A DofE programme is a real adventure from beginning to end. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from. You just need to be aged between 14 and 24 and realise there’s more to life than sitting on a sofa watching life pass you by. Can you believe that around 275,000 participants are taking part in their DofE Programme at any time in the United Kingdom?

You can do programmes at three levels, Bronze, Silver or Gold, which lead to a Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Prince Philip – the Duke of Edinburgh set up the program, borrowing the idea from Moray Badge, instituted at Gordonstoun School.

You achieve an Award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections (five if you're going for Gold).

• Volunteering: undertaking service to individuals or the community.
• Physical: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities.
• Skills: developing practical and social skills and personal interests.
• Expedition: planning, training for and completion of an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad.
• At Gold level, participants must do an additional fifth Residential section, which involves staying and working away from home doing a shared activity.

Each section must be done for a minimum period of time. It must be monitored and then assessed by someone with knowledge of that particular activity to achieve an Award. Each progressive level demands more time and commitment from participants.

But here's the best bit - you get to choose what you do!

Your programme can be full of activities and projects that get you buzzing. And along the way you’ll pick up experiences, friends and talents that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

For further information please visit: http://www.dofe.org/