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.

With the cost of living rising, we know you might be looking for lower cost residentials – check out some of our top AAP suggestions.

Entrust Outdoors

Entrust Outdoors offers NCS Life Skills programme for Gold Residentials. NCS (National Citizen Service programme offers young people a chance to develop skills and take on new challenges that will set them up for adult life.
Cost: £95 or FREE for students entitled to a bursary
Location: Lancashire or Staffordshire

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 minimum
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

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

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 this summer, take a look at our Opportunity Finder.