Gold DofE Residentials – Summer 2025

Every week this summer, young people from across NI are coming together at Crawfordsburn Activity Centre to complete their Gold DofE residential – a 5-day experience packed with service, challenge, adventure and friendship.

From early July right through to the end of August, new groups are arriving each week, stepping into a fun and rewarding programme.

From the very first day, each group gets stuck into life at Crawfordsburn.

“Today I arrived at Crawfordsburn. I met the other participants and we did some ice breakers to get to know each other. We spent the rest of the day getting a tour around the site.”

Over the course of the week, participants support the Centre’s Summer Scheme, lead activities for younger children, and carry out essential site maintenance – all while building their confidence, independence and leadership skills!

“The first activity was airsoft, followed by orienteering. After lunch it was power washing all afternoon. We then went on the 3G swing, tried axe throwing and finished the day with pizza, a campfire, toasted marshmallows and card games.”

There’s a strong focus on service, teamwork and personal growth.

“We took the Summer Scheme kids on a nature walk so they could collect sticks and leaves to make pictures. Then we took them on the zipline – they’d been waiting all week for it. It was great to see everyone having fun.”

As each residential comes to a close, young people leave not only with their achievement certificates, but with real memories and meaningful connections.

“This was our home for a week, and it genuinely felt like one. I’ll miss the friends I made here – both participants and leaders. It has been an amazing week and a fantastic experience that I will treasure.”

On their final day, every participant is presented with a Scouts NI neckerchief – a symbol of everything they’ve contributed and achieved.

“We were given Scout scarves as a way to remember a life-changing week. We ate cake and said our goodbyes. It was so sad, I realised how much I enjoyed myself.”

Paul and Pamela from the Development Team, who are part of delivering and facilitating the residential, shared:

“These residentials are so much more than completing an award – they’re about being part of something bigger, building confidence, and realising what they’re capable of. We’re really proud of everything they’ve achieved, and we hope this experience gives them the tools and self-belief to take on whatever comes next!”

Kayleigh, our Youth Lead supporting the programme throughout the summer, added:

“It’s been a really busy but refreshing and inspiring 6 weeks onsite at Crawfordsburn! The DofE teams have brought incredible energy, and tackled everything with a bright outlook, really positively impacting the spirit of the site and leaving a lasting impression on everybody they meet.

The last few weeks have been packed full of hard work, good craic, and some really brilliant people. The extraordinary energy and humour that’s filled this place over the course of the residentials is really special, and it’s been a joy to be part of it… even with the many toilet-cleaning and floor-mopping shifts!”

A huge thank you goes to the team behind the experience.

Alongside Paul and Pamela from the Development Team, this includes Stephanie and Ben from Londonderry District, Kayleigh, Grace, Joshua and Aidan from the Youth Team, and Ian, along with the staff and Wardens Team at Crawfordsburn.

A special mention goes to Team 5 – their ongoing support and legendary tea breaks, has left a lasting impression on everyone involved.

By the end of each week, young people leave Crawfordsburn with a deep sense of pride in what they’ve achieved together.

Story submitted by the Development Team