Duke of Edinburgh's Award Merton

23/07/2025

Young people who take part in DofE gain critical life skills, build lasting friendships, and discover their full potential – setting them up for the future 🫶

It’s crucial that all young people, regardless of their background, have access to high-quality extra-curricular activities like the DofE.

Support young people today 👉 https://www.dofe.org/support/

23/06/2025

What are you doing for your DofE Sections? 🤔

Exciting expeditions, unforgettable residentials and insightful skills await you on your DofE journey!

If you’re still looking for the perfect pursuit for your DofE sections, we’re here to help ✨

Find the best activities for you and discover a wide range of Approved Activity Providers (AAP’s) to help kickstart your DofE today!

⭐Expeditions - https://bit.ly/3KI4eJn
⭐Residentials - https://bit.ly/3FSrrtG
⭐Skills - https://bit.ly/43OBtFr

19/06/2025

If you want to start your volunteering, do this (but talk to the library about extending the weeks to fit the timescales for your DofE award). Great way to kick off your activities.

📚🌟 Looking for a fun and rewarding way to spend your summer?
Volunteer for the Summer Reading Challenge! 🌞✨

We're on the lookout for enthusiastic volunteers (ages 14 and up) to help make this year’s challenge unforgettable for local children. You'll be the friendly face they talk to about the books they've read – celebrating their progress, boosting their confidence, and handing out those all-important reward stickers! 🏆📖

This is a fantastic opportunity to build your skills, make a real difference, and be part of something that encourages a lifelong love of reading.

✅ Minimum commitment: 2 hours per week or 16 hours across the summer
📅 Flexible around your schedule
🧒 Support children and inspire young readers
🎁 Gain valuable experience for your CV or Duke of Edinburgh Award

Head to the Summer Reading Challenge page via the link in our bio to find out more and apply today! Let’s help children read, grow, and shine this summer! 🌟📚 Merton Council The Reading Agency

https://buff.ly/hEHyCgn

19/06/2025

Temperatures are set to rise, so here's some reminders for staying safe in the sun whilst you're out and about 🌡️

Remember to use suncream, hats and sunglasses 🧢

Adjust your schedule by travelling earlier in the morning and later in the day 🌞

Drink plenty of water, and ensure you have stops planned to refill when needed 💦

Read more here 🔗

https://www.dofe.org/shop/dealing-with-the-elements-on-a-dofe-expedition/

12/06/2025

12/06/2025

Doing a DofE expedition is an exciting and rewarding experience ✨ The most important thing to remember… Safety first! Make sure to keep safety as your top priority on your DofE expedition.

Our top tips for safety on a DofE expedition:

⭐Make sure you are familiar with your first aid kit before you set off. Don’t forget to include any specific items you might need for your journey, such as EpiPens, inhalers or hay fever tablets.

⭐The most common first aid problem on expeditions is blisters, so make sure you pack blister plasters! Prevention is better than cure, so it’s always a good idea to put plasters on any spots you’ve had trouble with before in advance.

⭐Don’t forget about the sun! Make sure you pack suncream and keep yourself hydrated with plenty of water throughout the day.

Want to know for about first aid on a DofE expedition? Read our official DofE blog to find out more 👉 https://bit.ly/4kmGY3o

09/04/2025

09/04/2025

Here’s a great example of how the Residential section of the DofE can help a young person's career path…

The DofE helped Frankie to overcome worries and make new friends and her Residential at the The British Racing School created new opportunities for her to work with horses.

Volunteering at a stable gave her a taster, but it wasn’t until her Gold Residential that she was able to take her interest to the next level.

Frankie says “The Residential has got me thinking about different jobs within horse riding – there’s so many different elements that you don’t realise.”

She had a chance to pursue her hobby, work as a team and had an insight into the racing world 🐎

We’re excited to see where this leads Frankie to in the future!

Read more below 👇
https://www.dofe.org/thelatest/frankies-residential-at-the-british-racing-school-sparked-a-new-passion/

28/03/2025

A good night’s sleep always helps on an expedition, so it’s important to have a sleeping bag and sleeping mat to help keep you as comfortable as possible! 💤

Here’s some top tips:
⭐Choose the right season rating. Most sleeping bags are rated by season, helping you choose the right bag for the time of year you'll use it.
⭐Choose the right material. Synthetic is often cheaper and offers more insulation in wet conditions but is considerably heavier. Down is lightweight and compact but is more expensive and must be kept dry to benefit from its insulation.
⭐Pack a sleeping bag liner, especially if borrowing a sleeping bag. This will provide additional warmth and comfort when in the sleeping bag, plus it's more hygienic.

Want to know more about getting a good night’s sleep? Check out our free, downloadable expedition kit resources, packed full of useful info about sleeping bags and mats - https://bit.ly/3Vo0wvd

21/03/2025

Calling all DofE Leaders 📢

With your help over the past few years, we've been working to make sure that more young people can access the DofE.

Today we’re thrilled to launch your new and updated digital Leaders’ Handbook 🙌

This version reflects recent updates made to enhance the accessibility and relevance of DofE programmes, including the changes to our Expedition and Residential Requirements .

Click here to access, wherever you are! https://bit.ly/4iiAGRO

12/02/2025

Are you ready for expedition season? 🏕 One of the most important pieces of kit for a DofE expedition is walking boots (and socks). 🥾

Our top tips:
⭐ Wear boots instead of shoes for extra ankle support. Avoid trainers!
⭐ Different weights of socks are designed for different weathers. Lightweight socks are great for summer whereas mid-weight socks are great all year round.
⭐ Fabric boots are cheaper so are a good option if your feet are still growing.
⭐ Prevention is better than cure, so pop on plasters where you've had blisters before to protect your feet from the start of your expedition.

Want to know more? ✨ Check out our free, downloadable expedition kit resources, packed full of useful info! https://bit.ly/3Q3RmA0