Expedition charges

Costs of training and individual expeditions can vary depending on the numbers attending, duration, location, and the expenses of the volunteer leaders supporting it. The table below shows the range of charges for different types of expeditions we run, alongside typical charges for other organisations who provide DofE.

For details about paddling expeditions, see Longcraig ESSU site.

Level – SEEE Expedition section costs

SEEE Guide (Hillwalking)

Other Providers –
Example Costs (2022, lowest – median – highest)

Bronze

£15-35 

(Typically completed with District/Unit) 
Training – £0-20  
Qualifying Expedition – £15-20 
(2 days, Pentlands) 

£50 – £150 – £300

Silver

£70-130 

Training – £10-20
Practice Expedition (2 days/2 nights) – £30-60 
Qualifying Expedition (3 days/2 nights) – £40-70 

£100 – £200 – £ 400

Gold

£90-£180

Training – £10-20 
Advanced First Aid – £35 (optional – 2 in each group need to hold) 
Practice Expedition (2 days/2 nights) – £30-60 
Qualifying Expedition (4 days/4 nights) – £50-£100

£150 – £300 – £600
  • The charge for each expedition is estimated to cover the specific costs in running the expedition and to contribute to the overall costs of running the SEEE Programme.
  • It does not usually include transport to/from the start/finish points or hire of specialist equipment
  • At end of the expedition, any unplanned surplus is returned to the contingency fund.
  • Biking expeditions have similar costs to hillwalking – there may be additional costs for the use of panniers to carry kit on bikes of £10 if needed. Most participants have a MTB, gravel or hybrid bike that can be used – we can advise and may be able to assist with hire of a bike if required.

 

What is not covered by our charges

Individuals may have additional personal costs to: 

  • ensure they have personal kit as shown in the expedition kit list
  • contribute to food purchased for their expedition group
  • pay for the replacement or repair of equipment through lack of care by individuals or a group
  • arrange transport or car shares to the start and finish locations for an expedition

All participants in expeditions must already be registered with DofE/Scouts Scotland for the relevant level (Bronze, Silver or Gold) of the Award. This can be arranged through your Unit or District and will cost in the region of £29-£35 depending on level.

We ask you to be considerate of others and view your place as a commitment to take part in the expedition as part of your team, and only withdraw if something unexpected and serious happens that is outside your control – e.g. illness, clash with SQA exam, family emergency.

If this happens, contact us as soon as possible. We may need to cancel the expedition if numbers taking part are below the minimum needed for safety,  replan groups and kit and replan expedition groups and equipment. We may need to charge the full cost of the expedition, but will consider refunding part or all of the expedition depending on the individual circumstances. 

Support we can provide

Everyone’s personal situation is different – and maybe you think you might not be able to complete an expedition, possibly because of the cost, not having all right gear, transport difficulties, fitness, a medical condition or disability, or possibly one of many other things.  

We want everyone to have the opportunity to take part whatever their situation and have helped many Explorers in the past to enjoy the adventure of an expedition.  There are various options we can explore to see if we can help you – so please get in touch with us in confidence and we will do our best to make your expedition possible.  Please contact any of the following and we will do our best to find a way for you to take part.  

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