Duke of Edinburgh's Award
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of activities for anyone aged 14-24. Doing their DofE gives young people the opportunity to experience new activities or develop existing skills.
There are three progressive levels of programmes which, when successfully completed, lead to a bronze, silver or gold award. Young people create their own DofE programme by choosing volunteering, physical and skills activities, going on an expedition and, for their gold only, taking part in a residential activity.
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Within scouting, this links directly to the chief scout’s platinum, diamond and Queen’s scout awards.
The DofE is delivered through a number of licensed providers, of which The Scout Association is one of the largest in the country.
As a member of The Scout Association our members can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as well as scouting awards. This is done through being a member of an explorer scout unit or the scout network.
The award levels
Bronze
- Age: 14+ (or in year 9), complete by 25th birthday.
- Duration: At least 6 months
- Volunteering, Skill & Physical each for 3 months, one section for 6 months.
- Expedition - 2 days, 1 night in normal country.
Silver
- Age: 15+ (or in year 10), complete by 25th birthday.
- Duration: At least 12 months (6 if completed Bronze Award)
- Volunteering - 6 months, Skill & Physical - one for 3 months and the other for 6 months
- If Bronze not completed, an additional 6 months must be added to a 6 month section
- Expedition - 3 days, 2 nights in open country.
Gold
- Age: 16+ (no activities can count before 16th birthday), complete by 25th birthday.
- Duration: At least 18 months (12 if completed Bronze Award)
- Volunteering - 12 moths, Skill & Physical one for 6 months and the other for 12 months
- If Silver not completed, an additional 6 months must be added to a 12 month section
- Expedition - 4 days, 3 nights in wild country.
- Residential Project - 5 days, 4 nights (see below)
What age can you start your DofE?
- Bronze (14+) - (or in year 9 age range). You cannot start the Bronze award in Scouts and must be in / linking to Explorer Scouts.
- Silver (15+) - (or in year 10 age range)
- Gold (16+) - no activities
Please note - you can opt to start at Bronze, Silver or Gold level (age dependant)can start before your 16th birthday.
The cost of registration
- Bronze £39.00
- Silver £39.00
- Gold £49:00
To enrol to take part in the scheme click here>>>