Expedition and Proposal Writing Tips
Think big
But make sure your expedition would be possible with just a few months of preparation. Focus on originality both of location and mode of travel. The trip needs to be a unique adventure that will capture the imagination of kids and adults.

Know your team
Explain briefly who the team members are and how your strengths would work together to make the expedition a success. If the proposed trip involves sailing through the Sea of Cortéz, perhaps one of the team members knows a bit about sailing and someone speaks some Spanish; the others may be energetic and upbeat enough to bolster enthusiasm during the expedition's inevitable rough times.

Be specific
Include what gear you'll need, how long the expedition will take, and how you'd like to handle the logistics. For example, if you wanted to hike across the coastal range in British Columbia, discuss what terrain you'll encounter, what gear you'll need, how long it will take, whether you think you can carry all the food on your back, or whether you'll need to be resupplied by air drops or stops in towns.

Explain why this is a genuine goal and not just a homework assignment
Don't propose sea kayaking along the coast of British Columbia because it sounds cool; do the research and say that you want to travel from Victoria, British Columbia to Juneau, Alaska because no one has traveled this entire route since 1795 and your team wants to see if seal populations have changed since then. Instead of just horsepacking through the Southwest explain that you want to find Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid's secret canyon hideout in Utah because you've seen the movie 50 times and have always dreamed of being an outlaw. Above all, it's got to be clear that your hearts are in the expedition.

Do the necessary background research
The more complete your knowledge of an area, the better. Make sure that you know where you're going, who's been there before, and who, if anyone, is there now. Is it public or private land? Do you need permits or visas to travel through the area?

Have a training plan
A successful expedition depends on sufficient mental and physical training. Include ideas and schedules about how you would prepare physically for the expedition, itemize what gear you might need, and consider how you could learn the necessary skills.