In the early days of the scheme I was inspired to take part thanks to our youth leader at Croydon YMCA. 65 years later I still enjoy the friendship of the many boys and girls that also took part. Taking part in the scheme helped me to gain confidence and become a responsible member of society, it also helped create the foundations of my life and my many achievements, which I am sure would not have happened were it not for the DofE. I cannot praise the scheme enough and encourage my grandchildren and others I meet to take part and follow in my footsteps.
I wonder at the high tech equipment which youngsters have access to when taking part in the expedition and I think back to the equipment available to us in the early 50's. Leaky tents, non waterproof clothing and ex army boots but happy days never the less and we all won through with the determination that we had learn through taking part