DUKE OF EDINBURGH ’ S AWARD
GOLD
Gold DofE , what an experience ! Following the great time I had post-GCSEs on the Silver expedition I decided to ‘ go for Gold ’ and it hasn ’ t disappointed . While definitely a step up from Silver , with six months more volunteering and physical , three months more skills preparation , plus an additional night camping on the expedition and a five-day residential course , it has been a great experience . For my volunteering and physical I carried on with tennis coaching and cricket , but for my skill I tried something new – cooking ! Having completed the beginners ’ three-month course , I am now halfway through the intermediate course , and my family look forward to my Sunday cooking creations . For our expeditions we completed the practice in Bannau Brycheiniog ( Brecon Beacons ) and the final in Snowdonia . Fitting enough food in the bag was a challenge , but at least it meant the bag got lighter as we went along .
During both expeditions we were lucky with the weather , but for me there were two standout moments . The first was during the practice expedition when at our first campsite we encountered a stag do who were keen to take us on at cricket ! They were equipped with less food but more beers – we didn ’ t partake – but the match was great fun and ended with the groom jumping in a river to get the ball back . The second highlight was climbing Cadair Idris ; the view from the top was incredible and even though I have climbed higher mountains , I felt a huge sense of achievement , having made it to the top with my large rucksack . I am now looking forward to my final challenge , a five-day residential course coasteering in Dorset , which I hope will be a great end to my DofE journey .
Fred Ivey , Lower Sixth
108 TRIPS , CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES