I took my Bronze DofE award at Prince Rupert School in Wilhemshaven , it was a boarding school for children of married British services and civilian members of the Occupation Forces. I remember the day we ventured outside the school gates to complete the expedition section. The feeling of absolute excitement of being responsible for finding my way to another town using my compass. I was responsible. It gave me the determination to find my way using a map and compass the memory has stayed with me for 52 years. I’m just sorry I didn’t get the opportunity to take Silver anD Gold ! However, it taught me self reliance, determination , and good old common sense.

When I was 27 yr I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and during the climb I thought back to my DodE challenges. RESILIENCE. DETERMINATION. COMMON SENSE.