I started my Gold award upon turning 16 in 2016. In Aug 2018 after spending a week in Switzerland, I completed my Gold expedition with 5 other members of my Explorer Scout Unit. We did this in the Yorkshire Dales, doing a circular route, starting in Hawes, then taking other places such as Hardraw, Askrigg, Castle Bolton, Keld and back to Hawes. It was a challenging but amazing experience. It taught me to be more independent and resilient. I improved my hiking skills. I am so proud of what I achieved and I thank HRH for starting the scheme as I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to and the amazing experience I had.