نیشنل گولڈ ڈوف ایکسپیڈیشنز 2026

Army Cadets Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is running six national Gold ڈیوک آف ایڈنبرا کا ایوارڈ expeditions during 2026, offering cadets and young adult volunteers the opportunity to complete their practice or qualifying expeditions in stunning locations across the UK and Germany.

Expedition dates

Six مہمات are planned for 2026, providing participants with flexibility to complete either practice or assessed elements of their Gold Award.

The programme begins with a practice expedition and selection event in Cumbria, England from 7 to 12 April. Note that the closing date for this event has already passed. This event doubles as the selection process for those wishing to attend the Bavaria expedition later in the year.

Two expeditions run from 23 to 29 May, with practice or assessed options available in Gwynedd, Wales and in Devon, England. Both have a closing date of 28 March 2026.

The international expedition to Bavaria, Germany takes place from 8 to 17 August and is an assessed expedition only. Those wishing to attend must first complete the Cumbria selection event. The closing date for Bavaria bids is 24 April 2026.

Further UK opportunities include Halton, England from 21 to 27 August, offering practice or assessed expeditions with a closing date of 26 June 2026. The final expedition of the year runs from 25 October to 1 November in West Lothian, Scotland, available as an assessed expedition only, with bids closing on 30 August 2026.

Who can take part

Army Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers from across the ACF and CCF(A) are welcomed to apply.

To be eligible, participants must be an enrolled cadet over the age of 16 at the start of the expedition, or a serving CFAV under the age of 25 on the last day of the event. All participants must have passed 2 Star First Aid or Emergency ابتدائی طبی امداد at Work, and 2 Star navigation or hold equivalent evidence of navigation ability such as NNAS certification.

How to bid

Counties, battalions, sectors and contingents should submit bids via Westminster using the codes provided for each expedition. There is no personal contribution requirement when placing bids, although the cost is listed and will be called for after selections have been made.

Places are limited and will be allocated based on individual needs. Priority will be given to participants nearing the upper age limit for DofE or Army Cadets membership, and to those who have completed all other sections of their Gold Award.

Inclusivity and accessibility

Reasonable adjustments will be made to ensure all members of the Army Cadets can participate. This may include accessible routes, different overnight accommodation options, and other flexibilities as required.

All participants and support staff must disclose any condition or injury that may require variation to expedition conditions. This disclosure will not prevent anyone from taking part but is essential for ensuring appropriate adjustments can be made.

Staff opportunities

Suitably qualified CFAVs and Non-Uniformed Volunteers are needed to support these expeditions. Supervisors require Mountain Leader (Summer) or Mountain Leader Training qualifications, or Walking Group Leader/Hill and Moorland Leader with the Expedition/Camping module. Assessors must be accredited Gold Assessors registered with the Army Cadet Force.

Bids are also welcomed from those interested in gaining experience towards relevant qualifications, as well as CFAVs willing to undertake driving or welfare duties. Staff bids should be placed on Westminster and marked as Instructors.