THE GETTING STARTED CHECKLIST!
Ready to get started on your Award? Here's what to do next!
Determine what level is right for you. The Award is divided into three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Depending on your age and experience, you may choose to start at the beginning (Bronze) and work your way up, or jump right in to Silver or Gold. Completing a level of The Award can take as little as 6 months, or 18 months or more, depending on your level and personal pace. Learn more about all three levels and the commitment each requires by downloading the Summary of Conditions our at-a-glance reference guide to completing your Duke of Ed Award. (Click here for the black and white print version)
Here is a quick overview of each
of the levels of The Award and what is required for each level.
Bronze: You must be 14
years old to begin the Bronze. For this level you have to demonstrate an
ongoing and consistent commitment in Service, Skill and Physical
Recreation for an average of one hour a week for 13 weeks. You also
must select one of these sections to spend an additional 13 weeks on. The adventurous journey or expedition is 2 days and 1
night. The Bonze level will take you a
minimum of 26 weeks to complete.
Silver: You must be at least 15 years old to
begin Silver or have completed the Bronze level. This level has 4 sections. You must demonstrate an ongoing and consistent commitment in Service, Skill and Physical Recreation for an
average of one hour a week for 26
weeks. An additional 26 weeks on a section of your choice is required for
Direct Entrants (participant who have not completed the Bronze level). The
Adventurous Journey is 3 days and 2 nights. It takes a minimum of 26 weeks to
achieve the Silver level for those who are Bronze Award Holders or 52 weeks for
those who go directly into Silver.
Gold: You must be at least 16 years old to
begin the Gold, even if you have completed the Silver level. This level has 5
sections. You must demonstrate an ongoing and consistent commitment in Service, Skill and Physical Recreation for an average of one hour a week for 52 weeks. An additional 26
weeks on a section of your choice is required for Direct Entrants (participants
who have not completed the Silver). The Adventurous Journey is 4 days
and 3 nights and the Residential Project is 5 days and 4 nights. This level takes a minimum of 52 weeks to
achieve for Silver Award Holders or 78 weeks for those who go directly
into Gold.
Find out more about the 4 sections of The Award and see
some examples of the type activities that count.
Register with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
Canada. There are a few ways you can register for The
Award. If your school, college, or community group (Cadets, Scouts, Guides,
Boys + Girls Club etc) has an active Duke of Ed group, speak with the Award
Leader who organizes the group and they will you started. You also can register
as an Independent participant (someone who is not doing The Award as part of an
organized group and works directly with their Award division rather than an
Award Leader). To sign up as an Independent Participant you can enroll now with our online form! Be sure to indicate the
province where you will be doing your Award.
Online Record Book – some of our
divisions have begun to use the International Online Record Book. To find out
if your division is registering participants online please click here.
For any questions about how to get involved with The Award in your province, contact your Division Office for more information.
- Registration fee: There is a small registration fee of approximately $30 (prices may vary for those doing The Award online), required to cover the cost of your materials and program administration. Registration forms and fees are handled through the Divisional Office for your Province or Territory.
- Plan your program & find your assessors! You will now receive a record book or access to the ORB (online record book) to keep track of your activities and commitments. The next step is to choose the activities you’ll do in each of the four Award sections (Service, Skills, Adventurous Journey, Physical Recreation). Click here to read more details about the different components of The Award. Once you’ve made your choices, you’ll need to find an assessor for each who is knowledgeable and experienced in that particular area.Talk to your Award Leader or Division office to find out more.
- Get Started. With your plan in place, you’re ready to begin learning new skills, making new friends, and experiencing personal growth!