Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Created in 1956, the Duke of Edinburgh challenge aims to improve the personal development and employability of young people.
"Do DofE"
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is one of the world’s most popular development programmes for young people aged 14-25. The DofE Award includes four categories of highly practical, cultural and adventurous activities. Most of these are cross-related with cadet activities covered in the APC Syllabus. So whilst you’re training for first aid, drill, target shooting and expeditions, you’re also working towards your DofE Award. The Awards are well regarded and recognised by universities and employers.
There are three levels of Award: Bronze, Silver and Gold. For each level you need to complete four sections: Volunteering; Physical; Skills; and Expedition. To achieve a Gold Award, you also have to complete a Residential section. More information on these levels is provided below.
The Bronze award consists of a minimum of three months taking part in four sections – volunteering, physical, skills and expedition. You must then spend a following three months on a section of your choice. The two day (one night) expedition must be planned, trained for and completed in order to finish the Bronze award.
The Silver DofE has the same four sections, but volunteering must be done for at least six months and a minimum of six months must be spent on either physical or skills. Three months must be spent on the remaining section. A two-night expedition is also planned, trained for and completed as part of the Silver award.
If you haven’t completed the Bronze award and you want to do the Silver, you’ll have to do an extra six months volunteering and an extra six months on whichever of the physical or skills sections you’ve chosen to spend more time on.
You can challenge yourself to the Gold programme when you are 16 years old. You must spend 12 months volunteering, and then choose between physical or skills to spend 12 months on, and six months must be taken on the other. The three-night expedition (plus an acclimatization day) should take place in ‘wild country’, and there will also be a residential section. This includes staying away from home for four nights, partaking in a shared activity with people you haven’t met before.
If you haven’t done the Bronze or Silver awards, you must spend a further six months either volunteering or on the physical or skills sections.
Cadets have to be 16 to start the Gold Award, and they have until their 25th birthday to complete it. This means that adult volunteers can start (or continue) their Gold Award with us! Those who complete the Gold Award are invited to one of the Royal Palaces to be presented with their Award, usually by HRH The Earl of Wessex.
As well as various other activities, we provide the opportunity to take your DofE. Lots of the skills gained during DofE cross-over with what you will learn in the ACF, so why not kill two birds with one stone? Work towards your DofE whilst continuing the ACF syllabus. Adult volunteers can also work towards their DofE if they’re under the age of 25. Cadets must complete the basic training prior to pursuing the DofE Award.
Furthermore, if you’re over 18 and are looking for a way to help others, keep fit and use your spare time wisely, becoming an adult volunteer is fulfilling and allows you to meet new people. Learn more about the benefits and how you can get involved.
