Having completed his bronze and silver awards my son Sam achieved his gold DOE award in 2015, he was 19 years old. Sam very much enjoyed the expedition which he did in Snowdonia, putting his navigating skills to the test and working as a team member within his group to complete the challenge safety whilst gaining experience and looking out for other team member's. He thoroughly enjoyed it all and the independence it gave him away from family. He gained confidence for his future career. The award ceremony at At James Palace was such a special day and having the Duke of Edinburgh there made it even more special. The Duke of Edinburgh was great with all the recipient's there, engaging freely with them and they loved chatting with him, he showed so much interest in them and what they had achieved, he was an amazing man who has left a lasting legacy in the DOE award scheme.