I was fortunate enough to meet the Duke on three occasions, first when i received my own Gold award in the 1980s , then as a leader on two other occasions. My own award made me really resilient as I started at university and completed as a teacher at my first school. The expedition made me mix with people I did not know and then learn how to work as a team in order to trudge over Dartmoor in the rain and have my 23rd birthday on day three. The fact I was wroking towards my award helped me to gain my first job.
As a leader I have truely believed in the award and helped many students to gain awards at all levels ,it has empowered them and lead them to believe in their own abilities. As a result they have gone on to contribute positive things in society.