World Challenge Expeditions

World Challenge is an international company, founded in 1987 by Charles Rigby, a former soldier in the British Army. The company designs and delivers outdoor educational programmes for school groups.

Overseas expeditions to long haul destinations

It is a 4 week overseas expedition to developing countries for students aged between 15 and 18. The program begins 15 to 20 months before the expedition takes place, allowing members to learn the teamwork and other skills necessary for expedition, as well as giving them time to raise the funds necessary to partake in the expedition (£3000 to £4500). This preparation period also includes a three day, two night training expedition, which is usually held in Buxton with other locations around the UK including Perth. It is designed to give participants greater responsibilities and decision-making roles.

Most expeditions are split into 4 phases:

* Acclimatisation:::This is designed to get challengers used to the rigours of trekking within that country and may include 1 night of camping.
* Main Trek: ::The challengers trek for an extended period (up to 2 weeks) in more remote areas. This pushes challengers to their limits as some of the areas are highly demanding both physically and mentally, but in most cases this is rewarded by exploring areas that few people have ever seen.
* Community Project: ::Challengers spend time working in a local community, taking part in conservation, construction and other charitable projects. This is thought to be one of the most rewarding parts of the expeditions as challengers may make a real difference.
* Rest and Relaxation: ::The challengers experience some of the extreme sports and activities the country has to offer, relax after the rigours of their exhibition. Activities include white water rafting, diving, visiting famous attractions and staying in a luxury hotel.

An Individual Expedition is for young people to go on an expedition without a school. There are a limited amount of destinations available but people go on the expedition with others they don't know. Team sizes range from 8 to around 18. These expeditions makes individuals meet and have to work with people who may be from different backgrounds to them. Teamwork and Leadership Skills are thought especially important, as the groups may be more independent than a school based group.

Overseas expeditions to short haul destinations

Expeditions to short haul destinations take place in European, Scandinavian and North African destinations where students can explore different cultures and new environments. They are encouraged to take manageable risks, overcome fears, make decisions, learn how to communicate more effectively and bond as a team.It is a 1 to 2 week expedition for children aged 13-16. The program attempts to test participants physically and mentally whilst living among different cultures and environments. There is great emphasis on teamwork, leadership, organisation and fundraising skills.

UK Expeditions

Expeditions involving trekking or river expeditions, for all ages. The team are self-sufficient, carrying everything with them that they need to complete their journey.

School activities

World Challenge also turns any open space within the school grounds or nearby into a new educational environment or overnight camp site.

Adventure Quest

These are 1-day adventures that require students to complete a daring mission. These activities take place in World Challenge locations across the UK.

Learning to Lead award

The Learning to Lead Award has been designed primarily for students at Key Stage 3 as preparation for other award programmes and school based schemes of work and is designed to improve life skills.

Residential Activities

On 3 to 7-day residential activities, teams are based at a fixed point, either in a semi-permanent ‘base camp’ (a canvas village with large bunk tents), an outdoor centre or wild camping in smaller dome tents.

Training courses

World Challenge is a specialist in the provision of leadership, teamwork and personal development training for young people. It runs a number of courses for Expedition Leaders, potential Leaders, School Leaders and people interested in outdoor education training. They offer several courses for qualifications in leadership, first aid and outdoor activities.

External links

* [http://www.world-challenge.co.uk/ World Challenge Official Website]
* [http://durham2peru.co.uk/ Durham 6th Form's Durham 2 Peru expedition website]