I have the greatest memories from my DofE days, from getting stuck in a bog, to getting lost, to being surrounded by fog. Of course it was all the challenges that have stuck in my head but I know they are what has made me into the person I am today. I never give up and thrive when faced with a challenge and I know that DofE fostered that skill in me, by sending us out on expeditions where we had to work as a team and deal with challenges ourselves rather than giving up or passing the buck.
We had to learn to motivate ourselves and the rest of the team (making up songs came in handy). We had to work hard and play our part in the team to succeed which has made me into a hard worker, using my own initiative and great communication skills.
That feeling of being out on an expedition with just your team, and that feeling of success when you have finished, knowing it was down to you and your team is character and confidence building!
I love how DofE empowers the youth which is why I also went into leading DofE groups as well in my adult life.