DofE Award






	The Air Training Corps is the largest operating authority of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and as result cadets get some of the best opportunities to undertake the award at all levels. Recently the award has undergone a re-branding exercise and is now generally known as DofE. The award comprises four sections, volunteering, skills, physical and expedition at three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold, getting progressively harder and taking longer to complete, there is also one further section at Gold, the residential project. Each section focuses on developing a core aspect of a young person in a fun yet challenging manner. They have very specific aims and purposes. By doing them all, young people will help their community, develop new skills, confidence, talents and gain a greater appreciation of the world. Achieving an Award really does enrich the mind, body and soul. What’s more, every step and every section is an exciting and unique adventure. Over the years 3WW has been successful at all levels of the award. Cadets now have an excellent opportunity to get started with the award with the introduction of bronze award books subsidised by HQAC, largely as a result of the efforts of the Commandants Bag Pack Initiative. The minimum age requirements for the award are: Bronze 14 years, Silver 15, Gold 16, to qualify awards must be completed before the participants 25th birthday. Some examples of activities that cadets have recently undertaken are: Volunteering ‘Undertaking service to individuals or the community’ Community service, squadron service, counselling Physical ‘Improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities’ Swimming, rugby, circuit training, physical achievement Skills ‘Developing practical and social skills and personal interests’ Aeronautics, aero-modelling, marksmanship, photography, car maintenance Expeditions ‘Planning, training for and completion of an adventurous journey’ Ireland, Brecon Beacons, Mid Wales, The Gower, The Preseli Mountains Residential ‘Staying and working away from home doing a shared activity’ Tall ships, Easter camps, flying & gliding scholarships All activities are properly supervised and monitored, where appropriate, by squadron personnel.