Airsoft DofE Residential
Best Seller • Ages 16-25 years old
Gain new skills and challenge yourself!
Based in the heart of Norfolk on the former RAF West Raynham Airbase, Scorpion Airsoft offers our popular five-day, four-night Gold DofE Airsoft Residential in Norfolk. Our Ex-military and firefighter team have designed a tried and tested itinerary packed full of exciting activities from realistic Airsoft scenarios and Close-quarter battle tactics to Battle PT and Escape and Evasion!
Each task is designed to focus on teamwork, communication, leadership and resilience. You will step outside your comfort zone, gain new skills for life, and have fun! You are guaranteed to make new friends along the way, too!
Your Airsoft Adventure Begins In…
What's Included?
✔ 4 nights' accommodation
✔ All meals and drinks
✔ All Airsoft Activities
✔ Evening Activities
✔ Cooking Basics lessons
✔ Minibus Travel throughout the week
✔ Hire of Airsoft equipment including 2 Magazines, Torch, High Quality Face protection, Gloves, Chest Rig, Ear Defenders
✔ Hire of a Tippmann HPA M4 CQB Rifle/Airsoft Realistic Imitation Firearms (RIF)
✔ Transfer to Norwich Train station/Airport at set times
✔ Duvet, Pillows, Linen and a Towel
✔ Free Wi-Fi in the residential Centre
✔ Unlimited Ammo
✔ Combat Trouser and Shirt (summer) + Combat jacket (winter)
What's Not included?
✖ Train tickets/Flights
✖ Cinema/Bowling trip - Cinema Ticket £6/Bowling £10.
Dates for 2026
WK 1 - 20th - 24th July 2026
WK 2 - 17th - 21st August 2026
WK 3- 26th - 30th October 2026
- Courses run with 8 –16 participants.
- Independence16 Ltd T/A Scorpion Airsoft may cancel a course if the minimum number of participants (or minimum number of the same sex) is not reached. If this happens, we will offer an alternative course where possible.
Our Accommodation
Find out moreThe Dial House is a historic flint building with a colourful and bright interior, with the tidal harbour of Brancaster Staithe and the North Norfolk coast on your doorstep, you can expect stunning views of the marshes and sea beyond. It is the perfect place to relax after an action-packed day!
Sleeping up to 22, in three 5-bed dormitories and one 7-bed dormitory with ensuite shower and toilet facilities in each room. The Snug with balcony overlooks the harbour, there is a well-equipped self–catering kitchen and a large living/dining area.
There is Wi-Fi, a washing machine and a Tumble Dryer. Linen, Duvets and Pillows and a Towel are included.
Male and Female participants are accommodated in separate rooms along with over 18’s and under 18’s.
Food and Drink
Participants take part in meal planning, shopping, and preparation, working together to cook for each other, using a generous budget for meals, snacks, and drinks.
All Food and Drink is included
Cooking lessons are included as standard, and each participant receives a handy cooking booklet for home or independent living.
The first meal is lunch on Day 1.
Dietary Requirements:
Please provide any special dietary needs at the time of booking. Independence16 Ltd T/A Scorpion Airsoft cannot guarantee accommodation of requests at short notice
Travel Arrangements
Location & Meeting Point:
By Car: Building 23, West Raynham Business Park, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 7PL
Arrival & Departure Times:
Day 1: Arrive between 11:30 – 12:00
Final Day: Pick-up at 12:00
By Train:
Recommended station: Norwich Rail Station
Trains between London Liverpool Street and Norwich run up to 2 times per hour, journey approx 1 hr 45 min
Aim to arrive at Norwich by 10:30 on Day 1
Transport provided from Norwich to the site, and back on the final day
By Air:
Transfers can be arranged from nearby airports. Please contact us in advance to discuss.
For full details and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the Joining Instructions provided after booking.
Safety, Insurance & Safeguarding
This residential experience aligns with the core aims of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award by fostering independence, teamwork, communication, leadership, and resilience.
Participants will engage in structured activities and shared living experiences that encourage collaboration, reflection, and personal challenges, all in keeping with the Duke of Edinburgh’s values.
Our team boasts over 20 years of experience in delivering the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, with more than 2,500 participants successfully completing their GOLD Residential Section with us.
All staff members have undergone enhanced DBS checks, and we adhere to stringent safeguarding procedures.
Every activity is thoroughly risk-assessed and adheres to rigorous health and safety protocols.
Independence16 Ltd, trading as Scorpion Airsoft, holds a £5 million indemnity policy covering insured activities and other approved activities.
The Residential section aims to inspire participants through a concentrated involvement with people they don’t know, usually from different backgrounds, and bring alternative views to the challenges they will face, broadening their experiences by empowering them to make a difference in a team-based residential setting.
Why Choose the Airsoft Residential
Choosing the right provider for your Gold DofE Residential is important. Our team has been delivering Duke of Edinburgh’s Award activities for many years and has helped thousands of young people complete their residential section in a safe, supportive and memorable environment.
With over 20 years of experience delivering DofE programmes, we understand exactly what makes a successful residential. Our courses are designed to balance challenge, teamwork and fun, helping participants gain confidence, independence and new friendships while meeting all the requirements of the Gold Residential section.
✔ Over 20 years of DofE delivery experience
✔ 2,500+ young people have successfully completed their residential with us
✔ A unique WW2 RAF Hospital CQB arena used for realistic airsoft missions
✔ Night missions and scenario-based exercises including hostage rescue scenarios
✔ Small group sizes so everyone is involved
✔ Instructors from military, firefighting, emergency service, coaching and youth work backgrounds
✔ All staff hold Enhanced DBS checks
✔ Fully trained first aiders on site at all times
✔ Robust safeguarding policies and risk assessments
✔ An outstanding safety record
Independence16 Ltd is an Approved Activity Provider (AAP) for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. This means our residentials are officially recognised and meet the requirements for the Gold DofE Residential section.
Is This Residential Right for You?
This residential is ideal for young people aged 16–25 who are looking for an exciting and memorable way to complete their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Residential section.
You might enjoy this residential if you:
✔ Like adventure and outdoor activities
✔ Want to try airsoft missions and tactical challenges
✔ Enjoy working as part of a team
✔ Want to meet new people from across the UK
✔ Are interested in military, emergency service or leadership environments
✔ Want a residential that is active, social and different from a typical classroom-style course
No previous airsoft experience is required. Our instructors will teach you everything you need to know during the week.
Don’t Worry If You’re Coming Alone — Most People Do
It’s completely normal to attend the residential on your own – in fact, 95% of participants arrive without knowing anyone else.
There’s also very little time to feel awkward or left out. The group quickly gets started working together to plan the menu and organise food shopping for the week, which naturally helps everyone start talking and getting to know each other.
Before long, the first event of the week begins — the Escape & Evasion exercise — where participants immediately start working together as a team. This shared challenge is a great icebreaker and friendships tend to form very quickly.
Throughout the week you’ll be training, planning missions and taking part in activities together, so there is always something going on and plenty of opportunities to get to know the rest of the group.
By the end of the residential it’s very common for participants to leave with new friends from across the UK, shared memories and a real sense of achievement from completing the experience together.
If you are travelling independently, we can also meet participants at Norwich Train Station and provide transport to the site, helping make the journey simple and stress-free.
Over 95% of participant attend on their own
“My son was on this course and had the best week! I really recommend it, he had loads of fun, made good friends, learned a bit about himself and came back more independent - thank you, Georgie and Mark, for an amazing experience.”
“Ditto - my son was there last week and ABSOLUTELY loved it. Said he met some great people, made lots of friends (and still keeping in touch). He loved all the activities and really enjoyed cooking. Hope that continues. Thank you for a great week”
Prices, Funding & Grants
Course Fee: £700 per person
Deposit: £100 to secure a place
Remaining Balance due 8 weeks before course start date
Funding support may be available via DofE grants or local youth funding schemes.
Young people under 21 living or working in Norfolk are encouraged to apply for a grant for up to the full cost of the course through the Red House Youth Trust
Cancellation Policy:
From booking until 57 days before start date: Loss of deposit
57–42 days before start date: Loss of deposit
Fewer than 42 days before start date: 100% of course fee payable
What to expect
The week is packed full of exciting activities designed to give you a true tactical airsoft experience while completing your Gold DofE Residential. Our team of experienced instructors have designed an itinerary filled with training, team challenges and immersive airsoft missions.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Welcome
Arrival and Lunch: Meet fellow participants and instructors over lunch and discuss the week ahead.
Menu Planning and Shopping: Plan the week’s meals together and visit the local market town of Fakenham.
Escape & Evasion Exercise: Kick off the adventure with an evening escape and evasion challenge.
Day 2: Training & First Missions
Battle PT and Log Run: Start the day with a team-based fitness challenge.
Safety Brief and CQB Drills: Learn safe weapon handling and Close Quarter Battle techniques.
Airsoft Missions: Take part in your first games within the WW2 RAF Hospital complex.
Beach Games Night: Relax and socialise with games on Brancaster Beach.
Day 3: Tactical Skills & Night Mission
Patrolling Drills: Learn how teams move and communicate during operations.
Fire & Manoeuvre Exercises: Practice working together under pressure.
Scenario-Based Missions: Apply your training in a range of tactical airsoft scenarios.
Night Hostage Rescue Mission: Work as a team to complete a mission under cover of darkness.
Day 4: Competition & Social Time
CQB Competition: Put your skills to the test in a friendly team competition.
Final Airsoft Missions: Complete the last scenario games of the residential.
Group Photo and Wrap-Up: Capture the memories from the week.
Beach or Bowling Trip: Head out for a relaxed social evening with your new friends.
Day 5: Departure
Packing and Tidy Up: Clean and pack the accommodation ready for departure.
Self-Assessment and Feedback: Reflect on the week and the skills you have developed.
Presentation and Awards: Receive your certificate and celebrate completing your Gold DofE Residential.
All activities throughout the course are challenge by choice. Our team will encourage everyone to push themselves and get the most out of their time with us, but no one will ever be forced to take part in any activity.
Values & Standards
At Scorpion Airsoft, we reflect on the values people feel and what drives them to act, forming the basis of how they make judgments and decisions. We achieve this by encouraging
Courage promotes strength and confidence to do what is right, even if it may be unpopular.
Discipline Self-confidence and self-control
Respect for others embracing diversity and valuing individual contributions and viewpoints
Integrity Developing trust amongst individuals and leaders
Loyalty Creating an atmosphere of team cohesion
Selfless Commitment adopting the needs of the team before personal interest
Those looking to achieve their Gold DofE Residential are advised to familiarise themselves with the requirements for the residential section, you will need to demonstrate not only the DofE Requirements but also our Scorpion Airsoft Values for our Assessor to complete your Report.
DofE Requirements - Participants will be assessed on
- Personal standards
- Relationships with others
- Responsibility
- Initiative
- Development of skills
- Knowledge and General Progress
Health and Behavior
- Customers participating in courses/activities must expect to be involved in adventurous and sometimes strenuous activities. Although prior experience and/or training is not necessary for all the courses/activities, customers are expected to be in good general health.
- The medical section must be completed as part of the booking process.
- All prior injuries and/or serious illnesses must be declared. Any injury or illness occurring between the time of the declaration and the commencement of the course must be reported.
- The customer must satisfy him/herself that taking part in the course is within his/her own capabilities. Independence16 Ltd T/A Scorpion Airsoft reserves the right to refuse a booking on medical grounds if it is considered to be detrimental to the safety and smooth running of the course.
- The participant/parent/guardian (For those under 18) agrees that the applicant has the necessary social skills to take part in a residential with other young people, will always take responsibility for themselves and will have full regard for safety and other instructions given by the staff.
- Behaviour that disrupts the smooth running of an event may result in the disruptive customer(s) being excluded. Any damage caused to property or equipment as a result of unruly behaviour will be charged for.
"Completed my Gold D of E Residential here. Despite knowing no-one, I thoroughly enjoyed my time here, getting to know everyone really well through bonding activities. Overall, a fantastic experience, which I would highly recommend to develop critical life skills and broaden your horizons. Thank you very much to the course providers, who were friendly and fun."
Choose how you’d like to book
Both options secure a place on the Airsoft DofE Residential.
Book Instantly Online
The fastest way to secure a place using our online booking system. You’ll receive immediate confirmation.
A small booking system processing fee applies.
Fee-Free Booking
Complete our contact form with participant details and we’ll send you a secure, fee-free payment link.
Places are secured once payment is completed.
Itinerary
Monday
10:30 - Train Station Pick up
12:00 - Arrival at Scorpion Airsoft (for those travelling by car)
12:30 - Welcome Address
13:00 - Ice Breakers
14:30 - Shopping
15:30 - Move to Accommodation (The Dial House)
16:30 - Room Allocation
17:00 - Dinner Prep
18:00 - Dinner
19:00 - Move to WR for E&E Ex
20:00 - Escape and Evasion Ex
22:00 - End Ex
Tuesday
08.00 - Breakfast
08:30 - Move to WR
09.00 - Battle PT and Log Run
09:30 - Safety Brief / Kit issue / Site Tour
10:30 - Entry Drills/ Contact Drills CQB
12:00 - Lunch
13.00 - West Raynham CQB Scenarios
16.30 - Return to Accommodation
17.00 - Dinner Prep
18.00 - Dinner
19.00 - Team Games
20.00 - Rounders on Brancaster Beach
21.00 - Free Time
Wednesday
08.00 - Breakfast
08:30 - Move to WR
09:30 - Airsoft Challenge Clearance task
13:30 - Return to Accommodation
14.00 - Prep Lunch
14.30 - Lunch
15.00 - 1 to 1s
16.00 - Free Time
16.30 - Prep Dinner
17.00 - Dinner
19.00 - Hostage Rescue Mission
22:00 - Return to Accommodation
Thursday
09.00 - Breakfast
10.00 - Move to West Raynham
10.30 -Airsoft Scenarios
12.00 -Airsoft Scenarios
12.30 - Course Photo
13:00 - Return PPE
13.30 - Return to Accommodation
14.00 - Lunch
14:30 Travel to Beach /cinema/Airsoft Alternative
15.00 - Beach BBQ/cinema/Airsoft
18.00 - Return to Accommodation
18:30 - Prep Dinner
19:00 - Farewell Dinner
20:30 - Outdoor Cinema (Weather Dependent!)
Over 18's Courses have the option of a trip into the fine city of Norwich for their Final Evening together.
Friday
08:00 - Breakfast
09:00 - Pack
09:30 - Move to WR
10.00 - Self-assessments and feedback.
11.00 - Presentations
12.00 - Lunch
13.00 - Clean and pack for departure
14.00 - Departure.
“A Brilliant week of fun and activities to bring young people together and develop critical life skills. Hugely recommended! My son had a fabulous time. Thank you! 🤩"
"The Scorpion Airsoft Residential is honestly amazing. I met so many people, all of whom I got on with very well. Mark and Georgie are very friendly and funny, and the airsoft games we play are always engaging and interesting, with a sort of “current times” twist. I would highly recommend this residential to anyone who is doing DofE gold."
"Came into it really nervous about having to live with strangers, especially 11 boys and only 1 other girl, but the experience was amazing and made some amazing new friends, plus I learnt not to put olive oil on chips!!"
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