The Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) is an awards programme which gives young people the chance to make friends, have fun and build confidence in an empowering, exciting and non-competitive learning environment.
It's delivered by a number of licensed providers across the UK: Scouts being one of the biggest.
By taking part, young people build on a huge range of practical and character skills – like resilience, problem-solving, team-working and drive – and come out the other side with a stronger sense of self. It's something really brilliant to put on their CV, or talk about in their university and job applications.
Young people build their own custom DofE programme: choosing from a range of skills-based challenges, physical activities, volunteering opportunities and expeditions to suit their interests and goals.
As part of their Gold Award, they also take part in a residential activity.
Scouts can complete their DofE while they're in Explorers or Network, linking their achievements to the Chief Scout’s Platinum, Diamond and King’s Scout Awards. As well as the Young Leaders' Scheme.
At Scouts, DofE is a part of our Explorer and Network programme, so members must be 13.5 years old to start working on their awards. Subject to this minimum age, you can start the Bronze and Silver award in the school year you turn 14 and 15 respectively. Gold has a minimum age of 16. All activities must be completed by a young person's 25th birthday.
Whether Bronze, Silver or Gold you will develop skills and make great friends along the way.
There are lots of different volunteering options within Scouts – including being a young leader or adult volunteer delivering adventurous activities – and in the wider community.
The Skills section is about doing what you want to do, and doing it to the best of your ability.
It's about developing your practical skills and personal interests.
Taking part in a regular physical activity is an amazing way for you to develop stamina and confidence, build a range of skills and improve your health and wellbeing.
For your Expedition section you’ll do just what you expect; complete an expedition. You can do it in the UK or abroad and the environment you choose should be appropriate to your DofE level (Bronze, Silver or Gold) and ability of your group.
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