How the DofE programme works
The program is for everyone between the ages of 14 and 24.
It consists in regularly engaging in activities from three areas, each of them for 1 hour per week. The DofE areas are movement, skills and volunteering. For each activity you will set yourself a goal to motivate you and push you further. At the end you will complete a team expedition in the outdoors. You record your whole journey through the programme on an online app and have a leader to help you if you need help.
What's in it for you?
- you'll get better at the things you enjoy
- you will receive an internationally recognised certificate
- you take the time to help others
- you will gain great experience that will be useful for your future life
- You can get financial support for your DofE activities from the DofE Fund
Programme content
The duration of the program depends on which level you choose. You can choose between bronze, silver and gold. If you choose gold, you will have a residential project in addition to the 4 core areas, which you can complete in the Czech Republic and abroad.
Bronze level
3 months + 3 months
You are involved in the activities for at least 3 months. In addition, you choose one of them to do for 3 months longer.
2 days (1 night)
You're going on an outdoor team expedition.
For Gold level only
Silver level
6 months + 6 months
You have been involved in the activities for at least 6 months. If you are not a Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award winner, you will choose one of them to do for 6 months longer.
3 days (2 nights)
You're going on an outdoor team expedition.
For Gold level only
Gold level
12 months + 6 months
You have been involved in the activities for at least 12 months. If you're not a Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award winner, you'll choose one of them to do for 6 months longer.
4 days (3 nights)
You're going on an outdoor team expedition.
5 days (4 nights)
You can do a residency project in the Czech Republic or abroad.
Skill
You have many choices in this area. From playing a musical instrument to learning a foreign language to cooking or programming. You'll set achievable goals to improve your skills, work on your talents or learn a whole new set of skills. The important thing is that you enjoy it.
Examples of activities
Motion
Physical activity will help you improve your performance and physical fitness. You might work on teamwork in volleyball or meet new people in ice skating. You don't have to be the best and win medals, you just have to want to push yourself a little further. You'll also learn to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Examples of activities
Volunteering
When volunteering, you can work on yourself, but you can also help others. You will need to develop your tolerance, responsibility and patience. In addition to tutoring classmates, this includes cleaning up the woods, working with children, helping at the food bank, and much more. You can ask your leader about volunteer opportunities.
Examples of activities
Expeditions
The expedition is a challenge for you to overcome the fear of the unknown and also an opportunity to go with a group for a few days in the countryside and discover interesting places in the Czech Republic and abroad. An expedition always has a purpose, for example, mapping forgotten places, collecting plants for the herbarium or climbing an entire navigable stretch of river.
Examples of activities
Residential project
You'll meet new people and use the knowledge and skills you've gained in other areas of the DofE. You'll go to a place you don't know and do something interesting and meaningful. You could go on a camp, an educational placement or perhaps take part in a volunteering project.
Where to do a residential project
Join the DofE!
It's easy and takes 2 minutes. You can start anywhere, anytime
Dofe Club
Join other activities for all DofE participants and alumni and meet new friends.
Go to Dofe KlubCeremonies
Find out how the DofE certificate and badge ceremony works, and register for your ceremony.
More informationDofE applications
Online Record Book is an app for recording your DofE activities. In the Virtual Training Centre you will find methodological materials, tutorials and other information.