A few weekends ago I took part in a Duke of Edinburgh camping trip with students from Year 10 and 11. The purpose of the Duke of Edinburgh Award is to develop self-confidence, self-reliance, teamwork, and leadership skills. It is given to students who fulfil a series of tasks which include volunteering in their community; improving in an area of sport, dance, and/or fitness; developing practical and social skills; and finally planning, training for, and completing a weekend hiking expedition either in England or abroad. Students do the D of E for different reasons, but it definitely looks good on a resume.
The weekend included lots of activities, survival workshops (i.e. how to read maps, compasses, etc.), and several hours of hiking. It was a great opportunity to get loads of fresh air, something I find hard to come across in London. Overall it seemed like all the students had a good time and luckily the weather cooperated despite a rainy prediction. As much as I love camping, however, I'm not so sure I'll be able to cope with the anticipated weekend when the students do over 15km of hiking each day, and that's if they don't get lost!
For more on the award: Duke of Edinburgh
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