Duke of Edinburgh

Frequently Asked Questions

What does each “package” include?

Each DOE package, no matter the level (Bronze, Silver or Gold) includes:

• A one-hour Preliminary Session – This session is hosted virtually over Google Meet and is intended to help participants prepare for their upcoming journeys. Our lead guide will go over what to expect, routes and locations, menu planning, what gear to bring/not bring, what kind of clothing is appropriate for an overnight journey/what is not and more! 
• A Practice Journey – Depending on the level the participant is completing; a practice journey is either combined with their qualifying journey (Bronze participants) or a separate journey that runs prior to their qualifying journey (Silver + Gold). The practice journey is intended to give participants an opportunity to practice the skills that they will be taking a more in depth look at during their qualifying journey.
• A Qualifying Journey – (Silver + Gold) Participants will take this exciting journey over 3-4 days (depending on level). This journey will test the skills learned during the practice journey, as well as provide additional knowledge and experience in the canoe and in the wilderness settings.

Do fees include food?

Yes! All participants are required to bring the first day’s packed lunch, snack and full water bottle on day one. After the first day’s lunch, Ridge provides all meals for the participants. Ridge also provides all cooking equipment for the participants.

Do fees include tents + other equipment?

No, fees do not include any individual gear or equipment, with the exception of the canoes, pfds, paddles, group equipment and other safety related equipment (first aid kits, in reach devices, cooking equipment, safety gear etc.) We do have rentals available for those who might not have the necessary equipment. Please ensure you are looking over the Gear List that is sent with your registration package to be sure you have all of the required equipment.

Do you offer rentals?

Yes! We do provide rentals for the following items: Tents (variety of sizes), Sleeping bags, sleeping mats, tarps + rope, camp stools, eating kits and dry bags (large and small). All are priced based on a nightly basis.

What time does the journey begin + end?

All of our DOE trips begin at 9:30 AM and end at 3:30 PM on the final day of the program. Please note there is a fee of $50.00 / every 30 minutes late – for parents/guardians who are not on site to pick up promptly by 3:30 PM on the final day.

Who fills out my report after the journey is completed?

When you have finished your journey, your award leader will help you to fill out your reports online. You will require your trip assessor and trip supervisors’ emails to send your reports. Participants should prepare to ask for their assessor/supervisor’s name and email addresses during their preliminary session OR while on trip.

Is there transportation provided to and from the pick up/drop off locations?

We do not provide transportation to and from the pickup and drop off locations. However, all of our journey locations have easy access to and from the boat launch in which your group will be meeting at. 

Who do we call in the event of an emergency, where we need to get in contact with our child/the participant on the trip?

In the event of an emergency, where you need to reach the guide on trip with your child/participant, please contact either 604-477-4663 or 236-380-3757. We will be able to contact the lead guide on the trip, on your behalf.

Do you provide private DOE trips? 

We do provide private Duke of Edinburgh journeys! Our trips are run with a minimum of 8 participants and include all of the same perks as our public offerings. You can get in touch with our office via email at info@exploreridge.com to get pricing information and available dates.

I am a parent/adult trying to arrange a DOE trip for my child/students, where do I begin?

The first step is to turn over all communications to the student. Given that this is an independent award, part of the process is to have students coordinate their trips on their own. Students can contact us via phone or email with any questions or inquiries they might have!