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How To Choose Your Gold DofE Activity Residential

  • richeddins
  • Jun 21, 2024
  • 4 min read

Updated: Jul 29

Find out how to choose your perfect Gold DofE Activity Residential in 6 easy steps.


Seven young people around sixteen years old are outdoors, sitting in a row waiting their turn to go climbing. The people facing the camera are smiling and all wearing red climbing helmets. The person closest to the viewer has put both thumbs up. They are part of a group doing a Gold DofE activity Residential.

Mendip Activity Centre was one of the first Approved Activity Providers in the UK, and we have decades of experience offering activity residentials and DofE Expeditions. Based on that knowledge, we have created a quick-start guide to help you choose an action-packed, fulfilling Duke of Edinburgh activity program.


Table of Contents



What Is The Gold DofE Residential?


As part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, the Gold Residential section is an exciting 5-day adventure where you join a group of people you’ve never met before. Whether you’re volunteering, learning new skills, or taking part in a shared activity, it’s a chance to build confidence, make new friends, and push yourself in a supportive environment. A Gold Residential is a great opportunity to try new activities, discover new interests and create unforgettable memories.


Did you know?

Different activity Residentials cover different sections of the DofE Award: volunteering, physical, skills, expedition and residential. Programs can involve anything from conservation work, first aid training, STEM camps or outdoor activities!


There are many subjects and activities to choose so it can be overwhelming when faced with so many options. Not only do you have to decide what you are doing, but you also need to make sure the program and operator meet the Gold Residential requirements.


Key Requirements for God DofE Residentials


  • Minimum duration of 4 nights and 5 days

  • Stay with the group in the accommodation

  • Group size of 5 or more new-to-you people, not including the course leaders and identified Assessor

  • Daytime activities with the group involving skill development, qualification training or volunteering

  • Organised or informal evening activities with the group

  • Operated by an Approved Activity Provider



Thirteen kayaks are viewed from above on a sunny day, rafted up side by side on a river. Four of the kayaks are orange and nine of them are blue and white. Lined up like that they make a pretty shape in the water, curving in a gentle line from end to end.

Step 1 - What Kinds Of Activities Are You Interested In?


You can volunteer, work towards a qualification, or learn new skills. People choose different types of Residentials for all sorts of reasons, such as:


  • They want to incorporate it into their academic and professional goals

  • They want to give back to the community

  • They want to push their boundaries safely

  • They want to explore or develop their knowledge of a subject or skill

  • They want to meet new people and expand their horizons


Whatever you're into, there's a Gold Residential out there that matches your interests. From outdoor adventures like Rock Climbing and Target Sports to Caving and Kayaking, these activities strike the perfect balance between challenge and fun. It's a brilliant way to enjoy the outdoors while showing the kind of confidence, communication, and teamwork skills that educators and employers really value. Along the way, you’ll build life skills that stick with you, and maybe even find a new passion you didn’t expect.


Step 2 - Decide What Kind Of Residential You Want To Do


First, be aware that DofE Residentials differ from DofE Expeditions and will not count towards that section.


Now, after reading all the above, it's time for the fun part - deciding what you would like to do. Look at other people’s reviews and experiences; YouTube is useful for seeing what you may encounter. Search the internet for DofE operators to see what's available and what you find appealing. Consider your budget and what's included in the cost, and make sure the operator has an Approved Activity Provider certificate for Gold Residentials.


A group of young people carrying rucksacks walk away from the viewer down the gravel track lined with colourful flags at Mendip Basecamp.

Step 3 - Choose The Time of Year For Your Gold DofE Activity Residential


Winter and summer offer different experiences due to the weather; however, neither is better or worse, and we love both. The timing of your Residential program will ultimately come down to personal commitments, proximity, and weather preferences. Regardless of the time of year, we always recommend waterproofs!


Step 4 - Choose A Location


There are plenty of choices of DofE providers around the country. Depending on your circumstances, outdoor activity Residentials are a brilliant way to explore the countryside and see beautiful places.


Here in the South West, we are lucky to have easy access to a wide variety of land and water-based activities, so each day is packed with sessions that will naturally develop skills and confidence. Plus, our Gold DofE activity Residential hub is close to Bristol and easily accessible via key transit links like the M5 and nearby train stations in Weston-super-Mare.


Four bunk beds with blue mattresses are in a room with hardwood floors and two windows that let in sunlight. One bed has a sleeping bag and rucksack on it, and the rest are ready for their new occupants.

Step 5 - Look At Different DofE Operators


Whatever your chosen avenue, you will find several operators and organisations that can offer activity Residentials. Options and costs vary, from the National Citizens Service organisation opportunities to overseas volunteer or activity providers. Make sure you find out what they include in the price of the Residential and what happens if they need to cancel it.


Fortunately, Mendip has never had to cancel a Gold DofE Residential because we are consistently a popular choice.


Mendip's Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award Residential Outdoor Activities


Here are some of the activities you can try on a Mendip Gold DofE Residential:


  • Mission Impossible Challenge

  • Archery

  • Air Rifle

  • Axe Throwing

  • Kayaking

  • SUP

  • Assault Course

  • Raft Build

  • Rock Climbing

  • Abseiling

  • Caving

  • ArcheryActive


A person with long hair wears a black paintball-style mask and is pulling back the string on a bow they have loaded with a foam-tipped safety arrow.

Step 6 - Find Out What Is Included In Your DofE Residential


Gold Residentials are excellent value and offer exciting opportunities to broaden your horizons. However, it's worth considering that the cost of Residentials can vary depending on what you are doing and where you are going. Make sure that yours includes everything and that there are no hidden fees. Our Residentials include everything in the listed price, and you will always know what you are getting.


On our DofE activity Residentials, we always include:


  • Full catering, including packed lunches

  • Choice of accommodation: canvas tents in the camping field, or bunk rooms with en-suite bathrooms in the Lodge

  • Technical equipment

  • Activities and instruction

  • Transport


Now You Are Ready!


We hope this guide has helped you choose a Gold DofE activity Residential. We enjoy running these programs and look forward to seeing many more of you try them out.



If you have any questions, please email us at dofe@mendip.co.uk.

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