Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

Dragon Unit, Dunning Explorer Scouts

What is DofE?

Voluntary programme that encourages young people to be active, learn new skills, and serve their communities, at one of three progressive levels (Bronze, Silver & Gold)

Volunteering
Skills
Physical
Residential (Gold)
Expedition
Typically 1 hour/week (training/activity) over 3-12 months

Bronze (14+/S3)

Volunteering 3 months *

Physical 3 months *

Skills 3 months *

Exped 2 days

* One must be 6 months.

👉 Platinum Award

Silver (15+/S4)

Volunteering 6 months

Physical 3 months *

Skills 3 months *

* One of Physical or Skills must be 6 months

Exped:

Longer days; more challenging route

Practice 2d+2n; Qualifying 3d+2n

Presentation

👉 Diamond Award

Gold (16+/S5+)

- Volunteering 12 months

- Physical 6 months *

- Skills 6 months *

- Residential - Away from home for 5 days

Exped - Practice 2d+2n; Qualifying 4d+3n; Presentation

* One of Physical or Skills must be 12 months

👉 Kings Scout Award

Straight to Gold?

16+ (or in S5 or higher)

Will take extra 6 months

Exped training needed

Who can plan & supervise a section?

A mentor, coach or person of authority (not Mum or Dad!)

Expedition: DofE Supervisor/Assessors

DofE Young Leaders

(Fulfils volunteering section)

Bronze qualified Explorers to assist younger members and DofE Leaders

Photo by Library of Congress on Unsplash

Expedition Aims

"To inspire young people to develop initiative, self-reliance, and a spirit of adventure and discovery by planning, training for, and completing a self-sufficient journey as part of a team"