How will I learn about School expeditions?
You will be invited to a Parent's information evening at your school, to explain the Overseas Expedition Development Programme in full. Our presentation will include: The Development Programme, adventure activities, expedition costs and payments, equipment, insurance and expedition back-up. The evening will conclude with an informal question and answer session and an opportunity to meet and chat with the Adventure Lifesigns Expeditions team
What safety policies do you operate?
Adventure Lifesigns expeditions operate a comprehensive safety policy covering UK safety guidelines, overseas safety guidelines, 24-hour operations cell, a comprehensive insurance package, worldwide medical cover and satellite communications. We attach equal importance to all areas of our safety policy and ensure that each overseas expedition and UK-based training course complies with our strict recommendations. For detailed information, please contact our office.
What do you know about the destination, have you been there, do you have any contacts there?
The Adventure Lifesigns planning team has travelled to each one of our expedition destinations and carried out extensive research to ensure that the students’ itineraries are achievable, worthwhile, safe and fun! In every destination country, we have established connections with local communities and Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s).
What happens if an accident occurs whilst on an overseas expedition?
In the event of a minor accident, the casualty will be taken to a recognised and suitably equipped medical centre. If the casualty requires further specialised attention, they will be moved to an appropriate facility by the fastest means possible. This is covered by our comprehensive insurance package. Adventure Lifesigns expeditions will be informed immediately of any such situation via satellite communications to our 24-hour operations cell.
Will I be able to speak to them whilst they are on the expedition?
We actively discourage students from taking their phones away. Should a student need to contact home or if you need to get an urgent message to a student, we run a 24/7 operations room for any emergencies. The Expedition Leader will have a local sim card and satellite communication. If a student feels like they need to contact home during the expedition, they can talk to the leader and communicate using these devices.
Our ethos is to enjoy this experience outside the constant pressures of social media and for the students to embrace the expedition away from their phones/ technology. We have also found, from experience, that limiting contact home will help reduce homesickness, eliminate unnecessary worry for parents, and ensure all important communication goes through our leaders and operations team.
Our team will send updates to family after each main phase of the trip – eg after arriving at their accommodation on the first night, after the project, after the trek and before their flight home.
