There are various sources of funding available if you are interested in training as a Duke of Edindurgh Award Leader, or to help the girls participating fund aspects of their Award, so don't let the cost of courses put you off.

Catherine Smith Memorial Trust: Grants are available, up to £150 for Adults and £300 for Young Leaders (under 25) towards Expedition Leadership Training. (Available through the D of E Scottish Award Office)

GB Scotland's Mission Possible Funding: The aim of the fund is to provide financial assistance to members who wish to take part in an activity in connection with their Girls Brigade involvement with the intention that awards would be made where it is believed that the applicant would otherwise be unable to undertake the activity. Awards will be made on a needs basis.

Speak to your Local Council: Many Scottish Councils have specific budgets to cover training in their area, make sure they're aware it's for Duke of Edinburgh and that you're working with young people.

FUNDING FOR AWARD PARTICIPANTS

Jubilee Fund: Funding is still available to Award participants in Scotland from the Jubilee Fund set up after fundraising during the Anniversary Year. The Jubilee Fund aims to relieve financial barriers to participation in and completion of the Award, improve opportunities and access to the Award and demonstrate to young people that their needs and hopes are important. Examples are money for a pair of boots, travel to a Service Activity or hire of a basketball court. Applications are made by an online system through the Award website. Individuals can apply for grants of up to £500 although for special activities higher amounts will be considered. Further details are available online at www.theaward.org/ jubileefund.

The Serco Bursary: To help young people who are disadvantaged to access the Award. This might help towards the cost of an activity or expedition equipment up to £150. For more info. and Serco application form please contact the D of E Scottish Award Office.

GB Scotland's Mission Possible Funding: The aim of the fund is to provide financial assistance to members (of all ages) who wish to take part in an activity in connection with their Girls Brigade involvement with the intention that awards would be made where it is believed that the applicant would otherwise be unable to undertake the activity. Awards will be made on a needs basis.

GENERAL FUNDING FOR AWARD GROUPS

Government Advice: The government has some useful advice & links on www.direct.gov.uk - type in 'grants and funding' in the search box.

Grantnet: The grantnet website, www.grantnet.com, allows you to enter information about the project you are seeking funding for via the internet. Brief details of suggested sources of funding are then displayed and full details can be requested by e-mail. Grantnet does not contain information on very small schemes

GIRLS' BRIGADE RUN: DUKE OF EDINBURGH COURSES / CONFERENCES:

GB CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE - For Expedition Venture Training

• Training Weekend - This is to train inexperienced leaders in all aspects relating to the Expedition requirements of the Award. This practical training involves leaders in the type of activities the girls will do eg. tenting, cooking, navigation, etc. It trains the leaders to pass the required level of knowledge on to their girls.   Following the Training weekend participants may attend the Assessment Weekend which is scheduled for the same year or they might prefer to gain more first hand knowledge and attend the assessment at a subsequent time.
• Assessment Weekend - This is a practical exercise designed to check the expertise of each leader. It involves supervising an actual venture, demonstrating navigational and map reading skills and showing the ability to give informative talks on all aspects of Expedition work. There is no requirement for experienced hill walkers to attend the training. They can come to the Assessment weekend without attending the Training Weekend. 

  Contact GB HQ for more information on forthcoming "Certificate of Competence" courses

• N.B. GB members can also participate in the annual Boys' Brigade run " Expedition Leadership Training " which covers training & assessment for leaders in the same weekend (see photo & written insert at bottom of this page). On completiton of this training they can then apply to GB HQ for their GB Certificate of Competence.

BRONZE & SILVER ASSESSOR COURSE

Further details available on www.theaward.org/scotland or by contacting the Scottish Award Office. Tel: 0131 343 0920

• 05 November 2008 - Glasgow

• 29 November 2008 - Aviemore

• 17 January 2009 - Edinburgh

FOUNDATION AWARD GROUP LEADER COURSE

Further details available on www.theaward.org/scotland or by contacting the Scottish Award Office. Tel: 0131 343 0920

£120

This residential course provides participants with a practical understanding of the key requirements of an Award Group Leader. It is designed for an Award Leader and staff that have completed an Introduction to the Award course. Participation on this course can count towards the Award Leadership Certificate. The course covers practical suggestions and tips to develop programmes and activities and enhance the work of the Award Groups.

ADVANCED AWARD GROUP LEADER COURSE

Further details available on www.theaward.org/scotland or by contacting the Scottish Award Office. Tel: 0131 343 0920

£120

This residential course provides participants with a practical understanding of the key requirements of an Award Group Leader. It is designed for an Award Leader and staff that have completed an Introduction to the Award course. Participation on this course can count towards the Award Leadership Certificate. The course covers practical suggestions and tips to develop programmes and activities and enhance the work of the Award Groups.

INTRODUCTION TO THE AWARD COURSE

Further details available on www.theaward.org/scotland or by contacting the Scottish Award Office. Tel: 0131 343 0920

£120

This is a two day residential course designed for New Leaders, Award Participants (undertaking Award Leadership for their Service Section) and Award staff. It gives a thorough introduction to the aims, principles, requirements, framework and structure of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme. Participation on this course can count towards the Award Leadership Certificate. Participants do not need prior knowledge of the Award although participation in local induction courses would be an advantage.

GROUP WORK SKILLS COURSE

Further details available on www.theaward.org/scotland or by contacting the Scottish Award Office. Tel: 0131 343 0920

£TBC

This residential course provides participants with practical advice and ideas to help them to contribute to the development of young people and their Award Group. It is designed for Award Leaders, Award Participants (undertaking Award Leadership for their Service Section), and Award staff. Participation on this course can count towards the Award Leadership Certificate. Participants do not need prior knowledge of the Award although participation in local induction courses would be an advantage.