Planning and preparation

To make sure you get the most out of your experience, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and investigate your chosen activity. Understanding what it entails, and the skills required, will mean you’ll be well on your way to a successful and fulfilling Residential section.

Beforehand, you should obtain a detailed description of your chosen residential, including the purpose, expected outcomes, duration, and timings. You can also look into the background of the activity or the place where it’s held, potentially looking into the historical, environmental or cultural background. A great way to understand the residential is by checking if the provider has stories or testimonials from people who have completed a similar experience.

Early research will be hugely beneficial when it comes to setting the goals you’d like to achieve. Look for resources online, at your local library, or get in touch with your residential provider to identify the skills you can work on before the start date. These could be physical skills, social skills, or technical knowledge.

Research the type of accommodation on your residential before going – providers are varied, and you could be staying at a campsite, hostel or even on a yacht!

This is important when packing your essentials and making sure you have everything you need, e.g., sleeping bags, pillows, warm clothes.

Whatever your location, it will be shared accommodation with other participants on the residential – so make sure you’re respectful and understand that everyone has different preferences and routines.

If you’re over 18, staying in a homestay can be a unique experience that can allow you to experience a new culture and practise your language skills. It can also provide a more relaxing, home-like environment than staying in a hotel or hostel. However, it’s crucial to thoroughly research the homestay beforehand to ensure safety. You might want to see whether there are reviews from previous guests or contact your host to discuss any safety protocols they have. By being proactive and researching the safety of the homestay in advance, you can set off on your residential knowing you’ll be in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Evening activities will form a key part of your DofE residential. However, it’s important to research in advance what sort of activities are available and check they align with your interests and are suitable for you. If you contact your residential provider, they should be able to let you know what the programme looks like. It’s also a good idea to discuss these options with your parent or carer to make an informed decision together.

It’s also sensible to ask the provider about their alcohol policy as there may be a mix of over and under-18s. This will be helpful to understand the rules and expectations and ensure you are joining a residential that will be enjoyable and suitable for you.

You must volunteer your time on the residential and not receive payment, though you may receive money for expenses. If you receive payment, the opportunity will not meet the DofE’s Residential Requirements. This includes wages or bonuses based on performance or other criteria.

Expenses include costs directly related to participating in the residential experience. These could cover accommodation, meals, travel, activity fees and specialist equipment required to take part. Check with your residential provider beforehand to see whether they will cover any of your expenses or offer bursary places.

Fundraising for your residential is a great way to cover the costs of the experience – it’s also a chance to make the section even more rewarding. Before setting out, you should set a realistic goal and decide how much money you plan to raise. You will need to consider the expenses associated with your residential beforehand, such as travel, accommodation and activities. You’ll need to make sure you build in enough time ahead of your residential to plan and undertake your fundraising activities.

Make sure you promote to your friends, family and local community that you’re fundraising and explain how their support will make a difference and what you plan to do.

As you prepare for your residential, some providers may require you to complete essential training – this may be online or in person. It’s crucial you engage fully with this training as it will equip you with the skills, safety knowledge and expertise to make the most of your residential.

Meeting fellow participants during your training is absolutely fine. Take the opportunity to start making new friends early—you’ll be glad you did when the first day of your residential arrives, and you’ve already built some connections.

It’s highly likely that when attending your residential you will be asked to sign a behaviour code of conduct. This is to ensure that all participants have a positive experience and are treated with respect. Make sure you familiarise yourself with this code of conduct and follow it through your time on the residential. If you don’t follow the code of conduct, you may be asked to leave the residential and will have to find the time to complete the section again.