Many senior members have achieved the BELA as part of the service for the Gold Award.  Instructors have also successfully gained the award, which allows the YFA to train and supervise members for their D of E.

The running of the course is overseen by the British Sports Trust, with training  given and directed by an experienced instructor.  Start to finish usually takes about three months and involve two or three weekends away, including a two day expedition, in that time.

 

The course aims to train participants with the skills required for:

• journeying on foot in the United Kingdom during the summer months

• leading parties in open, lowland or normal country, and be aware of the hazards which maybe present in such areas

• organising or running static camps

The course is split into nine sub-categories:
 

Leadership and party management Instruction and organisational methods Planning and preparation Conservation and access Navigation Equipment First Aid and emergencies Living out of doors Weather and fitness for expeditions

Participants must be competent at each stage before the award can be given.  In addition to completing each of the categories, 30 hours voluntary community leadership must be given.