Top Awards opportunities

The DofE has partnered with IBM, a global tech leader, to provide free training for all DofE participants and volunteers.

Young people can tailor a personalised course programme in work and tech skills, helping them to complete their DofE Skills section.

But that's not all! DofE Leaders can also enrol their groups and explore new skills themselves.

IBM SkillsBuild offers:

• Quick sign-up with just an email address
• Choose from an extensive selection of 1000+ free courses and certifications to complete the Skills section of your award and for personal enrichment
• Courses cover diverse topics such as preparing for your first job, Artificial intelligence Fundamentals and Explorations into Mindfulness
• Earn recognised qualifications and digital badges to enhance CVs

Key features:

• Progress tracking online for easy monitoring
• Participants are able to share their progress with their DofE Award Assessor
• IBM SkillsBuild is a testament to IBMs commitment to equipping everyone with the skills for today's businesses

Explore how DofE leaders can utilise IBM SkillsBuild to deliver the Skills section, and how participants and leaders can sign up at IBM SkillsBuild.

Yr Hafod runs an ‘open’ expedition which is intended for individuals or small numbers who are unable to form teams in their local area. 

Find further details and how to book Yr Hafod online.

We are a Scout Activity Centre that operates two offshore/ocean going yachts. We run weekends, long weekends and week-long activities from March to October each year taking many Scout groups out to sea, awarding RYA start yachting and competent crew qualifications where appropriate or higher level awards such as Watch Leader or Day Skipper for limited numbers of returning participants.

We are also DofE AAP licensed to run Bronze, Silver and Gold expeditions and residential experiences including trips across the channel, North Sea and to the Channel Islands. 

For further information check out the Offshore website or email Danny Ward, AAP Manager, on [email protected].

Discovery Sailing Project is offering 2 KSA / Gold DofE Expedition opportunities:

Friday 24 July (1400) to Sunday 2nd August (1100)

Saturday 22nd August (1400) to Monday 31st August (1100)

The 10-day/9-night programme ensures sufficient time for:
Day 1 – Arrival, orientation and safety
Day 2 to 3 – Crew training (sailing skills development)
Day 4 to 5 – A practice expedition
Day 6 to 9 – The qualifying expedition
Day 10 – Expedition presentation and departure

The expedition will start and finish at Universal Marina, Crableck Lane, Sarisbury Green, Southampton. SO31 7ZN. Destinations are subject to weather constraints, but visits to ports in Northern France, the Channel Islands and the UK are anticipated.

The cost is £1000. It covers all fuel, marina and onboard food costs (including the cost of the food purchased by the participants as part of their expedition brief). It also covers the use of wet weather gear and other personal safety equipment. It does not cover personal travel insurance, and any on shore costs (admission/hire costs, onshore food, bus fares etc.).

Candidates will be required to complete the RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship Course before the start of the course. Details will be provided after applications are accepted.

For more information and to book please email: [email protected] 

This is suitable for a Gold DofE Residential

Applications are now open for the 2026 National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band summer course, taking place 26th July – 2nd August 2026 at Old Swinford Hospital School, Stourbridge, and culminating in two concerts in Birmingham.

The course is open to Scouts, Explorers, Young Leaders, and Network members aged 12–25 from across the UK. Applications close at 9am on Sunday 30th November 2025.

Find out more and apply here

For queries, contact [email protected].

Looking for somewhere to complete your Gold DofE Residential? Why not come and join the 'Summer Squad' at Great Tower?

You'll be working in the outdoors with young people of all ages and have the chance to make a real difference to the lives of young people.

Find more information and apply on Scout Adventures' website.

We are a Scout Activity Centre that operates two offshore/ocean going yachts. We run weekends, long weekends and week-long activities from March to October each year taking many Scout groups out to sea, awarding RYA start yachting and competent crew qualifications where appropriate or higher level awards such as Watch Leader or Day Skipper for limited numbers of returning participants.

We are also DofE AAP licensed to run Bronze, Silver and Gold expeditions and residential experiences including trips across the channel, North Sea and to the Channel Islands. 

For further information check out the Offshore website or email Danny Ward, AAP Manager, on [email protected].

DofE Gold Residential opportunity.

A week of outdoor activities and skill development at Abernethy in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway.

With outdoor adventure experts and a working residential environment, Abernethy is the perfect place to do your Duke of Edinburgh Gold residential. Always with adventure activities in mind, you can also specialise in a specific skill to learn while you are with us. A great option that meets all the Duke of Edinburgh criteria.

Dates: 

21st July - 25th July 2025

28th July - 1st August 2025

13th October - 17th October 2025

20th October - 24th October 2025

For cost and to book go to the Abernethy website

The Midlands FRS Emergency Services Experience Gold residential is perfect for anyone with an interest in the fire and rescue service or other emergency services, as well as anyone wanting to learn key life skills applicable for the future.

This unique and limited opportunity involves fun activities. These include driving a fire engine and ambulance, water rescue using our boat, search and rescue, use of breathing apparatus in smoke, casualty handling and accident investigation.

The residential is held at Kibblestone International Scout Camp and costs £495 per person.

Find more information and sign up for the Midlands FRS residential online.

Chamboree26 

When: 8th - 15th August 2026

Where: The Royal Cheshire Showground

Register your interest for Cheshire's 10th International Jamboree 2026  here Chamboree26

Madagascar 2026 will challenge you to explore the world, build international friendships, contribute to international development and immerse yourself in a different culture.

We'll spend three weeks in Madagascar in the summer of 2026 working together with Malagasy Scouts and local partner organisations, building shared experiences, exchanging ideas, contributing to local community and Scout projects and exploring Madagascar.

Come and join us! Applications are open until until October 19.

We also have opportunities for leaders to join, applications for leaders close October 5.

Find out more and apply to Madagascar 2026 on our website.

Madagascar 2027 will challenge you: to explore the world, to build international friendships, to contribute to international development and to immerse yourself in a different culture.

We will spend three weeks in Madagascar in the summer of 2027 working together with Malagasy Scouts and local partner organisations, building shared experiences, exchanging ideas, contributing to local community and Scout projects and exploring Madagascar.

Come and join us. Applications are open until until October 18^th

We also have opportunities for leaders to join, applications for leaders close October 4^th

For further information and for leader and participant applications click here

Essex International Jamboree will be back in 2028!

Find out about the event and get in touch here