As a part of being a cadet in the ACF, we provide the opportunity to challenge yourself to the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Around 6,000 cadets and adult volunteers take part in the programme every year, with around 2,000 gaining Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE awards. Find out more about the Duke of Edinburgh Award requirements and the benefits of DofE.
Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What is the Duke of Edinburgh's Award?
Created in 1956, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award aims to improve the personal development and employability of young people. Universities and employers also value the DofE Award and the skills that are gained. Offering individual achievements that differ from person to person depending on their goals, DofE encourages young people to get involved in exciting challenges. The DofE promotes teamwork, self-discipline, empathy and independence and is something young people remember for the rest of their lives.
One of the biggest providers of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards
Bronze Award
YOU CAN REGISTER AS SOON AS YOU ARE IN THE SCHOOL YEAR IN WHICH YOU WILL TURN 14
The Bronze award consists of four sections - volunteering, physical, skills and expedition. The first three of these must be undertaken over a period of three months, with an additional three months being spent on one section of your choice. The two-day, one-night expedition must be planned, trained for and completed in order to finish the Bronze award
Silver Award
YOU CAN REGISTER AS SOON AS YOU ARE IN THE SCHOOL YEAR IN WHICH YOU WILL TURN 15
The Silver DofE has the same four sections as Bronze, but volunteering must be done for at least six months and a minimum of six months must be spent on either physical or skills. Three months must be spent on the remaining section. A three-day, two-night expedition is also planned, trained for and completed as part of the Silver award.
Gold Award
DOFE GOLD - YOU HAVE TO BE 16 YEARS OLD TO START THIS AWARD
You must spend 12 months volunteering, and then choose between physical or skills to spend 12 months on, and six months must be taken on the other. The four-day, three-night expedition (plus an acclimatisation day) should take place in remote moorland or mountainous terrain, and there will also be a residential section.
Why do the Duke of Edinburgh Award?
DofE was created to encourage young people to venture out of their comfort zone and develop their skills. Everyone takes their own individual achievements away from the experience, but the main advantages of taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards are:
- It's open to all young people: The award doesn't consider factors like gender, physical ability or academic ability. The rewards are based on individual improvement which means that anybody can take part. .
- Looks great on CVs and applications: One of the main reasons DofE was created was to help young people become more employable. The award conveys commitment, achievement and the ability to venture outside their comfort zone. It is also a great talking point with future prospective employers and shows that you can work independently and as part of a team.
- It's an opportunity to try new things: Lots of young people have never volunteered, orienteered, or gone camping. DofE encourages people to be outside and have fun with others whilst doing something they may have never done before.
- Practice teamwork: To complete DofE, teamwork is required. Whether it's navigating, setting up a tent or simply looking after one another, DofE encourages people to work together - something that is an important life skill.
- Give something back to the community: Volunteering is one of the biggest aspects of DofE. It is a massive opportunity to help others and spend time doing something that benefits other people. Volunteering enhances our life skills and gives us a different perspective.
DofE at The Army Cadets
As well as various other activities, we provide the opportunity to take your DofE. Lots of the skills gained during DofE cross-over with what you will learn in the ACF, so why not kill two birds with one stone? Work towards your DofE whilst continuing the ACF syllabus. Adult volunteers can also work towards their DofE if they're under the age of 25.
If you aren't currently a part of the cadets and want to find out more, find your nearest detachment and see how you can reap the benefits.
Furthermore, if you're over 18 and are looking for a way to help others, keep fit and use your spare time wisely, becoming an adult volunteer is fulfilling and allows you to meet new people. Learn more about the benefits and how you can get involved.
If you are a cadet or CFAV and you're interested in undertaking your DofE, please speak with your County/Battalion/Sector DofE Officer.
If you are interested in supporting cadet activities such as Cadet DofE Expeditions you might consider a regular donation to ACFA.
