Stepping Beyond the Classroom: DofE Practice Expedition in the Ostrava Countryside

Our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) students recently completed a practice expedition that took them from the familiar surroundings of Ostrava into the nearby countryside – and well beyond their comfort zones.

The group met at the Poruba Vřesinská tram terminus early in the morning and travelled together to Krásné Pole, where their journey began. From the very first step, students were challenged to take responsibility for their navigation. Each team received a compass bearing, distance, and a short clue – for example, “220 degrees, 1400 metres, a bend in a green hiking trail.” Using compasses, map-reading skills, and mathematical reasoning, they worked together to locate each waypoint and plan the most effective route.

The full route covered approximately 7.5 kilometres and included six waypoints. Along the way, students deepened their understanding of how to interpret maps in real life – translating contour lines, forests, open fields, rivers, and streams into the landscape surrounding them.

Midway through the expedition, the group stopped at a designated fireplace near the spa in Klimkovice. Here, the focus shifted to outdoor skills. Students explored different techniques for building a fire, including how to work with both dry and wet wood, how to prepare for challenging weather conditions, and how to assemble a simple, practical fire kit. They also learned to recognise natural materials that can support fire-making in the wild.

Working collaboratively, the group gathered wood, successfully built a fire, and prepared their own lunch. This part of the day also introduced principles of sustainable outdoor practice – choosing nutritious, easy-to-carry meals that require minimal preparation, reduce the need for washing up, and minimise environmental impact. Students were encouraged to think about how to manage waste responsibly and ensure that natural environments remain undisturbed.

Throughout the entire expedition, the team demonstrated excellent cooperation and a strong sense of shared responsibility. Tasks were approached naturally and collaboratively, highlighting not only practical skills but also resilience, communication, and mutual support. Based on this experience, the group shows great promise for successfully completing their Gold expedition in the future.

The final stage of the journey brought an unexpected challenge. With limited mobile signal, it was difficult to determine the best departure time to reach the tram stop in Dolní Lhota. Once a connection was regained, the group had just 37 minutes to cover nearly 3 kilometres – or face a long wait for the next tram. The decision was made quickly, and the pace picked up. The last stretch turned into a run, with the students showing impressive stamina and determination all the way to the finish.

For many, the DofE programme becomes more than just a series of activities – it creates lasting memories and strong friendships. Experiences like this, where students face discomfort, uncertainty, and challenge together, help build character in a way that few classroom activities can. It is inspiring to see that this spirit of resilience and teamwork continues to thrive in today’s students.