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Original poster

Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Volunteering - 14yr old DS

31 replies

shushpenfold · 24/11/2014 17:49

Dear all

OK, so my lovely DS (14yrs) has decided to complete his DofE Bronze. I'm really pleased that he's decided to do it but now need to help a bit with the volunteering side of things. All of the 'usual' roles have been snapped up very quickly (their parents have older DC and knew the sketch!) and after searching locally, there seems to be very little which a 14 yr old can do....it's slightly easier for 15 and 16 year olds. They are supposed to do at least an hour's volunteering a week and I'm at the point of suggesting that I offer to go with him and help too so that the workplace are not in charge of him (so to speak) and hence will be able to avoid so many issues related to H&S etc. Has anyone done the same and if not, how did you manage to find something? xx

OP posts:
Original poster
shushpenfold · 24/11/2014 18:00

Many thanks for the suggestions.....OAPs homes is a brilliant idea as is all of the local ones. As you may have read above, DS has just admitted to only telling me half a story so I'm off to email now. xx

OP posts:
ShatnersBassoon · 24/11/2014 17:58

Helping at a Scout group is usually easy to arrange a they always need extra hands.

Original poster
shushpenfold · 24/11/2014 17:58

Hi youmakemydreams. He's worked through the school so far as they have contacts with all of the local groups....all filled by current pupils apparently (miffed face!) although DS has just admitted that he only asked about the school run groups!!! (the joys of 14 yr old males)

Right, great tip and I'm off to email them now! Many thanks xx

OP posts:
TeenAndTween · 24/11/2014 17:57

I think if you went with him it would defeat part of the point of DofE.

Mainly people round here seem to do:
Charity shops
After School clubs
Cubs/brownies
Helping with any primary age club that he attends the teen section of

Some care homes may take DofE teen helpers (eg to play scrabble with residents), even if they normally need people to be older.

TalkinPeace · 24/11/2014 17:56

helping with younger ones at a sports club?
helping with beavers?
helping at a saturday oap lunch club?

youmakemydreams · 24/11/2014 17:52

What sort of thing has he tried?
I'm not entirely sure how d of e works but I'm a cub leader and we have a girl with us just now doing her volunteering part with us.
The teacher at her school that does the d of e knows this is what she is doing so itusy be suitable.
Is there any groups like that near you or have you exhausted all those?