An expedition group from the Independent Duke of Edinburgh’s Award group completed another successful DofE Gold Expedition to the Lake District at the beginning of August after undertaking extensive expedition training over the previous 7 months.
The group 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 video clips of scenic views and locations along their route, as well as recording personal thoughts of how their expedition was progressing. This allowed them to plan a route that would take them to places of interest, some scenic locations and views of the northern part of the Lake District.
Each day brought various navigation and personal challenges as well as opportunities to visit and see different locations, experience different types of terrain and encounter wildlife. Varied weather conditions over the four days provided typical Lakeland summer weather experiences, but having previously experienced a variety of weather conditions during their outdoor training sessions the group were well prepared for all eventualities.
When reflecting on different aspects of their expedition to their assessor participants indicated that they had enjoyed visiting and passing through different places and seeing the variety of views. Although it was a tough challenge in different ways for various people they all were glad that they had done it. Participants also felt that the extensive training they had undertaken had prepared them well for their assessed expedition.
“I liked the different views we saw each day from various places, especially the views over Keswick and Derwentwater”.
‘It was tough at times, but I’m glad that I did my expedition in the Lake District as there was so much to see”.
“Now that I have done my Gold expedition I think I would like to do some more walking in the Lake District as there is 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 through assisted travel on the ferry crossings 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
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (IOMSPC) is proud to assist events, groups, and individuals travelling to and from the Isle of Man for sporting, educational, and cultural activities through its Manx Community Assistance Scheme.
The goal of the scheme is to support good causes and to ensure smooth and reliable travel for local initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life of island residents.
IOMSPC’s tradition of supporting the local community spans over a century, and IOMSPC are proud to support initiatives that are making a positive impact on the Isle of Man.
For more information about the Manx Community Assistance scheme visit the IOMSPC website.