So you're pumped and ready to start your DofE experience, but then you see the price of the kit and the price of expeditions, and you shriek! The hiking boots go away, and you've given up. Sound familiar? Let's be honest: DofE can be life-changing, but it doesn't have to be expensive if you know what you need and what to find. The only person who can stop you is you; there is always a way. Let's jump in!
Let's get this out of the way: You won't have everything perfect; you have to cut back on certain luxuries to get the award. You'll definitely notice them. No Osprey rucksacks. Keep an open mind during your journey, and you'll become stronger, more resourceful, and more proud of dealing with hardship. In this example, we will be using the DofE Gold, the most challenging, longest award in DofE.
Tip: Swallow your pride and ask for help! It's known that many DofE participants face financial difficulty, and there are always ways to support that. This could be from your expedition, kit cost, or anything else.
🤝 Borrow before you buy: Ask your DofE leader, Scout group, or award provider if they can lend you a spare kit. Most of the time, they'll have rucksacks, etc.
🧺 Second-hand marketplaces to the rescue: Look at Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay for used unwanted kit. You can find some excellent deals. I got my rucksack for a significantly reduced price. You can even submit offers, so why don't you try your luck?
🎗️ Charity shops, a hidden treasure cove: I volunteer at a charity shop and see some really good deals. People donate unwanted goods all the time, so pop down to a local charity shop and look at what you can get.
❓ Do I really need that? You looked at the official DofE kit list and noticed a lot you need to buy. Absolutely not! This list is merely a guide to be followed. You don't need a kit just for DofE; for example, you've got plenty of shirts you can use. Think about what you'll use. If you want to know what I used, see my page here.
❌ Don't unquestioningly trust the "DofE recommended kit": They can be expensive and tend to be things you don't need. For example, do you really need a hygiene bag? What happened to an old-fashioned zip-lock bag? I fell into this trap and no longer use half of the kit I bought.
Here's a short list of things I bought but never used:
Judge harshly on what you'll buy.
So you take the plunge. Registrations usually cost around £30-40 (could be more, depending on your organisation); however, you can't afford it. Ask them if there's a bursary or funding you can access. Some providers offer a hardship fund which you can access. They are often not advertised, but they are available to use. All you have to do is ask. Youth organisations like The Prince’s Trust or Turn2Us may help, especially if you're in care, low-income, or facing challenges.
Tip: Part of Scouts? There's always funding available, so talk to your leader or DofE coordinator!
Each DofE section can be completed at a low cost or even for free. Tap through the sections below ideas that won’t cost you a penny (or not much more).
Volunteering is free; you're giving up your time to help others. That's amazing, you shouldn't have to pay for that. There are always different ways to volunteer. Here are a few which are free:
These are some examples, but choose one that works well for you.
The internet has improved things; now, we can access anything from our smartphones. Use it to your advantage and access free resources. Remember, you're building your own programme.
There are so many skills to choose from; don't always default to paying for your programs because you don't have to.
You have the great outdoors available, so why don't you explore? Going outside doesn't cost any money, does it? I hope not; let's have a look at some examples.
Physical doesn't mean going to the gym or doing paddle boarding (or something more bizarre); sticking to the basics works incredibly well.
Ah yes, the big one. The section where people drop out because of the price tag. But here’s how to make it work on a budget.
Be involved in a youth organisation (i.e. Scouts) as expeditions are often cheaper, and look at bursaries too!
You don’t need a fancy rucksack or gourmet expedition food to achieve something incredible. Besides, are you not going to feast on snails for lunch are you now? What matters is the qualities that get you there. That requires skills, determination, and commitment.
Doing DofE on a budget doesn’t make it less impressive; it makes it more. You didn’t just complete the award. You overcame obstacles most people never see.
Tip: It’s not about how much you spend. It’s about how far you grow.