Duke of Edinburgh Award

Delivering the DofE Award Scheme Since 2010

TCR are a licenced provider of the DofE Award Scheme. We have been delivering all levels of the award since 2010. We have a small team of dedicated volunteers and self employed instructors who support the project. 

The Award Scheme is open to young people aged 14 to 25 years. We tend to enrol from midway through Year 9. We support young people from all local Schools and Colleges and those who are homeschooled too. We aim to enable as many young people as possible to access the Award but at times may have a waiting list due to delivery constraints. 

So what is the Award Scheme? 

What our Young People Say...

Preparing For Expeditions

At the TCR Hub we deliver group training sessions to prepare young people for their expedition. Expeditions we offer are either on foot or by open canoe. Our expedition training sessions tend to be three full days based at the Hub followed by an overnight stay and two days walking or canoeing to prepare for assessment. Canoeing expedition participants need to commit to an 8 week canoeing course at the Hub to learn the basics of paddling. 

Expectations from TCR Hub

• A clear method of communication between leaders, volunteers and participants
• Support to complete all four elements of the award at all levels
• One to one support for those who need it
• Access to award volunteers to support all four elements of the award at all levels
• Value for money at all levels
• Access to kit and resources where required
• Options to complete expeditions on foot or by canoe
• Qualified instructors with DBS checks, First Aid Qualifications, Teaching and/or Youth Work qualifications, relevant Outdoor Leadership Qualifications and Awards and specialist Qualifications for leading water activities.

Expectations from Participants

• Commitment to complete your award
• Aim to work independently of your parent/carer to complete your award
• Attendance at all training sessions
• Attendance at assessments
• Attendance at award presentations
• To ask for help if you need it
• To respond to communications from leaders and volunteers
• To ensure all consent forms are completed on time
• To ensure all payments are made on time.

Costs

We try to subsidise the Award Scheme where possible but this is dependent on funding being available and we do still need to charge a fee to cover some costs. Our Award Manager and many of the expedition and training leaders volunteer their time to keep costs down. Our Award Co-ordinator and some expedition leaders are paid a daily fee which we feel is fair in order that they commit to continuous training and upkeep of their qualifications. 

Our costs are based on an estimate from previous years and are subject to change dependent on number of participants and location of expeditions. 

Costs can be paid monthly or in one go. We do offer discretionary funding and bursaries for anyone who will struggle to access the award due to financial constraints. Please talk to us if you require financial help.

What Do The Costs Cover?

Enrolment costs cover enrolment with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. This is an international charity that provides access to a wealth of resources and advice. Participants are able to log in to EdofE and log their progress. Participants receive a badge and certificate on completion of their award. Administration for the award is carried out by our Award Co-ordinator. 

Training costs cover two to three training days, based at the Hub with a qualified Outdoor Instructor and Teacher. Costs cover all resources and a basic First Aid training session with a qualified First Aid Instructor. Please note that Canoeing training is an additional cost to cover the cost of weekly training sessions. 

Expedition costs cover two expeditions. These vary from one night and two days for Bronze to three nights and four days for Gold. Costs we incur include campsite fees, instructor costs, volunteer costs (fuel for vehicles, upkeep of DBS, First Aid), transport costs, wear and tear of equipment loaned, contingency fund for emergencies. 

Contacts

Alison Mawer - Award Co-ordinator - allie@tcrhub.co.uk

Rachel Tweddle - Award Manager - rachel@tcrhub.co.uk

TCR Hub contact number - 01833 690150 

A WhatsApp group will be set up for participants once enrolled, giving direct access to expedition leaders and instructors. This is the preferred method for sharing information. 

To enrol please email Alison at allie@tcrhub.co.uk

How Do I Enrol?

Come along to the enrolment meeting  at the TCR Hub for those interested in completing their Bronze or Silver Award.  Dates are announced on our website and social media. Make sure you follow us on facebook and don't miss out. 

We can sometimes take late enrolments but if all places are allocated on expedition training we may have to create a waiting list. Places are not confirmed until the enrolment fee is received. 

You can enrol for Silver and Gold at any time, depending on whether we have a group running. 

You have to be 13 ¾ to begin Bronze, 14 ¾ to begin Silver and 16 years to begin Gold. 

One more thing…. It does not matter if you enrol with your friends or not. We can put you in an expedition with like minded people or you can join a group with your friends. You do not need to know anyone else to enjoy DofE. The only section which is completed as a team is the expedition. It is a misconception that you have to be a ‘really sporty person’ to do DofE. You do need to have reasonable physical fitness but more importantly you need to be resilient, positive and enjoy being outdoors. We will help you with any expedition skills you are unsure of and can provide all the kit that you require. Nothing is stopping you!