My D of E journey has been one of learning and relationships.
I started on the scheme in 1973 as an independant candidate. There was some support from my school and later on from the Venture Scout unit but my memories were of learning to manage myself. Because of doing D of E I discovered the joys of youth hostelling, my first ever night was for my Bronze practise, and I am still an enthusiastic life member. I learned how to be part of a team, how to ask for the things that I needed, how to persever when things were not going according to plan. So many dreams were realised because of the incentive of D of E. These included trips to London to research my interests, going out hawking, my first mountain climb, volunteering with Cub Scouts, camping in the snow, working with others less priviledged than myself, purposeful residential trips.
I travelled through Bronze, Silver and Gold, meeting the Duke himself at the palace.
I have since returned to the palace at the 50th Anniversary garden party as a helper at my local school, as the parent of a Gold Award recipient and as a steward at a Gold Award presentation. I am currently an expedition assessor as well as helping my Explorer Scouts on their D of E journey.
Thank you so much to the Duke of Edinburgh for his great idea.