On Friday 10th May, an inspiring group of cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) who completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award gathered for a memorable celebration at Buckingham Palace. The attendees enjoyed a delightful afternoon tea and listened to speeches from several celebrity speakers. The events’ highlight was an address from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, offering a personal touch to this special occasion.
Pre-Reception at London Scottish House
Before the main event, recipients were invited to a pre-reception event at London Scottish House, hosted by Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Army Cadet Force (ACF). This prelude offered an excellent opportunity for the awardees to reconnect with fellow cadets who had shared in their Gold DofE Expedition's challenging and rewarding journey. The camaraderie and shared experiences created a vibrant atmosphere of achievement and mutual support.
The Path to Gold
Achieving a Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a testament to the participants' commitment and dedication. The process takes at least 12 months, during which participants engage in various activities. These include volunteering, participating in a physical activity, learning or developing a new skill, and completing a challenging expedition. Furthermore, Gold level participants must also undertake a residential activity, adding another dimension to their experience.
Most of these activities are completed within the participants' home counties. However, the expeditions often take them further afield, such as participating in National Gold DofE Expeditions. These expeditions are held in stunning and diverse locations such as North Wales, Dartmoor, Northumberland, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. This year a selection of cadets and adult volunteers are completing their expedition in Bavaria, Germany. Each expedition presents its own unique set of challenges and learning opportunities, contributing to the personal growth and resilience of the participants.
