Awards

Silver Duke of Edinburgh's award

Print this badge

Reach new heights with the Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) award

Push yourself with the Silver DofE award. It’s open to Guides aged 14 (in the academic year they turn 15), Rangers, young leaders and adult members aged 18-25.

Why should I get involved?

Doing DofE Silver will give you skills, confidence and an edge over others when you apply for college, university or a job. You’ll develop communication, leadership and teamwork skills as well making a difference to other people’s lives and your community. You’ll also go on an exciting expedition and make memories to last you a lifetime.

What does it entail?

It will take you at least 6 months for Silver if you’ve already achieved your Bronze award, or 12 months if you’ve jumped straight into Silver.

There are 4 sections:

  • Volunteering section for 6 months.
  • Physical and Skills sections: one section for 6 months and the other section for 3 months.
  • Expedition section: 3 days (2 nights).

If you didn’t do Bronze, you must undertake a further 6 months in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skills sections.

It’s your choice which one and, though you can change your mind later, you should decide which section you want to do for longer at the beginning. Knowing how long you’re going to do it for will help you to choose your activity and set your goals for each section.

You can find more information on the timescales and the sections as well as lots more information on the DofE website.

Ready to get started?

We deliver DofE in lots of areas. This can depend on the number of volunteers, so we may not run it where you are. However, we'll do our best to support you.

Speak to your leader about registering and they’ll help you find your nearest group.

If you aren’t sure you’re quite ready for Silver, why not try DofE Bronze instead. Or you can jump straight to Gold.