For those who aren’t familiar with the Duke of Edinburgh Award or Duke of Ed, as its often called in Australia, is an International programme geared towards empowering all young Australians aged 14-24 to explore their full potential and find their purpose, passion and place in the world.
Its Framework has three Levels - Bronze, Silver, and Gold and each level is made up of four sections which include Physical Recreation, Skills, Voluntary Service, and an Adventurous Journey.
Hear from our very own Alyssa, who has now successfully completed the Bronze level and more recently the Silver level and what this has meant to her in achieving this status.
Question: What motivated you or inspired you to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme?
Alyssa: I liked the idea of being pushed out of my comfort zone and a sense of adventure doing something totally different with my school friends. Also seeing a different part of the country that I wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to visit.
Question: How did you prepare for the DofE Award & what were some of the challenges?
Alyssa: We did a lot of preparation at school and at home, making sure we had all our supplies both food and gear. Also getting mentally prepared for the adventure. Physically I did some extra walks at the weekend, but I am very active playing sports including netball and soccer and also I dance twice a week.
Question: There are four sections in each level – which one was your favourite to participate in – Voluntary Service, Physical Recreation, Skills or Adventurous Journey?
Alyssa: Definitely Adventurous Journey – I am genuinely an adventure seeker by nature 😊
Question: Which activity did you choose for the Adventurous section of the Duke of Ed?
Alyssa: We headed to the Snowy Mountains – this was 4 days/3 nights. The trail got changed as we encountered a bit of a hiccup in the weather, and had unexpected snow 2 of the 4 days – this really challenged our group as it created some unexpected challenges in where we walked and stayed overnight
Question: What did you enjoy the most about this experience?
Alyssa: The first night we stayed in a really pretty location where we camped and we were really able to appreciate nature. Doing this experience with my school friends really allowed us to connect over something we hadn’t done before. Was good to do something out of school and socially where we were challenged every day as a group.
When it started to snow on day 2 it was amazing, however then the reality kicked in of how cold and wet it had become overnight…. Still wonderful though !!
Question: In terms of weight, you were only able to take what you could carry. What did you take with you to make sure you maximised weight v’s comfort?
Alyssa: Well of course I was well stocked up with the Topargee Adventure Range. I slept on the self-inflatable mat, snuggled into the Topargee blanket which kept me really warm in my sleeping bag. For lights I had the Topargee headlamp, which was extremely bright and a few of my friends kept telling me it was too bright… ha ha. I also used the Mini Led Light which was perfect for inside the tent. The sitting mat was so handy and everyone was really jealous when we were cooking at night and had to sit on hard, wet and cold grounds.
Question: What advice would you give to other teenagers considering the Duke of Edinburgh Award?
Alyssa: Give it a go, get out of your comfort zone, connect with nature and your friends on a whole other level – it really is an amazing experience
Question: Is there anything you wish you had known before starting the program?
Alyssa: I probably should have looked into what sort of shoes I needed – mine were a bit older and the quality wasn’t as good and my feet were getting wet. Also, because it snowed and then slushy I did struggle a bit. Bring extra socks and definitely the single toe socks
Question: To wrap up your amazing adventure, Can you share a funny or unexpected moment from your DofE experience?
Alyssa: On the DofE you have to use a “poo tube” if you aren’t at a toilet stop. My friend did get caught short and had to use this mid-hike…. She was the first one on the trip that had to use it and we did have a good laugh at her until we all had to use it 😊 We then also had to take turn in carrying the ‘poo tube’ until the next official pit-stop.
I am sure you will all agree, reading this Q&A, Alyssa and all the young adventurers out there are an absolute inspiration to us all. Topargee RV supports all young adventurers in their growth as they challenge themselves in all areas of life.
Head over to the Duke Of Ed website to learn more about their inspiring programme – www.dukeofed.com.au
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