Further info for leaders

All our expeditions are based on the self-development of young people (or Challengers as we call them).

The Challengers have ownership of the expedition and as a team (most team sizes are about 13 – 15 Challengers) make many logistical decisions in country. The Leader is there as a safety net to prevent them from making potentially hazardous decisions and to keep them safe, but to also let them make mistakes from which they will learn. The Leader will obviously also facilitate their skills development as this is what World Challenge is all about!

Leader Responsibilities Before departure

Meet The Leader Meeting (MTL)

You will be required to meet the team and their parents at a Meet The Leader Meeting held at the school or college (this generally takes place in the evening). The format of the meeting will be:

  • A short presentation and introduction by a World Challenge member of staff;
  • A short introduction by the Expedition Leader, talking about past experience and qualifications;
  • A pre-prepared presentation to the parents, by the Challengers, about the expedition;
  • A chance for the Challengers to ask any questions about kit, the destination etc which either you or the World Challenge member of staff can answer

Activites With The Team

Some leaders also choose to do some walking weekends with the team before leaving on expedition to build team spirit.  Although this is encouraged, it is up to you and is not compulsory.

Expedition Preparation Conference (EPC)

You will also be required to attend a compulsory 1-day Expedition Preparation Conference run by World Challenge for all adults going on expedition. The conference will cover lots of vital information including:

  • Roles and responsibilities on Expedition
  • World Challenge safety and emergency procedures
  • Destination-specific workshops
  • Medical advice and information
  • Insurance information
  • The oppotunity to meet your School Leaders
  • The opportunity to ask any other questions you might have

Build-Up Day (BUD)

  • The day before the expedition leaves, there will be a Build-Up Day at the school or college run by a World Challenge member of staff and the Expedition Leader. All kit will be checked, team-building exercises will be carried out and any other last-minute preparation will be attended to.  This day is the beginning of your Expedition and therefore you should always assume that the location of your team's school is where you need to be.

Safety

We’re renowned for our first class safety and back-up and we are there to support you and your team should you need us. Our Leaders feel a great sense of security knowing that a large team is behind them with extensive resources; and contacts that can be called upon if needed.

  • A 24-hour Operations Centre is fully equipped and manned by World Challenge trained staff;
  • Every team is equipped with a satellite phone and more importantly a satellite distress beacon. Therefore, you are able to alert us in emergencies in the event that a signal on the satellite  phone is not available;
  • All our Leaders are fully insured by World Challenge;
  • Medical advice is on hand from a world expert in expedition
  • medicine;
  • 1:8 – adult to Challenger ratio. There will always be at least one other adult, usually a teacher from the school .  If your team is a mixed team, there will always be a female Expedition Leader, Expedition Assistant Leader or School Leader.. Sometimes there will be 2 other adults with you.

Find out more
T +61 (0) 395 317 780 - Australia
T 0800 456 134 - New Zealand
T (852) 8170 3646 - Hong Kong 
E leaders@worldchallenge.com.au