The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is a community based service award scheme. Members earn their Bronze, Silver and Gold over a number of years. Each level has four areas: skills service physical training an expedition Gold has a four night residential section as well. Boys can join Duke of Edinburgh from the age of 14 and can continue to the age of 24.

For those students interested in participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, now is the time to begin their planning. The initial training is conducted early each year and given the cocurricular commitments of boys at BBC, careful planning is important.

The initials Skills training is normally conducted in early February and March, followed by a training camp conducted over a weekend. The camp begins on Saturday at lunchtime to allow for sport commitments to be met. Boys will be required to attend a first aid course prior to attending their qualifying camp which is normally conducted in late March or April. At the end of this training the boys have completed their Expedition requirement.

The next step is then to choose which skill, physical recreation and service they wish to perform to qualify for the award. There are many things that boys can choose from and if it is not listed we can request for it to be considered by the State Headquarters.

The award scheme is open to all young people 14 years and over and must be completed by their 25th birthday.

The three awards for which participants can strive when they reach the following ages:

• Bronze 14th birthday
• Silver 15th birthday
• Gold 16th birthday

Application forms are available at the School Sergeant's office.