This 90 hour training and assessment course provides the opportunity for potential basic expedition leaders to gain technical competence in training and leading groups in British lowland summertime expeditions. The B.E.L.A is the minimum qualification recommended by Essex County Council and thr Duke of Edinburgh's Award Essex for those leading expeditions in Essex.

However, please note that the B.E.L.A course is a nationally recognised award and although skills taught throughout the course lends themselves to the leading and teaching of expeditions, it is not purely a Duke of Edinburgh-based award. Applicants should not therefore expect to be taught extracts from the Duke of Edinburgh syllabus.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at time of completion

Course Aims

The Award is designed to train others in the basic skills involved with:

Leading groups of individuals in lowland country.
Delivering and communicating subject matter to groups.
Arranging and organising safe expeditions.
Discussing and setting codes of practice to be upheld throughout the duration of the course.
Developing technical knowledge of map reading and using compasses.
Preparing groups for an expedition.
Selection and erection of base and standing campsites.
Obtaining first aid certificates and demonstrating the preparation of an appropriate expedition first aid kit.
Selecting correct locality and pace according to fitness requirements of groups.
And understanding weather information and forecasting from local sources.

Course Suitability

The B.E.L.A. is aimed at community and youth workers and any other interested adults over the age of 18 who wish to acquire the confidence and ability to lead groups of young people in lowlands of the UK in summer conditions.

The award does NOT qualify holders to lead in wild country areas, mountainous terrain or use rock climbing equipment.

Essex Outdoors also offers the First Aid courses required for this award. For more details please CLICK HERE

Forthcoming courses

Autumn 2010 (Mersea)
Intro evening: 5 6 October
Weekend 1: 9-10 October
Weekend 2: 23-24 October
Weekend 3: 5-7 November (Ashdown Forest)
Weekend 4: 19-21 November (Peak District)
Review evening: 23 November

Autumn 2010 (Danbury)
Intro evening: 12 13 October
Weekend 1: 16-17 October
Weekend 2: 30-31 October
Weekend 3: 12-14 November (New Forest)
Weekend 4: 26-28 November (Peak District)
Review evening: 30 November 2010

Duration:

1 night introduction
4 weekends in Essex/National Parks
1 night final work shop

Venue:

Various - see below

Offered by:

Mersea

Cost:

£350 (excluding food and accommodation).

Click here for enquiries