I started to volunteer with the Duke of Edinburgh award by chance. Simply because they were short a leader I was asked to step in to help. The first ever expedition I help on was incredible to see what the young people do to achieve the award. I wanted to become a leader and help pass on my knowledge. Seeing the young people start at bronze level and work through to achieve their gold award. the growth in character and abilities goes past anything thought they would ever have been able to do. The award shows them that with support, training and their own determination to achieve they can do anything in this world. After 6 years of becoming a qualified leader I have many stories I could talk about from the expeditions which sticks in your head as you are doing this with others and going through the hard times to enjoy the good.
My best memory though is actually going to Buckingham Palace garden's to see 6 of my young people receive their gold awards. We were able to speak to the Earl of Wessex which is a once in lifetime which you can't forget. The the way I felt seeing my young people receive their award was the proudest day of my life so far. Know just how difficult it was for us all to get to this point.
Without Prince Phillip non of this would have been possible. We have the have the only voluntary run duke of Edinburgh licensed organisation. On Behalf of all our leaders & past, present and future participants Thank you your legacy will live on forever.