Are You Ready To Take The Challenge?

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a programme of cultural, practical and adventurous activities for young people aged 14-25 years. It is a journey of adventure and self discovery which challenges the whole individual.

The Award philosophy is founded firmly on principles of non-competitiveness, voluntary participation and access for all. Progress is based on the assessment of individual effort and improvement, so young people of all abilities and backgrounds can succeed. The only entry qualifications are the determination to improve oneself and the desire to have fun.

Award programs are delivered at three levels: bronze, silver, and gold, with participants being required to undertake activities from a wide range of options within four categories: service, skills, expeditions, and physical recreation. An additional requirement for gold Award participants only is a residential project.

Founded in the UK in 1956, the Award has since blossomed worldwide and inspired almost four million young people to achieve ambitious personal goals and to take positive community action. It currently operates in over fifty countries, including Australia where there are in excess of 35,000 Award participants. In Tasmania, the Award has been established for over 35 years, with a growing number of registered operators statewide.

The following is a message from the founder, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh:

Young people growing up in this modern complicated world have many difficulties to face, and opportunities for personal acheivement are often limited. At the same time, parents, teachers, voluntary organisation leaders and employers who recognize their responsibilities towards young people, also have their problems.

This scheme is intended to help both the young as well as those who are concerned for their welfare. The object is to provide an introduction to worthwhile leisure activities and voluntary service; as a challenge to the individual to discover the satisfaction of achievement and as a guide for those people and organisations who would like to encourage the development of their younger fellow citizens.

I hope that all those who take part in this scheme will find an added purpose and pleasure in their lives. I am quite sure that all those who help to run it will gain that special sense of satisfaction which comes from helping others to discover hidden abilities and to overcome a challenge.