Duke of Edinburgh Award

Across the county in different schools, the Duke of Edinburgh award is undertaken. It has three different levels bronze, silver and gold. They involve taking part in a sport, skill, voluntary work for a matter of months (the months increase the higher level of award). And then you do a practice expedition, and a real expedition which lasts a number of days. This involves drawing up a map route, walking, hiking and camping for many days, staying on basic camp sites with no showers, and cooking our own food which we carry with us. If you complete all three levels, you receive your gold award at the Palace from the Duke himself (the Queen’s Husband). It’s a fantastic scheme, and although it was painful and rained throughout, I have fond memories of it all. Wonderful views through the highlands, and lots of funny moments.