What is the Award?
In order to earn the Award, participants are required to participate in community service, learn a skill, engage in physical fitness, and learn about the natural environment in an extended outdoor trip known as the Adventurous Journey. At the Gold level, participants are also required to spend time away from home working towards a shared, purposeful goal with a group of people who are not their usual companions. For more information, see our Award Framework.
What is an Award Leader?
The Division licences Award Units (AUs) to deliver the Award. Each Award Unit must appoint at least one Award Leader who is the contact person for Award Participants. An Award Coordinator is an Award Leader who is the main contact for the Award Unit and is responsible for running The Duke of Ed in that organization. In large organizations, there may be other volunteers who assist in the running of the Award – these people are usually called Assistant Leaders.
What does an Award Leader do?
An Award Leader helps to translate the Award to young people by guiding participants in setting achievable goals. They help participants find and connect with Assessors for their chosen activities, organize group activities for the Award, and offer encouragement, motivation and inspiration. More information on Award Leader roles and responsibilities can be found here.
The Award is not a sprint, but a marathon. While some young people can complete The Duke of Ed through effort over consecutive months, others may take longer and that's okay – just stand by them and keep providing regular support. As an Award Leader, you can track participant progress in ORB and should be engaging with their Assessors if participants are not logging their activities.
Are there certain guidelines and requirements to be an Award Leader?
Since Award Leaders play such a significant part in The Duke of Ed, there is mandatory training and guidelines to follow along with certain requirements and responsibilities. Please see our training page for more information.