Have you been wondering about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award? What’s in it for you and whether you should do it? Well… read on. To celebrate reaching a decade of working with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as a recommended kit supplier, we caught up with assessor Dave Sommerville, to find out why more people should take on the challenge. Reason one: To enjoy a big boost to your self-confidence Doing my own Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards opened my eyes to a lot of new things and really boosted my self-confidence. I became a DofE expedition assessor so I could help give others the same opportunity I’d enjoyed. Reason two: To step outside your comfort-zone The DofE award is a challenge and requires stepping outside of your day-to-day norms. In particular the expedition involves camping overnight and carrying everything you need to stay warm, dry and comfortable on your back. It’s a great way to push yourself and to learn new skills in the outdoors while also making amazing memories. Reason three: To develop leadership and teamwork skills Taking part in the DofE Award develops strong leadership and teamwork skills. Participants often find themselves working alongside peers who aren’t from their regular friendship group. Having to get along and work as a team with people you’re not already friends with is a valuable skill. It is also a great way to prepare for the workplace when you can’t choose your colleagues and have to be able to forge a working relationship with a wide range of different people. Reason four: To learn not to be a quitter Taking part in the DofE Award demonstrates an ability to commit to something and stick to it through thick and thin. A great way to showcase your resilience, in my experience, DofE Award holders don’t tend to be quitters! Reason five: To enjoy an unforgettable adventure Completing your Duke of Edinburgh Award is an incredible experience and will create memories that last a lifetime. Don’t take my word for it though. One of my favourite experiences as an assessor was when one of our participants with autism and social anxiety forced himself to stand up in front of the year group to tell them all that doing DofE was the greatest thing he’d ever done and the greatest thing they’d ever do to. That’s the closest a participant has ever come to making me cry! If you’re tempted to take part you can find out more information about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award here. Dave Sommerville is DofE Manager at Pembrokeshire Country Council. He has worked to deliver and assess the awards there since 1996.
