I did the Silver Award in 1965 at a school which embraced the scheme wholeheartedly, Priory Boys Grammar School, Shrewsbury. A great experience especially the expedition, carried out in Snowdonia. I remember the Speech Day when the head announced that the school had achieved more Silver Awards than the bottom 8 counties in the league table (combined) and more Gold Awards than the bottom 20 counties in the table combined. Not really in the spirit of the scheme, but a tremendous achievement and a tribute to the teacher who organised it, "Jake" Gregson.
Personally I found it a great set of diverse challenges and it was a good way to make us, as fairly privileged grammar school students, aware of aspects of the local community.
I was stunned to learn that there are award holders in over 140 countries. Given the commitment that is required of organisers as well as participants, that is amazing and shows how much it is needed. Here's to the next 65 years!