In November 2008 we launched the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) program. Little did they know what they were getting themselves in for… It began with an unlikely and diverse group of 25 year 9 students who were brought together with a spirit of adventure, it ended with 3 cohesive teams who pushed themselves to achieving great personal success in achieving a challenge!
To achieve the Bronze DofE Award the team members are required to spend at least one hour a week for a minimum of 3 months (one element needs to be completed for 6 months) in the following areas:
- Voluntary service
- Developing a skill
- Completing a physical recreation
The expedition was the final component of the course was run over two weekends whereby the teams were required to navigate their way through a total of 30 miles of Kent’s pristine countryside as independent and self-sufficient teams, easier said than done, especially without a compass!
Needless to say many laughs were had, blisters were popped, biscuits were eaten, horses were scared, golfballs were moved, challenges were overcome and teachers were misplaced (obviously the students were in the right place!).
Well done to DofE team Eltham 2009, we are all proud of the skills you have learnt, the positive attitude from all members of the group and the effort you have put into achieving your goals. Stand tall when you wear the red hoodie!