The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is an exciting and empowering awards program that provides young people with the opportunity to make friends, have fun, and build essential life skills. As one of the biggest providers of the DofE in the UK, Scouts play a crucial role in helping young individuals achieve their goals.
What Is the DofE?
The DofE is a non-competitive learning environment that encourages personal growth. Here’s what you need to know:
- Skills and Character Building: By participating in the DofE, young people develop practical and character skills such as resilience, problem-solving, teamwork, and determination. These skills not only enhance their personal lives but also make them more attractive candidates for university applications and job opportunities.
- Customized Programs: Participants create their own DofE program by choosing from a variety of challenges:
- Skills-Based Challenges: Learn a new instrument, improve cooking skills, or explore photography.
- Physical Activities: Engage in sports, fitness, or outdoor adventures.
- Volunteering Opportunities: Contribute to the community through volunteering.
- Expeditions: Embark on exciting expeditions, building teamwork and resilience.
- Residential Activity (Gold Award): Experience a residential adventure.
Linking DofE to Scouts
Scouts can seamlessly integrate their DofE journey with their Scout program:
- Explorers and Network: Scouts can work on their DofE awards while in Explorers or Network.
- Achievement Links: DofE achievements align with the Chief Scout’s Platinum, Diamond, and King’s Scout Awards, as well as the Young Leaders’ Scheme.
Age Requirements
- Minimum Age: Members must be 13.5 years old to start working on their DofE awards.
- Bronze and Silver Awards: Scouts can begin the Bronze award in the school year they turn 14 and the Silver award when they turn 15.
- Gold Award: Participants must be at least 16 years old to pursue the Gold Award.
- Completion Deadline: All activities must be completed by a young person’s 25th birthday.
Get Started!
Whether you’re a participant or a leader, the DofE offers a wealth of opportunities. Explore the different sections of the award and find helpful tips along the way:
Learn more about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Remember, the DofE isn’t just an award—it’s a transformative experience that equips young people with skills for life!
To participate in the Awards, young people need to be between 13½ and 18 years old and must be a member of one of our Explorer Units.
To register, visit Top Awards at the County Website.
Check back and see how our participants are achieving their personal goals and awards.
Contact our local DofE Coordinator.