News

Gold DofE Qualifier in the Brecon Beacons

Our Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants recently took on their qualifying expedition in the stunning Brecon Beacons, completing four challenging days and approximately 50km on foot. 

The expedition tested the group in many ways. Heavy overnight rain on their first evening provided an early challenge, but they responded with resilience and determination. Navigation was mostly accurate, with the occasional creative route choice adding to the adventure, while some imaginative meal selections, including the now legendary chocolate wraps, certainly kept spirits high! 

What has been particularly impressive across all three levels of the DofE Award has been the development of the team. With each expedition, the group has grown in confidence, strengthened friendships, and developed increasingly impressive practical skills. By Gold level, they demonstrated outstanding teamwork, supporting one another, solving problems together and persevering when conditions became demanding. 

Their camp craft was another highlight, with camps efficiently established, equipment well managed and a clear sense of independence evident throughout. 

While completing a 50km qualifying expedition is a tremendous achievement, the experience was about far more than reaching the finish line. It provided opportunities to develop resilience, independence, teamwork and a genuine appreciation of the outdoors. 

We hope that the experiences, challenges and memories created across all three levels will stay with them for many years. More importantly, we hope they have helped to inspire a lifelong love of exploring the outdoors – whether that means tackling another mountain, discovering a new footpath, or simply heading out into the countryside with friends. They are certainly well set up for a lifetime of adventure!