Duke of Edinburgh Volunteering
GOLD DOFE RESIDENTIAL AWARD
Pod Volunteer is an Approved Activity Provider for The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE)
We offer DofE participants the opportunity to achieve the Residential section of their Gold Award, through volunteering at ethical and inspiring projects around the world. Pod Volunteer is an Approved Activity Provider for The DofE Award.
The DofE is a leading youth Charity in the UK that gives all young people aged 14-24 the chance to develop skills for life and work, fulfil their potential and have a brighter future.
To achieve a Gold Award, participants need to complete an extra section in addition to the Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition sections - called the ‘Residential’. This involves spending a minimum of five days and four nights away from home on a shared activity or specific course.
Completing the Residential section of your award whilst on a Pod Volunteer project is an amazing opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone, gain new skills, enjoy new experiences and have fun whilst volunteering on a safe, supported and approved programme.
Can I join with friends?
Yes! It's a fantastic experience to join a trip either with friends and you will also also meet lots of new people and make lots of new memories!
Who will be my DofE Assessor?
We will be your DofE Assessor and submit an online DofE report for you at the end of your placement. All we'll need will be your eDofE number.
What projects can I do for my DofE Residential?
All our animal, wildlife and conservation volunteering projects that are eligible for the DofE Residential are shown below.
Amazon Conservation
Peru
- Work alongside scientific researchers to document the ecosystem and help conserve the rainforest
- Study local wildlife including rare Blue-headed macaw, jaguars and monkeys
Duration: 2 – 12 weeks
Cost from: £1595 / €1850 / $1995
Big 5 Conservation
South Africa
- Experience incredible Big 5 sightings and help local communities
- Live on a stunning wildlife reserve, near to the beautiful beaches of the Garden Route
Duration: 1 – 12 weeks
Cost from: £975 / €1130 / $1220
Caribbean Reef Conservation
Belize
- Join an award-winning project on the world's second largest coral reef
- Learn to dive or develop your skills whilst carrying out conservation work
Duration: 1 – 12 weeks
Cost from: £1195 / €1330 / $1495
Desert Elephant Conservation
Namibia
- Join an elephant tracking team to research the wild elephant population
- Build protection walls for farmers' water sources and drinking water points for the desert elephants
Duration: 2 – 12 weeks
Cost from: £1195 / €1385 / $1495
Elephant and Wildlife Conservation
Sri Lanka
- Join the team to support vital work helping to protect wild elephants
- Research sloth bears, leopards and other wildlife to support their conservation
Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Cost from: £895 / €1040 / $1120
Elephant Care
Thailand
- Help look after amazing rescued elephants and ensure that they receive the best care
- Live on site at a tropical wildlife sanctuary home to around 900 animals
Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Cost from: £695 / €805 / $870
Elephant Care and Research
South Africa
- Join an active research team collecting data to guide best practice management of elephant husbandry
- Work closely with African elephants providing care and enrichment
Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Cost from: £895 / €1040 / $1120
Endangered Wildlife Conservation
South Africa
- Award winning conservation of priority species including black rhino, African wild dog, leopard, elephant and lion
- Join a small team living on a stunning game reserve
Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
Cost from: £1395 / €1620 / $1745
Horse Rehabilitation
South Africa
- Help to care for and rehabilitate around 30 horses - no previous riding experience required!
- Enjoy riding along the Indian Ocean whilst watching whales and dolphins
Duration: 1 – 12 weeks
Cost from: £895 / €1040 / $1120
Marine and Coastal Conservation
Greece
- Help protect the sand dunes and seagrass meadows on the beautiful island of Kefalonia
- Gain hands on experience and skills in research and conservation
Duration: 2 - 4 weeks
Cost from: £789 / €915 / $985
Marine Conservation
South Africa
- Obtain or advance your dive qualifications and enjoy some incredible diving in the Indian Ocean
- Learn about marine ecology in South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage site
Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
Cost from: £1495 / €1735 / $1870
Marine Conservation
Thailand
- Learn about coral reefs, marine species and how we can monitor, protect and preserve
- Open to all dive levels and experience, conservation certificates included
Duration: 1 – 4 weeks + dive courses
Cost from: £945 / €1095 / $1180
Turtle and Wildlife Conservation
Costa Rica
- Join an active scientific project monitoring and protecting sea turtles and other wildlife
- Live in a research and education station on the stunning South Pacific coast
Duration: 1 – 12 weeks
Cost from: £725 / €840 / $905
Turtle Conservation
Greece
- Help monitor and protect endangered sea turtles on the beautiful island of Kefalonia
- Gain hands on experience with a range of research and conservation practices
Duration: 2 - 4 weeks
Cost from: £679 / €790 / $850
U18 Trip - Turtle and Conservation - October half term
Greece
- Learn about sea turtles, birds and natural ecosystems and get involved in their protection
- Enjoy the beautiful island of Kefalonia with a group of 16-17 year olds and Team Leaders
Duration: 1 week (6 nights)
Cost from: £1395 / €1620 / $1745
U18 Trip - Turtle and Marine Conservation - Summer
Greece
- Learn about and protect endangered sea turtles and coastal ecosystems
- Enjoy the beautiful island of Kefalonia with a group of 16-17 year olds and Team Leaders
Duration: 1 week
Cost from: £1395 / €1620 / $1745
Wildlife Rescue
Thailand
- Work with rescued bears, monkeys, otters, gibbons and other exotic animals
- Help to protect endangered animals, living onsite at a tropical wildlife sanctuary
Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Cost from: £695 / €805 / $870
Wildlife Rescue
Costa Rica
- Assist at a wildlife sanctuary which provides a safe haven for rescued animals
- Help to care for animals such as monkeys, sloths, birds and anteaters
Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Cost from: £745 / €865 / $930
