Duke of Edinburgh Training Section

D of E Awards - Residential Project

Aim – To broaden young people’s experiences through involvement with others in a residential setting

Requirements

• To undertake a shared activity or specific course
• It must be undertaken in a residential setting away from home and in an unfamiliar environment
• To be briefed and trained before the activity takes place in their role

General Conditions

Where and what?

Residential settings may be in centres, youth hostels, ships, or camps- these may be ATC Summer camps over seas or in the UK, and Adventure Training courses. Staying with families or “homes stays” are unacceptable.

The type of residential Project should be the participant’s own choice and idea, freely made without any financial gain. ATC staff can make suggestions to the participants as to the appropriate opportunities. The Project should be interesting, and give the participant something new to try and broaden their interest and experience. However, it may be appropriate to link it with another section on the award.

Expeditions away cannot be used for the Residential Project.

Who With & For How Long?

Ideally the participant should work with a group of people who they do not know. This ensures new relationships are built, an aspect of this section that is vital.

The Project should take place over at least 5 consecutive days, with al least 4 nights spent away.

Suitable Opportunities

The most popular type of Project undertaken in the ATC is on camps. This guide will only concentrate on this aspect. Cadets wishing to participate in other types of expeditions should consult their DofE handbook, or the website www.theaward.org, where there is massive amount of information.

The project should be discussed with the supervisor and fall into one of the following categories:

• Conservation/ Environmental work
• Service to others
• Activity based
• Personal Training

For example, the duties of an NCO towards younger cadets on a summer camp would be considered as a service to others. Their role may be to ensure new cadets away from home are settled and the participant may act as a “surrogate mother”!

Another example may be on an Adventure Training Camp, where the participant may be responsible for the issuing of equipment (under supervision) and ensuring the cadets have the appropriate kit for the activities.

Assessment

The participants should be assessed on the following criteria:

• Personal standards
• Relationships with others
• Responsibility
• Initiative
• Development of skill
• Knowledge and general progress

They should also have the opportunity to review the quality of their experience with their supervisor. The assessor should complete the Record Book and the participant may add their known comments.

Completing the Record Book
The assessor should comment on the briefing, training, practical service, achievement of personal goals, record and review.
For example:
Project Chosen
“Service to Others”
Assessors Report
“Cadet Smith decided to participate in an Adventure Training Camp in North Wales. Part of the pre-training was becoming qualified in the CIEH Food Safety Level 1. With this, he was permitted to assist me, the Chef, in the kitchens and prepare, cook and serve food to the other cadets on the course. I found that he worked very well under supervision and was also very capable to work alone on his own initiative. He was always well presented, utilising the protective clothing, and has an excellent grip on hygiene. I was very please with his attitude towards food safety, and I am convinced that he will continue to progress to level 2 in due course.”