Frequently asked Questions

How can I get involved with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award?
Are there any groups near me?
How much does it cost to do the DofE Award?
What can I do for my volunteering/skill/physical recreation?
I am with a group but cannot go with them on their expedition; can I still complete my DofE Award?
I have left the area where I was taking part in the DofE Award; can I still complete my award?
I haven’t done anything for a few years can I complete my award?
Who signs my book?
I have a disability. Can I take part?
What can I do once I have my gold?
How can I support the DofE Award in Edinburgh?
Do I have to have a qualification to help?

How can I get involved in the DofE Award in Edinburgh?

That’s easy, simply contact us and tell us how you would like to get involved. If you are between 14 and 25 and want to do the Award we can put you in contact with a group near you. If you are over 25 or have already completed your Award we can help you get involved in a number of different ways.

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Are there any groups near me?

If you live in Edinburgh then there more than likely is a group near you. Visit the contact us page, drop us a line and we will let you know. If you live outside the Edinburgh area you should visit the national Duke of Edinburgh's Award site at www.DofE.org and find the details of the Award in your area.

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How much does it cost to do the DofE Award?

The cost to take part in the Award will vary depending on the activities that you take part in. Choosing free activities will limit the cost. You will need to purchase a record book to take part in the Award. The current price for this is £12 for bronze & silver and £17.75 for gold.

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What can I do for my volunteering/skill/physical recreation?

The list of activities that you can do is unlimited. From aerobics to yoga, animal welfare to youth work, astronomy to zoology. Choose something that will really interest you or expand on something you already take part in, as you'll need to work on it for several months! For the full list of activities visit the participant zone at the national Duke of Edinburgh's Award site at www.dofe.org. For opportunities in Edinburgh and The Lothians see our opportunities directory.

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I am with a group but cannot go with them on their expedition; can I still complete my DofE Award ?

Yes. The Friends of The Award in Edinburgh organise a programme of open expeditions that allow individuals and groups to complete the expedition section of the DofE Award . Speak to your leader about the program or contact us.

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I have left the area where I was taking part in the DofE Award; can I still complete my award?

Yes. Edinburgh has several ‘Open’ Award groups that are available for anyone to join. Contact us for more information on the most suitable group for you.

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I haven’t done anything for a few years can I complete my award?

As long as you complete the DofE Award you are working on by your 25th birthday you can take as long as you like to complete the DofE Award.

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Who signs my book?

Each section of your DofE Award must be signed by an assessor. This can be anyone who knows about the activity that you are doing who has been approved by your operating authority as an assessor.

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I have a disability. Can I take part?

Yes you can. The DofE Award is a challenge to the individual, not against set standards or other people’s abilities.

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What can I do once I have my gold?

Young people working towards their DofE Award need the help of leaders to give them training and advice. See our leaders page for more information.

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How can I support the DofE Award In Edinburgh?

A little bit of time and interest goes a long way. So you could help with the management committee, become a Group leader or helper, encourage your employer to donate some money, or just tell people about all the good things we are doing to help benefit lots of young people.

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Do I have to have a qualification to help?

No you do not need to have a qualification to help with the DofE Award although for some activities they are required. But there are opportunities to gain qualifications if you wish to.

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