Over 40 youngsters have Duke of Edinburgh successes recognised

Martin Tomlinson MBE, the Outdoor Education Advisor for West Sussex County Council presented the bronze, silver & gold certificates to the young people.

The award requires a young person to complete personal programmes that involve them in participating in a physical activity, learning a skill and giving some time to help in the community, which are progressively longer as they move through the award. In addition, they all complete a team based activity, the expedition, which they planned & then completed in their teams. Bronze achievers did a 2 day expedition on the South Downs, Silver achievers a 3 day expedition in the Peak District & Gold achievers a 4 day expedition in the Lake District.

They all faced & dealt with some challenging situations on their expeditions, especially the extremes of weather. Gold achievers also completed a 5 day residential, where they are away from home on a shared activity with people they have not met before.

Their participation & achievements have give them new skills, confidence and a view on life that everyone from employers to colleges & universities are looking for, as well as making new friends and having a lot of fun too.

Gold achievers are also invited to a presentation at St James Palace in the presence of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh or HRH The Earl of Wessex. 2016 is the diamond anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and some lucky gold achievers will have their presentation at a garden party at Buckingham Palace. The pictures attached show the young people who were able to attend the evening with Martin after their presentation.

Report and pictures contributed by Cathy Childs, leader – Horsham Open DofE Centre.