Winchester’s Trident Explorer Scouts, teaching skills for life to young people aged 14-17 years, saw a stunning nine young people travel to London on the 13th May for the presentation of their Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award.
Trident Explorers, despite being started from scratch by volunteers only six years ago, has now seen 13 young people achieve this top award, with another dozen due to complete the award within the next year.
The group has a strong focus on the young people achieving their DofE awards, as they both form the core of the Chief Scouts Awards and King's Scout Awards, but also provide the skills for life and recognisable achievement desired by employers and those looking into their CV or personal statements.
While at the Palace, the Explorers met both the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, but also guest speaker, astronaut and Scout ambassador Tim Peake. After all, it's a very special garden party just for those who have completed their DofE Gold Award.
Volunteer leaders, Henrietta Lucas and Nick Warner, have supported Trident’s top two age groups through Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards, helping to organise expeditions in the Lake District and Snowdonia. Henrietta and Nick said
“We are immensely proud of what our Explorers have achieved: week in and week out volunteering around Winchester, developing skills, and also overcoming the challenges of hiking and camping for four days and nights in the mountains. They have become friends for life through doing these awards together.”
The Duke of Edinburgh awards consist of completing a personally challenging expedition, volunteering for a cause, developing or discovering a new skill, and completing a routine of physical exercise and fitness. Those completing their Gold award, such as the nine at Buckingham Palace, also have to complete a five night residential experience with people new to them.
Hampshire Scouts is a large provider of Duke of Edinburgh awards in our county, delivered by volunteers throughout the expedition season and supported by Explorer Scout leaders throughout the year for the other sections of the award.
Join Explorer Scouts and complete the top awards today. Find your local group at scouts.org.uk/groups. Volunteer your time and support the skills for life for our young people, the citizens of tomorrow.
Text: Henrietta Lewis and Steven Osborn
