Silver

I have 2 favorite memories. That's why I couldn't help my self to submit 2 forms with 2 picture's. This picture goes this my 2 camp experience with Duke of Ed. We travelled to Tongariro to walk through the national park there. This was my favorite experience with duke of ed camps because of the stunning views. I must admit I was very nervous to go to this camp because I didn't have many friends that were in the group I was walking with… but this group of now amazing friends of mine, has changed my life. I learnt lessons I would never have learnt, and friends I would have never met otherwise. The minute we started walking I never wanted to stop. I loved every minute of it. From the beautiful mountain views, to having to cook my own dinner for the night. I loved being independent and having to figure things out for myself. These challenges on this camp taught me to stop when things aren't going your way, to breathe and then to try again. I also have never made friends so quickly before. Having to problem solve and work together made us all become friends instantly. I now still talk to these friends everyday and sign up for many duke of ed tramps and camps together to complete our silver and gold awards. As you can see from the photo this camp was amazing. The cooking, the talking, the friends, the sunsets, the mountains, the snow and the leaders made everything amazing and I had the best time in my life completing this walk across the Tongariro National Park.

16

My biggest challenge in this award was finding the time to complete my skills, camps and service. Juggling school, trainings for sport, homework and extra credit activities I also found it hard juggling everything. But once I got into it and found the time. I loved every minute helping others, doing it with my friends, my teachers and seeing new things I would have never seen like these mountains in the picture. I have loved my duke of ed experience and can't wait to see what I get to embark on for my gold award.

New Zealand

I have continued my activities as I am still continuing to complete my duke of ed award activities for my silver award this year.

I started my duke of ed journey in 2021 at my new school. I have wanted to do duke of ed every since I saw year 13 receiving their gold duke of ed awards at my old schools prizegiving. I wanted to get my gold award ever since then. I have always loved helping others ever since I was little so this come as not challenge through the award. I also loved sport with my friends and competing games (of netball). The challenging piece of duke of ed that allowed me to meet new people and get out of my comfort zone was the skill activity. But duke of ed helped me find my love for gardening and that's how I found my passion for growing seedlings in my greenhouse for my family. This also lead me to donating winter veggies as service. But my favourite part of duke of ed by far in the camps. I love being outside with my friends problem solving and figuring out problems so this is my element. The camps were out of this world and where I made some of my very best friends. I loved every minute to setting up my tent to cooking my own dinner. I am now a camp away from finishing my silver duke of ed and am excited to receive my award.

Participant