and challenge of the expedition

Louise Mahon

Recent trip: Colorado 2006
Teacher at Wey Valley School. Assistant leader on Bike Colorado expedition.

Ollie Bray

Next trip: Cascades 2008

Trevor the bear

Next trips: Moonlands 2008 & Trans Andes 2009
Veteran teddy bear  (thought to be in his 30's) and Dorset Expeditionary Society mascot.  Adopted by J. Hegarty some twenty five years ago after being abandoned by embarrassed previous owner (a kid) on a Welsh school trip.  Has travelled on annual expeditions with John ever since.  He luckily survived a nasty incident in Peru with a customs officer, who ripped his head off in search of drugs. 

Hear what previous trip participants have to say about their experiences on Leading Edge Expeditions.