DofE Gold

Introduction

The Duke of Edinburgh’s 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.

Key information

  • It’s for ages 16+ or in a school year with a 16+ peer group.

  • It takes place over at least 18 months if the young person is new to DofE, or 12 months if you have already completed your Silver award.

  • You choose a physical activity and a skill to focus on: developing one for six months and the other for twelve months.

  • You take on a volunteering opportunity for twelve months.

  • If you haven’t completed Silver then you must undertake a further 6 months in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skills sections.

  • You go on an expedition for four days (including three overnight stays) in wild country terrain.

  • You embark on a residential project for five days (including four overnight stays).

  • Your achievements link directly to the King’s Scout Award.

  • All activities must be completed by your 25th birthday.

Key skills

The skills that you develop while completing DofE include:

  • Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Problem solving

Key contacts

To get started with DofE Gold you can talk to:

  • Your Explorer Leader or District Explorer Scout Commissioner.
  • Your Assistant Regional Commissioner Explorers or Assistant County Commissioner Explorers.
  • Your Regional Advisor for DofE or County Advisor for DofE.

If there are any parts you are unsure of then you can contact the YL training team with any questions.