Two committee members outside the
Cumberland Pencil Museum - fun times!
The Society
- Our raison d'être.
- Starting your award with us.
- Already registered for the award?
- How to get involved with the society.
Our raison d'être.
The University's involvement with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award is almost as old as the award itself, which dates back to 1956. The society's main function is to get you started and then offer help and advice with regard to the different sections of the award. We will keep you informed about the latest volunteering opportunities and residential projects though our mailing list.
We also plan, organise and execute two expeditions per year. This last function takes the majority of our time, as committee members, and we all have mountaineering qualifications to reflect this. The expeditions are the highlights of the society's year and we work hard to make sure they are memorable experiences for all. Finally, on completion of your award, we will guide you through the necessary steps to obtain your certificate and we will arrange your visit to the Palace.
Starting your award with us.
It is very simple to get started with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. You will first need to join the society by filling in our online application form, here. We will then forward your details to Cambridgeshire County Council, who will register you with the national award services. A record book will be sent to you, and you can then begin your activities in earnest. To find out more about the award, what it involves, and examples of past activities, please click here. In you wish to speak to us about any aspect of the award please use our online contact form, here
Already registered for the award?
If you have already registered with the award before coming to university (usually with school or a youth service) it is again quite easy to change to Cambridgeshire Operating Authority. You will still need to join the society, but, in addition, you will also need to fill out the "Change of Operating Authority" form, which can be found on page 27 and 28 of your record book, a copy of which can be downloaded here. Please note that the "Operating Authority Confirmation" section on page 28 is to be completed by your previous Operating Authority, not Cambridgeshire.
Details of where to send the form will be provided when you join the society. If you have already registered with the award but still have yet to receive a record book, this can be ordered when joining.
How to get involved with the society.
If you like what you see and want to get involved with society beyond doing the actual award, we would be really pleased to hear from you. If you have mountaineering experience, and want to gain more, particularly in leading and supervising groups, it would be great to have you along on one of our expeditions. Please contact our Senior Expeditions officer, James, for more information - here. You can also join the society as a helper by clicking, here. Alternatively you might want to take up one of our available committee positions, which can be viewed here. We're a friendly bunch and you would be most welcome!
If you have any questions, our President, Doug, would be more than happy to answer them. He can be contacted here.