DofE runs through Explorer Scout Units and Network. Over 95% of DofE expeditions in the UK are done on foot. In Lewisham we do ours by open canoe.
Levels and sections
Three progressive levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each has four sections — Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition — with a Residential section added at Gold.
The levels link directly to the Chief Scout’s Platinum and Diamond Awards and the King’s Scout Award.
Eligibility
- Bronze — from 14, or the school year 9 age range, and linked to an Explorer Unit
- Silver — from 15, or the school year 10 age range
- Gold — from 16, or the school year 11 age range
- Participants can work on an award up to their 25th birthday
- It is possible to start at Silver or Gold without completing the level below
Signing up
Registration runs through the County. See the South London Scouts DofE pages for enrolment and current fees.
Enrolment opens in the autumn term, with a launch evening for new Bronze participants and for direct entrants at Silver.
The DofE website has activity ideas for each section.
eDofE
All evidence is recorded on eDofE. Keep it up to date as you go rather than at the end.
- Log activity entries regularly for Volunteering, Physical and Skills
- Upload assessor reports as each section completes
- Add expedition planning documents, routes and the final presentation
eDofE surgeries run at unit nights through the year for anyone who needs help.
Expedition
Typical canoe locations by level:
- Bronze — River Medway
- Silver — River Wye
- Gold — Great Glen
The expedition year
- March — training camp, supplemented at unit nights
- April — personal permits
- May and June — evening practice paddles
- July and August — practice and qualifying expeditions
- September — presentations
Dates are published each year.
Expedition skills are covered through monthly sessions at unit nights — tents and camp craft, Trangia cooking, navigation, menu planning, kit, and route planning.
Resources
Kit lists, route materials and further links to follow.