Within Scouting the Duke of Edinburgh Awards link directly to the Chief Scout’s Platinum (Bronze DofE), Diamond (Silver DofE) and Queen’s Scout (Gold DofE) Awards. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of activities for anyone aged 14-25. Doing their DofE gives young people the opportunity to experience new activities or develop existing skills.
The DofE programme was set up in the 1950s by Prince Phillip the Duke of Edinburgh as a way to recognise the achievements and commitment of young people. The programme for the award to written in cooperation with the Scout Association and the development programme they were running at the time.
There are three progressive levels of programmes which, when successfully completed, lead to a Bronze DofE/Platinum Chief Scout, Silver DofE/Diamond Chief Scout or Gold DofE/Queen’s Scout Award. Young people create their own programme by choosing volunteering, physical and skills activities, going on an expedition and, for their Gold only, taking part in a residential activity. For the Chief Scout Awards, participants also need to complete 2 challenges from International, Environmental or Personal Values areas; plus be active members of Scouting and undertake a number of nights away).