The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), launched in 1956 by Prince Philip, is a prestigious youth program that challenges 14 to 24-year-olds to grow their skills, improve fitness, volunteer, and explore nature. Unlike other programs, DofE focuses on personal development, allowing participants to progress through Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels by fulfilling requirements in four key areas. This ensures not just skill enhancement but also societal contribution and outdoor appreciation. In Cyprus, DofE offers young people a platform to develop life skills, engage with their community, and discover the island’s natural beauty, helping them expand their perspectives and build resilience for a brighter future.
Volunteering: Participants engage in voluntary service to help others and make a positive impact on their communities.
Physical: Participants choose and participate in physical activity or sports to improve their fitness and overall health.
Skills: Participants develop practical and social skills by pursuing a particular hobby, or interest, or learning a new skill.
Expedition: Participants plan and undertake an adventurous journey as part of a team, typically involving navigation and outdoor camping.
Volunteering: Participants engage in voluntary service to help others and make a positive impact on their communities.
Physical: Participants choose and participate in physical activity or sports to improve their fitness and overall health.
Skills: Participants develop practical and social skills by pursuing a particular hobby, or interest, or learning a new skill.
Expedition: Participants plan and undertake an adventurous journey as part of a team, typically involving navigation and outdoor camping.
EMBRACE THE OUTDOORS
THRIVE IN ADVENTURE
At each level, participants are tasked with dedicating a specific number of hours or months to each section. As they advance to higher levels, the requirements intensify, adding layers of challenge. Importantly, the Gold Award stands out as the most demanding. It not only encompasses the tasks of the other sections but also necessitates participants to undertake a residential project, marking a significant milestone in their DofE journey.
Widely recognized and respected worldwide, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has had a profound impact on the lives of millions of young people. It nurtures self-confidence, leadership, teamwork, and a deep sense of responsibility towards the community, playing a pivotal role in shaping participants’ futures.
14+ Years (Minimum Time: 6 Months)
Averaging 1 hour a week. Plus an additional 3 Months for a major section in Voluntary Service, Physical Recreation, Or Skills
Voluntary Service (3 Months)
Participants volunteer in their communities, make a positive contribution to society and demonstrate social responsibility.
Physical Recreation (3 Months)
Encourages young people to improve their fitness and performance, and enjoy healthy lifestyles for good mental and physical well-being.
Skills (3 Months)
Enables participants to develop their talents, broaden their abilities, increase their self-confidence and improve their employability.
Adventurous Journey (2 Days / 1 Night)
Young people discover a spirit of adventure and gain a deeper understanding of the environment and the great outdoors. You must complete practice and qualifying journey).
15+ Years (Minimum Time: 6 Months)
Averaging 1 hour a week. Plus an additional 6 Months for a major section if the Bronze Award was not completed.
Voluntary Service (6 Months)
Connecting With the community by giving meaningful service to others.
Physical Recreation (6 Months)
Improving Physical Fitness and well-being encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.
Skills (6 Months)
Unleashing Talents and broadening personal interests and skills.
Adventurous Journey (3 Days / 2 Nights)
Purposeful adventuring and team building in an unfamiliar environment. (You Must complete practice and qualifying journey)
16+ Years (Minimum Time: 12 Months)
Averaging 1 hour a week. Plus an additional 6 Months for a major section if the Silver Award was not completed.
Voluntary Service (12 Months)
To understand the value of giving service to others in participants communities.
Physical Recreation (12 Months)
To encourage participation in sports and physical recreation for the improvement of health and fitness.
Skills (12 Months)
To encourage the development of personal interests, creativity, or practical skills.
Adventurous Journey (4 Days / 3 Nights)
To encourage a spirit of adventure and discovery while undertaking a journey in group. (You must complete practice and qualifying journey)
Residential Project (5 Days / 4 Nights)
Participants broaden their experience by staying in an unfamiliar environment with other young people, taking part in a worthwhile project, and building new relationships.