Gold D of E Hike and Residential

This summer I was part of a group of 5 Explorer Scouts that undertook our Gold Duke of Edinburgh hike in the Breacon Beacons National Park, after completing our practise expedition in Snowdonia National Park during the Spring Holidays. We had to walk for four days carrying our full kit. By using team work and the skills that we have learnt along the journey of our Duke of Edinburgh Awards, some of us together at Bronze level 3 years ago, we were able to complete a hike with the purpose of "An Arduous Journey through the hills!" This expedition was hard work, but through determination (and in some cases gentle persuasion) we all completed the hike.

Two others in the group and I then went on to complete our Residential section of this Award at a national Explorer camp, called Project 819. During the week we worked on different conservation projects throughout Epping Forest. We undertook forest clearing of invasive species - Silver Birch and Sycamore - clearing a pond of Ragwort and constructing a path at a field centre in the forest, which will enable greater access into the forest for wheelchair users. This week was hard work, but also thoroughly enjoyable and by doing the work throughout the week we all earnt both the Explorer Scout Community badge and the Environmental Partnership Award. This week was a really enjoyable experience and I think all the Explorer Scouts from Chelmsford enjoyed the week.

Most of this group are now very close to completing both their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and their Queen's Scout Award, and have all enjoyed working towards the award considerably. I would recommend encouraging all Explorer Scouts and in particular those that are Young Leaders to work towards their Duke of Edinburgh Awards; it gives a great sense of accomplishment and is a very enjoyable thing that Scouting in Chelmsford has to offer.

Charlotte Ball