2024-25
uk youth ambassadors
The DofE UK Youth Ambassador programme amplifies the voices of young people, giving them a platform to share their DofE experiences, speak out on the issues that matter to them, and give feedback on key areas of the Award. During the 12 month programme, Youth Ambassadors advocate for the DofE while also gaining a wide range of skills and experience. They participate in workshops, contribute ideas, speak at DofE events, and work as a team to make a positive, long-lasting difference to social issues that affect their generation.
Meet our 2024-25 UK Youth Ambassadors.
abi
Abi initially signed up for DofE to try something new, but it quickly became much more. She took on activities like fencing, taekwondo, knitting, and charity fundraising, but her true passion was swimming. For her Gold Physical section, she trained six times a week, earning a place on the Swim England Para-Swimming Talent programme and even attending an international training camp in Dubai as part of her Residential section.
Abi dreams of one day competing in the Paralympics. Outside of sport, she’s an advocate for autism awareness, earning Student of the Year at her college for her efforts. Now, as a Youth Ambassador and Gold Award holder, Abi is determined to make DofE accessible to everyone. Her message is clear: being disabled doesn’t limit your potential, and she’s on a mission to show just how much young disabled people can achieve.
alex
Alex faced a tough challenge when a haemorrhage in his left eye temporarily took away his vision, leaving him unsure if he could complete his Bronze Award. But with the right support, he adapted his sections, and DofE became a positive outlet during that difficult time. For his Physical section, Alex continued training in Ju Jitsu, a sport he’s loved since he was 9. His sensei helped him modify his routines so he could still safely participate.
For his Skills section, he joined the media club and learned how to capture live footage, record, and edit videos—a skill he took even further during his Silver Award by creating instructional videos for new Bronze participants, like how to pack for an Expedition. After getting the all-clear from his consultant, Alex jumped at the chance to head out on his own Expeditions and is now giving back as a Young Leader at his school. His personal experience has given him a deeper appreciation for hidden disabilities and a better understanding of how differently everyone sees the world.
alice
Alice first heard about DofE through her family. Her sister had already done the Award, and her Grandad was a DofE Leader, so naturally she wanted to get involved. For her Physical, she took part in regular training and matches at her football club, where she has been playing since a young age. For Volunteering, she started coaching the girls’ U9 team and loved being a role model for younger players just starting out and seeing the growth of girl's football.
For her Skill, she spent time away from the pitch, focusing on something creative by decorating cupcakes. She started baking cupcakes during GCSE Food Tech and brought a piping kit. After taking inspiration from YouTube tutorials, she started trying different decorating styles each week and even set up a dedicated Instagram page where one post had more than 1,300 views! Now working towards her Gold Award, Alice has explored her interest in history by volunteering at her local National Trust Museum. This experience has highlighted the power of connecting different generations to build a stronger, more supportive community.
amanda
Amanda was excited to take part in the DofE after hearing older students sharing stories from their Expeditions in the school library, where she was volunteering. As soon as she was old enough, she signed up. For Physical she gained her 2nd dan black belt in Karate, a sport she has been involved in since she was six. Despite having competed in numerous competitions, she prefers trying out new techniques rather than fighting.
Amanda is an NHS Cadet and is first aid trained. She believes that learning first aid should be compulsory for all young people as it is a potentially lifesaving skill. She shares her knowledge with the Bronze participants on their Expedition training as part of her Young Leader role in school. During her Expedition, Amanda learned a lot about herself. After a long, exhausting day of trekking, a burned meal, and a dip in team morale, she and her group managed to pull together. Through communication and support, they learned from their mistakes and finished the journey as a unified team.
anais
Anais is home educated and has done her DofE through an Open Award Centre. She loves how DofE has given her the opportunity to try lots of activities, many of which have now become passions. For her Bronze physical section, Anais learnt skateboarding and taught herself the basics, as well as how to ‘drop in’. She is passionate about encouraging others to follow their interests and is pleased to see more females enjoying the sport following the Olympics.
Anais began ultimate frisbee at Silver, building up her skills with regular training. Now at Gold, she has joined a team and plays in a Sunday league. During Silver, she also taught herself patchwork and made her own quilt. Her first volunteering experience was at her church wellbeing cafe, spending quality time talking to people from different backgrounds, which really increased her confidence and pushed her out of her comfort zone. Anais is currently learning to drive for her Gold Skills section and is looking forward to the freedom and independence she will gain once she passes her test.
beth
Beth achieved her Bronze Award through the Army Cadets, but a medical condition coupled with her busy schedule prevented her from progressing. She thought that was the end of her DofE journey until she was offered the opportunity at her work, Balfour Beatty, who run the Gold Award through their early careers team. For her Skills section, she studied project management and learnt about the company, developed her presenting skills and built her confidence in the professional world.
Beth credits the DofE with helping her to gain a promotion! She faced her fear of heights on the Residential, working on a ship in Cornwall with the charity Turn to Starboard which supports people who have left the armed forces. Sleeping on the ship, setting up the sail and hearing the veteran's stories provided eye opening and memorable experiences. Beth has been appointed as the DofE Champion at work, sharing her experiences and supporting colleagues to take part. She would like to see more businesses providing the DofE for their apprentices and young workforce, as the Award provides great transferable skills.
charlotte
Charlotte wasn’t sure if the DofE was for her after a challenging start in school. However, she persevered, transferred her Award to the Scouts, and found their support invaluable. The Scouts have become a significant part of her life, and she’s now working toward her King Scout Award, committed to giving back to the organisation.
Charlotte volunteered as a Leader for her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, working with the Beavers. Though initially nerve-wracking, this role built her confidence and allowed her to become a role model and set a positive example. During this time, she completed a first aid course, led sessions, and learned how to collaborate with adults. Her adventures included a sailing Expedition for her Gold Award and a Residential on a narrowboat—both completely new experiences. She emerged with new skills, such as sea navigation and a boat handling certificate. Charlotte is passionate about encouraging other young people to pursue their DofE, even if their journey starts off rocky.
christopher
Christopher is grateful for the financial support from his school, which made his participation in the DofE possible. Since signing up, he has thrived, earning his Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. His passion for drama flourished through the Skills section of the Award. Christopher uses drama as a form of self-expression and recently performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, describing the experience as both chaotic and immensely rewarding.
He shared his love for acting by volunteering at an after-school club during his Gold Award. This role boosted his confidence and led to a part-time job at his school. These experiences have shaped his future aspirations, as he now dreams of running his own drama school after graduating from university, where he is studying Education and Drama. A standout moment of his DofE journey was summiting Mount Snowdon on his 17th birthday during his Gold Expedition. He celebrated with a special Katsu curry cooked on a Trangia and a small cake, which miraculously survived a full day of hiking thanks to some careful packing!
emma
Emma was inspired to sign up for the DofE by her grandpa who encouraged her to take every possible opportunity. She already played several team sports and was part of the orchestra which she used towards her Physical and Skills sections. Emma initially felt confident with the Expedition, having previously been camping. However, after tearing three tendons in her ankle, she was in a boot for months and faced a tough period of rehab which meant missing out on many sports tournaments and putting her Expedition at risk.
Emma got out of her boot the day before her practice and despite having to take things slowly, she found real joy in being outdoors in nature and getting to take on the challenge with her friends. Through the DofE, Emma has started coaching at her netball and hockey club and is now a qualified netball umpire. She particularly enjoys supporting new players to learn the basics and become confident in their own abilities. The DofE experience has empowered Emma to realise her goals and believe in her own abilities.
"I attended the first ever UK Youth Ambassadors and International Award Emerging Leaders engagement event in London. We took part in a Race Across the City team-building challenge and heard from an organisation called Kids Against Plastic. The workshop made me think more about what I can do in my community. I learnt that DofE is much bigger than just the UK and plays an important role across the world."
erin
Before the DofE, Erin had never been particularly outdoorsy, but she was excited to break away from her routine and try something new. The Expeditions proved to be both mentally and physically demanding. There were moments, like getting lost in the pouring rain with unfamiliar faces, when Erin considered giving up. However, her perseverance and teamwork turned those struggles into triumphs, forging friendships and ending in tears of joy. Erin now feels confident in the outdoors and even goes camping with her family. Erin has formed new connections throughout her Awards. She learnt the cornet for her Bronze Skills section, joined the orchestra and now plays several other instruments.
Music gives her a common ground when meeting new people. She volunteers at her local Rainbows and gymnastics club and enjoys supporting the children who struggle socially, using her own experiences to help them feel included. The DofE has shown Erin her inner strength and inspired her to encourage other young people, especially those struggling with self-confidence, to believe in themselves.
esa
Esa started his Bronze Award at a local youth group and had some reservations about the Volunteering section, largely due to the time commitments and finding a suitable activity. He settled on giving his time at the youth group where he ran the tuck shop and different games for the children. He even donated his own Nintendo Wii!
As Esa progressed through Silver and Gold his interest in volunteering grew. He coached Taekwondo (a sport he holds a black belt in) and joined a climate and biodiversity group, planting wildflowers, removing invasive species and putting up bat boxes. This sparked his passion for sustainability and climate change which play an important role in Esa’s life, as he is studying environmental science at university. Esa is involved with the Manchester Food Project. This initiative grows its own produce in the university's botanical gardens and donates it to local food banks while educating young people about the journey of food from farm to plate. Esa’s primary goal is to make a positive impact on people's lives and the environment.
evan
Evan has seen a positive change in himself as he has progressed through his Award. For Physical, he started playing Squash and progressed from a complete beginner to playing competitively and representing the school. This took a lot of practice and dedication, and he now gives his time to teach younger students and has enjoyed seeing the club grow. Evan has always been interested in languages and used his Skills section to learn Mandarin and Cantonese, connecting with his heritage and discovering more about Chinese culture.
For Volunteering his grandma brought him a litter-picker and he went out to collect rubbish in his local area. Initially he felt frustrated, seeing the amount of litter that had been left everywhere. Determined to make a difference, Evan joined a community litter-picking group with like-minded people from different generations and he feels proud seeing the impact they are making. Evan wants to improve access for young people to the DofE Award and use his voice to champion the many benefits that doing the DofE can have on mental well-being and the community.
freya
Freya feels a real sense of accomplishment and pride when reflecting on her DofE journey, having achieved things she never thought possible. Beginning with her Bronze Award, she took up running and completed a 10K race. For her Skills section, she wrote a short story called “Muted,” which was published and displayed in her school library. During her Silver Award, she baked sweet treats for her neighbours during lockdown, making a meaningful contribution to her community. Now, Freya is working towards her Gold Award and training for a half-marathon, raising over £2,800 for charities supporting deaf children.
She also volunteers at the charity shop Shelter, boosting her confidence and interpersonal skills. Her next challenge is the Gold Residential, a leadership programme for deaf young people in Washington, DC. Freya is passionate about equal access to education and plans to study Law at university to become an Education Lawyer. Her message to any disabled young person is to never hold yourself back and not to worry about what others think, as there is always a way to overcome obstacles.
georgina
Language has played a key role throughout Georgina’s Awards. She learnt Norwegian, taught English to children in Africa and reconnected with her love for reading. She read 130 books in the space of a year for her Gold Skills section, challenging herself by exploring books from a vast variety of different cultures, time periods and genres.
Georgina took her passion for books into the classroom for her Silver and Gold Volunteering sections, where she helped primary school children with their reading. This ignited a passion for working with younger children and encouraged her to travel solo to the Gambia for her Gold Residential. During the trip she taught in a nursery school, leading whole classes of students. Initially she was apprehensive about the thought of travelling alone but the experience really brought her out of her shell, gave her self-belief and helped her discover her independence. Now with newfound confidence, Georgina hopes to do more aid work and solo travel in the future and has already completed a trip to Valencia where she participated in a Spanish language course.
jake
Despite initially having concerns about fitting the DofE Award into his busy schedule, Jake soon found it complimented his existing interests. He volunteered as a classroom assistant, helping children build confidence through performing arts. The experience swayed his decision to pursue a career as a primary school teacher, sharing his passion for learning with others.
For his Skills section, Jake participated in the Young Enterprise programme. his teams’ project involved creating environmentally-friendly bracelets. He gained valuable insights into the world of business and entrepreneurship, learnt the importance of teamwork and financial management. Jake was awarded a place on a programme funded by Rotary Ireland for his Residential, which culminated in a visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. He took part in debates on topics like climate change and votes at 16 alongside hundreds of other young advocates. This had a significant impact on Jake and gave him a greater understanding of the world of politics. He aims to encourage more young people to have their say on decisions which will affect their future.
jakob
Jakob has shown courage and determination throughout his DofE journey, navigating barriers along the way. He was initially concerned about having enough motivation to complete the Award but after a bit of convincing, signed up with his friends. He took up boxing for his Physical section, a sport he had always been interested in trying. However, four months in everything changed when Jakob was diagnosed with cancer and began chemotherapy.
He decided to continue with his DofE and is grateful for his DofE Leader, who supported him to find ways to keep going with his Award. Playing guitar and undertaking a conservation project with a local community group became welcome distractions and gave him a positive outlook during his treatment. Although completing the Silver Award took longer than originally planned, Jakob dug deep and remembers the indescribable feeling of crossing the finish line on his Expedition in the Brecon Beacons. He is now working towards Gold with a better sense of his role in society and a determination to achieve any future goals he sets for himself.
james a
James initially signed up for the DofE on a whim, motivated only by a reference from an episode of The Inbetweeners and a promise of a VR headset from his parents. However, he soon discovered a wealth of new interests and found himself continuing with the Award not out of obligation, but out of genuine enthusiasm.
For his Bronze skill, James completed an online money management course, learning how to budget effectively and feel more financially prepared for the future. He embraced walking as his Physical activity, building endurance while exploring local coastal paths. This not only improved his fitness but also deepened his appreciation for nature. Now working towards his Gold Award, James is learning to drive and recently travelled to the French Alps for his Residential, where he took a cookery course. This experience combined his passions for cooking and travel. James' advice to newcomers is to dive fully into the DofE experience and seize as many new opportunities as possible.
james w
James leapt at the chance to do the DofE as soon as he heard about it through his RAF Air Cadets squadron. Throughout his Award he has re-connected with hobbies from his childhood such as cooking, theatre, and singing. James performed in a production of Little Shop of Horrors for his Silver Skills section - and for his Gold, he started a band in which he is the lead singer.
James has committed his time to aerial hoop for his Physical section, a sport which he describes as gymnastics on an elevated hoop. This takes a lot of energy and skill, and he competes in competitions nationally. James' commitment to the Air Cadets led him to the rank of Cadet Flight Sergeant and one aspect of the role is leading a team of cadets on a conservation project. This involves weeding, sweeping leaves, and litter removal to improve the local area. James wants to use his Youth Ambassador role to make positive changes in wider society by speaking to key decision makers about the issues that affect his generation.
"The Youth Ambassadors have made me feel part of a team, and to feel encouragement and supportiveness that I have not felt before. Having adults ask your opinions and feeling listened to has given me more confidence to speak out."
joe
Without the DofE, Joe would be literally (and figuratively) lost in the woods! His Award helped him decide to pursue a career in teaching, after feeling inspired by his Volunteering experiences. He supported at an after-school club for Bronze, led school drama productions for Silver, and assisted History lessons for Gold. Joe has a passion for music, dedicating time to playing drums for his Skills section, plus learning the steel pans to experience a new instrument.
During his Bronze Expedition, Joe fell ill but persevered to complete it, only to be diagnosed with Crohn's disease shortly after. By the time he reached his Silver Award, Joe had adapted to his new circumstances, managing to participate in the practice just two weeks after surgery. He learned to prepare nutritious meals from scratch at camp to help prevent flare-ups. The Award had a transformative effect on Joe, inspiring him to become a Young Leader at his school. Through this role, he is dedicated to giving back and sharing his experiences, ensuring that younger students have memorable and enriching opportunities of their own.
kalina
Kalina is from Bulgaria and her DofE journey began at Silver when she started at a new school. She thought it would be a good way to get to know new people outside of regular classes and has met her best friends through the Award. Kalina has enjoyed dedicating time to meaningful activities, which have now become part of her weekly routine. For her Skills sections she has taught herself French using Duolingo and expanded her knowledge of photography, taking and editing photos of nature and buildings.
For Physical she has focused on her health and fitness, weightlifting in the gym and doing HIIT workouts. Now at Gold, she has taken up yoga which is an escape from the pressures of A-Levels. Kalina has recently completed her Residential section, attending a 3-week summer programme called ‘Leadership in the Business World’ in Pennsylvania. She will take the skills she developed into her future studies and career. Kalina wants to use her voice to address the health and mental effects of ultra-processed food on her generation and how to mitigate them.
katrina
Katrina signed up for the DofE with the Volunteer Police Cadets, which she joined when going through a tough time in school. When she took the opportunity for the DofE, she didn’t expect to complete all 3 Awards. The most impactful section has been Volunteering, where she represented the Cadets at an array of events.
This included helping the community, Remembrance Day, London Marathon events and many more. Her commitment led to her being awarded Cadet of the Year in 2020. Through her Expedition and Residential sections, Katrina explored new areas of the UK, outside of the city, and has found an appreciation for the outdoors and a passion for working with young people from a range of backgrounds. She is now a volunteer staff member at the Cadets, giving back to the organisation that has given her so much. Katrina says that joining the Cadets and doing the DofE has changed her path in life. Her Leaders saw potential in her which, at the time, she could not see in herself, and she is grateful for that.
kaysah
Kaysah is a self-confessed city girl. Before the DofE, she had never explored the countryside and actively avoided sitting on grass, so the thought of doing an Expedition was slightly unnerving! During her practice Expedition, she struggled with a medical condition and found it difficult to get through each day. By the time her qualifying came around, she was feeling more prepared, with a structured meal plan, and was able to really appreciate the Snowdonia mountain views. With a newfound appreciation for the outdoors, Kaysah has become a DofE Leader, supervising the year 12 students on their Expeditions.
Kaysah particularly enjoyed the Volunteering section, mentoring and supporting young Scouts to achieve their badges. Being given responsibility to plan sessions and lead games was rewarding and despite having now completed her DofE, Kaysah has continued in the role and progressed to become an Adult Leader. Kaysah recommends that anyone growing up in an urban area should do the DofE, as it gives you a chance to get out of the city and experience the countryside views and fresh air.
kea
Kea started their DofE to take a break from revision and spend a few hours a week doing something they enjoyed. For Physical, Kea took up climbing following in the footsteps of their Mum, who had always climbed and who encouraged Kea and their sibling to get involved. It became a fun way to connect as a family and create a social network through the sport.
Climbing has also helped Kea to overcome their fear of heights by tackling this head on. For Skills, they completed a swimming lifesaving course at Bronze and undertook an NPLQ qualification at Silver, which later enabled them to gain employment as a lifeguard. For Volunteering, Kea fulfilled a childhood dream of working in a zoo, where they loved caring for the animals, spending time with the other volunteers and educating the visitors. Kea feels inspired by the DofE to explore more of the world and now plans to travel after finishing college. Kea’s top tip for anyone starting their DofE is to have an open and positive mindset as this brings much more enjoyment!
megan
Megan signed up for her Bronze Award, inspired by the fact that many of her peers were participating. Although she was a bit nervous about the Expedition due to her lack of camping experience, she bravely faced several hurdles, including a shoe sole that came off and broken bag straps. With a positive attitude and some duct tape, she overcame these challenges and embraced a newfound sense of adventure. The highlight of her DofE journey was her Gold Expedition, a seven-day hike with complete strangers that took her far beyond the school environment. The achievement she felt at the end was unmatched. For her Gold volunteering, Megan became a Young Leader at her school, where she inspired and supported Bronze participants, training them for their expeditions and refining her own leadership skills in the process.
Megan's progress throughout the DofE has been remarkable. Her fitness journey began with Couch to 5K and now includes solo weight training at the gym. Musically, she has excelled, playing the violin in the school orchestra and even performing at The Royal Albert Hall!
nerea
Nerea loves being outdoors and knew the DofE would be perfect her. The Expeditions have been challenging, but she always makes sure her group has fun along the way, and they have created some brilliant memories, filming scenes from movies like The Hunger Games and Mamma Mia and playing hide and seek in the dark at the campsite. Nerea’s next adventure is her Gold Expedition in Morrocco, where her teams aim is to summit Mount Toubkal. She has taken responsibility for organising the trip after her DofE Manager stepped down.
Nerea has a real love for knitting and describes it as a lifestyle more than a hobby. Doing DofE has allowed her to dedicate time to it without feeling guilty. She finds it very therapeutic and finds it helps melt any stress away. To date she has learnt to knit scarfs and socks and has now progressed to jumpers. Nerea’s advice to anyone thinking of doing the DofE is to go for it, as the Award gives you a focus and space to find yourself and grow as a person.
rachel
Rachel took a pro-active approach when it came to accessing her Award after her school and youth centre stopped running it. She found an organisation, some distance away, who were running Gold and were really accommodating. The main challenge was completing her Award whilst doing a degree. Fortunately, she was already a keen swimmer, studying sign-language and volunteering at a hospice, which all counted towards her sections.
Since graduating, Rachel has put her degree into practice both at the swimming pool, where she is a qualified Swim Teacher, and in her job as an Inclusion Assistant at a specialist secondary school. She enjoys supporting young people with SEND and is a DofE Leader, ensuring the Award is fully accessible. Rachel has been volunteering at Alice House Hospice since 2015, helping run fundraising events, social media and looking after the gardens. This is a cause close to her heart and she recently became an ambassador for the hospice. Rachel is a proud Gold Award holder and celebrated in style with a trip to Buckingham Palace, a memory that will last forever.
roisin
Roisin has demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout her DofE journey, proving that with determination, she can overcome any obstacle. Diagnosed with dyspraxia at six, she has always faced physical challenges, but the DofE provided a platform to defy expectations and showcase her true potential. The Expedition in the Mourne Mountains tested her limits, as she sprained both ankles along the way but still crossed the finish line—a moment of triumph.
For her Physical section, Roisin joined a hip-hop dance troop, diving into a new style and competing in various events. Although she holds a world record in tap dance, hip-hop presented a fresh challenge and required lots of practice to learn various routines. Confident on stage, she spent Summer 2024 at a West End summer school, honing her skills further. Roisin’s passion for youth advocacy shines through her role on Save the Children’s Youth Advisory Board and her successful debate club initiative at school. Her Silver Volunteering project has empowered peers to engage with societal issues, making a meaningful impact.
"Being a UK Youth Ambassador has given me a different perspective on how DofE works behind the scenes and the work that goes into supporting young people. I have got to know inspiring people, hear inspiring stories, found new interests, and learned new skills that I can use within teaching, my career, and my personal life."
rudra
Rudra has honed his people skills significantly through his DofE Award. He started by volunteering at his local Barnardo’s charity shop during his Bronze Award. Initially nervous, Rudra quickly embraced the responsibility, enjoying the chance to connect with people from various generations. Hearing the stories of volunteers doing community service deepened his empathy and understanding of different life challenges. For his Gold Award, Rudra took on a role in a hospital ward for elderly patients, which not only gave him a profound appreciation for the NHS but also made him value his own health more. Even his Gold Expedition offered networking opportunities; a conversation with an Assessor who was a Cancer Biologist provided invaluable advice for his future.
These experiences have boosted Rudra’s confidence, inspiring him to tackle new challenges. Recently, he participated in a leadership scheme with the Aston Martin Formula One team, where he improved his presentation skills with the help of a mentor. Rudra is excited to continue building on these skills as he embarks on his Chemical Engineering degree.
safa
Safa signed up for the DofE after attending a taster session at school. For her Bronze, Silver and Gold Physical sections she trained in Taekwondo, a sport her whole family hold black belts in. She has seen huge progression over the years and is now a Black Belt (4th Dan) which is only one grading below her instructor! Safa uses her experience to help others and leads classes. She felt proud coaching her team at nationals, especially seeing her brother win silver.
Safa always rises to a challenge, which is demonstrated through her Expeditions. She was the only girl in her group at Bronze and struggled to get her voice heard. During Gold she was fasting for Ramadan and had to work hard to preserve her energy. She was nicknamed “The Consultant” due to her ability to make decisions under pressure. It felt great to feel listened to. Safa volunteers as a Leader at her youth centre, which provides opportunities for disabled young people. She wants to support more girls from the Asian community to take part in the DofE.
sam
Sam has always been a sporty person and utilised existing hobbies to complete his Physical sections. This included playing rugby where he represented Bath Academy, and he still plays competitively at university. Sam completed his DofE with the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, an organisation which has played an integral part in his life since the age of twelve. Through the Cadets, Sam honed his skills in Aeronautics, where he learnt how jet engines work. He studied different weapon systems and obtained his Silver Cyber Badge where he learnt about online security. This all supported his progression through his DofE Award.
During Gold, Sam was nominated to be the Lord-Lieutenant Cadet and supported numerous events and ceremonies throughout the year which included organising a tree planting event at his school during the Queen’s Green Canopy, which the Lord Lieutenant attended. Sam’s highlight was the Gold Residential where he undertook an Air Cadet Flying Scholarship. Following two weeks of training and instruction, the experience was capped off with a solo flight which was truly exhilarating.
scarlett
Scarlett describes her transformation from before and after her DofE Award as immeasurable. She has gone from a shy and nervous person who struggled to navigate the world to a more resilient, self-assured and adaptable individual. Bronze was a positive experience, where Scarlett learnt to cook, re-discovered her love for skateboarding and volunteered as a Young Leader with Cubs.
Silver proved to be a greater challenge after Scarlett experienced an injury which impacted her mobility and ability to walk. She started physio for her Physical section to support her rehab and progressed to Geocaching which allowed her to get outside which brought numerous mental health benefits. She completed the Expedition using her crutches which also doubled up as pole vaults as her team navigated over flooded paths. Regaining some independence following months of hard work felt amazing and as she works towards her Gold Award she reflects with pride on her achievements and the connections she has made. Scarlett is grateful to the DofE team in her Scouting family for supporting her every step of the way.
tanush
Tanush started his DofE to boost his CV, but soon realised that the Award offers so much more. He found the Volunteering section the most rewarding. For Bronze, he helped at the school’s recycling club and felt empowered seeing more students recycle their rubbish. For Silver, he worked in a charity shop and joined the Youth Board for the Gambling Association.
He found the experience insightful as he knows he is making a real difference to people’s lives. For his Skills section, Tanush connected with his heritage by deepening his knowledge of Hindi. This gave him the opportunity to improve his reading and writing and feel more confident when speaking to relatives. Tanush did his Bronze Expedition in the Cairngorms, and although he had done some hiking before, camping was a brand-new experience. Luckily, he loved it (despite the midges!). An injury has currently put his Silver Expedition on hold, but during this time, DofE empowered him to take up a new sport, target shooting. He is now looking forward to continuing his DofE journey once he is fully recovered.
tolu
Tolu’s DofE journey has been transformative, helping her discover new passions and refine her ambitions. She had always been interested in a career in photography and explored this further for her Bronze Skills section, capturing the beauty of nature. However, Tolu soon realised it was more of a creative outlet than a future career.
Everything changed during her Silver Award with the RAF Cadets, where she discovered aeronautics. After her first instructed flight, the moment she took control of the plane, Tolu knew she’d found her calling. Now, she dreams of becoming a pilot, spurred on by attending a conference at Heathrow as the only Black female present. She’s determined to see more diversity in the industry. Tolu’s talents don’t stop there. A versatile dancer, she excels in musical theatre and afrobeats. Having overcome stage fright, she has performed before crowds of over a thousand at her church. Now stepping into leadership roles, she choreographs, auditions, and teaches, channelling these experiences into her DofE Physical section.
zara
Zara’s DofE journey is a testament to her determination and willingness to step outside her comfort zone. Starting with the Bronze Award in school, she embraced the challenge, despite not being naturally sporty, and pushed herself to achieve more than she anticipated. Completing her Gold Award was a highlight, particularly the expedition in the Lake District, which tested her resilience and teamwork in unfamiliar settings. Without the distraction of social media, Zara learned the true value of communication and the importance of connecting with those around her.
Completing her DofE with an external provider meant working with new people and taught her adaptability and the importance of collaboration. Her love for fencing, a sport she took up in year 7, led her to compete at a national level, culminating in her qualification for the British Youth Championships. Now studying Geography at university, Zara is passionate about youth engagement and political awareness. Her role as a poll clerk during the 2024 general election was a step towards her goal of empowering young people to find their voice and make a difference.
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