DofE Gold Residentials
We have identified the following opportunities to complete DofE Gold Residentials. Please let us know if you come across any others.
There are also opportunities listed on the DofE website here – select Residential in the ‘Section’ drop down box
Note that the links below will take you direct to the volunteering page of the organisation (if there is one). To find out general information about the organisation go to their home page and follow the links from there. Volunteering opportunities tend to be the cheapest (many are free)
DON’T FORGET: you cannot go on a DofE Gold Residential with a group who you know beforehand.
VOLUNTEERING
REVITALISE: A national charity providing short breaks and holidays (respite care) for disabled people and carers. They also offer inspirational opportunities for volunteers through one of the largest, most diverse volunteer programmes in the UK
Free and up to £50 reimbursement of UK travel expenses but there’s a 7 day mimimum
CHICKS: A national children’s charity providing free respite breaks to children aged 8-15 from all over the UK, and who would really benefit from a break from their home lives
Free, apart from a £7 fee for a DBS check, and you need to pay for your own travel to & from the centre
WOODLARKS: Woodlarks exists so that anyone, whatever their disability, can have the fun and fellowship of affordable camping in a glorious setting
Check when enquiring – you have to pick a camp and then enquire direct
NATIONAL TRUST Working Holidays have been part of the National Trust for over 50 years. In that time participants have helped us to look after some of the most incredible places in England and Wales. Look for the Youth Discovery Sign on each holiday in the brochure as these specialise in DofE
Tend to be quire expensive
NATIONAL CITIZEN SERVICE National Citizen Service (NCS) is open to all 16 and 17-year-olds in England and helps you build your skills for work and life, while you take on new challenges and meet new friends.
4 seperate weeks in total but only £50
WATERWAY RECOVERY GROUP Waterway restoration work. Waterway Recovery Group had its origins in waterways restoration working during the 1960s, but formally came into being in 1970. The aim was to be the coordinating force, not centred upon any individual project but backing up and assisting local groups on any worthwhile restoration project.
£70 for the week, accommodation & meals provided. Min age 18
PROJECTS ABROAD: Arange of volunteer projects for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award candidates. An array of High School Special projects for young people to get involved in, whether at Bronze, Silver or Gold level. Contribute towards the progress of your award and be part of an exciting and worthwhile project with a group of like-minded volunteers from around the world
Cost depends on project chosen
SHARE DISCOVERY VILLAGE: Based in N Ireland – Helping to run Outdoor Activites and running the camp.
Approx £110
SPORTS
GRAFHAM WATER CENTRE: Grafham Water Centre has been providing high quality learning outside the classroom activities for more than 40 years. Courses in sailing, paddlesports or climbing are available including a National Governing Body award
Enquire re cost
SUMMER SCHOOL COURSES: a wide variety of summer courses but check that the course that interests you will qualify as a DofE Residential
Costs vary depending on course
CUMULUS: Enjoy a unique experience on the Jurassic Coast in the stunning Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. We have three residential programmes and eleven different weeks to choose from, and whichever you decide upon you will have an awesome adventure!
Around £300 (depending on option chosen)
UKSA: Sailing and watersports, focused on youth development, schools and groups and professional training for national qualifications for all levels of sailing and yachting.
Enquire about costs
ADVENTURES OFFSHORE: adventurous adventure sailing for young people
Enquire about cost (temprary website)
OCEAN YOUTH TRUST SOUTH: adventures under sail; a voyage with OYT South allows you to cover all the essential areas for your Residential Project, all conducted within a relaxed, informal environment. You will learn a great deal – but you will also have a fantastic time!
Around £400 but depends on the voyage (note that these prices are heavily subsidised)
COOKING
COOKABILITY Learn to cook for University or working in a ski chalet. Cookery courses are designed to teach the basics of cookery – and beyond – and will enable you to cook for yourself and others with ease and confidence. You can use our 5 day residential courses for your Gold D of E Award and/or Queen’s Scout.
Around £600 but gives you qualification.
OTHER
ACTIVE OUTDOOR PURSUITS: The multi activity residential (April – October) includes 5 days of fun outdoor activities! A mixture of land, water and rock based sports. All equipment needed for the activities is provided by us. The snowsports residential includes the use of snowsports equipment but we do ask you to provide own clothing
£345 per person (+ cost of lift pass if in winter)
TALL SHIPS: Our mission is to enable young people aged 12-25 to fulfil their life potential through genuinely life changing adventures at sea. What’s more, our extensive Adult Voyage programme, for ages 18-80, helps fund our youth development work.
Costs vary considerably so see web site
CREATIVE COURSES: Nottingham Trent University Summer School – Summer schools at Nottingham Trent Uni in Architecture, Art and Design, Gaming Design, Journalism, Photography and more
£400 – £500 depending on the course