Expedition Leader Training Course

Duration: 12 weeks | Location: Wales, Costa Rica, Panama | Price: £8750  

The original adventure training course, join us for an intensive 3 months of training in the mountains of Wales and lush jungles of Costa Rica. Designed to push limits, bring out your unique leadership qualities and strive for excellence in outdoor leadership, this unique and challenging course can pave the way for exciting outdoor careers across a wide range of industries. The ultimate adventure travel experience. 

OVERVIEW 

Phase 1 – Wales 

Start your adventure in the UK’s ultimate outdoor pursuits playground of Snowdonia. Here you will meet the fresh-faced and enthusiastic fellow adventurers that you will be sharing the next 3 months with. Under the guidance of your instructors, you will start to get to grips with your kit and living and working as part of a team. In the first few days you will be introduced to basic navigation and complete your Outdoor First Aid certificate. You then progress to your Summer Mountain Leader Training and log some all-important mountain days. These first two weeks are great preparation for those with limited adventure experience and ensure everyone is on a level playing field ready for their departure to Costa Rica. 

Phase 2 – Costa Rica and Panama 

Get comfortable with the uncomfortable. You will start with the basics of fire lighting, machete use and learning to operate safely in the rainforest. After enhancing your skills with survival training from a local indigenous guide you will spend your first night alone in the jungle. 

The physical challenges will come thick and fast, individually and as a team with multi-day treks, jungle navigation exercises and the ultimate test of your skills: “belt kit” – a three-day solo survival experience which is seen as a rite of passage for all Gapforce Expedition Leaders. 

Medical and incident management 

Learn to think fast, stay calm and look after your team in a crisis with Gapforce’s rigorous expedition and wilderness medical training. Training scenarios take place day and night, in jungle, caves and rivers to prepare you for any eventuality. 

Key competencies development 

Enhance your skills in a variety of activities including cycling, kayaking, snorkelling and trekking. Learn how to keep teams safe in a range of environments and develop your skills in coaching others in the outdoors. 

Expedition Management 

You will gain experience and understanding of all aspects of managing an expedition, including safety, budget, team welfare and logis

Leadership 

Our instructors will coach you throughout the course in a multitude of leadership theories to help develop your own personal brand of leadership. There will be ongoing feedback and assessment from your instructors and also your peers as part of this process to maximise your growth. 

At the end of an arduous and rewarding 3-months you may be successful in securing work with Gapforce leading groups across the globe. 

 

WHO IS THIS FOR? 

Outdoor Enthusiasts: Individuals who love adventure and the great outdoors, seeking to turn their passion into a profession.

Aspiring Expedition Leaders: Those who dream of leading groups on exciting expeditions and want to develop the skills necessary to do so.

Career Changers: People looking for a change in their professional life and a new path in the adventure and outdoor industry.

Gapforce Expedition Leader Training Course is your gateway to the world of adventure leadership.

WHAT’S INCLUDED 

  • Comprehensive leader training on a huge variety of modules 
  • Nationally recognised certification and training including RGS Off-Site Safety Management, and Outdoor First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, BCU paddle awards and Summer Mountain Leader Training. 
  • In-house certification in expedition leadership, expedition and wilderness medicine, expedition management and incident management. 
  • Gapforce instructors coaching and mentoring you throughout the course. 
  • A leadership development journal to structure and evaluate your progress. 
  • Expedition and wilderness medicine handbook. 
  • Comprehensive pre-departure support. 
  • All ground transport from arrival in Wales to departure from Costa Rica (flights not included) 
  • All accommodation 
  • 3 meals a day 
  • A detailed logbook of your achievements during the course – vital for employers. 

24/7 UK emergency backup. 

CERTIFICATIONS 

The Gapforce Expedition Leadership Course is made up of nationally recognised and in-house qualifications that prepare you to run expeditions. 

  • Nationally Recognised Certifications: 
  • Mountain Leader (Summer) Training 
  • Outdoor First Aid 
  • RGS Off-Site Safety Management 
  • BCU Paddle Awards  
  • Mental Health First Aid  
  • In-house qualifications: 
  • You will be further assessed in four key areas: 
  • Expedition Leadership 
  • Expedition & Wilderness Medical Training 
  • Expedition Management  
  • Incident Management 
  • You will also be trained and evaluated in the following: 
  • Jungle Leadership 
  • Kayaking Skills and Leadership 
  • Trek Leadership 
  • Spanish Skills 
  • Water-based Activity Leadership 
  • Cycle Skills and Leadership 

 In addition to these qualifications and your skills training, the course provides leadership experience in an intensive environment that can be beneficially taken into any field. Our emphasis on your personal development will ensure a tailored and transformative experience. 

 On successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a final grade and may be eligible for work with Gapforce as either a Leader or Assistant Leader on one of our global programmes. 

 You will also receive your logbook complete with your certificates and a summary of your achievements from your instructors, a valuable keepsake for your future career path. 

For more information and all enquiries