Welcome to ONTARIO
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award empowers young people, ages 14 to 24, to give back to their communities, explore their interests and passions, commit to their health and wellness, and gain an appreciation for the natural environment. Duke of Ed is about individual challenge and developing a sense of commitment. With guidance from Award Leaders and assessors, young Canadians are given a supportive, non-competitive youth development platform that deepens self-awareness, builds confidence, and broadens skills and experience to further their growth as active, responsible citizens.
Our Division supports over 18,000 young people in their journeys to set and achieve goals and to become the best versions of themselves. Find out more about the Award and its phenomenal impacts for youth and your community.
Taking on the Award challenge? Find resources to Start, Do, and Get your Award! Click here for Participant Resources.
If you are ready to start your Award, register here!
CALLING ALL CURRENT PARTICIPANTS! To keep up with newsletters, Award ceremonies and more, make sure to keep your email and other contact information up to date on your ORB account.
Award Leaders guide and mentor young people through their Awards, helping the newest generation become committed citizens of the world. Find out more about the role of an Award Leader and check out our Award Leader Resources.
Ready to start a new Award Unit or sign up as an Award Leader visit the Online Record Book
If you cannot find the information you need, please contact our office– we are here to help! There is no question too big or too small.
What is The Duke of Ed?
Not All Learning Happens in the Classroom
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Participants
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award challenges young people to develop the character, skills and confidence they need to improve themselves and their communities, by encouraging them to step outside their comfort zone and build positive habits that they will take with them for the rest of their lives.
LET'S DO THIS!
The Award is about individual challenge and developing a sense of commitment. With guidance from Award Leaders, Assessors and other Award volunteers, you are encouraged to examine your interests, abilities, and ambitions, then set challenges for yourself in the four different sections of the Award. These challenges become the goals you aspire to reach and require persistence and determination to achieve. This Award is all about individual challenge. We want you to work at your own pace.
Through the Award, you can be empowered with not just the confidence but the desire to create meaningful change, to find your purpose, passion and place in the world.
Why do the Award? - How participating in the Award can help you!
Who can do the Award? - Is the Award right for you?
Start the Award– Requirements and registration information to start your Award.
Do the Award– Everything you need to know about how to do your Award, from picking assessors to planning your Adventurous Journey, and everything in between!
More Resources to help you with your Duke of Ed Journey
Participant Initiatives
Selfess 16
You can find more information about each section of the Award here. One of the best resources for Participants is our Participant Handbook (provided by your Award Leader after registration). It has all of the information you need to plan your Award.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your Award? Don’t worry, you got this! Click here for 10 tips to help you move through your Duke of Ed!
You can also reach out to your Award Leader or Ontario division staff to connect, ask questions and get the support you need.
Cadets, Guides and Scouts! Did you know that your some of your activities can count for the Duke of Ed? Talk to your unit or squadron leader and check out some of our resources for Army Cadet, Air Cadets, Sea Cadets, and Junior Rangers.
ACHIEVING THE AWARD – Ready to submit your Award for approval? Make sure to visit this page for submission requirements, forms, and process OR watch our short and easy video to see how.
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Award Leaders
"This Award tells a story about commitment, perseverance, and rising to many challenges. We want the spirit of discovery and adventure to carry on through their adult lives." Chris, Award Leader
Information on this page is designed for adults who are thinking about becoming an Award Leader for the Duke of Ed.
Ask the Award officer for your region for a copy of the Award Leader Handbook.
Award Leader Training Dates
Recent Newsletters:
Fall 2018
Summer 2018
Spring 2018
If you are a Participant who would like more information about the Award, click here.
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News and Events
Upcoming Events:
Ski for the Duke - February 1st, 2019
Fun on the hills at Blue Mountain while teams network with clients, engage their staff, raise funds for Duke of Ed and enjoy a great day of skiing and activities. Hosted at Toronto Ski Club.
Annual Breakfast
Spring, 2019
Featuring motivational and inspirational speakers with Alumni and corporate sponsors.
An Evening with Duke of Ed Alumni
September 20, 2018
An opportunity for alumni to reconnect with fellow Award Achievers and network with Duke of Ed partners and Board Members. Hosted at Duke of Cornwall Pub
Ski for the Duke Launch Party
Fall, 2019
Participant Initiatives
Selfless 16
Supporters
We would like to thank all of our donors who continue to support The
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Ontario. Without your generous
donations, we would not be able to make a difference in the lives of Canadian
youth.
Together we can Empower Ontario Youth
“Thank you for making experiences and programs like this possible. It has pushed me to be able to set goals and work twice as hard to accomplish them." Gemma - Silver Award Participant
Donations like yours provide The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award in Ontario with the funds required to ensure that all young people across the country regardless of social, economic or geographical background, have the opportunity to participate in the Award.
It is thanks to the ongoing generosity of corporate and private donors, foundations and service organizations, that the Award is able to provide the support to priority communities in Ontario, ensuring that leaders and volunteers are well trained, who in turn can support Participants as they set their own goals and work towards achieving them in a safe and supportive environment.
Gogama Goes for Gold
September, 2018 – August, 2024
Sponsored by IAMGOLD, the intent of this project is to extend the Award into the Gogama region with a focus on assisting Indigenous and marginalized youth to register and succeed in the Award program. As this project is located in a remote setting, Duke of Ed will be using this project to template its remote access process so that it can be rolled out within other remote locations.
National Outreach Funding – Enhancing Support in the Greater Kingston Area
October, 2018 – September, 2019
With the assistance of volunteers from Queen’s Enrichment Studies Unit at Queen’s University, the youth of the Greater Kingston Area will be afforded an enhanced open Award unit that has increased support throughout their Award activities. This project is sponsored by Duke of Ed National Outreach Funding as well as Duke of Ed Ontario division.
Continued Generosity & Support
January, 2018 – December, 2018
Through the continued generosity of BMO, Duke of Ed has been able to fund various projects, subsidize registrations and implement new processes. Thank you for your many years of giving.
Socio-Economic Barrier-Free Enhanced Programming
October 2017 – September, 2018
In conjunction with Ontario Trillium Foundation, Trails Youth Initiatives, and Duke of Ed, approximately 30 youth had their registration fee paid as well as subsidies for their adventurous journeys.The youth were taught useful life skills such as stress management, conflict resolution, interviewing and resume writing.
Connecting Youth Through The Duke of Ed Award - Peel Region
September 2013 – August 2018
With the Peel Region being heavily populated by new Canadians, the Award has been able to provide an opportunity to engage with other new-to-Canada young people. Thank you RBC Foundation for your funding.
Toronto & Ottawa Youth-At-Risk
Since 2005, with the support of Toronto Dominion Bank, through Duke of Ed National Office, Duke of Ed Ontario has been able to provide registration fee bursaries for youth-at-risk in the Toronto and Ottawa regions. Without TD’s generosity, many young people would not be able to access the Award.