What is the DofE Gold Award?
Liz Green, HQ Cadet Branch DofE Lead, gives us the briefing on the DofE Gold Award.
What is DofE?
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is an internationally recognised award which acknowledges the amazing achievements of participants who undertake volunteering, physical activities, skills development and expeditions at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.
Gold Award participants need to complete an additional five-day residential course. As they progress, participants develop confidence, resilience, commitment, self-motivation and teamwork skills. These qualities are sought after by employers and are helpful in all aspects of life.
What’s involved in the DofE Gold Award?
The Gold Award is the highest accolade and has five sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, Expedition and Residential. There are lots of opportunities within the Army Cadets to complete the sections, which can make it easier for cadets to find the time needed to dedicate to each one.
Cadets can even use their Volunteering section to support other cadets to achieve their awards – they can access the DofE Young Leader programme or do a practical DofE Skills course to help them do this.
Read more about leadership in the Army Cadets.
How long does it take?
Participants with a DofE Silver Award must complete the Gold Award programme over 12 months. Those without a Silver Award must spend 18 months on the programme by undertaking a further six months in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skills sections.
Who can take part?
Cadets over the age of 16, and CFAVs up to the age of 25, can complete the DofE Gold Award through the Army Cadets. Around 100 members achieve the Award each year.
Interested in taking part?
Speak to your county or contingent DofE officer to find out how to register. Every young person who achieves their Gold Award will receive a Gold Award badge/brooch and certificate. They, and a guest, will also be invited to attend a Gold Award celebration event at a Royal Palace, attended by a member of the Royal Family. It’s an exciting opportunity; I’d encourage all cadets to give it a go!
Liz’s tips for DofE success
- Choose activities that are challenging but also enjoyable and achievable.
- Download the DofE app and regularly upload evidence such as photos and screenshots.
- Get dates for the expedition and residential sections in your diary early.
- Be open about doing your Gold Award, so others can encourage and support your progress.
Go Further With Army Cadets
If you enjoy taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, you can take your skills further by joining the Army Cadets. Participate in challenging expeditions and learn valuable fieldcraft and survival skills in Adventurous Training. There’s always something new to learn and new friends to discover. Find your local detachment today.