Doing a DofE programme is a real adventure from beginning to end. You need to be aged between 14-24 and want to do something different, adventurous and fun. You can do programmes at three levels which when you've completed them lead to a bronze, silver or gold award. You create your plan which has four sections, volunteering, physical, skill and expedition and at gold, there is an extra section, residential. These activities contribute to a rounded self-development programme.

You can start your bronze award in the academic year that you turn 14. The silver award in the academic year you turn 15 and gold once you are 16. You can take part in the programme until your 25th birthday.

In Edinburgh most schools will have a DofE group running, so check school noticeboards for information about the DofE. There are also open award groups in the city which meet in the evenings. There are groups in Drummond HS, James Gillespie's HS and Balerno HS.

Yes, you can join the DOfE group with your friends, and in a group, you will probably make new friends too. 

Registration is currently £21.50 for bronze and silver participants and £28 for gold. The section activities will also cost something, but this cost will be determined by what you do.

You can complete bronze and silver levels in six months. However, it generally takes about one year.  Due to the increase in time commitments the gold award takes about 18-24 months to complete.

Having a DofE award has been shown to make people stand out from the crowd when it comes to job and university applications. It gives you something to put on your CV and lots to talk about at an interview, and it also shows that you've developed skills employers are looking for, such as teamwork, resilience and communication.

Yes, activities you are doing can count towards your DofE programme. However, it's always an excellent opportunity to stretch yourself and try something new. 

At each level, you need to complete some volunteering, physical activity and skill. Plus take part in an expedition. At gold, you also need to go on a residential. 

You record your programme on an application called eDofE. It is web-based. Therefore you can access your progress achievement from anywhere with a data connection. There is also a mobile-friendly site which makes it easier to upload evidence on the move.

No, if you are old enough, you could start at silver or gold. However, there is a long time commitment for one section.

DofE programmes consist of non-competitive voluntary activities for young people. There are three progressive levels, bronze, silver and gold which require an increasing level of commitment and more time from the young people.

You can start your bronze award in the academic year that you turn 14. The silver award in the academic year you turn 15 and gold once you are 16. You can take part in the programme until your 25th birthday.

In Edinburgh most schools will have a DofE group running, so check school noticeboards for information about the DofE. There are also open award groups in the city which meet in the evenings. There are groups in Drummond HS, James Gillespie's HS and Balerno HS.

Registration is currently £21.50 for bronze and silver participants and £28 for gold. The section activities will also cost something, but this cost will be determined by what the young person does.

Financial support can be provided to cover the registration fee, and by careful selection of activities, this could reduce the cost.

You can complete bronze and silver levels in six months. However, it generally takes about one year. Due to the increase in time commitments the gold award takes about 18-24 months to complete.

Teachers in schools, youth workers or volunteers will oversee the centre based sessions. When on expedition supervisors will hold the appropriate qualification for the activity they are doing and the terrain they are doing it in. All leaders involved with the DofE programme in Edinburgh will have completed a Protecting Vulnerable Groups, PVG, check.

Teachers in schools, youth workers or volunteers will oversee the centre based sessions. When on expedition supervisors will hold the appropriate qualification for the activity they are doing and the terrain they are doing it in. All leaders involved with the DofE programme in Edinburgh will have completed a Protecting Vulnerable Groups, PVG, check.

The DofE provides limited personal accident insurance which provides a specific benefit in the event of a participant sustaining an accidental bodily injury while taking part in an approved DofE activity.  The City of Edinburgh Council has Public Liability Insurance to cover claims against them or damage caused to, or by, young people doing a DofE programme.

Young people record their activities on a web-based application called eDofE which complies with ISO / IEC 27001 ISM standards.

All of the group expedition equipment can be hired from DofE equipment stores in the FOTA charity office or at Bangholm Outdoor centre. Some personal equipment is available to hire, including; boots, rucksacks, waterproofs and sleeping backs but personal clothing will need to be supplied by the individual.

Yes, participants can begin at silver or gold if they are of the correct age.

When your child does their DofE programme, they will develop the skills and attitudes they need to become more rounded, confident adults. Which are qualities that attract colleges, universities and employers. So when you support your child's pursuit of their DofE Award, you are investing in their future.

All City of Edinburgh DofE approved centres are licenced by AALA. You can view a copy of AALA Licence for all locations:

• Bangholm
• Benmore
• Lagganlia

DofE programmes consist of non-competitive voluntary activities for young people. Anyone aged between 14-24 can do a DofE programme. There are three progressive levels, bronze, silver and gold which require an increasing commitment and more time from the young people.

As a DofE volunteer, you'll learn an unbeatable sense of achievement. You'll also develop your leadership skills, master new activities, make new friends, achieve personal goals, give back to your community and have a lot of fun.

Depending on the responsibility and role you take on it will differ from a couple of weekends a year to a regular commitment of a few hours every week.

 To be able to inspire young people to develop themselves and the social skills to work with others and as part of a team.

The is a full modular training framework of courses to help you get the most from your DofE volunteering experience. As well as access to walking and cycling qualifications so you can lead expeditions.

There are DoFE groups across Edinburgh, so depending on where you work or live we would see if you can volunteer at your local centre. Visit our Work with us page for volunteer information.

Yes, if you'd like to supervise or assess expeditions, you can volunteer in this way.

Yes, all volunteers need to complete a Protecting Vulnerable Groups check along with criminal conviction self-declaration form.