Get involved in Duke of Edinburgh
Here's what it is and how to get started
Learn new skills and have fun adventures by completing your Bronze, Silver or Gold award with Girlguiding.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of activities. It's open to girls and young women aged 14 to 24 or aged 13 and in the school year they turn 14.
Girlguiding has joined forces with DofE so you can complete this fantastic challenge as part of your guiding experience.
DofE fits in closely with many of the other awards and qualifications available to you through guiding, in particular the Queen’s Guide award. There are 3 levels of the award - Bronze, Silver and Gold.
For each level you need to undertake 4 sections:
- Volunteering
- Physical
- Skills-development.
- An expedition.
For the Gold level you’ll also need to take part in a residential event.
Why should I get involved?
The DofE programme operates in over 100 countries and is recognised by potential employers and universities as a mark of real personal development and achievement. The programme is balanced and develops you as a whole person - mind, body and soul - in an environment of social interaction and teamwork.
Activities within the DofE programme can also be matched with those you are already doing in guiding so you can get more than one award for the challenges that you complete.
What does it entail?
DofE has 3 levels.
- Bronze - for those aged 14 and over, or aged 13 and in the school year they turn 14. It takes at least six months to complete.
- Silver - for those aged 15 and over, or aged 14 and in the school year they turn 15. It takes at least 12 months for direct entrants (those without Bronze Awards).
- Gold - for those aged 16 and over. It takes at least 18 months for direct entrants (those without Silver Awards).
You can decide which levels you complete and in what order, as long as you meet the minimum age requirement.
Ready to get started on your DofE award?
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.
- You’ll get set up on eDofE which is the online system used to help you complete your award.
- After that, you’ll be sent a welcome pack straight to your address so you can get started!
- In the meantime, have a think about the different sections you’ll complete and what you’d like to do.
If you’re new to Girlguiding, you’ll need to register either as a young member or an adult member first.
For more information, check out the DofE website.
You must complete the levels you choose to work towards before your 25th birthday. Speak to your leader to get started. If you're an adult volunteer, contact your country or region office for information on how to sign up.
Check out these programme activities that count towards your DofE
Our programme is what girls get up to in their local unit meetings. If you’re a part of Guides or Rangers, your programme activities count towards your DofE. Here are some activities you can complete.
Here are some programme activities you can complete in Guides that will count towards either volunteering, physical, skills or expedition section of your DofE award.
Volunteering
- Interest badges: campaigning, craftivism and human rights.
- Skills builders: Influence stage 5 (Donation stations), Make change stages 3, 4 and 5.
Physical
- Interest badges: fitness and geocaching.
- Skills builders: Feel good stage 5 (Fitness guides).
Skills
- Interest badges: backwoods cooking, confectionary, investigating, media critic, and more.
- Skills builders: Communicate stages 3, 4, and 5, Explore stages 4 and 5, Feel good stages 3, 4 and 5, First aid stages 3, 4 and 5, Influence stages 3, 4 and 5, Innovate stages 3, 4 and 5, Live smart stages 3, 4 and 5, Network stages 4 and 5, and Reflect stages 4 and 5.
Expedition
These badges, awards and activities can help as part of your preparation and training for the DofE Expedition section. The challenge you do for your Guide Gold award can also count towards your DofE expedition or be part of your training.
- Interest badges: backwoods cooking and navigator.
- Skills builders: Camp stage 3, 4 and 5 (All activities except Invent a gadget), Explore stage 5 (Explorers handbook, Wash it off and Travel like a pro).
Some of the Ranger activities in our programme can count towards your DofE award. Here's a few suggestions.
Volunteering
- Interest badges: volunteering and women's rights.
Physical
Skills
- Interest badges: animation, blogging, bushcraft, cooking, costumes, digital design.
- Skills builders: First aid stage 5 and 6, Live smart stage 5 and 6, Influence stage 5 and 6.
Expedition
- Skills builders: Camp stage 5 and 6.
Residentials
Part 3 of your Ranger Gold award can count as your DofE residential if it takes the same amount of time needed for the residential.
Do something unforgettable
There's always a way that you can get more involved with Girlguiding. We have events and opportunities for all ages across the UK and around the world.