For each level of award, you need to an activity within each of four sections: volunteering, skill, physical & an expedition. At Gold level you also need to complete a residential project.
How do I choose my activity? There is a suggested list of activities you can choose from or even choose you own (check it with us first). You then log your choice of activity on EDofE.
How long do I need to do the activity for? You need to do each activity for an average of an hour per week for the time required. You could do two hours every other week, if it is less often you could do some preparation or other research in between.
How is each activity assessed? You need to find an experienced adult (18+) to assess your activity, except for the expedition section where they need to be a D of E accredited assessor.
Aim: To make a positive contribution to your community, by helping an individual or an organisation.
> You can volunteer as an individual or a team.
> Up to one quarter of the time can be training towards your chosen service.
> There are lots of opportunities within Scouting, for leadership roles you need to complete some training.
> There are lots of choices including helping people or animals, leadership, raising awareness, environmental projects or helping a charity.> You cannot be paid for the activity you do!
Aim: To develop practical and social skills and personal interests.
> Physical activities, while they have elements of skill, cannot be used for this section. It can be useful to think of physical activities as those that make you sweat and a skill as one that does not.
> There are over 300 different activity ideas you can choose from including: playing an instrument, learning a language, event planning, gliding, marksmanship (shooting) or producing a newsletter or website.
> The activities need to be done in your own free time and not part of directed time at school.
Aim: To participate and show improvement in a sport, dance or fitness activity.
> Physical activities are generally ones that make you sweat. Some sports e.g. marksmanship, snooker/pool and gliding are actually skill activities, make sure you check the list.
> There are lots of choices including team sports, individual sports and just keeping fit!
> Scouting Activities include: archery, canoeing, climbing, rowing, sailing & walking, which most be run in accordance with POR.
> The activities need to be done in your own free time and not part of directed time at school.
Aim: To plan, train for and complete an expedition with a purpose.
> Every expedition needs to be unaccompanied, self-reliant and with an agreed aim or purpose.
> The expedition must be by your own physical effort using one of the following modes of travel: Land (walking, cycling, horse riding or wheelchair) or Water (canoeing, rowing or sailing)
> All expeditions must meet the Expedition requirements, which are assessed by an accredited D of E assessor.
> You need to prepare, train for, complete at least one practice, complete the qualifying expedition and give your presentation back.
> The expedition will usually take place with your Scout Group, but there are several opportunities on the D of E website. Our preferred activity provided for Gold Expeditions is Expedition Wales.
| Level | Duration | Planned Activity | Recommended environment - please note this is only a guide and it should be a challenge to the individual |
| Bronze | 2 days, 1 night | 6 hours, min 3 hours jouneying | Rural country, canals, rivers or inland waterways/lakes. Can be familiar to participants |
| Silver | 3 days, 2 nights | 7 hours, min 3.5 hours jouneying | Rural, open or forest countryside, but should include some open areas. Canals, rivers, inland waterways/lakes or sheltered costal waters. Must be unfamiliar to particpants. |
| Gold | 4 days, 3 nights | 8 hours, min 4 hours jouneying | Wild Country, remote from habitation which is unfamiliar to participants (emphasis is going through rather than over, solitude not altitude!). Rivers, inland waterways and lakes in rural areas; sheltered coastal waters or esturies. Yachts may use the open sea. |
Aim: to take part in a shared activity away from home
> There are a wide range of activity choices, such as training, activity based, environmental or volunteering.
> It needs to be with a majority of people you do not know.
> Activities such as attending the World Scout Jamboree as a participant do not count, as you know the people well before you attend.
> You should use the residential section checker to check your proposed activity is acceptable.
> There are lots of opportunities on the D of E website.
All residentials need to be approved in advance using the Residential approval form
If you have any queries, please email Mike Baxter, Assistant County Commissioner (Top Awards)
