Oliver Riley
The photo is me on Helvellyn in the Lake District. That sun-baked summer we built a section of 'stone pitched' path on the Thirlmere ascent, which will stand for generations. This is just one of many happy DofE memories: the unforgettable rain-soaked expedition to Snowdonia; campfire sausages and a rounders match in the evening sun of Patterdale. The programme gave me a lifelong appreciation of the great outdoors and a healthy respect for nature.
DofE broadened my horizons, instilling in me an open mindset to new experiences. I learned to enjoy the camaraderie of team sports. Through DofE community outreach I formed a deep and rewarding friendship with a local disabled WW2 veteran. Helping, I discovered, was a reward in itself.
DofE taught me valuable life skills. A bronze expedition was the first thing I remember planning. What would we take with us? Would we be able to carry it all? What if we got hungry, had an accident, got lost? On expeditions, we took turns being the ‘leader’, learning that the best not only knew which path to take, but made sure no-one got left behind and kept up team morale.
Unfolding the map and choosing where to go was a heady and empowering experience for us teenagers. Maps still excite me, and explorers’ curiosity has taken me around the world.
It was hard. That Snowdon expedition suffered torrential weather; equipment was lost, morale stretched to breaking – but we pulled together. We made it. The tenacity to build a guitar from scratch (my idea!) was hard to find. You can ask for help too (and I did). The much-loved and played instrument is a daily reminder me of what can be achieved.
DofE inspired me to follow my dreams. Sure, I would need to plan. Rope in some good people. Pack a compass, map and Kendall Mint Cake. But then – go for it! And so, ever since, I went.
I was presented the Gold Award in 1998 by HRH Prince Philip at St James's Palace. Thanks to all who support the programme. RIP the Duke of Edinburgh.
DofE broadened my horizons, instilling in me an open mindset to new experiences. I learned to enjoy the camaraderie of team sports. Through DofE community outreach I formed a deep and rewarding friendship with a local disabled WW2 veteran. Helping, I discovered, was a reward in itself.
DofE taught me valuable life skills. A bronze expedition was the first thing I remember planning. What would we take with us? Would we be able to carry it all? What if we got hungry, had an accident, got lost? On expeditions, we took turns being the ‘leader’, learning that the best not only knew which path to take, but made sure no-one got left behind and kept up team morale.
Unfolding the map and choosing where to go was a heady and empowering experience for us teenagers. Maps still excite me, and explorers’ curiosity has taken me around the world.
It was hard. That Snowdon expedition suffered torrential weather; equipment was lost, morale stretched to breaking – but we pulled together. We made it. The tenacity to build a guitar from scratch (my idea!) was hard to find. You can ask for help too (and I did). The much-loved and played instrument is a daily reminder me of what can be achieved.
DofE inspired me to follow my dreams. Sure, I would need to plan. Rope in some good people. Pack a compass, map and Kendall Mint Cake. But then – go for it! And so, ever since, I went.
I was presented the Gold Award in 1998 by HRH Prince Philip at St James's Palace. Thanks to all who support the programme. RIP the Duke of Edinburgh.
