What is a Chaplain?
A Chaplain is essentially someone who represents the church to a group outside the church. This is usually in a pastoral role, supporting people as they try to make sense of life. Not everyone has a church connection and this enables the church to take its care and support out beyond its own walls.
What is the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme?
This is a scheme to help young people as they grow and develop by setting them challenges to complete. On completion of the challenges they are awarded bronze, silver or gold to mark the level of their achievement. Young people will volunteer, practice a skill, improve their health and go on expedition as part of their award challenges. Many young people find it a formative experience. You can find out more about the scheme on their web site …
What is a DofE Chaplain?
My role is to support young people on the scheme as they discover things about themselves. I do this in a practical way on expedition as well as being available to talk to anyone (including the leaders) who may have life questions to explore. I am not there to force people to believe as I do but instead to ask questions while people explore. I am also taking the DofE scheme into churches and helping them understand what the scheme is and how it helps young people. It is my dream to see churches providing support to young people as they undertake the scheme.
2 replies on “Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Chaplain”
Dear Rev Brown,
I write to ask for your advice. My daughter who is nearly 15 has over the last couple of years quite frankly amazed me with her knowledge of biblical things & her ability to understand, relate & generate discussion. If I’m honest I have done my best in that department but not to any great measurable amount. It there fore struck me that she has been given a gift .. a gift that needs exploring in one so young .. she’s older than her years .. I am going to contact our local Vicar but wished to know if she would be able to participate/ shadow the role of our local Vicar with his blessing as a form of her Silver D of E .. I mean more than just reading a passage but understanding the creation of a sermon & the structure of the service.. It seems strange to ask for help for one so young in something so mature.. but if you met her or heard her I think you would truly understand where I’m coming from.. I look forward to your thoughts on the matter .. thank you
Hello Jill. Sorry its taken a time to reply, I ought to be better at this stuff. Anyway, as far as I am aware you can use Theology/Religion as part of your DofE award like you can any interest you have. She sounds like she is exploring things in depth and that is a good thing to be encouraged. Hope she gets on well with it. Your local vicar is the best place to start (or Methodist Minister if you have one).