What to Expect from the Season It Cookery DofE Residential: A Parent’s Guide

Afternoons have free time scheduled to enjoy the local activities

If your teenager is working towards their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the residential section can feel like a big step — for both parents and participants! A week away from home with new people, in a new place, can be both exciting and nerve-wracking.

At Season It Cookery, we understand that parents want to know their child will be safe, supported, well fed, and happy — and that the experience will truly enrich their DofE journey. Here’s what to expect from our 6-night DofE residential cookery course in the stunning French Alps.

🍳 What Is the Season It Cookery Residential?

Our 6-night residential takes place at Chalet Pomet, a beautifully renovated 17th-century farmhouse in Morillon, offering the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort.

The course is fully approved by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and designed specifically to meet the Gold Residential requirements. It combines hands-on cookery sessions with plenty of fun, friendship, and outdoor activities, creating a balanced, memorable experience.

Participants spend the week learning new skills, cooking delicious meals, exploring local ingredients, and working together in a supportive, small-group environment.

Concentration

🥕 What They’ll Learn

Each day is structured around interactive cookery workshops and real-world kitchen experience. Under the guidance of our experienced tutors, teens will:

• Learn essential cookery skills — from knife handling to baking and presentation.

• Create healthy, balanced meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

• Develop menu planning, budgeting, and teamwork skills.

• Cook for the group and enjoy shared meals together each evening.

There’s also time for outdoor activities, local excursions, and relaxed social evenings — because learning should be fun, too!

🏡 Where They’ll Stay

Chalet Pomet provides a safe and welcoming home-from-home for the week. The chalet sleeps up to 14 guests across en-suite rooms, with a hot tub, lounge areas, and plenty of space for group activities.

All meals are freshly prepared on-site, and we cater for all dietary preferences. There’s always staff supervision, with friendly, experienced tutors and support leaders on hand throughout the stay.

🌟 The Social Experience

Participants join from across the UK, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, build confidence, and make lasting friendships. Even if they come knowing no one, by the end of the week, they’re part of a close-knit team — sharing meals, stories, and laughter.

Under the new DofE guidelines, participants can now know up to half the group before attending, which can make first-time travellers feel even more comfortable.

💛 Why Parents Love It

Parents often tell us their child returns from the course more confident, independent, and motivated. Spending a week away from home, learning practical life skills, and managing daily routines gives teens a huge boost in maturity — all while having a fantastic time.

Here’s what one parent said:

“Our daughter came home full of confidence, chatting non-stop about everything she’d learned — and she hasn’t stopped cooking since! The staff were amazing, and the chalet looked incredible.”

🧭 What You Can Expect as a Parent

• Full safeguarding and risk assessments in place

• DBS-checked and DofE-approved leaders

• Clear communication before, during, and after the course

• Supervised travel transfers from Geneva (for those arriving by air)

• 24/7 on-site support and first aid provision

• A certificate of completion ready to upload to eDofE

🌈 A Week to Remember

The Season It Cookery Residential isn’t just about cooking — it’s about connection, confidence, and creativity.

By the end of the week, your teen will not only have completed their DofE residential requirement but will also have gained life skills, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable memories.

👉 Ready to find out more?

Visit www.seasonitcookery.co.uk for upcoming dates and full details, or email blueskyskills@hotmail.com with any questions.

Let them spend a week in the mountains learning, laughing, and growing — one delicious dish at a time.