Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

One of the squadron's many activities is the D of E scheme. During their time with the squadron cadets can achieve their Bronze, Silver and Gold D of E awards. Many potential employers recognise the effort and commitment which goes into achieving the awards, and it is a useful qualification to have on any CV...!

The Air Cadets Organisation offers the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme at Bronze, Silver and Gold level. The D of E scheme is available to anyone aged between 14-25 years regardless of gender, background or ability. The scheme was started in 1956 and its Founder and Patron is HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. The scheme involves four different sections, Service, Expeditions, Skills and Physical Recreation. A further section of Residential Project is also to be completed for the gold award.

The four sections involve :- 

Service 

Aim - To encourage service to others.

The Service section involves helping other people in the local community. This could be completed by doing charity work at animal shelters or old peoples home, work with police and council (e.g. planting trees) is also acceptable to complete the Service section.

Expeditions

Aim - To encourage a spirit of adventure and discovery.

The Expedition section involves training for, planning and completing a journey on foot or horseback, by boat or cycle. However the ATC expeditions are mostly completed on foot. Preparations for the expedition include learning to use compasses and maps efficiently and accurately. The Bronze involves a two day expedition, Silver includes a three day expedition and Gold involves a four consecutive day expedition with three overnight camping stops.

Skills

Aim - To encourage the discovery and development of personal interests and social and practical skills.

The Skills section can cover almost any hobby, skill or interest. To complete this section you must show progress and improvement at your chosen skill or hobby. The skill can include anything from needle-work to model building.

Physical Recreation

Aim - To encourage participation in Physical Recreation and improvement of performance.

The Physical Recreation section involves sweating!!!

Bronze D of E

This is our 'Bronze' Duke of Edinburgh Award group during their training walk in 2002 - a 5-mile navigation 

and kit familiarisation route over Cannock Chase on 17 February.

The 'Bronze' Duke of Edinburgh Award group during their first practice walk / camp of 2002, seen here on the Long Mynd during a bright but cold weekend in April.

And at the campsite after the first day...

Silver D of E

2003

Three 425 cadets plus an external candidate successfully completed the 2003 Silver Expedition.

The Silver group at the start of the 2003 expedition.

At the campsite. Nice suntan Scriv....!

How many more kilometers ??? 

2005

Cadet Corporals Hetherington and Horobin and Sgt Conway were presented with their Silver DofE certificates by Wing Commander Cope, OC Staffordshire Wing, at the presentation evening at Wing HQ on the 26 September.

Gold D of E

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