DofE was an amazing experience. From the planning after school with the rest of the team, to the actual day of the challenge. Throughout, teamwork, trust, and laughs played a key role in the completion of the DofE award, and was promoted throughout. Being not the most confident person, DofE allowed me to have a voice and say in the planning and decision making throughout and encouraged me to speak up. I also build new friendships with people in my year group, who is been to college with for many years but never considered a possible friendship. Throughout the practical aspect of the Challenge, the torrential rain on the first day that continued for the duration didn’t dampen our spirits, although may have played a role in our team getting lost and late to the checkpoints - but that made it all the more fun and tested our teamwork and communication skills. Overall DofE is a great opportunity for young people - and even though you may not think it’s for you - after a few planning sessions the friendships you make and the bridges you build carry you through and develop so many new skills.