Catherine Doran
I was the teenage girl who constantly brushed her hair and read all day rather than be outdoors - I genuinely don’t think it would have crossed my mind to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme if it wasn’t as popular in my school. The leaders were exceptional, especially the Hannaways, one of which taught at the school I attended.
I had to borrow walking boots to take part as my parents thought I would do the Bronze practice & give up straightaway so they didn’t want to be out the price of a new pair in case I wore them for less than 24 hours! I borrowed those boots every time, right up to my Gold Expedition.
That in itself was an experience like no other. It rained solidly for the three days, in cold Donegal in the North West of Ireland. I honestly thought I would never finish it. But my group made it. We encouraged each other, kept each others’ spirits up & cried with joy upon finding our designated campsite every evening.
I also really appreciated the other aspects of the award - I volunteered in an old people’s home every Thursday for months and that caring element allowed me to see the good that comes from giving back. Every child should get that chance. It broadens perspective & gives life experience.
My own daughters have heard me talk about ‘Duke of Ed’ countless times & I will wholeheartedly be recommending they participate when they’re old enough.
It is a tough challenge, especially juggling school work & other extra curricular activities but that’s part of the joy in completing it. Knowing that you can keep going to achieve something, even when it’s hard, or life gets busy. It gives you a pride & belief in yourself. That’s priceless.
I had to borrow walking boots to take part as my parents thought I would do the Bronze practice & give up straightaway so they didn’t want to be out the price of a new pair in case I wore them for less than 24 hours! I borrowed those boots every time, right up to my Gold Expedition.
That in itself was an experience like no other. It rained solidly for the three days, in cold Donegal in the North West of Ireland. I honestly thought I would never finish it. But my group made it. We encouraged each other, kept each others’ spirits up & cried with joy upon finding our designated campsite every evening.
I also really appreciated the other aspects of the award - I volunteered in an old people’s home every Thursday for months and that caring element allowed me to see the good that comes from giving back. Every child should get that chance. It broadens perspective & gives life experience.
My own daughters have heard me talk about ‘Duke of Ed’ countless times & I will wholeheartedly be recommending they participate when they’re old enough.
It is a tough challenge, especially juggling school work & other extra curricular activities but that’s part of the joy in completing it. Knowing that you can keep going to achieve something, even when it’s hard, or life gets busy. It gives you a pride & belief in yourself. That’s priceless.
