Families
Information for parents, carers, families and social workers
Explore the outdoors, Find Your Fire and learn to survive as part of a team in the Icelandic wilderness.
A chance to spend three weeks exploring the remote wilderness of Iceland.
The Iceland expedition takes place in some of the most fascinating, remote and beautiful parts of this extraordinary country. When on expedition, you’ll be living in, sleeping in, and cooking in the outdoors.
Over the three weeks, you will set out in your Fire (team) and travel from base camp through Icelandic ‘forests’ of shin high trees and past the ruins of Viking dwellings to tackle mountain ascents; through rocky lava fields, and through empty, black, sandy volcanic deserts. You will have the chance to gain new practical skills as you document your experience through creative media projects and take part in environmental studies.
Please note you must be a British citizen or UK resident to join one of our expedition programmes.
- Applications are open for 2025
- Age 16-21
- Means-tested fundraising targets
- 25th July – 14th August 2025 (+/- 3 Days) 3 Weeks
- Iceland
- Induction Weekend 11th – 13th April 2025
- UK Training Expedition 24th – 28th May 2025
- No visa required if traveling on a British passport
- Some vaccinations may be needed (further details given nearer the time)
It has taught me to look beyond the negatives and see what life has to teach me.
Jake - Young Explorer, Dangoor Next Generation Iceland 2023
Iceland 2025 and Dangoor Next Generation
David Dangoor and the Dangoor family made the Dangoor Next Generation programme possible, and have supported transformation for young people with us since 2011. The Next Generation model has profoundly shaped our work, and now underpins everything we do at British Exploring Society. They have been with us in Iceland for over 10 years.
The Dangoor family’s support ensures that any young person, regardless of their background, can benefit from the potentially life changing impact of our programmes. Dangoor Education also provide charitable support across the field of the education sector, from formal education to outdoor organisations. This includes providing support to The Outward Bound Trust, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Westminster Academy and many other educational organisations.
Now that I’m home and the reality has all passed, I always try to seek the best in every circumstance. Iceland was a real eye opener. Being on expedition wasn’t easy and I learnt more about myself than anything else. It has also made me realise that we can get too caught up in the things that don’t matter instead of focusing on the beauty of everything around. It has taught me to look beyond the negatives and see what life has to teach me.
Jake - Young Explorer, Dangoor Next Generation Iceland 2023
"To someone who is undecided about going, I would say that at the moment you may not feel like you can do it, but you will surprise yourself and no one is an expert or has ever done anything like this before, so as a Fire you will be able to support each other through it; everyone will struggle at some point, but it will be worth it for the bonds that are formed and the amazing things you get to see, that you would not be able to see unless you go on expedition."
Eleanor - Young Explorer, Dangoor Next Generation Iceland 2022
"One of the reasons I went on expedition was to prove to myself that I can do the things that at first glance I feel like I wouldn’t be able to. I like to take going up the mountain really literally - many times I’ve heard that 'problems are like climbing a mountain' and there is something so rewarding and freeing knowing I’ve actually done that!"
Grace - Young Explorer, Dangoor Next Generation Iceland 2022
“We’ve embraced others, ourselves, but finally the stunning nature that has submerged us these last three weeks. Seeing the complete wilderness of this beautiful landscape has revealed… the little things can have such a big impact, which can be easily ignored when living in a fast-paced city… [it] has inspired us all to change our ways to conserve the wonderful world we live in.”
Kyle - Young Explorer, Dangoor Next Generation Iceland 2019
An absolutely incredible journey. It took me out of my comfort zone and tested me in a way that has helped me develop as a more tolerant person. Also, I had the chance to make some amazing friends!
Lily - Young Explorer, Dangoor Next Generation Iceland 2018
I’ve learnt how to safely push myself out of comfort zones and to take risks sometimes. I’d usually be at home sitting in my bedroom and not really socializing with many people. I haven’t made many friends in college, but now I really feel like I can approach people and really give it a go. This programme really has been life changing.
Alex - Young Explorer, Dangoor Next Generation Iceland 2018
It’s been life changing. This has been the first programme I've gone on that's worked for me and has really impacted me. I’d describe myself before expedition as a shy and nervous kind of person who worries a lot, but after finishing the expedition I've really changed and I now feel confident in myself and my ability to push my limits.
John - Young Explorer Dangoor Next Generation 2018
