Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Key Resources

Enrolment form
Expedition Kit Guide
Expedition Kit List
Activity Log (Physical)
Activity Log (Skill)
Activity Log (Volunteering)


As a member of The Scout Association you can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award alongside your Scouting Awards. This is done through being a member of an Explorer Scout Unit or the Scout Network. The Chief Scout’s Platinum Award, the Chief Scout’s Diamond Award and the King’s Scout Award have similar requirements to the D of E Bronze, Silver and Gold awards (respectively).

Bronze Award (FROM YEAR 9)

Volunteering Skills Physical Recreation Expeditions
3 months 3 months 3 months Plan, prepare for and undertake a 2 day, 1 night venture

All Participants must undertake a further 3 months in either the Volunteering, Skill or Physical Recreation Sections.

Chief Scout’s Platinum Award (from year 9)

In addition to the above you 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 Platinum ICV list here (each should be from a different list).

Silver Award (From Year 10)

Volunteering Skills & Physical Recreation Expeditions
6 months One Section for 6 months and the other Section for 3 months Plan, prepare for and undertake a 3 day, 2 night venture

Direct entrants must undertake a further 6 months in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Skill or Physical Recreation Sections.

Chief Scout’s Diamond Award (From year 10)

In addition to the above you 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 Diamond ICV list here (each should be from a different list and not the same activities as those undertaken for the Chief Scout’s Platinum Award). If you did not complete your Platinum award you should complete 4 activities.

Gold Award (16 + YEARS)

Volunteering Skills & Physical Expeditions Residential
12 months One Section for 12 months and the other Section for 6 months Plan, prepare for and undertake a 4 day, 3 night venture 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 Recreation Sections.

King’s Scout Award (16+ years)

Please register your interest here.

In addition to the above you 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 Queen’s Scout ICV list here (each should be from a different list and not the same activities as those undertaken for the Chief Scout’s Platinum and Diamond Awards). If you did not complete either of the Platinum or Diamond awards then you should complete further activities from this list to a total of 6.

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 King’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 DofE and Scouting Awards you can gain twice the recognition for the efforts you put in. Both Scouting and DofE awards are recognised by employers, colleges and universities.

What Happens When I Move From Explorers to Network?

As far as the DofE 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 giving your time to other 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.

Put your phone down and what are you left with? Just teamwork, courage and the skills to succeed.’
Bear Grylls, Chief Scout Bear Grylls