The aim of the Expeditions Section is to encourage a spirit of adventure and discovery. This section is divided into two types of ventures: Expeditions which have journeying as their principal component and Explorations which involve less journeying and a greater proportion of time spent on first-hand investigations or other specified activities. At Gold there is also the additional option of Other Adventurous Projects which are of an equally, or more demanding nature but which depart from the specified conditions. All types of ventures involve self-reliant journeying in the countryside or on water, conceived with a purpose and undertaken without motorised assistance and with minimum external intervention.

The following requirements apply for all types of venture:

• All qualifying ventures should have a clearly defined purpose
• On completion you should review the venture and give an account or presentation related to this purpose
• Unaccompanied ventures should take place between the end of March and the end of October
• Ventures involve joint planning and preparation by all members of the group
• Groups consist of between 4 and 7 people
• Accommodation is by camping
• You must be trained in the skills necessary to undertake the planned venture
• You must undertake sufficient practice journeys to ensure that you are able to journey safely and independently in the chosen environment
• All ventures must be supervised and assessed by suitably experienced people

There are 4 stages in the Expeditions Section:

• Initial Briefing and Training: You should plan a venture in terms of purpose, mode of transport, chosen environment etc. and undertake appropriate training.
• Practice Journeys: You must undertake sufficient practice journeys to ensure that you are able to complete the planned venture.
• Qualifying Venture and Debriefing: A qualifying venture with a purpose must be undertaken, with a group of between four and seven young people, followed by a debrief.
• Review: All participants provide a presentation or account related to the purpose.

The time requirements for this section vary depending on the Level of the Award undertaken. For full information visit the official Duke of Edinburgh's Award website at http://www.theaward.org.