You may of heard of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE), but don't know what is is or whether it's for you. Well it's for everyone who likes a challenge. Their mission is simple - 'to inspire, guide and support young people in their self-development, and recognise their achievements'.

To put it another way, they help you succeed. With the same sense of adventure that drew you to the Air Cadets in the first place, the DofE takes you through a programme of activities that will leave you a more confident, motivated and capable person.

As part of the Air Cadet Organisation, we are proud to be the DofE Award's largest participant.

If you're school Year 9 or over, then you can begin - just ask the instructors in your squadron and they'll help you get started. Alternatively, for more information follow the link on this page to visit their official website.

If you are not yet in Year 9 you can complete the blue award, 'Introduction to DofE'. This will help train you to be ready to enrol in the full award schemes, and give you a feel for what they involve.

There are then three levels which, when successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold DofE Award. And it's never too late to get in on the action - depending on your age you may be able to jump straight in at Silver or Gold level! There are four sections at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold:

• Volunteering - Get involved providing services to individuals or the community and make a difference to other people's lives
• Physical - Get active and improve your skills and fitness in sport, dance or other physical activities - it's your choice
• Skills - Find new interests and get new talents (or perfect existing ones), with increased practical and social skills
• Expedition - Get outdoors and plan, train for and complete an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad - an unbeatable experience
• Residential - Only at Gold level. Getting to the Gold level is a big deal and this last stage could see you going to another country, sharing tasks and activities with people you've never met. It'll test your mettle, and set you up for what life throws at you in the future.