A DofE Gold Residential entails taking part in a 5-day shared activity or specific course with people you don’t know, in a residential setting away from home and in an unfamiliar environment.
‘We are confident that our DofE Residentials meet DofE requirements, however as we will not be delivering Residentials in 2025, we have removed our approval from the DofE'
"I had a great time on my Gold residential and met some amazing people, the instructors were helpful and kind without being too controlling and overbearing. There was a great sense of independence while also knowing someone was always available if need be".
Helen Rose - DofE Residential Participant
Share experiences together and creates friendships and memories for life.
Your DofE residential programme will fulfil the requirements of the DofE Gold award, but they are open to any young person aged 16 - 25 years old.
DofE Residential programmes that have your enjoyment and learning at their heart.
Expertly trained, warm and friendly staff will welcome you to the programme and work with you and the group all week. You will make friends quickly, form a strong team and ultimately have a new family around you who you'll not want to leave at the end of the week.
NOTE: You do not need to be completing your DofE to take part in one of our residential programmes. Our residential programmes are open to all young people.
"They have provided inspiring and professional mountain leaders to aid our young people on their Gold DofE expedition. The team have been fantastic in supporting and communicating with us in addition to providing ideas to enhance our programme."
James Drury
DofE Manager - Scarborough 6th Form College
"The ultimate was seeing our students cast aside mobile phones to saw logs and create fires with such enthusiasm! We were supremely well supported by the team throughout and would have no hesitation in returning."
John Jones
Cheltenham College
I would highly recommend using The Adventure Element to complete your DofE award. One of the best experiences I have ever been a part of; it’s just a shame it had to come to an end. Thank you all.
Lizzie Anderson
DofE Open Expedition Participant - Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Search our knowledgebase. Helping you be prepared for your DofE expedition or Challenge Event.
Camping doesn't have to be an ordeal. It can be an incredible experience that gives you the chance to strip back to basics, appreciate the outdoors by getting closer to nature and get a healthy dose of fresh air. The trick is to know how to make it comfortable! Here are a handful of our favourite ways to make camping comfortable ready for your next expedition...
The camping element to the DofE journey attracts a great deal of discussion, often some nerves, and always involves significant planning. It can mean the difference between 'surviving or thriving' when it comes to your camping experience. Keeping your camp admin tight and having plan A and B in your back pocket places you in a strong position to be able to react quickly when circumstances change. Pre-emptive thoughts and planning are never wasted and researching during the lead up to your DofE expedition is a great way to enhance your experience. Check out this blog to get some tips on how to approach your camp admin ahead of your expedition.