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The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of practical, cultural and adventurous activities, designed to support the personal and social development of young people aged 14-25, regardless of gender, background or ability. It offers an individual challenge and encourages young people to undertake exciting, constructive, challenging and enjoyable activities in their free time.

It is a five-Section Programme with three progressive levels:

• Bronze (for those aged 14 and over)
• Silver (for those aged 15 and over) and
• Gold (for those aged 16 and over).

The sections involve:

• Service (helping other people in the local community)
• Expeditions (training for, planning and completing a journey on foot or horseback, by boat or cycle)
• Skills (covering almost any hobby, skill or interest)
• Physical Recreation (sport, dance and fitness)
• Residential Project (Gold Award only) (a purposeful enterprise with people not previously known to the participant)