Get started on your DofE award

Raring to go? Here’s what to do to get going with your DofE

It's simple to get started on your award.

If you’re already a member of Girlguiding, chat to your leader or local commissioner.

They can put you in touch with your county DofE adviser. They’ll get you started on eDofE and ready to go.

If you’re new to Girlguiding, you’ll need to register either as a young member or an adult member.

What’s eDofE?

eDofE is the online system DofE use to help you complete your award. You can track your progress, get information and your leaders can support you with the click of a button!

Working on the go? Download the DofE app and access eDofE wherever you are.

Check out this guide to help you get to grips with eDofE.

If you’ve already done a DofE Award with your school or another organisation, keep a record of your eDofE number. Your Girlguiding leader can then transfer your current eDofE account into Girlguiding.  

What happens after I’m registered?

Once you’ve been set up on eDofE, you’ll be sent a DofE welcome pack straight to your address. You can then get started on your award.

In the meantime, you can get thinking about the different sections and what you’d like to do.

The DofE sections

DofE awards are made up of different sections, and you'll need to take part in activities within each section to work towards your award.

The sections are:

  • Volunteering – this is all about helping people, the community, the environment or animals. You’ll spend time doing something useful for a charity or not-for-profit organisation for free. Check out the volunteering FAQs and the DofE volunteering programme ideas for inspiration. Why not volunteer with Girlguiding as part of your DofE?
  • Physical – it’s time to get active! Choose any type of sport, dance or fitness activity for this section. Check out the physical FAQs and the DofE physical programme ideas to see what you can do.
  • Skills – Broaden your mind and develop your expertise in something you enjoy. Be careful to not choose a physical activity, or something that could count as volunteering (for example, a volunteer sports coach). Check out the skills FAQs and the DofE skills programme ideas – you’ll see there's loads to choose from.
  • Expedition – channel your inner explorer and have an adventure of a lifetime! You can go by foot, canoe, kayak, cycle, horse ride, wheelchair or sail. This is something your leader will train you for and organise, but you can get thinking about how you’d like to do it and what you’d like to achieve. Take a look at the DofE recommended kit list and kit guide to help get you started.
  • Residential (Gold award only) – this is your chance to get away to somewhere new and meet new people. You’ll need to undertake a shared course or activity as part of a group, keeping busy in the day and in the evenings. For more information, check out the residential FAQs. DofE have also made a checklist you can use to make sure the opportunity you’ve chosen will count for your DofE. You can also watch this DofE video to find out more about the Residential section.

Our activity centres

We host regular Queen's Guide award and Duke of Edinburgh residentials at our activity centres. These 4-night stays are full of adventure and meet the requirements for your award. 

Find out more about activity centre events.