Thank you for checking out the website. I really appreciate it! Below are some of the most common questions about Scouting top awards and DofE.
💡 No, I’m not. I’m an Network Scout in England who has completed these awards and is sharing my personal experience, tips, and tricks to help others.
✅ Yes! You don’t need the Platinum or Diamond Awards to do the KSA. However:
🔥 It depends on your strengths, but the most challenging ones are:
👉 For me, the KSA was harder than the Explorer Belt.
✅ Yes! Scouting is a national network, and many top awards (e.g., Explorer Belt, KSA, DofE) are processed nationally.
Here are some recommended steps to take:
💡 I completed my Explorer Belt outside my county, which was incredible!
⏳ Time management is key!
✅ Use a planner or calendar to schedule activities.
✅ Prioritise based on deadlines, e.g., DofE requires a set number of months.
✅ Combine Scouting activities with other commitments (e.g., Young Leader volunteering = DofE Volunteering).
❌ No. You must complete two ICVs from each category:
🔍 Step 1: Ask why evidence or requirements might be missing.
📢 Step 2: If you disagree, escalate to your District/County Lead Volunteer.
📜 Step 3: Keep a record of all completed requirements (photos, logs, assessor reports).
✅ Yes! Many Scouting activities count towards DofE, including:
💡 Check with your DofE leader to confirm eligibility.
✅ Yes! You can work on your KSA until your 25th birthday.
💡 If you move away, collect evidence (ICVs, Nights Away) in case verification is needed.
❌ No, the Explorer Belt requires a team for safety and teamwork reasons.
⏳ Minimum time requirements:
⏳ You cannot complete it faster than this. However, you have until age 25 to finish any level.
✅ Yes, but you must show progression (e.g., improving a skill or taking on more responsibility).
❌ No! You can join open expedition providers across the UK.
🔗 Find open DofE expeditions here.
If you’re doing DofE through Scouts, ensure your provider is approved as a DofE assessor with the Scouts.
✅ Absolutely! Many accessible expedition providers offer tailored experiences.
🔗 Find accessible expeditions here.
⏳ Your progress is saved; you can complete it later if you finish before age 25.
✅ Yes, but only once per section per level.
💡 Submit a section change request on eDofE and upload your previous assessor report as standard evidence.
💰 As of 2025:
💡 Additional costs for registration vary by provider.
📅 Minimum age limits:
✅ Your assessor must:
❌ No! Your eDofE record transfers. Provide your eDofE ID to your new organisation and your existing organisation.
💰 Estimated costs:
💡 Common struggles:
💡 For me, the hardest part was committing!
I hope this FAQ helps! If you have more questions, please feel free to check the official Scouting or DofE resources. 🚀🔥