Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE)

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) was founded by its patron, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in 1956. The award is a nationally and internationally recognised voluntary, non-competitive programme of activities for anyone aged 14-24.

Doing the DofE gives young people the opportunity to experience new activities or develop existing skills and is highly regarded by employers and higher education establishments. There are three progressive levels which when successfully completed lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.

The DofE aims to give young people the experience of a lifetime and raise aspirations by helping others, getting fitter, learning or developing practical skills and taking part in an unforgettable journey.

Young people create their own DofE programme outside of school/study or work and an award can be achieved by anyone who has the motivation and commitment to succeed, regardless of who you are or where you’re from!

It is tailored to suit the individual and develops social skills such as teamwork, independence, responsibility, respect for others and their environment as well as practical skills like planning, navigation, leadership skills and problem solving. The biggest part of all though is about having fun!

In order to achieve a DofE Award young people participate in each of the following sections for about an hour a week:

Volunteering (helping others) – e.g. being a brownie/cub leader, coaching sport, charity fundraising, conservation work, helping an elderly person, buddy reading.

Physical (getting fitter) – e.g. swimming, football, walking, climbing, canoeing, tae kwando, golf, dance, skate boarding.

Skills (practical interests) – e.g. cooking, fishing, woodwork, playing an instrument, learning a new language, life saving, drama, growing vegetables, playing pool.

Expedition (a journey) – Bronze for 2 days and 1 night, Silver for 3 days and 2 nights and Gold for 4 days and 3 nights. Journeys are usually on foot, but can be canoeing, biking, sailing or even horse riding. Participants camp overnight and carry everything they need for the journey.

Residential (broadening cultural experiences – Gold level only) – e.g. assisting at a summer camp, joining a canal restoration group, photography course, sailing on tallships.

DofE Levels

Bronze – min. age is 14 with at least 6 months time commitment

Silver – min. age is 15 with at least 12 months time commitment

Gold – min. age is 16 with at least 18 months time commitment

Don’t just take our word for it – here’s what DofE participants say

‘I enjoyed all aspects of the award but the meetings were particularly fun and I have made many friends.’ I have learnt about myself that ‘I won’t be made to feel embarrassed when suggesting ideas’ and ‘I can work well in a team’ (Youth Service participant)

‘I gained an interest in keeping fit and improving my sports skills’ (Croesyceiliog School participant)

’The hike with overnight was fun, challenging and was a break from school life. I learnt that I am able to cope away from home and co-operate with others’ (Abersychan School participant)

... the adventure starts here, so get in contact and we can start you on your own adventure of a lifetime!

Where to take part and who to contact