Awards and Adventures... DofE!
What is DofE?
The Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) is a youth award available to Scouts and Explorers who are 14 or over (in the school year in which they turn 14). Through the DofE programme young people have fun, make friends, improve their self-esteem and build confidence. They gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive, enhancing CVs and university and job applications. Achieving an Award isn’t a competition or about being first. It’s all about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries.
There are three levels to the award that allow young people to progress and grow their skills at each stage.
Bronze - minimum of being in the school age in which they turn 14
Silver - minimum of being in the school age in which they turn 15
Gold - Aged 16+
Although most people start at bronze, there is no reason if you meet the age requirements that you can’t start at Silver or Gold.
To achieve each of the levels there are different sections within a level, each aimed at developing your skills and yourself. These are:
Volunteering - Giving up your time to help others, whether that be being a Young Leader at your local scouts group or supporting the service at your local church.
Skills - Learning something new! It could be baking a cake, learning to drive, knitting, astronomy, first aid……
Physical - Getting active! It could be swimming, cycling, archery, climbing, kayaking,
Expedition - Learning how to navigate with a map and compass, cooking, tents and completing a project. This can be different modes of travel, e.g. walking, horse riding, canoeing.
Residential (Gold Level Only) - A program that involves spending time away from home with a group of people to participate in activities and learn new skills, that is designed to help participants step outside their comfort zone and develop confidence.
If you feel you are up to the challenge of Awards and Adventures... DofE is for you! then please come along to our information evening on Wednesday 18th September @ Hopehill Campsite, starting at 7pm. (Both parents and young people welcome).
In the meantime, any questions please feel free to contact me on the details below.
Daniel Griggs
Gravesham DofE Team Lead
Awards and Adventures... DofE!
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