The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
A globally recognised programme for young people aged 14–24. Set your own goals across volunteering, physical activity and skills, take on an adventurous expedition, and finish with real confidence — with IKReON beside you the whole way.
What is the DofE?
A personal-development programme for 14–24s. You set goals across four areas — Volunteering, Physical, Skills and an Adventurous Journey — with an extra Residential project at Gold. You progress over several months and log everything in the official ORB (Online Record Book). You can begin at Bronze, Silver or Gold if you meet the minimum age; the time commitment grows with each level.
Why do the DofE?
Recognised everywhere
Universities and employers know the Award. It’s proof you can commit, plan and follow through.
Your goals, your pace
You choose the activities. The programme fits around school, work and the things you already love.
Real adventure
Plan and complete an expedition with your team — and make friends and memories that stick.
Levels & time
Bronze
Minimum age: 14
Duration: about 6 months
Expedition: 2 days / 1 night
Silver
Minimum age: 15
Duration: 6 months (after Bronze) or 12 months (direct entry)
Expedition: 3 days / 2 nights
Gold
Minimum age: 16
Duration: 12 months (after Silver) or 18 months (direct entry)
Expedition: 4 days / 3 nights
Plus: Residential (5 days / 4 nights)
What you’ll do
Volunteering
Give your time to others — tutoring, community events, animal care or local NGOs. Around 1–2 hours a week, local or online through our partners.
Physical
Get fitter through a sport or active hobby — running, dance, climbing, cycling. Measured by steady progress, with realistic milestones we help you set.
Skills
Develop a non-physical skill — design, languages, music, coding or photography. Pick something you want to master and record it in the ORB.
Expedition
Plan a self-sufficient journey with your team — navigation, teamwork, campcraft and safety. Training, then practice and qualifying journeys; length scales with your level.
How it works with IKReON
- Info session (online or in Ružomberok): levels, timelines, kit and what to expect.
- Choose your level and set goals that fit your schedule.
- Register and set up your ORB — we show you what to log.
- Find assessors for Volunteering, Physical and Skills (we can match you with partners).
- Training and practice journey: safety, navigation, kit, cooking and teamwork.
- Qualifying journey and group presentation.
- Submit in the ORB and celebrate — certificate and badge.
Apply through IKReON
Who can apply
- Aged 14–24 (minimum age per level applies)
- Based in Slovakia, or able to attend our activities
- Ready to commit 1–2 hours weekly, plus expedition dates
What you’ll need
- Parental consent if under 18
- Basic outdoor kit (we give you a list and share some gear)
- Motivation to set goals and log progress in the ORB
How to apply
- Fill in the registration form — add “DofE” and your chosen level.
- We’ll email the next cohort dates and your ORB invite.
- Join the onboarding call and meet your Award Leader.
Safety, wellbeing & kit
Safety & support
- Qualified leaders and assessors supervise training and journeys.
- Risk assessments, safeguarding and emergency plans for every activity.
- Medical and dietary needs collected at registration and respected on trips.
Typical expedition kit
- Backpack (50–65L), sleeping bag and mat
- Waterproof jacket and boots; warm layers
- Personal food plus a share of the group kit
- Map, compass, head torch and water bottles
Frequently asked questions
Ready to start your DofE journey?
Join an IKReON cohort and earn an Award that opens doors — to study, work and life.
“The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award”, “DofE” and associated logos are the property of their respective organisations. IKReON participates under the national licence framework.