Blog 20 January 2025

Finding a low-cost DofE Gold Residential

From volunteering to help at a summer camp for children with disabilities to producing a film in a week, there are over 140 DofE Approved Activity Providers (AAP) which offer options for everyone, whatever your interests, needs and goals.

If you’re looking for lower cost residentials – check out some of our top AAP suggestions.

Two young girls are preparing for an outdoor climbing activity. They are wearing helmets and harnesses, with one girl smiling at the camera while the other is looking at her. The background features a grassy area and climbing ropes. The scene is set in a natural environment, suggesting a fun and adventurous atmosphere.

BRS (British Racing School)

BRS (British Racing School) Education Ltd is one of two racing schools in the UK that provide specialist training for the horseracing industry. With support from long-standing DofE supporter, The Gerald Leigh Trust, we are offering 10 places on a free Residential course, in the week 14th – 18th July 2025, for young people who live in an IMD 1-3 area and who are doing their Gold DofE.
Cost: FREE
Location: Newmarket, Suffolk

Free to Be Kids

Free to Be Kids run adventurous, nature based residentials to give vulnerable young people a space to have fun and to feel invited and accepted. There are several role types – kitchen crew, minibus driver and group leader – and various dates available throughout 2025.
Cost: FREE
Location: Orpington, London

Go Beyond

Go Beyond gives disadvantaged children and young people a break from their challenging home lives and the chance to escape their worries and pressures. During your Gold Residential you will participate in a range of activities designed to build their courage and self-belief.
Donation: £100
Location: Cornwall or Derbyshire

Inland Waterways Association / Waterway Recovery Group

Waterway Recovery Group run volunteer working holidays to help restore and preserve waterways. As a volunteer you’ll learn new skills like bricklaying, stone operating and operating machines while providing a safe haven for wildlife and connecting communities.
Cost: £80
Location: Across the UK

LIFEbeat Summer Camps

During your Gold Residential at LIFEbeat Summer Camps you’ll participate in daily workshops like storytelling or nature exploration, enabling you to challenge yourself, develop new skills, expand your creativity and make new friends.
Cost: Minimum £50 deposit, with full and partial bursaries available.
Location: Stanford Hall or Kilve Court

Alt text: A group of young people wearing helmets are giving high-fives outside a stable. In the background, there is a clock tower and a horse. The sky is partly cloudy.

Odyssians

Odyssians provides a chance to work with young adults with disabilities in a picturesque campsite located in Surrey. As part of a small team, you’ll support their individual needs while engaging in a variety of enjoyable camping activities and exciting offsite excursions.
Cost: £100
Location: Surrey

Over The Wall

Over The Wall is a UK-based charity for children and young people with health challenges and disabilities. As a volunteer you will play a leading role in providing a magical, transforming experience to campers and their families.
Cost: FREE
Location: Across the UK

Tangier Wood

Tangier Wood – Off-grid Woodland Management have been working to regenerate Tangier Wood, a 10acre semi-ancient woodland, since 2016. As a Gold participant, you’ll play a hands-on role in enabling the re-growth and health of Tangier Wood’s native tree species and natural habitats.
Cost: £80
Location: Royal Tunbridge Wells

YHA

YHA offer Gold residentials throughout the year at a number of our hostels in England and Wales. These are volunteering residentials and the tasks you might get involved with include painting/decorating, gardening/grounds work etc.
Cost: FREE
Location: various hostels throughout England and Wales

For more information about residentials available, take a look at our Opportunity Finder.