DofE expedition kit - help!

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DS1 has his practice silver DofE expedition next weekend.

This is his first "proper" expedition. Although he's completed his bronze award, because covid they just did a 2 day walk in South London with no overnight camping (apparently allowed under the covid DofE rules relaxation).

So, we are camping/expedition novices and I hoped MN might be able to help.

Food - dinner is OK, I think - they've decided on boil-in-the-bag stuff and pasta and sachets of pasta sauce.
But what is a good idea for lunches, that doesn't need to be kept chilled?
And what's the best thing for energy snacks - is it really bags of haribo, because that's what DS is telling me.

Clothes - it's currently forecast to be dry, but who knows. Was thinking of getting him a decent 3-in-1 waterproof jacket - one of the ones with a removable fleece - but then thought he might be better off with a waterproof jacket and separate fleece layer?

Are waterproof trousers a necessity, do you think?

And what are good makes (without being hideously expensive) of walking boots?

The school is thankfully supplying all camping gear and cooking stove/tins.

Any help will be very gratefully received.

They will be expected to cook at least once per day, but if it is cold/wet he might appreciate a second hot meal. It won't count as a cooked meal for tick box purposes but you can get self heating meals which you just pour some water into an outer bag and it activates. Put it on the ground and then remove the inner bag after 5 mins and eat with a fork. Only pack one if it will be cold/wet when he goes.
Actually that's the biggest tip for D of E: be ruthless with the packing. Everything they need but nothing that won't be used or they are just carrying additional weight for no reason.

Inflatable small pillow off e.g. Amazon.
Don't bother with pjs - just some trackies and T-shirt (maybe thin fleece too if it's cold at night) which can also be camp clothes if hiking clothes are wet or muddy.
Camp shoes - like pool slides as they will be sick of their boots by the evening, otherwise they might walk around camp in their socks (muddy, grassy socks came home with my DS).
Make sure your child has nice treat food as otherwise they will be looking longingly at the neighbouring group and maybe one of their party will actually abandon the group to go live with the group with better food - and it isn't just the abandoner that gets threatened with failure, for some reason the whole group were seen to be at fault. Boys and food fgs.

And blister socks (Trespass are best - double layer)

Hi. Just seen this. For those still wanting DofE advice - this blog is SO helpful: www.dofehero.com

Camping outdoors makes one ravenous. Bring extra lightweight food. Pack a lightweight mess kit with a small saucepan. Soccer slides or plimsoles make great camp shoes. Dry and clean socks are like gold. Rub feet with Petroleum jelly as you put on socks. It helps prevent blisters. Pack everything you can in zippered food storage bags-very lightweight for and prevents ripped packets.

DD took rolls, peanut butter and jam for lunches. Also cereal bars and apples and satsumas.

Walking boots - main thing is to go to a decent shop where you can expert advice.

Waterproof trousers - I would say only if forecast terrible.

Worth investing in a decenr breathable waterproof outer jacket.