The Duke of Edinburgh's Award was started in 1956 in the UK and brought to Canada in 1963. It operates in all Canadian provinces and territories, as well as over 143 countries worldwide, with over 40,000 Canadian participants annually. The program has three levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold) that involve completing activities in community service, skills, physical recreation, and adventure over a period of months or years. Activities are chosen by the participant and provide benefits such as leadership skills, resume building, and recognition at award ceremonies.

1. Manitoba Division

3. How the Award Began…

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was started in 1956
by H.R.H Prince Phillip, The Duke of Edinburgh.

It was brought to Canada in 1963 and it operates in
all 10 provinces and 3 territories, with over 40,000
participants involved.

The Award also operates around the world in over
143 countries and is known as The Duke of
Edinburgh’s International Award.

4. About the Award
• Open to all young people between the ages 14 – 25
• Non-Competitive – Not a limited number of Awards
presented per year
• Flexible – Designed to meet the needs & interests
of all young people
• Voluntary – Participation in the Programme is a
choice & activities must occur on voluntary time
• ‘Choose you own Adventure’

5. 3 Levels & 4 Categories
Bronze
Silver
Gold
•
•
•
•
•
Community Service
Skill
Physical Recreation
Adventurous Journey
Residential Project
(5th for Gold only)

6. Community Service
• To voluntarily provide assistance where needed
in the school, or community.
• Can be organized or informal (ex. Winnipeg
Harvest or Tutoring)
For Bronze: Minimum 3 months (13 weeks)
1 hr/week

7. Skill
• To learn to use leisure time productively.
• Examples: music, marksmanship, public
speaking, art
• For Bronze: Minimum 3 months (13 weeks)
1 hr/week

8. Physical Recreation
• Develop healthy lifestyle choices!
• Can be individual or organized
• Examples: Sports teams, individual fitness,
running, swimming, etc.
• For Bronze: Minimum 3 months (13 weeks)
1 hr/week

9. Adventurous Journey
• Experience the outdoors through fun,
adventure and exploration.
• At the Bronze Level:



Preliminary Training
Practice Journey - 1 day
Qualifying Journey - 2 days and 1 night

10. Additional Qualification
• Do an additional 3 months in your choice of:
Service
Skills, or
Physical Recreation
• For Bronze: Minimum 3 months (13 weeks)
1 hr/week

11. Residential Project
(5th Requirement for Gold Only)
• Can only be done after 16 years of age and
counts towards the Gold Award.
• Participate in a project or training while working
with people who are NOT your everyday peers.
• 5 days and 4 nights
• Examples: Encounters with Canada, Exchange
Trips, Provincial or National Sport Camps, or
Counselor-in-Training Programs.

12. Minimum Timescale for Each Level
Level
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Min.
Age
Service
Skills
Physical
Recreation
13.5/14
3
months
3
months
3
months
All Participants do an
2 days +
extra 3 months in
either Service, Skills or 1 night
Physical Recreation
6
months
Non Bronze holders
must do an extra 6
months in either
Service, Skills or
Physical Recreation
15
6
months
6
months
Plus….
Adventurous
Journey
3 days +
2 nights
Non Silver holders
must do an extra 6
4 days +
12
12
12
16
months in either
months months
months
3 nights
Service, Skills or
Physical Recreation
* Plus additional requirement of 5 days & 4 nights Residential Project for Gold

13. The Record Book
‐ After you register, the
record book is sent to you
‐ Full of helpful information
‐ Record your time
‐ Pick your Assessors

14. Benefits of the Award
Award Ceremonies
Resumes and Applications
• Bronze ceremonies are held within
the community or youth group.
• The Duke of Ed is excellent to put on
resumes and applications.
• Silver Awards are presented by the
Lieutenant Governor at a ceremony
held at Government House.
• Sets you apart from other applicants
• Gold Award Certificates are
presented by a member of the Royal
Family or Governor General of
Canada at a ceremony held every
few years in the province.
• You receive a pin and certificate in
recognition of your achievement. The
Award Pin can be worn on the Cadet
Uniform.
• Demonstrates goal setting, willingness
to take on a challenge and ability to
complete a task.

15. Any Questions?
Feel free to contact me at:
(204) 988-3017 OR kpaterson@dukeofed.org
Check us out at:
(Website) dukeofed.org/mb
(Facebook) www.facebook.com/DukeofEdMB
(Twitter) @dukeofedMB

16. Getting Started…
Fill out a registration form and return it to our
office. Or go to: www.dukeofed.org/mb to
register online.
You will receive a Record Book by mail
when you register.
This is where you will keep track of all the
activities you do for The Award.