Duke of Edinburgh Award in Ludlow | Triffid Explorer Scouts

Why Do DofE With Us Instead of School?

There's a big difference between doing DofE properly and just ticking boxes. Here's how we compare.

Feature	Triffid Explorers	Typical School
Cost	From £33.50	Often £150–£600
Real hiking with packs	✓ Always	✗ Often driven between points
Proper camping	✓ Tents, cooking, the lot	✗ Sometimes glamping or indoors
Navigation skills	✓ Taught properly	✗ Often GPS-dependent
Can start from age 13½	✓ Join Explorers early	✗ Usually Year 9/10 only
Year-round outdoor experience	✓ Ongoing programme	✗ DofE bolt-on to curriculum
Small group sizes	✓ Personal attention	✗ Large groups common
Experienced outdoor leaders	✓ Trained Scout leaders	✗ Often teachers, not outdoors specialists

"We don't just help young people get a DofE award — we help them earn it. Every mile walked, every meal cooked, every challenge overcome is real."

What is the Duke of Edinburgh Award?

The DofE is a world-renowned youth achievement award with three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. It's recognised by universities and employers as evidence of commitment, resilience, and initiative.

Each level involves four sections:

Volunteering — giving back to your community
Physical — improving a sporting or fitness skill
Skills — developing a practical or creative skill
Expedition — planning and completing a journey on foot

Gold level adds a fifth section: a Residential — spending time away from home on a shared activity.

How We Support You

As a licensed DofE centre, we provide everything you need:

Full expedition training — navigation, campcraft, route planning, first aid
Practice and qualifying expeditions in stunning countryside
Help choosing and logging your volunteering, physical, and skills sections
Access to eDofE (the online record system)
Ongoing support from experienced DofE leaders
Kit advice and equipment loan where possible

Plus, because you're part of Explorer Scouts, you get regular outdoor experience all year round — not just a crash course before expedition day.

DofE Levels at a Glance

Start at Bronze and progress through Silver to Gold — we'll support you every step of the way.

Bronze

Age 14+ (from 13½)

Minimum 6 months to complete

Expedition 2 days, 1 night

~15 miles over 2 days
Overnight camping
Carry your own kit
Navigate as a team

The perfect introduction. Build confidence, learn the basics, and discover what you're capable of.

£33.50 total enrolment

Start Bronze

Silver

Age 15+

Minimum 6–12 months to complete

Expedition 3 days, 2 nights

~30 miles over 3 days
More challenging terrain
Greater independence
Advanced navigation

A real step up. Wilder terrain, longer distances, and more responsibility. You'll surprise yourself.

£33.50 total enrolment

Start Silver

Most Prestigious

Gold

Age 16+

Minimum 12–18 months to complete

Expedition 4 days, 3 nights

~50 miles over 4 days
Wild country terrain
Full self-sufficiency
Plus a 5-day residential

The ultimate challenge. Recognised worldwide by universities and employers. A life-changing achievement.

£40 total enrolment

Start Gold

DofE through schools can cost £150–£300 for Bronze, up to £400 for Silver, and £600+ for Gold.

With us, you get proper expedition training, real outdoor adventure, and a better experience — from just £33.50. That's not a typo.

DofE Frequently Asked Questions

Bronze is £33.50 and Silver is £33.50 — that's the DofE enrolment fee. Gold is £40. On top of that there are small expedition costs for food and transport, but because we're a volunteer-run Scout unit we don't charge extra for training or leader time. Schools typically charge £150–£300 for Bronze alone, and up to £600 for Gold. With us you get a better experience for a fraction of the price.

Young people can join Explorer Scouts from age 13½ and start their Bronze DofE. Unlike schools, we're not tied to an academic calendar — you can begin when you're ready. The sooner you start, the more time you have to progress through the levels.

No! You can join Triffid Explorers specifically to do your DofE. Many of our members came to us without any Scouting background. You'll pick up outdoor skills quickly as part of our regular programme.

You can only be registered with one DofE centre at a time. However, activities done through school (sports clubs, volunteering, etc.) can still count towards your DofE sections even if you're registered with us.

Schools can often sign students up from the start of Year 9, whereas we typically register once they're in Explorers. But here's the thing — you can join Explorers from 13½, so there's minimal delay. And the quality of training and expedition experience you'll get with us more than makes up for any difference. Many students who start DofE through school don't finish — our completion rates are excellent because our young people are genuinely prepared.

We'll give you a full kit list when you sign up. Essential items include walking boots, waterproofs, and a rucksack. We can loan some equipment and will advise on where to get good gear without breaking the bank.

We make the most of the stunning countryside on our doorstep. Expeditions take place in the Shropshire Hills, Brecon Beacons, and other beautiful areas. Gold expeditions venture into designated wild country areas.

Duke of Edinburgh in Ludlow — Done the Proper Way