Expedition Leader information

Further information pages for Expedition Leaders

The expedition
1 to 6-week self-sufficient expeditions to 55 amazing destinations across the world. World Challenge expedition participants (Challengers), are typically 13-19 years old with an average team size of 12.

Leading a World Challenge Expedition

Challengers will have been participating in a team-building and skills development programme for 9-18 months prior to this expedition, raising the funds and the majority of teams will have helped to plan their itinerary too.

Expedition phases
  • Acclimatisation phase
  • Main trekking phase
  • Project phase (for most destinations)
  • Rest and relaxation phase

Expedition Assistants

Our Expedition Assistants are there to help motivate and support the team and the Expedition Leader with the ability to communication, motivate and support on all levels.

Expedition Assistants - Assist on an expedition with World Challenge In addition to this our Expedition Assistants need to fulfil the following requirements –
  • Mountain Leader Training
  • Youth work experience
  • Developing world travel experience
As an Expedition Assistant with World Challenge you will be given the opportunity to work in some of the most exciting corners of the globe, helping to deliver life changing experiences to young people.

Our Expedition Assistants are encouraged to progress to become Expedition Leaders themselves, to help with this progression we offer the following benefits and personal development:

  • All expenses paid travel
  • £300 towards any NGB course with our approved providers
  • Free professional development courses
  • 1:1 guidance and instruction from the experienced Expedition Leader on expedition

Stages to becoming an Expedition Assistant

  • Initial vetting of experience and qualifications
  • Successful completion of our Expedition Assistant training course
  • Confirmation of placement on expedition 

Read Expedition Assistant's profiles
 

Potential  Leader Courses

All potential Expedition Leaders are required to attend a 'Potential Leader Course’

The World Challenge Potential Leader Course is designed to develop both technical qualifications and practical experience and will cover all aspects of leading or assistant leading on an overseas expedition.

Potential Expedition Leader Course Details

Duration: 4 days
Included: The courses are free and include some food and some accommodation
Not included: Travel expenses to and from the course

The course is split into two parts:

Part 1 (For Assistants and Leaders): The first day is a theoretical day designed to introduce applicants to the World Challenge ethos, operating procedures and being part of the Expedition Leading Team. The second day is more practical and is based around expedition-specific scenarios, working with peers whilst walking in the local area.

Part 2 (For Leaders only): The day and night of Part 2 is spent working with a group of Challengers (young people) as they attend their expedition training weekend in preparation for their trip later in the season. This will be an assessment of the Potential Leader’s ability to lead a safe and developmental overseas expedition.

How to apply for the Potential Expedition Leader Course
Once you have registered your details, completed your application form and have been accepted, course dates and further information will be made available online to individual applicants.

Potential Leader Course Dates for 2011/12 Season:

Part 1
  • 8-9 September 2011 – West Linton, Scotland
  • 22-23 September 2011 – Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
  • 13-14 October 2011 – Great Tower, Lake District
  • 27-28 October 2011 - Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire 
  • 10-11 November 2011 – Cannock Chase, Staffordshire
  • 24-25 November 2011 – Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
  • 3-4 December 2011 – High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire 
  • 7-8 January 2012 – High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire 
  • 21-22 January 2012 – West Linton, Scotland 
  • 16-17 February 2012 - Ashdown Forest, East Sussex
  • 25-26 February 2012 - Cannock Chase, Staffordshire
  • 1-2 March 2012 – Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
  • 15-16 March 2012 – Great Tower, Lake District
  • 22-23 March - Cannock Chase, Staffordshire
Part 2
  • 10-11 September 2011 West Linton, Scotland
  • 10-11 September 2011 Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
  • 24-25 September 2011 Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
  • 1-2 October 2011 Aviemore, Scotland
  • 15-16 October 2011 Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
  • 15-16 October 2011 Hexham, Northumbria
  • 29-30 October 2011 Ashdown Forest, Sussex
  • 12-13 November 2011 Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
  • 12-13 November 2011 Ashdown Forest, Sussex
  • 26-27 November 2011 Ashdown Forest, Sussex
  • 26-27 November 2011 Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
  • 10-11 December 2011 Ashdown Forest, Sussex
  • 3-4 March 2012 Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
  • 10-11 March 2012 Epping Forest, Essex
  • 17-18 March 2012 West Linton, Scotland
  • 24-25 March 2012 Epping Forest, Essex
Our participants say…
“This course provided me with an avalanche of information and a real sense of what World Challenge is about. It confirmed that I would like to be part of what World Challenge delivers to young people. An amazing experience.”

“This course has been instructional, motivational, confidence building, eye opening and yet reassuring. It has affirmed and given me more confidence in my skills and ability. It has shown me ways in which I can develop myself further as a leader for the benefit of my groups”

Quotes from participants in the 2011 Potential Leader Course Season

Find out more

T +44 (0)1494 427600
E findoutmore@world-challenge.co.uk
Contact us quickly via our online contact form
Find out how to launch an expedition

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