Objectives

Leading Edge Expeditions are ventures approved by the Dorset Expeditionary Society, a registered charity founded to encourage safe adventurous opportunities for young people. By training and challenging our youngsters we seek to cultivate and promote the personal qualities of service, self sufficiency and leadership. The society's leaders are all volunteers and its programmes are specifically targeted at increasing the scope and depth of challenge to all participants.

Annually, in conjunction with schools the Society's leaders field some sixty residential courses involving over 2000 young people. Almost every week of the year, at least one expedition leaves Dorset. Predominantly groups come from schools, colleges or clubs to work with our leaders. The ventures will take place in the 'wild country' areas of Dartmoor, Wales and Scotland. Youngsters will rock climb, mountain bike, camp, canoe, parachute, cave, hill walk and pony trek. They will learn new skills and raise their physical fitness but more importantly, they will live together in a situation in which co-operation, tolerance and teamwork are essential.

In keeping with its aim to encourage the development of all young people, the Society actively seeks to provide disadvantaged and disaffected youngsters with opportunities for adventure and exploration. In so doing we clearly recognise that those most in need of such experiences are the least able to ask for them, or indeed recognise their worth.

We provide sponsorship so that the financially disadvantaged may join in with their more fortunate peers; through schools and associations we provide opportunities for the physically and mentally handicapped, and adventure development courses for drug/alcohol rehabilitation groups.

All the activities are designed with the age and experience of the youngsters in mind. Our programmes set out to promote the qualities so essential to successful adulthood. The young people must work together, respect each other and accept responsibility for their actions.

For many of these young people it is their first independent experience away from home, giving them challenge and excitement within a protective environment. Even one expedition can raise a youngster's self esteem and have a lasting effect. As it is, most participants return on subsequent ventures and many progress on to major expeditions and independent leadership.

The Society regards the U.K. Programme as its central area of operation and one on which all others are based.

"I think that this trip has taught me so much that I am not even attempting to write them down. I have enjoyed the expedition more than words can describe. In my whole life I doubt I shall feel so many emotions in such a short period of time. Pain, joy, fear and excitement - I have experienced these and so much more."

(16 year old participant)