Duke of Edinburgh's Award
The Air Cadets are the largest operator of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme in the UK. More young people gain their award here than anywhere else.
The scheme is about challenging youngsters aged 14 to 24 to better themselves. Very much in line with the aims of the Air Cadets. The award has three stages, Bronze, Silver and Gold. At each stage the person is challenged to do better than they did before.
At Bronze level the youngster is challenged in four stages.
- Skills
- Service
- Physical Achievement
- Expedition
The first three sections have to be followed for three months each, and can all be worked on at the same time. There has to be a noticeable improvement in knowledge or ability during this time. The expedition is a walk over 2 days covering a minimum of 15 miles and camping out overnight. They need to do at least one practice hike before the expedition.
At Silver level the youngster is challenged in four stages.
- Skills
- Service
- Physical Achievement
- Expedition
This time the first three sections have to be followed for six months each, and can all be worked on at the same time. There has to again be a noticeable improvement in knowledge or ability during this time. The expedition is longer as well. A walk over 3 days covering a minimum of 30 miles and camping out for two nights. They still need to do at least one practice hike before the expedition.
At Gold level the youngster is challenged in five stages.
- Skills
- Service
- Physical Achievement
- Expedition
- Residential Course
This time the first three sections have to be followed for a year each, and can all be worked on at the same time. There has to again be a noticeable improvement in knowledge or ability during this time. The expedition is even longer. A walk over 4 days over rough country covering a minimum of 60 miles and camping out for three nights. This time they have do at least two practice hikes before the expedition. The fifth section is a weeks residential course.
On completion of the Gold Award the award is presented by a member of the Royal Family.