Introduction
In addition to 151 Squadron’s regular cadet activities the Squadron also offers its cadets an opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s world wide youth development program. The Squadron’s program is supervised by Heather DiLoreto a member of the Squadron’s staff and she can be contacted at heather.diloreto@gmail.com
The Program
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an exciting self-development program available to people between the ages of 14 and 25, equipping them with the skills to make a difference in their communities, in their country, and in the world. The Award requirements are divided into four main areas: skill, athletics, service, and outdoor expedition. The highest level of the Award, Gold, is presented to participants by a member of the Royal Family.
History
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was founded in 1956 by His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, to help young people develop a sense of responsibility to themselves and to their communities. The concept of The Award is one of individual challenge. It offers young people a balanced, non-competitive programme of voluntary activities which encourages personal discovery, growth, self-reliance, perseverance, and responsibility. The Award currently runs in 130 countries world-wide, and to date 7 million young people have challenged themselves by doing the Award. 151 Squadron has over the years been a participant in this program and it has had several cadets who have achieved a gold award and then met with a member of the Royal Family.
Awards
Anyone aged between 14 and 24 can do a D of E programme at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
There are four sections at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold.
With assistance from Squadron staff, participants select and set objectives in each of the following areas:
Volunteering: undertaking service to individuals or the community.
Physical: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities.
Skills: developing practical and social skills and personal interests.
Expedition: planning, training for and completion of an adventurous journey.
At the Gold level, participants must do an additional fifth Residential section, which involves staying and working away from home doing a shared activity.Each section must be done for a minimum period of time. It must be monitored and then assessed by someone with knowledge of the chosen activities to achieve an Award. Each progressive level demands more time and commitment from participants: Bronze 3-6 months; Silver: 6-9 months; Gold: 12 months. It will take a participant at least 6 months to complete their Silver DofE programme if they have already achieved a Bronze Award. It will take a participant at least 12 months to complete their Silver DofE programme without a Bronze Award.[3]It will take a participant at least 12 months to complete their Gold DofE programme if they have already achieved a Silver Award. It will take a participant at least 18 months to complete their Gold DofE programme without a Silver Award, even if they have already achieved a Bronze Award.[3]