The training course is designed to be a launch pad - by the end you'll have gained vital new skills and also be more informed about the next steps to take to deliver your own expeditions from start to finish. We're expecting that you'll already have an interest in and be active in the outdoors (either professionally or personally) however no particular experience is necessary.

The course is particularly designed for:

• People who want to lead their own expeditions or overseas fieldwork projects (professionally or personally)

• Leaders who have worked in the outdoors (e.g. military or outdoor education) and want to move across into expedition work

• People who have participated in an expedition as a team member and are interested in getting to the next stage

• Anyone who wants to develop their outdoor leadership skills

The course covers the following major areas:

• Expedition planning

• Leadership & teamwork. Personal & youth development

• Working in the expedition industry

• Connecting to sponsors and the media

• Meeting others in your position

You'll start by learning about the theory and logistics of organising and leading an expedition and you'll be taken through all the necessary steps, from making an initial plan on paper to applying and executing your ideas actively in the field. You'll look at the main documents which make up the core of any expedition plan, such as the Risk Assessment and the Crisis Management Plan. You will also look at other essential considerations such as food and kit provisioning, and using real-life interactive demonstrations you will learn about dynamic safety management to help you keep calm when you're out in the wilderness.

The second day is structured around both scenario-based and practical exercises to examine the soft skills which are vital in leading teams. You'll learn about different styles of leadership and how to foster teamwork. You’ll also explore the theory and experience of facilitating personal and youth development and wellbeing in the outdoors. You will be taught by Belinda Kirk who has led dozens of expeditions and has been teaching expedition leadership for more than a decade. She is also one of the leading researchers in ‘adventure for mental health’ having published “AdventureMind’’ the first book to argue why chosen challenge is essential for our wellbeing. She also runs AdventureMind a research collaborative, conference series and alliance of practitioners

In addition you'll also look at making the most of opportunities in the expedition industry and go through the options for qualifications, training and placements.

There will be plenty of opportunities for informal networking and discussion with each other and the instructors.

To find out more about how the content of the course can be practically applied in the field, you can read Thorsten Schillo’s blog on ‘How to become an Expedition Leader’.

Your course leader is explorer and Explorers Connect founder Belinda Kirk. The leading voice promoting the benefits of adventure on wellbeing through AdventureMind, Belinda uses her life-long passion for adventure and the great outdoors to offer life-changing experiences to other people.

Belinda has walked across Nicaragua, searched for camels in China's Desert of Death, discovered ancient rock paintings in Lesotho, pioneered inclusive expeditions for people with disabilities, lead dozens of youth development expeditions around the world and gained a Guinness World Record for rowing unsupported around Britain. An expert expedition leader and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Belinda has managed remote trips for, amongst others Ray Mears, Chris Ryan & Bear Grylls.

• Two full days of world class teaching from experienced expedition leader and Explorers Connect founder, Belinda Kirk

• Regular opportunities for informal networking and discussion sessions with the Belinda

• Coffee, tea and biscuits throughout the weekend (October only)

• If the course is held online (January), the group will be smaller and specific one-to-one tuition time will be set apart for each candidate.