Participants from the Independent Duke of Edinburgh’s Award group completed another successful DofE Gold Expedition to the Lake District during late July after undertaking extensive expedition training over the previous 8 months.
Two groups of young participants had to navigate a planned walking route over four days to different campsites whilst carrying all their expedition equipment, which included: personal clothing, waterproofs, sleeping bags, food, cooking stoves, fuel and tents.
As part of their purpose the group had decided to take photographs and record video clips of scenic views and locations along their route, as well as recording personal feelings and thoughts of how their expedition was progressing. This allowed them to plan routes that would take in some of the scenic locations and views of the Northern Lake District.
Each day brought different navigation and personal challenges as well as opportunities to experience a variety of terrain and encounter different wildlife. Varied weather conditions over the four days provided typical Lakeland summer weather experiences, but having previously experienced different weather conditions during their outdoor training sessions the groups were well prepared for all eventualities.
When reflecting on different aspects of their expedition to their assessor, participants felt that the extensive training they had undertaken had prepared them well for their expedition. Everyone indicated that they were glad they had undertaken their expedition and had enjoyed the variety of terrain and company of each other over the four days.
“Even though it was tough at times, I’m glad I did it”.
“What wonderful views of the lakes and hills, it was worth the climb to see these”.
“I loved the different views we saw during our walk each day, there was always something new to see”.
“I really enjoyed the Lake District and I would come back again as there is so much more to see and do”.
The participants, assessor and leaders would like to thank the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for the support given to the group through their Manx Community Assistance Scheme, which provided travel assistance on the ferry crossings on and off island, and the Mann 2000 fund for assistance with other expedition costs.
The participants also would like to thank a number of people who have helped with the expedition section of their Gold award. Firstly a big thank-you to parents for their support in different ways while undertaking the expedition section. They also would like to thank their assessor Gill Higgins for giving up her time to assess them in the Lake District. Finally they also would like to thank their leader William Higgins for the extensive time spent planning for and undertaking indoor and outdoor training sessions, walks and camps and for also organising, planning and taking them on their assessed expedition to the Lake District.
The Independent Duke of Edinburgh’s Award group is a voluntary group who provides opportunities for young people to undertake the DofE award scheme outside of a school or youth group setting. More information about the DofE Award Scheme and contact details can be obtained from the DESC DofE Awards’ Co-ordinator by emailing – Alison.Barnes@doe.gov.im