This isn’t just another program. It’s your chance to take on real challenges, meet new people, and prove to yourself what you’re capable of. Whether you’re looking to shake things up, feel more confident, or figure out what actually matters to you, the Award is a way to build your own path, one step at a time.
More than 1 million youth around the world are doing the Award. You in?
Try new things, uncover your strengths, and build confidence.
Learn what school doesn’t always teach: grit, teamwork, and independence.
Give back your way, connect with your community, and earn international recognition for your achievements.
Completing The Duke of Edinburgh International Award has been an incredible journey of personal growth and discovery. Each section pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, develop new skills, and build resilience.
Kyla, BC, Silver Award HolderHow it works
Not everyone has access to an in-person Award Centre, that’s why we built Virtual Award Centre (VAC)! The VAC lets you do the Award from anywhere, with real people, real support, and a community that’s right there with you.
Whether you’re homeschooled, live remotely, or want a flexible way to grow outside the classroom, the VAC connects you to youth across Canada doing the same thing, and doing it together.
This isn’t about being perfect, it’s about growing, showing up, and seeing what you can do.
Step 1: Register & choose your level
Sign up and select the level that’s right for you. Not sure what level to start at? Learn more about the Award levels here.
Register Here
Bronze
26 weeks min
Ages 14-24.5
Silver
52 weeks min
Ages 15-24 for direct entrants
Gold
78 weeks min
Ages 16-23.5 for direct entrants
Step 3: Choose your activities and set your goals
Pick an activity for each section, find an adult assessor and set goals that matter to you. Connect with other participants to share ideas and get inspired by what others are doing.
Make a difference and build experience
Help out in your community in a way that matters to you. Every small action counts, and you’ll gain confidence and skills while giving back.
Click here for activity Ideas
Grow your talents and try something new
Explore what you’re passionate about or try something completely new, like music, art, coding, or cooking. Build confidence, grow your talents, and have fun doing it.
Click here for activity Ideas
Move your body and boost your well-being
Get active in a way that suits you, whether it’s skating, swimming, dancing, walking your dog. Feel stronger, boost your mood, and build healthy habits that last.
Click here for activity Ideas
Team up and take on new challenges
Work with a small team to plan and complete an adventure. It’s about challenge, teamwork, and discovering your own resilience.
Click here for activity Ideas
Step out of your comfort zone and make new connections
Spend time in a new setting, working toward a shared goal with people you don’t know. It’s a chance to build independence, grow your skills, and make lasting memories through a meaningful experience.
Click here for activity IdeasStep 4: Track your progress
Use the Online Record Book (ORB) app or website to track your activities, log hours, upload photos, and reflect on your progress. You’ll also be invited to join our VAC Discord server, a private space for participants across Canada to connect, ask questions, and stay motivated. Whether you’re looking for advice, encouragement, or just a place to celebrate your milestones, Discord helps make your Award experience more engaging.
Step 5: Complete your activities & journey
The Award is all about building routines, sticking with them and achieving your goals. Once you’re ready, complete your Adventurous Journey by planning your own with friends, joining a virtual journey or signing up with a Registered Activity Provider.
After finishing each section, collect your Assessor reports and submit your Award through the ORB. Your Award Leader will review it and send it for final approval.
Step 6: Earn your Award and celebrate with a virtual celebration
Completing your Award is a huge achievement! Your dedication and consistency have already set you apart, and the skills you’ve built will benefit you in school, work, and life. Join our Virtual Award Celebration to be recognized with other participants from across Canada. Share the moment with your virtual community, you’ve earned it!
The Award isn’t just something you do. It becomes part of who you are. No matter what’s next, whether it's school, work, or life, the Award shows that you:
Take initiative – You step up and take action.
Follow through – You set goals and make them happen.
Make an impact – You care about your community and show up for others.
Grow through challenges – You keep going, even when it’s tough..
Real confidence (the kind you build, not fake)
Motivation that sticks
Stronger leadership, teamwork & problem-solving
A better sense of who you are
A globally recognized Award that helps you stand out
This award was an amazing experience for me. I got to grow my skills, contribute to the community, and strengthen my physical body. Overall, the journey has been incredible, and I've seen significant growth and confidence in myself!
Mina, Ontario, Bronze Award HolderWhat does it cost?
Your Award is an investment in your future.
Need help? We are committed to ensuring that cost is never a barrier to participation. If your family meets the Low Income Cut Off (LICO), we offer a sliding scale to reduce fees.
Gold $450
$200 if continuing from Silver, $50 if continuing from Bronze and Silver
