DofE v CCF

[Dancergirl]

Dd is in Year 9 and has to choose between D of E or Combined Cadet Force (CCF) for Year 10. She has to make the decision quite soon. For CCF they can choose between army, navy and RAF.

She really fancies the RAF so will put that as first choice and then possibly D of E as second choice then navy. She definitely doesn't want to do army!

Can someone tell me the pros and cons of both? I've heard that D of E is much more time consuming. For CCF they just have to turn up each week plus a couple of weekend commitments throughout the year.

They don't all get their first choice so I'm worried she might end up with D of E and then will struggle time wise.

[LIZS]

Agree shockers. In many cases it is really just giving them a nudge to find something to do . There are so many varied opportunities and many are already doing it without formal recognition anyway.

[Eastpoint]

DofE activities offer participants the opportunity to try things they may not otherwise have access to. The National Citizenship Scheme costs a maximum of £50 iirc & is free to some participants and that also offers 15/16/17 year olds great opportunities (lasts 3 weeks usually in the summer holidays).

[Shockers]

I agree Narvinectralonum. Lots of children are incredibly community minded, probably as a result of their parents being so.

For those children who aren't encouraged by family, scouts, guides etc., the DofE or similar, is a great opportunity to feel the value of giving your time and recognising your own skills for the advantage of others. As LIZS points out, it's the nudge some young people need to discover the satisfaction of being a useful part of their wider community.

[BackforGood]

Exactly what Shockers said.

DofE is about engaging young people to have a go at something they might not have otherwise tried - some will already be volunteering but not camped before. Some will be regular campers but not doing any regular exercise. Some will be sports mad but not really thought about developing a skill, etc.etc. That's why DofE challenges you to do. It's not compulsory Narvinectralonum. I, too am completely against schools that make all pupils "do some compulsory volunteering so it looks good on their CV", but that's not what DofE is about at all.

[Narvinectralonum]

But the OP implied that DoE or CCF was mandatory at her DC's school. And there are better ways to do all the things that you say DoE encourages that don't include being associated with the real DoE who is an entirely objectionable man.

[Dancergirl]

UPDATE:

Dd put RAF first choice and got it! They've had a couple of sessions this term to ease them in before it starts properly in September.

She is really enjoying it so far, loves the marching (drill??).

I, however, will be having kittens later on when she gets to fly planes