The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a program available to all youth between the ages of 14 and 25 that focuses on extra-curricular activities and community involvement. It’s a great way to explore your interests and try something new.
There are four sections to The Award Program – volunteer service, physical recreation, skill development and an adventurous journey (a camping trip). If you’ve always wanted to try snowboarding, pottery, kayaking, video editing, or more, here’s a great opportunity!
Earning the Duke of Ed Award looks great on your resume as it shows you are a well rounded individual who is connected to the community. Over 7 million youth have earned The Award in over 130 countries since the program was founded in 1956.
You can do the program on your own as an Independent, or join a group. Visit our website at dukeofed.org/bc to learn more or download a registration form.
What is the Award?
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was founded by His Royal Highness The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh, to encourage personal development and community involvement for young people. The programme has three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold, and is open to any person between the ages of 14 and 25. Participants complete The Award by achieving personally established goals, in the areas of Community Service, Skill Development, Physical Recreation, and Adventurous Journey. In pursuing these activities, young people learn responsibility, acquire new skills, and increase their level of physical fitness. In achieving the goals they set for themselves, participants demonstrate their commitment, motivation, and personal development.
The Fundamental Principles
The criterion for gaining an Award is individual improvement through persistence and achievement, taking into account the participant’s initial capabilities and without any element of competition between participants. Participation is entirely voluntary and the individual participant has a completely free choice in the selection of the locally available options within the four sections specified below. There is no discrimination against participation on the grounds of sex, race, religion, or political affiliation.
Participants must be between the ages of 14 and 25. The basic structure of the Award Programme consists of four mandatory sections: Service, Adventurous Journey, Skills, and Physical Recreation. There are three levels of The Award: Bronze (for those over 14), Silver (for those over 15), and Gold (for those over 16). The minimum period of participation for direct entrants to qualify for an Award is 6 months for Bronze, 12 months for Silver, and 18 months for Gold.
The Getting Started Checklist
You’re about to embark on a journey that will change your life for the better! The skills, opportunities, and experiences available through The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award will increase your motivation, boost your self-esteem, and set you up for a lifetime of success. The Award will truly MAKE A DIFFERENCE in your life. Just follow these steps to get started today:
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Determine what level is right for you. The Award is divided into three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Depending on your age and experience, you may choose to start at the beginning (Bronze) and work your way up, or jump right in to Silver or Gold. Learn more about all three levels and the commitment each requires on The Details page. Download and print the Summary of Conditions for reference.
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Register with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Canada. Before you get started you must register with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award office in your region. This can be done through your school, college, community group (Cadets, Scouts, etc.), or as an independent participant. To register as an independent participant, visit your Divisional Office to download the registration form.
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Registration fee: There is a small registration fee required to cover the cost of your record book and programme administration. Registration forms and fees are handled through the Divisional Office for your Province or Territory.
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Plan your programme & find your assessors. You will now receive a record book to keep track of your activities and commitments. The next step is to choose the activities you’ll do in each of the four Award sections (Service, Skills, Adventurous Journey, Physical Recreation). Once you’ve made your choices, you’ll need to find an assessor for each who is knowledgeable and experienced in that particular area.
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Get Started. With your plan in place, you’re ready to begin learning new skills, making new friends, and experiencing personal growth!
Visit our website at dukeofed.org/bc to learn more.
