Outward Bound USA Home
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
Founded in 1956 by HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is the world’s leading youth development award with over a million-youth participating in over 130 countries.
CB10 Secondary Banner
CB13 Repeatable Callout
Philadelphia Outward Bound School is one of 34 partners nationwide licensed by the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award USA to deliver the Award program, which is available to youth ages 14–24 in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware exclusively through POBS.
How the Award Is Achieved
The Award is earned through sustained participation in a personalized set of activities. Each participant commits to developing a skill, improving physical fitness, volunteering in their community, and completing an adventurous team journey in a new environment.
Progress is measured through regular engagement over a defined period of time, with emphasis on commitment, growth, and perseverance rather than competition. Every Award journey is unique and supported by trained adult mentors known as Award Leaders.
Key Elements of the Program
- Age Range: Open to young people ages 14–24
- Three Levels: Bronze (14+), Silver (15+), and Gold (16+), each progressively more demanding
- Four Core Sections: Skills, Physical Recreation, Voluntary Service, and Adventurous Journey
- Gold Level Addition: Residential Project
- Impact: Recognition of goal setting, persistence, and personal growth through real-world experience
As participants advance, they take on greater responsibility and challenge, building confidence and independence along the way.
Four Sections of Activities
Skills
Participants develop an existing skill or explore something entirely new, building practical abilities, confidence, and personal interests.
Physical Recreation
Physical Recreation promotes healthy habits while strengthening self-esteem, teamwork, and confidence through regular activity.
Voluntary Service
Through volunteering, participants contribute meaningfully to their communities while developing empathy, purpose, and a sense of responsibility.
Adventurous Journey
Small teams plan, train for, and complete a journey in an unfamiliar environment. This experience encourages exploration, teamwork, leadership, and resilience through shared challenge.
CB31 Media Gallery
See What the Award Is All About
Watch the video to get a feel for what participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award looks like and how young people design their own path through challenge, service, and adventure. If the program sparks your interest, complete the interest form and our team will follow up with more details and guidance on next steps, including support with the application process.
Request More Information
play
/
CB29 Single CTA
