DofE
The Dolphin House is an outdoor education centre located in the grounds of Culzean Country Park
At Dolphin House, we are proud to support young people in achieving their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE). We work with schools across South Ayrshire to deliver DofE Bronze, Silver, and Gold expeditions through school partnerships. In addition, we offer Gold Residential programmes at Dolphin House, which are open to participants from across the UK and beyond. Our residential experiences provide a unique opportunity for young people to develop independence, leadership skills, and a love for the outdoors while working towards their DofE goals.
Gold Residentials at Dolphin House
The DofE Gold Residential is a 5-day, 4-night adventure where participants join a group of like-minded young people to take part in exciting outdoor activities, environmental projects, and personal development challenges.
What to Expect:
- A fully immersive residential experience in a stunning coastal environment
- Outdoor adventure activities such as paddlesports, caving, orienteering and abseiling
- Team-building challenges to enhance leadership and communication skills
- Environmental and conservation projects that contribute to the local area
- Evening activities and reflection sessions to develop self-awareness and confidence
- Cosy bunkhouse accommodation and freshly prepared, nutritious meals
Why Choose Dolphin House for Your Gold Residential?
- Expert outdoor instructors to guide and support participants
- A friendly and welcoming atmosphere, fostering teamwork and personal growth
- A chance to meet new people and build lasting friendships
- A perfect setting to step outside your comfort zone and develop resilience
Other DofE Opportunities
In addition to our Gold Residentials, we offer support for DofE Bronze, Silver, and Gold expeditions, working with schools and organisations to deliver:
- Navigation and expedition skills training – We bring participants to Dolphin House for a dedicated training day, where they learn essential navigation techniques, how to set up and take down a tent, how to safely use a Trangia stove for cooking in the outdoors, and how to properly pack their bags for an expedition.
- Practice and qualifying expeditions – We provide structured expeditions that meet DofE requirements, ensuring participants gain confidence in their outdoor abilities while progressing towards their award.
There are also opportunities to volunteer at Dolphin House as part of the Volunteering section of your DofE Award. This can include assisting with activities, helping with conservation projects, or supporting the day-to-day running of the centre.
Get in touch to find out more about our DofE Gold Residentials or how we can support your DofE journey!