I was a Brownie, Girl Guide then involved in setting up a Ranger Guide unit in the late 1960s. It was felt by our Ranger leader that the DofE scheme would fit well alongside our own Guiding activities. Completed Silver level and was well on the way to Gold but by this time was approaching my 21st birthday and couldn't find a residential course to fit in before my birthday, so had to give up before achieving Gold. Not long afterwards the rule changed that if you started before you were 21, you could take up to age 25 to complete the award. Too late for me as I was married by this time and had other things to do! Doing the Award opened many doors when I was younger and I am sure it helped many people if you included it on your CV when applying for jobs as in those days, employers could tell that if you were a participant you were possibly more reliable and trustworthy than someone else you were in competition with for a particular post. During the time I participated I took part in many activities I probably wouldn't otherwise have undertaken. The worst was rock climbing. Although I regularly went high level hill walking, when I went to the centre in the Derbyshire Peak district for a weekend, the choices were hill walking, potholing (no thanks!) or rock climbing. I was OK and doing all right till I couldn't find another hand or foot hold on this sheer rock face and just froze. The instructor was kind and patient but had to send someone up to my rescue. Decided that was not for me! Was disappointed not able to complete the Gold award but at least my Mum got to go to the Palace as my friend in the same Ranger unit, was a couple of years younger than me and completed it and invited my Mother to accompany her Mother to London when she collected her award. Also Mum was one of the Ranger leaders as well as knowing my friend's mother personally. So many happy memories of activities connected with the D of E Award Scheme. Well worth undertaking it.