If you’re a homeschooling parent looking for a way to give your teen meaningful experiences, build their independence, and add an internationally recognised achievement to their portfolio, the Duke of Edinburgh Award homeschooling program may be exactly what you’re looking for.
This program encourages teens to get active, explore personal interests, volunteer, and take part in adventurous journeys. The best part is that it can be fully adapted for homeschooling families. In this article, you can watch, listen to, or read the full interview with Jillna, a long-term homeschooling parent whose children have participated in the program.
What is the Duke of Edinburgh Award?
The Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) is designed to help teens develop confidence, independence, and life skills through four main areas:
- Physical Recreation – Participate in a sport or fitness activity.
- Skills – Learn something new or develop a hobby.
- Voluntary Service – Give back to the community through volunteering.
- Adventurous Journey – Plan and complete an independent expedition.
The award has three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level requires increasing commitment, and teens can start at Bronze at age 14, Silver at 15, and Gold at 16.
Jillina shares,
“My kids loved the freedom to choose activities that really matched their interests. One did clay target shooting, another focused on drumming and learning to cook. It gave them ownership of the whole experience.”
Why Homeschoolers Thrive in the Program
Participating in Duke of Edinburgh Award as part of their homeschooling provides teens with a structured yet flexible framework to develop life skills. Jillina explains,
“It’s not just about ticking boxes. My children learned time management, responsibility, and how to set real goals. And they had a blast doing it.”
Key Benefits for Homeschoolers include:
- Goal-setting and personal growth – Teens plan their activities and track their own progress.
- Community involvement – Volunteering encourages connection with others.
- Skill development – From cooking and coding to music and sports, teens choose what excites them.
- Adventure and independence – Expedition planning fosters problem-solving and teamwork.
Even for families in remote areas, Jillina says the program can work.
“We connected with regional award centres and adapted our journeys so the kids could complete their expeditions safely and meaningfully.”
Getting Started with Duke of Edinburgh Award Homeschooling
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Find a Local Award Center – Your state or region will have centers, including PCYC or council-based programs.
- Choose Activities – Teens pick hobbies, sports, or volunteering opportunities that interest them.
- Find Assessors – Supervisors with a valid Blue Card monitor and approve progress.
- Record Achievements – Use the Online Record Book (ORB) to track hours and milestones.
- Plan Your Adventurous Journey – Choose an activity suitable for your teen, like hiking, canoeing, or sailing.
- Submit and Celebrate – Once completed, teens receive medals, certificates, and recognition.
Jillina emphasises,
“The adventurous journey was always the highlight. My kids planned everything from routes to meals, which really built their confidence.”
Examples of Activities
- Physical Recreation: Football, jiu-jitsu, basketball skills, clay target shooting
- Skills: Cooking, drumming, coding, video game design, learning to drive
- Volunteering: Community gardens, mentoring peers, online transcription projects
- Adventurous Journeys: Overnight hikes, canoeing trips, multi-day expeditions
Flexibility is key. Activities can be adapted for homeschooling families, teens with special needs, or remote learners.
Tips for Homeschool Families
- Plan ahead for registration, activities, and adventurous journeys.
- Collaborate with other homeschooling families for shared experiences.
- Keep consistent records in the Online Record Book.
- Communicate regularly with your award center to adapt activities as needed.
- Let teens take ownership—this is about growth, not just completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can homeschoolers participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award?
Yes, teens of all backgrounds, including homeschoolers, can join if they meet the age requirements.
Is there a cost?
Registration varies by state, typically around $200 for Bronze, plus any optional adventure or activity fees.
Can activities be adapted for special considerations?
Absolutely. Award centers work with families to ensure teens with physical, learning, or logistical challenges can participate.
Does it help with university applications?
Yes, it shows goal-setting, initiative, and community involvement. Some universities may accept it as part of a portfolio.
Final Thoughts
The Duke of Edinburgh Award used within a homeschooling program is a fantastic way for teens to gain independence, explore their interests, and achieve something truly meaningful. Jillana sums it up perfectly:
“It’s more than just an award. It’s about confidence, memories, and learning how to set goals and follow through. My kids will carry the lessons they learned well into adulthood.”
Watch the full discussion with Jillina here:
If you’re ready to explore the program, start by contacting your local award center and discussing options with your teen. The opportunities are endless, and the experiences they gain will be invaluable.
Thanks to Jillina from Homeschool Hotline for sharing her experience with the Duke of Ed Award program. To connect with and find out more about Jillina see her detailed listing in the Homeschool Resource Directory.
