The Residential section is a core part of Gold DofE programmes. Read about the Aims, Principles and Outcomes to meet when running a DofE Residential below.
Aims
To inspire participants through a concentrated involvement with people they don’t know, usually from different backgrounds, and bring alternative views to the challenges they will face. The Residential section broadens their experiences by empowering them to make a difference in a team-based residential setting.
Principles
Residential experiences take young people outside their normal environment and enable them to separate themselves from their daily routines. It’s a chance to step outside their comfort zone, gain new skills for life, enjoy new experiences, and have fun. They’ll develop initiative and planning skills by finding opportunities that interest them away from their usual group of friends. By taking part in a residential, young people will broaden their horizons and develop maturity and independence. Interaction with people from different walks of life, ages and backgrounds promotes respect and understanding. Completing shared objectives will develop social and teamwork skills and prepare them for adulthood.
Outcomes
Through completing the Residential section, young people will:
- Meet new and varied groups of people
- Develop the confidence to thrive in an unfamiliar environment
- Build new relationships and show concern for others
- Work as part of a team towards shared goals
- Accept responsibility for themselves and others
- Develop communication skills and effective coping mechanisms
- Develop respect and understanding for others
- Show initiative
- Develop the skills and attitudes to live and work with others.
