What is involved?

The DofE has three progressive levels . .

 

Bronze (for those aged 14 and over)

Silver (for those aged 15 and over)

Gold (for those aged 16 and over)

 

. . . and is a four-sectioned programme . . .

 

Volunteering (helping other people in the local community)

Expedition (training for, planning and completing a journey on foot or horseback, by boat or cycle)

Skills (covering almost any hobby, skill or interest)

Physical (sport, dance and fitness)

Residential (Gold Award only)(a purposeful enterprise with people not previously known to the participant)

 

You have until your 25th birthday to complete any of the Awards but it takes at least 6 months at Bronze, 12 months at Silver and 18 months at Gold for Direct Entrants.

 

The Key principles of the Award are:

 

Achievable by all - a personal challenge not a competition

Available to all - anyone can do it!

Voluntary - it's up to you what you do, it's your leisure time

Personalised - your programme is designed by you for you

Balanced - it will stretch you in all directions

Progressive - you improve at your own pace

Achievement focused - you can't fail

Demands commitment - it takes more than a short burst of enthusiasm

Personal development - it's the taking part that matters; getting an Award is the icing on the cake

Enjoyable - it's about getting out there and having fun!