Every expedition is lead by a highly trained and experienced World Challenge Expedition Leader. Expedition Leaders are carefully selected and are trained to focus on safety, risk assessment and management. They are the first line of safety and support for the team. It is also their responsibility to facilitate the delivery of the program to ensure the personal development of all Challengers.

Leaders are chosen for leadership, teaching ability and interpersonal skills, as well as technical skills, experience and qualifications.

Selection process

Applicants wishing to be considered to lead an overseas expedition for World Challenge USA submit a cover letter and resume.  If you meet our general qualifications you will then need to attend a Potential Leader Training Course followed by a practical Potential Leader Assessment Course in September or October.

Training

A 2-day theory based training course designed to impart all the basic information regarding safety, WCE ethos, processes and procedures. Each potential leader is also interviewed by a senior member of WCE staff. (Wednesday and Thursday in September or October)

Assessment

A 3-day practical expedition involving a team of Challengers who will be completing their training expedition. They will be supervised and assessed by a WCE Instructor on their judgment and safety, group management and facilitation skills.  (Friday, Saturday and Sunday in September or October)

Qualifications

Expedition Leaders must have recognized outdoor leadership qualifications along with practical travel experience in the developing world and in the type of environment they will be leading an expedition (i.e. jungle or mountain experience). They must also have a recognized, valid wilderness first aid qualification and be CORI screened to allow them to work with young people.

Additional Training

In addition, all Expedition Leaders and School Leaders must attend an Expedition Preparation Conference (EPC) during the month of May prior to their expedition. During the EPC training, all adult leaders receive further country specific training relevant to their expedition destination.

All potential Leaders must pass a Potential Leader Training and Assessment Course before they are eligible to lead a World Challenge expedition.

Introduction to Challengers and their parents

In the spring prior to a team’s departure, WCE will run a ‘Meet the Leader’ visit where the team and their parents will be introduced to their World Challenge Expedition Leader. Both the parents and the school will be provided with full details about the Leader, their qualifications and their experience.

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