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

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

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Big 5 Conservation

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

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Caribbean Reef Conservation

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

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Desert Elephant Conservation

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

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Elephant and Wildlife Conservation

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

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Elephant Care

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

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Elephant Care and Research

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

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Endangered Wildlife Conservation

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

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Marine and Coastal Conservation

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

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Marine Conservation

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

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Marine Conservation

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

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Turtle and Wildlife Conservation

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

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Turtle Conservation

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

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U18 Trip - Turtle and Conservation - October half term

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

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U18 Trip - Turtle and Marine Conservation - Summer

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

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Wildlife Rescue

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

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Wildlife Rescue

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

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As featured in:

  • theguardian
  • Sunday Times
  • Wall Street Journal
  • National Geographic
  • Euro News