As a member of The Scout Association you can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as well as Scouting Awards. This is done through being a member of an Explorer Scout Unit or the Scout Network.
This page aims to outline the basic information you need to choose the most appropriate awards for you, get started on them and who can help you through them. The Chief Scout’s Platinum Award, the Chief Scout’s Diamond Award and the Queen’s Scout Award have similar requirements to the Bronze, Silver and Gold D of E Awards (respectively).
Bronze Award (14 + years)
- Volunteering: 3 months
- Skills: 3 months
- Physical: 3 months
- Expeditions: Plan, prepare for and undertake a 2 day, 1 night venture
All Participants must undertake a further 3 months in either the Service, Skill or Physical Recreation Sections.
Chief Scout’s Platinum Award (14+ years)
In addition to the above your need to complete the following:
- Be a member of Explorer Scouts / Scout Network for at least 6 months.
- Complete 6 nights away, four of which must be camping.
- Complete 2 activities as an Explorer Scout / Scout Network member from the lists available here (each should be from a different list).
Silver Award (15 + years)
- Volunteering: 6 months
- Skills: One Section for 6 months and the other Section for 3 months
- Physical: One Section for 6 months and the other Section for 3 months
- Expeditions: Plan, prepare for and undertake a 3 day, 2 night venture
Direct entrants must undertake a further 6 months in either the Service or the longer of the Skill or Physical Recreation Sections.
Chief Scout’s Diamond Award (15+ years)
In addition to the above your need to complete the following:
- Be a member of Explorer Scouts / Scout Network for at least 12 months (this can include time spent working on the Chief Scout’s Platinum Award).
- Complete 12 nights away, eight of which must be camping (this can include nights away counted for the Chief Scout’s Platinum Award).
Complete 2 activities as an Explorer Scout / Scout Network member from the lists available here (each should be from a different list and not the same activities as those undertaken for the Chief Scout’s Platinum Award).
Gold Award (16 + years)
- Volunteering: 12 months
- Skills: One Section for 12 months and the other Section for 6 months
- Physical: One Section for 12 months and the other Section for 6 months
- Expeditions: Plan, prepare for and undertake a 4 day, 3 night venture
- Residential: Undertake a shared activity in a residential setting away from home for 5 days and 4 nights
Direct entrants must undertake a further 6 months in either the Volunteering, Skill or Physical Sections.
Queen’s Scout Award (16+ years)
In addition to the above your need to complete the following:
- Be a member of Explorer Scouts / Scout Network for at least 18 months (this can include time spent working on the Chief Scout’s Platinum and Diamond Awards).
- Complete 18 nights away, twelve of which must be camping (this can include nights away counted for the Chief Scout’s Platinum and Diamond Awards).
- Complete 2 activities as an Explorer Scout / Scout Network member from the lists available on www.scouts.org.uk/ive (each should be from a different list and not the same activities as those undertaken for the Chief Scout’s Platinum and Diamond Awards).
- On completion of the above a presentation should be made to a suitable audience, this should demonstrate your achievements so far in working towards the Queen’s Scout Award.
You have until your 25th birthday to complete any of the Awards, but it takes: at least 6 months at Bronze, at least 12 months at Silver and at least 18 months at Gold for direct entrants.
Why do both?
Why not? By registering for the D of E and Scouting Awards you can gain twice the recognition for the efforts you put in. Both Scouting and D of E awards are recognised by employers, colleges and universities.
What happens when I move from Explorers to Network?
As far as the D of E is concerned, just keep working towards it. The person who supports you through the Award may change but what you need to do is the same.
Award Sections
Volunteering
This section aims to encourage Service to individuals and to the community. This needs to be voluntary and may require some training in order to complete this section effectively. This section could include: helping with Cubs as a Young Leader, being a member of a campsite service crew, leading outdoor activities as an instructor as well as many other ideas.
Skill
This section aims to encourage the discovery and development of practical and social skills and personal interests.
The activity you chose should allow you to show progression and sustained interest over a period of time in your chosen skill. This section could include: learning to drive, IT, DJ ing, Committee Skills, Circus skills as well as many other ideas.
Physical Recreation
This section aims to encourage participation and improvement in physical activity. The activity you chose should be physically demanding as well as being enjoyable. This section could include: Archery, Canoeing, Climbing, Football, Sailing, Swimming as well as many other ideas.
Expedition
This section aims to encourage a spirit of adventure and discovery by preparing for and carrying out an adventurous journey as part of a Team. The journey should be in the countryside or on the water, by foot, cycle, horse, canoe, boat or dinghy.
Residential Project
This section aims to broaden young people’s experiences through involvement with others in a residential setting. The project should have some form of purpose and be in an unfamiliar environment with people you don’t already know.
For support with DofE, please contact:
Dave Price or Sue Taylor (DofE Award Co-Ordinators)
