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The Duke of
SASBAH’s Young People’s Committee selected DofE as a nationally recognised accreditation programme that is valued within education and by employers.
SASBAH is registered as a DofE Centre; and Hilton in the Community Foundation has generously funded a part-time DofE Centre Co-ordinator post for one year.
What is DofE?
DofE is an adventure and a challenge to young people between 14 and 25 to get involved in a balanced programme of activities; and through regular participation over a period of time, to show improvement in the activities they chose.
Is it for me?
If you are 14 or over, and prepared to stick at the activities you choose, you can achieve a DofE Award.
There are three levels - Bronze, Silver and Gold. It takes a minimum of 6 months to achieve a Bronze DofE Award; 12 months for Silver and 18 months for Gold. But it’s not a race - you can take as much time as you need to complete each section, as long as you complete the whole programme by your 25th birthday to achieve an Award.
Expedition training day at Gun Hill - Christian, Adam, Shawn and Adam
And some of the activities you are already involved in at SASBAH or elsewhere - sports, hobbies or voluntary work - can count towards your DofE, as long as you’re prepared to continue to participate regularly in each activity (normally an average of at least an hour a week) and to show some improvement.But it’s good to try something new as well, or something that you’ve always wanted to do. And with hundreds of activities to choose from, you’ll be able to put together your own DofE programme that is just right for you.
What will I have to do?
At each level, there are four sections: Volunteering; Physical; Skills; Expedition.
You’ll choose one activity in each section - something that you’re really into, or keen to have a go at. It’s all about setting yourself a challenge and feeling great when you achieve it!
Take a look at the DofE photo gallery to see the range of interesting and exciting activities that SASBAH participants have done to achieve their DofE awards.
Christian recording for Shawn volunteering at a Adam running at the Special
his Skills section. charity shop. Olympics for Physical section
You will get lots of help to choose your activities and to get going. You’ll have your own eDofE record that you can use at home, at SASBAH, or anywhere with access to the Internet. eDofE will help you record what you’ve done and what you’ve achieved. And when you finish each section, it will be approved and you’ll be able to print a record of your DofE adventure and achievements.
And if you go on to do the Gold level, there’s an additional fifth section: Residential.
What does it cost?
At Bronze and Silver, it costs £18 to register for DofE and to set up your eDofE account. You will be asked to make a contribution of £5 at Bronze and £10 at Silver; and SASBAH will pay the difference.
How do I get started?
Contact SASBAH’s DofE Centre Co-ordinator George Collier. He’ll help you complete a simple enrolment form (signed by a parent or carer if you are under 18). Then you’ll choose the activities that you are going to do in each section, set up your eDofE account…and off you go on your DofE adventure!
What will I get when I finish?
You’ll get a sectional certificate when you complete each of the 4 sections. And when you’ve finished all 4 sections, you’ll receive a DofE Bronze (or Silver) Certificate and DofE Badge. But you will also have picked up lots of experiences along the way, new friends and talents that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
DofE for Adults too!
You don’t need special qualifications to be a DofE volunteer - from giving guidance and advice or training and assessing a young person’s progress, to driving a minibus or helping out with the admin - there’s a role for everyone. And if you do have specialist skills, interests or qualifications, why not put them to good use?
So, if you enjoy a challenge and get a buzz out of helping young people develop the skills and attitudes they need to succeed in life, then YOU would be a fantastic volunteer for DofE . To find out how, contact SASBAH's DofE Centre Co-ordinator George Collier
SASBAH’s DofE Centre Co-ordinator
George Collier joined SASBAH as the DofE Centre Co-ordinator in June 2010.
George has been involved with DofE for many years, originally as a participant, and later in various paid and voluntary roles, most recently as DofE Development Officer for
He said “I’m thrilled to be involved with SASBAH and helping to set up the new DofE Centre. DofE helps each young person to develop their mind, body and soul in a non-competitive environment.
“One of DofE’s guiding principles is ‘Achievable by All’ - any young person who takes up the challenge can achieve a DofE Award, regardless of their ability, gender, background or location. The programme and the challenge is the same for each participant; and the conditions are varied only to the extent necessary to remove a barrier to participation and achievement.
“I look forward to many of SASBAH’s younger service users getting involved, and going onto to achieve their DofE Awards. And to many parents, carers, volunteers and other service users lending a hand too as instructors and assessors. There really is something for everyone to get involved”.