Volunteering is about giving time to do something meaningful, motivated by making a difference rather than making money.

For your Volunteering section, you should look for impactful opportunities around you. Meaningful volunteering is different for everyone. There are many people and organisations that are willing to provide participants with opportunities for volunteering. An opportunity could be found within your community, at social enterprises, charities, not-for-profit organisations and Volunteering Approved Activity Providers. You can also volunteer for social action causes, campaigns and within your Licensed Organisation (e.g., your school or youth group).

If you would like more information on how long to do this section, check out the Timescales page.

For more ideas on what to do for your Volunteering section, check out our Programme Ideas List.

Once you have chosen your activity, confirm your choice with your leader and complete your programme planner before you start volunteering!

If you would like to use an activity log for keeping a record of your Volunteering, you can download one here.

Please click here for some frequently asked questions about the Volunteering section.

For your physical activity you need to choose any sport, dance or fitness activity – in short, anything that requires a sustained level of energy and physical activity.

For example, playing a sport regularly and showing personal improvement would count. However, learning to be a coach in the same sport would be a Skills section activity, whilst being a volunteer coach counts would fit with the Volunteering section.

If you would like more information on how long to do this section, check out the Timescales page.

For more ideas on what to do for your Physical section check, out our Programme Ideas List.

If you would like to use an activity log for keeping a record of your Physical activity, you can download one here.

Please click here for some frequently asked questions about the Physical section.

For your Skills activity you need to choose an activity that will allow you to prove you have broadened your understanding and increased your expertise in your chosen skill.

It should not be a physical activity, for example horse riding, as this would be considered a Physical activity choice, however, you could choose to learn about caring for horses.

If you would like more information on how long to do this section, check out the Timescales page.

For more ideas on what to do for your Skills section, check out our Programme Ideas List.

If you would like to use an activity log for keeping a record of your Skills activity, you can download one here.

Please click here for some frequently asked questions about the Skills section.

For your Expedition section, you will need to plan, train for and complete an unaccompanied, self-reliant expedition with an agreed aim. You must do the correct training for your level and mode of travel, at least one practice expedition (Silver & Gold Level), a qualifying expedition (which will be assessed) and a final presentation in order to complete the section (not required at Bronze).

Your expedition must be completed by your own physical efforts (but you have loads of choices, not just on foot!) with minimal external intervention and without motorised transport. Your route should also be a continuous journey.

Modes of Travel include:

– Foot

– Bicycle

– Boat

– Canoe or Kayak

– Wheelchair

– Horseback

If you would like more information on how long to do this section, check out the Timescales page.

To help you prepare and choose the right kit for your expeditions, check out our Expedition Resources.

For your Residential section, you will need to undertake a shared activity or specific course with people you don’t know, in a residential setting away from home and in an unfamiliar environment.

You can choose a Residential that provides you with the opportunity to broaden your interests and experiences. It is ideal for trying something new or it can be related to existing interested or activities followed in other sections of your Award programme.

There is a lot of flexibility with this section but there are a number of conditions to consider in order for a Residential to be approved for your Gold Award.  It’s therefore really important to get your Residential choice approved by your leader before you register or complete any activity.

Complete a Residential programme planner to show your leader and you can also upload this to eDofE as evidence.