My Duke of Edinburgh award was the start of some amazing friendships made with the lads and lasses that I did it with. I remember being absolutely petrified at the beginning not knowing if i would be able to complete it and the leaders and girls in my group were amazing support and when you fell down they picked you back up. Not having the access to the internet and service on your phone allowed you to connect to nature and form a bond with the people around you. The volunteering was amazing, same with the skill it allows you to work on something that you wouldn’t normally have done.