Having completed silver award with a group of Ranger Guides we went onto Gold! I sang with Staffordshire Youth Choir for my skill, professed to intermediate with the Scottish Caledonian Society for my Physical, assisted a Brownie unit for my service then headed on our practise expedition in the Brecon Beacons where half the group quit after two days. Threw down their rucksacks and refused to carry on. Our supervisor brought volunteers back from home who walked with me, I carried on regardless to complete the expedition, then joined another group for the proper expedition. I then went to University, but my first summer back headed to Borth with a group of likeminded strangers for mountain climbing for the residential section!
The feeling of completing all five sections was euphoric! I’d been tested to every level of determination and it truly shaped my character and resilience going forward.
I went on to run a girl guide unit for fifteen years, and became involved in local D of E awards and completed my own BELA too!

I am now a Mum to three and can’t wait to encourage them to partake too!