Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme

For a long time, the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme (or D of E) has been available for all in Scouting aged between 14-25. Only a few people realised it. but now… the secret’s out!

It’s a great way of helping you get the most out of your Scouting and the bonus! It gives you real credibility when you go for a job interview or apply to University.

You can start at any age between 14-25. At 14 you can start the Bronze Award. You must be at least 15 to start Silver and 16 for Gold. All the info is in the Entrance pack. If there is a group of you please contact the address below and a visit can be arranged that will explain it all!

What do I have to do to get the award?

You need complete only four things to qualify for an award and be able to prove it. They are:

  • Service: This shows that you can think about and help other people.
  • Skill: this section helps you to develop a personal Skill, It could be playing an instrument, Fishing, Car maintenance, the list is endless.
  • Physical Education: This section helps you develop and look after your physical self, It could be a sport or another way of demonstrating a personal training regime; and finally…
  • Expedition: This is the bit Scouts do best! You must complete required training modules, along with a practice expedition, followed by the assessed expedition. The expedition must be assessed by a DofE Accredited Assessor

And at Gold level only, Residential – participants must complete a five day residential experience.

It’s very flexible and you can do it on your own (except the expedition) or with a group of friends or with your school or college. It all counts!

For more information go to the D of E website: www.DofE.org

How does it work with the Scouting Awards?

The Duke of Edinburgh Award can be gained at the same time as your Chief Scout and Queens Scout Awards. So when you are working for one, you are actually working for both. When you gain your Chief Scout Platinum Award, you gain the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze. If you get your Chief Scout Diamond Award then you get Duke of Edinburgh Silver.

Finally if you’re good enough to gain your Queens Scout award you will also be entitled to your Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. But remember… you have to sign up for the Award before you start, or it won’t count!

Getting the badge and certificate

Once you have completed the award, take your book to your Explorer Scout Leader, your District Explorer Scout Commissioner or direct to the address below, and after your book is assessed the award will be given to you.

Bronze

When the Bronze Award is completed it can be assessed and awarded at District level – the ESL or DESC will then inform Chris Stopford and he issues a certificate and badge, along with an enrolment form for your Silver level.

Silver

At Silver level, the book should be sent to Chris for assessment at County level, if satisfactory he again issues and can present the certificate and badge, along with an enrolment form for your Gold level.

Gold

At Gold level the books are assessed and the award made nationally.Books are checked by Chris first to ensure they are satisfactory before passing them to Gilwell. Usually the County Commissioner is informed so that suitable presentation can be made if required. In any case there is a presentation by the Duke himself at St James’s Palace.

Further Information

Contact for more information and presentations:

Chris Stopford
18 Glovers Lane
Raunds
Northamptonshire
NN9 6TU

Tel: 01933 626288
Email: chris.stopford@btinternet.com

For more information go to the D of E website: www.DofE.org