Voluntary doesn’t have to just be for charitable organisations, for example you could contribute to the local scouting group (like myself), youth clubs or quite simply community service. Everyone knows that a skill is something you will have with you for life, and the DoE is a great opportunity to learn a new skill because YOU want to. The first thing any 17 year old wants to do when they turn 17 is learn to drive, I did, my friends did and I’m pretty sure you will to. So there is a great skill that YOU want to do that can be used to complete the skills section. So say you complete you silver award and pass your test before you start gold and you are stuck for ideas on what to do as your next skill, don’t worry, there is a whole list of skills to suit anybody, from the artistic to the scientific. Whether it means learning to play an instrument or doing something totally unorthodox like candle making, I guarantee if you can think of a skill it can be done.
Moving onto physical, this covers much more than just sport. It also includes dance, martial arts and fitness. So you could do anything from the usual i.e. football, or if you’re a dancer, maybe try a new style of dance like flamenco. Fancy your chances at martial arts? With 9 different styles of martial arts, there is a good chance you will find at least one you like. And fitness, always a crowd pleaser, from simple walking to yoga. It is an easy way to get into a programme to complete the physical section. Want to know the best part? It’s completely you’re choice. And, if you decide to carry on to the gold award, you could do the same voluntary, physical and skill for that.
What’s left? Oh yes, the Expedition. This for me was the best part of the whole award. And what made it great was not the fact that I completed it first time around, it was the fact that I did it with people I want to know for the rest of my life, an experience I wouldn’t have wanted to share with anyone else. It doesn’t matter that I’m not the most physically fit person in the world; I owe it to them for getting me through the day. To be honest I preferred my practice expedition that took place in the White Peaks of the Peak District. Not only was I with 5 of the greatest friends anyone could ask for, the weather was amazing. Sun, sky, smiles and not a single drop of rain for 3 days.... amazing. Don’t get me wrong, the sense of achievement was great too, but between you and me, the sense of achievement was nothing compared to sharing that experience with those 5 people, and that is from the heart. As for the qualifying expedition that took place in Brecon Beacons, it was truly amazing as well; unfortunately we weren’t as lucky with the weather this time around. It wasn’t raining constantly there, and when it did we still had the smiles on our faces. There is nothing like a smile to get you through the day.
I have just touched the basics behind the DoE; words cannot describe the true experience behind all of it. If you like what you have read then all I can say is do it! Participate in the DoE, I don’t have a single regret about walking in the rain with soaking wet feet, hungry and tired in the pitch black, not one! I must add though, if you are going to take part in it, no matter what the kit list says, take a camera, because you’ll have the memories in your head, but once you get back you are going to want to show the world what they could be doing. So yes, that’s what I think, but don’t take my word for it, find out for yourself!
Jonny Bloxham, Luton Sixth Form College Student and successful Duke of Edinburgh participant 2010