The Duke of Edinburgh Experience

The Duke of Edinburgh is both an enriching and exciting experience due to both the expedition and the ongoing personal development. During the expedition I created memories that I will think about fondly forever, from being able to just walk, simply talking to my friends with no distractions, cooking meals whilst the sky darkened and seeing all the incredible views and animals (which were mainly cows). The sense of accomplishment, whether that may be in the physical, skill or volunteering section, was not only prominent during the expedition but also whilst I completed my aims.

For me, the Duke of Edinburgh serves as a foundation for exploring new experiences and - yes, although it has been said before - creating memories that I will cherish and laugh about for times to come. Memories like being tailed by cows or eating breakfast in the middle of the mountains. Whilst the expedition offered an opportunity where I could disconnect and spend time with my friends talking about everything, the aims, and more specifically the volunteering, created a space where I could connect further with my community and gave me a sense of purpose.  

For the both of us, the aim that had the biggest impact on us was our volunteering. We both volunteered at Los Chicos De Jose y Leo, an organisation that helps underprivileged children looking after them and ensuring their academic success. We volunteered at their centre helping different children with their homework, playing with them - sometimes at the park - and handing out their “merienda “. We found this experience to be eye opening and deeply fulfilling due to not only the help we provided but the clear gratitude and bonds we formed with the children at the centre. A key moment we both remember was when we would walk inside their centre to be greeted with hugs and vibrant chattering from different children. The aim has made us have a deeper desire to continue helping our communities in a variety of different ways and has instilled a sense of pride and responsibility in us throughout the duration of its completion. 

Tips for the expedition:

1. Don’t overpack - maybe even use a smaller rucksack to avoid bringing to much 

2. Bring easy removable thin but warm layers 

3. Break in your hiking boots 

4. Save enough room in bags for the communal elements 

5. Bring good socks to avoid blisters  

6. Bring quick, easy but delicious meals 

7. Bring lightweight snacks such as muesli bars

8. Make sure to bring a large, water bottle

Other advice:

1. Use time management to effectively and efficiently complete your aims 

2. Find aims that are enjoyable, correlate to what you like and that won’t be a burden 

3. Find a good volunteering spot that is accessible and make sure that your ideas align with their project aims 

4. Los Chicos de José y Leo

5. Food banks

6. Soup kitchens 

7. Elderly homes 

By Lola S and Claudia M