Go for Gold! (Duke Of Edinburgh Award)

Member Name: CokaCola

Product:	Duke Of Edinburgh Award
Date:	07/07/09 (219 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Builds Character, develops Skills

Disadvantages: Bloomin hard work at times, especially on your Gold expedition.

I am not really a fan of HRH Prince Phillip to be honest, neither am I convinced that the prestige surrounding this award is quite as big as it is sometimes made out. But I would definately say one thing. As someone who has done Bronze, Silver, and has just about finished Gold, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award certainly provides a motive for one to practise and continue perfecting skills, helping others and keeping fit. Above all though, it teaches team working skills, and the expeditions are something that I don't think are ever forgotten, particularly when you get to Gold level.

I'll start with the basics. There are three segments to the award, Bronze, Silver and Gold. I think you get most from it, and it probably looks the best as a kind of "qualification" if you do all three levels, but you can I know for example miss out Silver. In each segment, you have to complete however many months of Physical Recreation, Perform a Certain Skill, Contribute in some way to a charity/service and go on an expedition as part of a team. For the Gold award, you also have to spend a working week away from home as part of a "Residential Project" away from home, with unfamiliar people.

When you complete your required number of months, you get your book signed by whoever is leading that activity, be it your tennis coach, your local beaver leader, your horse riding instructor etc

Upon completion of the gold award, you get to visit either St James Palace or Buckingham Palace for a cermeony with the Duke of Edinburgh himself.

A few tips:

1. Do not begin the award entirely for the prestige. It is hard work, and you really need to want to do it yourself, otherwise you will likely fail.

2. Open your mind when it comes to the expeditions. You will live on the verge of survival, but it really will teach you like skills and with build your character to a very great extent.

3. Never consider cheating and getting your book signed before the time arrives. Not only could this lead to disqualification, I am sure that it will live with you like a sword in your side for ever more.

Definately worth doing, just keep an open mind, and as they say go for it!

Summary: I would recommend it, and not only for any prestige.