brathay exploration group, join an expedition.

1. BEG - structure, history, etc
(i) What is Brathay Exploration Group?
• We are a charitable, voluntary group, committed to youth expeditioning and personal development. Leaders contribute to expedition costs, and give their time freely. All of the money you pay goes into supporting expeditioning.
• Since our foundation in 1947, we have taken almost 10,000 participants on almost 700 expeditions all over the world. In 1997 the Royal Geographical Society awarded a Special Medal "for services to exploration and youth adventurous activities". The Group was a founder member of the Young Explorers' Trust. It has published a number of scientific and other reports, which are available from the Royal Geographical Society Expedition Advisory Centre. For more information see Brathay Exploring by Brian Ware, published by the Brathay Exploration Group Trust.

• Each year, young people (aged 15-25) from all over the UK learn new skills, make new friends, gain new self-confidence and discover new places on expeditions, in the UK, Europe and worldwide.
• Annually we have about ten expeditions of different duration and content, and suited to all budgets.

• We offer unique opportunities for people to learn about themselves, other people, the environment and peoples of the world. Through our expeditions and related activities members of the Group grow personally so that they make a difference wherever and whenever they participate in society.
• No prior experience is required for most expeditions, and indeed many people get into the outdoors through BEG expeditions.

• BEG specialises in small-group expeditions, in which members can get to know the leaders and other members very well, and have a large degree of personal responsibility. As well as having a good time of course! We aim to achieve a good mix of individuals from different backgrounds, and with different degrees of experience.
•The great strength of BEG is that it is a very friendly, supportive community. Every year there is a reunion in October, when the members of the various expeditions meet up. There are slide-shows of each expedition, and those planned for the following year are announced. It's a great party and the best way to meet other members of the Group, as well as other leaders.

(ii) How is the Group organised?
• Brathay Exploration Group Trust Ltd. is a Registered Charity (Reg.No. 1061156). As a voluntary organisation we have been running expeditions, training courses and other events around the world and at home in the U.K., for over 50 years. A Board of elected Trustees assisted by various committees, runs the group. We have one employee, the administrator, who maintains our office on the Brathay Estate, Ambleside, Cumbria. Its leaders are all volunteers, many having had their first expedition opportunity with the group and then progressed to a leader role after training has been undertaken and wide experience obtained. In joining a Brathay trip you become a member of the organisation which offers you much more than a one off experience.
• The Group is voluntary, and employs only the full-time director, Graham Watson. Everyone else gives their time freely. Coupled with being a small organisation, this gives it a very friendly, cooperative, fun atmosphere. There's no shortage of help and advice. There is an annual reunion in October, which is always a great party as members of expeditions meet up again, and get to meet others in the Group. It's also a time for the leaders to organise expeditions. There are a number of other leaders' meetings throughout the year as well.

(iii) Who are the leaders?
• Our leaders are experienced expeditioners, who are used to leading youth expeditions and pitching them at the right level, to provide a challenge but not to over-stretch members. Many are teachers, university lecturers, outdoor instructors. All are carefully vetted for their technical skills and youth leadership ability.
• Assistant leaders are often former members of BEG expeditions who have demonstrated the skills and aptitude to be ready to go on to become leaders.
• Assistant leaders are usually aged 19-20 and older, and chief leaders are usually aged ~25 upwards. There are roughly equal numbers of women and men.
• In common with all organisations involved with those under 18, we carry out Police checks for the safety of members.

2. What is special about BEG?
(i) What are the benefits of membership of BEG?
• You don't have to join an expedition to be a member of BEG, and many people continue membership in years when they are not joining an expedition.
• You will receive our magazine, "No Limits", three times a year. This has articles about expeditions and plans for the future, book reviews, and advertises activities organised by members.
• The Members' Lodge at our base near Ambleside is a great base (with heating and a kitchen!) for a weekend's walking, in the heart of the Lake District. You can bring guests, too!

(ii) What are the benefits of joining a BEG expedition?
• Expeditions are life-changing experiences. Faced with new challenges in new environments, people discover new skills and resources - including tenacity and adaptability, creativity, initiative and problem-solving, and team-building. and self-confidence.
• For the career-minded, expeditions are a great way to demonstrate skills that employers are looking for. We are happy to provide references for you.
• Some expeditions have a 'community' or 'scientific' slant, and most have a trekking element.
• On most expeditions you can learn / improve mountaincraft and expedition skills. Our experienced, enthusiastic leaders are eager to share their skills with you and to give you as much responsibility as possible - we want you to learn from solving problems yourselves, rather than us simply telling you what to do, or doing it for you! We might let you make daft mistakes - but not dangerous ones! Many people surprise themselves with the skills they learn, when they're not afraid to try things in front of their mates!
• You will experience working in a group of people from different backgrounds, of different ages, and with different levels of experience, solving problems and making plans together. A great benefit of the group is its national character. BEG expeditions offer something that school trips or peer-group expeditions cannot - the chance to meet a range of new people from around the country, and even overseas.
• Safety and medical cover are priorities. All leaders are highly-trained First Aiders, and we carry medical kits equipped far in excess of anything you would take yourself.
• We also have a comprehensive insurance policy against loss of baggage and personal effects, accident, death and personal disablement. If your expedition is to a destination outside the UK then the fee is inclusive of travel insurance, medical expenses, cancellation and curtailment. Full details of the policy will be sent to expedition members, or on request.

(iii) Continued involvement in BEG and expeditioning
• BEG offers much more than a one-off experience! We are a community of outdoor enthusiasts, keen to share our skills and experience.
• Many members participate in a number of expeditions in subsequent years, and a number go on to become assistant leaders and then chief leaders.
• We have an annual reunion at our base in the Lake District, which is a great party and an opportunity to make friends with members and leaders of other expeditions. Often you will find that there are people in your area who would be interested in arranging outdoor activities with you.
• Many expedition groups arrange their own 'reunions' and remain in touch with members and leaders. We often arrange activities away from the formal structure of BEG, such as a skiing trip in January.

(iv) Will I be able to get a job reference or credit for my CV?
• Employers and universities are often keen to know how you perform on expeditions because it gives you an opportunity to demonstrate a lot of the skills and aptitudes that they are looking for. We are happy to provide references if you wish.

(v) Can Duke of Edinburgh's Award requirements be fulfilled on BEG expeditions?
• Usually, yes! Many people have completed parts of D of E awards through our expeditions.
• However, please contact the leader of the expedition you are interested in to discuss your requirements, to see what arrangements can be made.

(vi) Is it possible to progress into leadership through BEG?
• Yes! This is something that we actively encourage. Many of our current leaders initially joined the Group as members. There are a number of training courses that the Group available in leadership, expedition planning and organisation, mountain skills - some organised by BEG and others by YET.
• Leading is great fun, and a good way to improve your skills, as well as learning new ones! It's great to see the pleasure the members take in their experiences and achievements. It can also be a good way to see new parts of the world. And the other leaders are great people to get to know.
• Typically, you would join a couple of expeditions, then progress into assistant leadership, before taking on the role of chief leader. We try to give all the members of expeditions as much responsibility as possible, so the transition into leadership is a smooth progression, and all expeditions are a good opportunity to learn new things.
• Expeditions are planned 2-3 years ahead and assistant leaders are recruited approximately 8-18 months before departure. So the sooner you contact the office the better, but it's worth doing at any time.
• Even if you don't feel ready to be an assistant leader just yet, please do let us know if you might be interested in the future (with commitment at this stage!) because we can advise you on what expeditions would be a good way to develop your skills and experience.

3. Expedition Planning and Safety
(i) How are expeditions organised? How is safety assured? It all sounds a bit dangerous!
• Expeditions would be dangerous, without the necessary experience, skills and training - and the proper equipment. Each year, many novices get themselves into difficulties due to lack of skills and experience.
• At BEG, all our leaders are carefully chosen, and our expedition plans are vetted both by Brathay Exploration Group and the independent Young Explorers' Trust. Our expeditions are a great way to gain some of the skills and experience that you need to enjoy the outdoors safely.
• Expedition plans can be proposed by individual leaders or by members of the Board or Expedition Committee. Many of our destinations have been visited by the Group repeatedly over the years, and we ask members to evaluate the leaders and the expedition itself, so we can continue to improve.
• These plans, including Risk Assessments - and the leader teams - are vetted by BEG's Expedition Committee and Board of Trustees. Members are experienced expeditioners, and many are Fellows of the Royal Geographical Society.
• Independent vetting is then carried out by the Young Explorers' Trust (YET). This is part of the Royal Geographical Society, and examines not just the safety, planning, and quality of the leader team, but also the challenges of the expedition and the personal development potential that it offers to members.
• We follow the YET Code of Practice for Safe and Responsible Youth Expeditions, as well as the Environmental Responsibility for Expeditions code of practice, developed by the British Ecological Society and YET.
• Advice from the Foreign Office regarding the safety of the countries we visit is always heeded, obviously.

(ii) What is BEG's safety policy?
• Safety is a top priority for BEG. We have an exemplary record: we have never had a serious incident in over fifty years of expeditioning - due to our careful planning and vetting procedures.
• All leaders and assistant leaders must have the rigorous Expedition First Aid qualification, recognised by the Mountain Leader Training Board, Royal Yachting Association, British Canoe Union, and others. This is must be renewed every 3 years.
• We carry extensive medical kits, which the leaders are fully trained to use. Some expeditions include doctors in the leader team. If you require hospitalisation then evacuation procedures exist, and are covered by insurance.
• All leaders are expert in the skills required for their expeditions, and many leaders have the Mountain Leader certificate.
• The Young Explorers Trust vets overseas expeditions, to ensure the safety and suitability of the expedition plans and the competence of the leader team. Prior to this, all expedition plans and leader teams are vetted by the BEG Expedition Committee and Board of Trustees.
• Our comprehensive insurance covers medical treatment, including evacuation if necessary.
• Advice on vaccination and health precautions will be provided by the leader of your expedition.

4. Who goes? What skills, experience and fitness are required? How are members selected?
(i) Who goes on BEG expeditions?
• The age range for members is 15-25, with most being 16-21. Most members are sixth-formers and undergraduates, although others are welcome, of course! Older members are not uncommon.
• Numbers of females and males are usually approximately equal, although in recent years a number of expeditions have been up to two-thirds female.

(ii) How big are the groups? How many members are there per leader?
• Expedition parties typically range from 10-24 with one leader per 4-5 members. The group size and number of leaders is indicated for each expedition.

(iii) How are expedition members selected?
• We design our expeditions to be as accessible as possible to people of all abilities, so that those with only a basic level of fitness and experience can join, but those with more skills and experience can stretch themselves more.
• But some expeditions require more fitness, so see the descriptions of individual expeditions and talk to the leader if you have any concerns.

(iv) How much experience will the other members have?
• For most expeditions, you don't need much experience: many members have limited experience, and 'get into' the outdoors through BEG. Others have participated in a number of expeditions.
• Leaders bear this in mind, and tailor our activities to stretch all members only as far as you are comfortable.
• Our expeditions are a good way to increase skills, whatever experience you have, you will be given as much responsibility and challenge as you are able and willing to take.

(v) Do I need to have any 'technical skills'?
• For most expeditions, no particular technical skills are required, just commitment, enthusiasm and a reasonable level of fitness.
• You will be given an opportunity to use the skills you have, to improve them, and to learn new ones.
• Where an expedition requires technical skills, such as use of crampons and ice axes, this will be indicated in the expedition programme.

(vi) What training and advice will I be given pre-departure?
• There is a weekend meeting for most expedition groups, which is a chance to:
• meet the other members and the leader team, and get to know each other
• discuss with the leaders any concerns you may have and answer any questions face-to-face
• get advice on kit and personal preparations. We can check that your kit is adequate for the job, and give you advice on anything that you might need to buy or borrow
• issue you with your share of the group kit, where appropriate - eg. tents and stoves.

• Leaders are always happy to be contacted to answer questions and offer advice at any time.
• Regular briefing letters will be sent out by the leader. Recently, e-mail has become a very good way to keep in touch - it was the main method used by Belize 2000, for example. However, if you don't have regular access then don't worry!

5. "Am I up to it?", and other common concerns
(i) Will I be fit enough?
• A lot of people are worried that they will be joining a group of athletes and will be the one left stumbling along at the back, holding everyone up!
• That is not usually the case. Most people who take exercise a couple of times a week (such as sport at school, or swimming or cycling) will have enough fitness for most expeditions. Some require higher fitness, and advice can be sought from the leader.
• Most people find they benefit from undertaking a fitness training programme, meaning they have more energy to make the most of the expedition experience. It's a good idea to get used to carrying a full rucksack beforehand! There is more advice in the Expeditioners' Guide, which will be sent to you when you join an expedition.

(ii) I'd love to join an expedition but I don't have anyone to go with
• It's a common problem! Most people aren't seriously interested in having a great time in the outdoors! This is frustrating for those of us who are.
• Don't worry about applying on your own - almost all our members do! So you'll have no problem making friends and fitting-in - everyone is in the same boat. Also, it's a great chance to learn new skills without your mates from home watching!
• And afterwards, you'll know a great group of people to go into the outdoors with! Many members stay in touch and arrange their own activities, both within Britain and abroad.
• Don't forget - most people are wimps, and they'll be really impressed that you've been on an expedition!

(iii) I'm not sure that I have the skills or experience
• Relax - most expeditions don't require you to have 'technical skills' - the leaders have them, and we'll teach you what you need to know. There will be a pre-departure training weekend which will ensure you have the necessary skills and equipment.
• You need to have a reasonable level of fitness - please discuss this with the leader if you have any concerns. If you take regular exercise, such as playing sport at school / college / university then you should be fine.

(iv) I've never done anything like this before - will I like it?
• Most people who have their first outdoor experience with BEG enjoy it greatly, and come back for more!
• We have a range of expeditions, with some that are ideal for first-timers, such as the Mull expeditions that cost only a few hundred pounds and last around two weeks.
• There is also our Lake District experience, featuring a range of adventurous activities and skills training.

(v) What's the food and accommodation like?
• This depends upon the expedition! Often you will be camping in tents, but in some cases you may be staying in youth hostels, or people's homes… or sleeping in hammocks in the jungle!
• Food will usually be obtained locally, and so will also vary.

(vi) I have special dietary needs - will this be a problem?
• Not usually. Many people in the Group are vegetarian (including the author!), and there are no problems.
• However, in some parts of the world it can be difficult to cater for vegetarians, etc, so please discuss your concerns with the leader.

(vii) I have a medical condition - does it mean I can't come?
• As far as possible, we aim to take anyone who wants to come and has the commitment and enthusiasm to make the most of the experience.
• In the past, we have taken people with a number of medical conditions, including asthma, food allergies and epilepsy.
• Please contact Graham or the leader(s) of the expedition(s) that you are interested in to discuss any concerns you might have. We must be aware of medical conditions, so that we can plan for them and accommodate them.

6. What it costs, what's included in the price, what equipment will cost, etc
(i) What will it cost?
• The website price covers:
• all non-air travel, food and accommodation from the point of departure until your return there. For some expeditions, there will be visits to local attractions and this will be included in the fee. A few expeditions may have a 'free day' when you will be able to choose to do extra activities, at your cost. Alternatively, it is often possible for you to extend your stay in the country after the expedition to travel independently. Please ask the leader about these possibilities.
• comprehensive insurance, covering medical treatment, delays in travel and your personal possessions.
• the training weekend - but note it does not cover the cost of your travel to the meeting.
If air travel is involved we indicate a guide price.

• You will also need to budget for:
• personal spending money for souvenirs and socialising. This will not be expensive - most places we got to have little tourist infrastructure and often we're in the middle of nowhere! The leader will be able to advise about this.
• personal equipment: for most expeditions you will need boots, clothing and rucksack. BEG has some rucksacks for loan, and much equipment can be bought at reasonable cost. The leaders will advise you.

(ii) Is there any financial support available?
• At BEG we keep costs as low as possible, but we do have a small fund able to provide bursaries to support members in financial need. There is also a bursary available for an assistant leader, thanks to a generous endowment.
• If you envisage any problems in managing the payments then please contact Graham in the office who will do what he can to help.
• We can also advise you about fund-raising.

(iii) What equipment do I need? Is any of it expensive?
• Top-specification outdoor equipment can be dauntingly expensive, but it is rarely necessary to spend a great deal of money to buy suitable equipment. The leader of your expedition will provide specific advice, and you will be able to discuss your kit at the pre-expedition training weekend but there is a general kit list in our Expeditioners' Guide, sent to expedition members.
• Usually you will need your own boots, jacket, rucksack, etc. Much of this could be borrowed, but it is important that you have a well-fitting pair of boots. We have some rucksacks available for loan.
• The Group provides tents, stoves, fuel, etc.

(iv) Do I need to arrange insurance?
• No. Insurance is included in the expedition fee. The Group has arrangements to provide comprehensive insurance against loss of baggage and personal effects, accident, death and personal disablement. If your expedition is to a destination outside the UK then the fee is inclusive of travel insurance, medical expenses, cancellation and curtailment. Full details of the policy will be sent to expedition members, or on request. A cover document will be sent to you before your departure on the expedition.

(v) What is my financial commitment when I apply to join an expedition?
• With your application you must send a deposit, which will be returned if you are unsuccessful in getting a place.
• The rest of the cost of the expedition is payable later. For the more expensive expeditions, this is usually in instalments.

(vi) Is there a possibility of surcharge?
• We have to reserve the right to impose a surcharge if this should be necessary...
• … however, we have never had to do this in over fifty years!

(vii) Where does my money go?
• In return for their organisational efforts, the chief leaders of expeditions don't pay an expedition fee (but have costs of attending meetings, etc), and the assistant leaders benefit from a reduction from the price on the web page.
• Your money pays for your costs in the field, insurance, subsidies to the leader team, and contributes to Group overheads costs. A small amount goes towards our bursary scheme.
• Obviously we have overheads in running the Group, advertising and administration. We have just one employee, our full-time director, Graham Watson.
• Running BEG costs the Trustees and Expedition Committee members money! We pay the costs of our travel to meetings, for example.

7. Rules and procedures in the field
(i) Emergency provision in the field
• Procedures are dependent upon the individual expedition, of course.
• Risk assessments are completed for all expeditions and evacuation procedures are in place, covered by insurance. We comply with the Young Explorers' Trust Code of Practice for Safe and Responsible Youth Expeditions. We have never had a serious incident in over fifty years of expeditioning - due to our careful planning and vetting procedures.
• We have contact with the BEG base in the UK, and with Board members who are able to offer assistance should it be required.
• Please see the section on safety.

(ii) What does BEG expect of me as a member?
• You will be expected to exercise responsibility as part of a team, and to be willing to get involved and do whatever needs doing!
• Commitment and enthusiasm, sense of humour - the point of expeditions is to face challenges and to solve problems that occur as a group - they are not package holidays!
• Instructions given by the leaders are given for a reason and must be followed, in the interests of safety. We don't often "give orders" because we try to involve the group in decision-making, but safety rules have to be followed, for the good of all.

(iii) What if I need to return to the UK in an emergency?
• Please understand that we are often in very remote locations and evacuation is difficult and costly. Therefore it may only be possible in cases of medical need. However, the leaders will do their best to help you.

(iv) Can I contact home from the expedition, and can I be contacted from home?
• Being in remote locations, it is usually not possible to communicate with home easily.
• However, if it is essential for a message to be sent or received then the leaders will do what they can to help.
• Leaders are in regular contact with the Office to keep updated. Please understand that communication can be difficult and expensive. Whilst it is possible in the case of medical need, therefore, it is not possible for casual communication. Please realise that the Office will be kept updated with our progress but it is unlikely to be done every day!

(v) My exam results will be announced while I'll be away on the expedition - what can I do?
• Many people who come on BEG expeditions are awaiting GCSE, A-level, Standard grade or Highers exam results. This can be a problem if your university place depends upon your results. Most people have left instructions with parents about what to do if they have to accept an insurance offer, or go through clearing. Depending upon the expedition, it might be possible to arrange contact at this important time - we have been able to do this from Belize in 1998 and 2000!
• Please discuss any concerns with the leader - we don't want you to miss out an amazing expedition because of worries about exam results!

8. Ethical Concerns
(i) Environmental concerns
• We follow the Environmental Responsibility for Expeditions code of practice, developed by the British Ecological Society and Young Explorers' Trust. Indeed, BEG leaders were involved in writing it!

(ii) Equal Opportunities
• BEG expeditions are open to all those with the interest and commitment to join, provided they have the required fitness and experience. This varies from expedition to expedition, so please consult the website and the leader. However, most people of reasonable fitness are able to participate in most expeditions.
• The Group is not involved in 'social work', in the sense that it does not specialise in taking members with particular difficulties of any sort, but equally it does not exclude them if at all possible.

9. What do I do now?
(i) I'd like more information
• Look at the proposed expeditions, to see the range of expeditions on offer and request more information if you like.
• Contact Graham in the office by phone, fax both (015394 33942) or e-mail.
• Or contact the leaders of the expeditions that appeal to you.

(ii) When should I apply?
• As soon as possible - some expeditions can fill-up very quickly. However, there are sometimes places available later in the year, so if you are interested in joining an expedition then do inquire!
• It's a good idea to get a place before Christmas, because many people have items of equipment bought as presents.

(iii) Are there any books I can read?
• Brathay Exploration Group's history and development can be found in Brathay Exploring by Brian Ware, published by the Brathay Exploration Group Trust. ISBN 0906015162. [http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0906015162/o/qid=970166144/sr=8-1/026-1705622-8092457]
• The standard mountain craft book is Eric Langmuir's Mountaincraft 3rd Edition, published by Scottish Sports Council & MLTB, 1995. ISBN 1-85060-295-6, costing about £15. It covers an awful lot of material, and several of the chapters go beyond anything you are likely to do on most expeditions - so don't be daunted! [http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1850602956/qid=970339047/sr=1-1/026-1705622-8092457]
• A more basic book is Backpacker's Handbook by Hugh McManners, 1995, Dorling Kindersley; ISBN 0751301604. [http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0751301604/qid=970338414/sr=1-1/026-1705622-8092457]

(iv) I already have experience in the outdoors and I think I'd like to become a BEG leader
• We'd love to hear from you! We are always keen to hear from people who would like to "give something back" by becoming leaders. Please contact the office at any time. If you can attend the Annual Reunion at the end of October, or the Leaders' Weekend meeting in March then these are good times to meet other leaders and get to know more about the Group.
• A number of BEG leaders are also involved with other outdoor and expedition organisations.
• If you have led expeditions before, for other organisations, or have suitable experience then you may be able to become a chief leader immediately - please contact the Office.
• To become a leader, we need to be satisfied that you have the required level of skills and experience, as well as the 'people skills' to lead a group. You will also have to agree to a "Police check", which is required to protect younger members of the expeditions.
• BEG requires all leaders to have the Expedition First Aid qualification . This is taught on a 4-day residential course, over the May Bank Holiday weekend, at our base in the Lake District by the independent company, Orion First Aid Training. It is heavily subsidised for BEG members. Many people from other organisations also join the course.

10. About the author
Peter White joined Brathay Exploration Group in 1996, aged 22, joining an expedition to Mull. He was hooked, and went to Ireland the following year, as well as taking the summer mountain skills course. In 1998 he had a busy year, taking the winter mountain skills course, obtaining the Expedition First Aid qualification and going to Belize for the first time. 1999 saw him lead the Alps trek and in 2000 he returned to Belize as assistant leader, supported financially by the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust. He joined the Expedition Committee in 2000. In 2004 he went to Belize for the third time, this time as chief leader. If you have any questions then please contact peter.white@brathay.net