Taking part in The Duke of Edinburgh's Award has given me new friends, skills, and it has broadened my horizons.

- Molly, Bronze DofE Participant

Levels and requirements

There are three levels to the programme. When you’ve successfully completed them, they lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.

Bronze

• Age: 14 - 25th birthday
• Completion time: 6 months
• Activities: 
  • Volunteering (3 months)
  • Physical (3 months)
  • Skills (3 months)
  • Expedition (2 days, 1 night)
  • Plus a further 3 months in either volunteering, physical, or skills.
• Weekly commitment: Each section should average an hour per week.

Silver

• Age: 15 - 25th birthday
• Completion time: 12 months (or 6 months if you've already completed Bronze)
• Activities:
  • Volunteering (6 months)
  • Physical and Skills (one for 6 months, the other for 3 months)
  • Expedition (3 days, 2 nights)
  • If you didn't complete Bronze, you must complete a further 6 months in either Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skills sections.
• Weekly commitment: Each section should average an hour per week.

Gold

• Age: 16 - 25th birthday
• Completion time: 18 months (12 months if you've already completed Silver)
• Activities:
  • Volunteering (12 months)
  • Physical and Skills (one for 12 months, the other for 6 months)
  • Expedition (4 days, 3 nights)
  • Residential (5 days, 4 nights)
  • If you didn't complete Silver, you must complete a further 6 months in either Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skills sections.
• Weekly commitment: Each section should average an hour per week.

A closer look at the activities

There are lots of activities you may already do with St John Ambulance that could count towards your DofE.

Volunteering

• Provide first aid event cover
• Organise a fundraising event
• Help out at your local Badger Sett or Cadet Group.

Physical

• Are you a Cycle Responder? That counts!
• You could also do an activity you enjoyed at a camp, such as archery, kayaking, or climbing
• Already enjoy a sport or game outside of St John Ambulance? That works too.

Skills

• Hone your existing first aid skills
• Learn something new, like coding or baking
• Get better at something you're good at, like playing a musical instrument.

Expedition

• Team up with other Cadets and St John volunteers and explore the outdoors, all while working on your communication and leadership skills.

Residential (Gold only)

• Enjoy five nights away from home with other likeminded young people. Make new friends on summer camp with another St John region, or learn to snowboard in Scotland - the opportunities are endless!