As an Approved Activity Centre (AAP) for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award  Residential section, we have vast experience of organising and running high quality and affordable residential activities for young people.

All residentials run by CTS are designed to bring young people together, to have fun, make new friends, take away great memories, broaden interests, and gain valuable experiences; whilst enabling participants to complete the requirements for the Gold Residential section, meeting the aim, principles, and outcomes of the section and guiding principles of the DofE programme.

Our residential activities are open to any participant aged 16 to 24, registered for the Gold DofE.

Having great knowledge and understanding of the Residential section, the wider DofE programme, and its delivery in a range of environments, we are able to organise exciting and beneficial shared activities for young people in an informal and supportive setting.

We are recognised by DofE Licenced Organisations, National Operating Authorities, Directly Licenced Centres, Multi-Academy Trusts, independent schools, and local authorities, for delivering the DofE to the highest standards.

We have an outstanding reputation for safety, ‘best practice’ and keeping within the values, ethos and spirit of the DofE.

Embracing an ‘open and accessible to all’ policy, we ensure that young people are at the heart of everything we do, allowing them to benefit greatly from their participation in the DofE programme.

We are recognised for positively supporting young people with additional needs.

“Regarding the photography side of the residential, I feel that the locations we visited allowed my creativity to thrive and capture some photos that I am quite proud of. The groups of 5 worked quite well and we were definitely given enough autonomy to explore the area and capture some interesting shots and angles- I feel that the team covered the editing and post-processing side of photography extensively and I have noted their recommendations. I definitely enjoyed the conservation work that we did, and am quite proud of the area of land we were able to clear around the church. I would say that out of the day activities, I probably enjoyed the Long Mynd walk the most (because it was so pretty), although the most enjoyable part for me was likely playing cards and socialising with others. I feel that the leaders nailed the balance between activities and downtime, and we were given more than enough freedom to do as we pleased. I was surprised by how cohesive our group was by the end, and have definitely enjoyed meeting new people making good friends. I feel like although we did not talk much or connect as a group during the first couple of days, it was very fun to watch everyone open up and their individual personalities really shined by the end of the residential. I have thoroughly enjoyed this DofE residential. It has brought me some great memories and I would highly recommend it to all young people seeking an adventure, not just DofE participants.”
– Gold Participant

"I thoroughly enjoyed my residential from the moment I arrived until I left. I feel like I gained a lot of knowledge on how to properly use my camera as well as the post digital processing techniques I could use to improve them after. I think that every activity was very enjoyable and memorable and I feel that I have made lifelong friends and shared many pleasant experiences with others on the trip. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking to complete their residential and would once again like to thank both Dave's for putting on a great week!"
– Gold Participant

Download the DofE's Residential Approval Form