Duke of Edinburgh Program Experience
by C. Stephen- Year 12
Over the years, I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Duke of Edinburgh program, The program has encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and seek opportunities beyond the school curriculum, ultimately shaping my confidence, resilience, and sense of community. It has also taught me the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and leadership, as well as how to support others and contribute positively within a group.
As part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award level progressively becomes more challenging. Moving from Bronze to Silver and then Gold requires a greater commitment, with increased hours needed to complete each section, as well as longer and more demanding expeditions. This structure encouraged me to stay organised, remain consistent, and continually push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of.
Throughout my Duke of Ed journey, I explored a wide range of activities. For recreation, I participated in school touch football and soccer, while for skill development I joined the school choir. My service component allowed me to give back to the community in meaningful ways, including volunteering to plant trees near Bray Fields, assisting at Bowral Equestrian days, and participating in Off the Shelf. These experiences helped me build strong connections both within the community and across different year groups.
The hiking expeditions have been some of the most memorable aspects of the program. My Silver canoeing journey at Yarrunga Lake in Kangaroo Valley and through Shoalhaven Gorge was an incredible experience. The slower pace allowed us to take in the beautiful scenery, share laughs (and lollies) across canoes, and bond as a group.
My Gold practice hike in Year 10 is one I will never forget. Set in the Budawangs, the terrain was extremely challenging, and at one point we became very lost and didn’t return to camp until midnight! To make things even more memorable, My tent buddy and I discovered a rat in our tent after accidentally leaving it open. While difficult at the time, these challenges taught me perseverance and something to have a good laugh over with my peers that were on the hike.
As part of the Gold Award, I completed a residential project designed to challenge participants to meet new people and step outside their comfort zones. I spent five days at the Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre, where I did not know anyone beforehand. This experience pushed me to become more open-minded, independent, and confident in unfamiliar environments. Through group activities, I developed strong teamwork skills and built meaningful friendships with people, many of which I still maintain today.
The Gold qualifying hike at Mount Kosciuszko was equally unforgettable. Over three nights, we trekked through the mountains, experienced unexpected snowball fights during breaks, and pushed through blisters and fatigue. Camping by the Snowy River and watching the sunsets each evening made it all worthwhile, while navigating in pairs strengthened our independence and trust in one another. Standing ontop of Mount Kosciuszko was such a rewarding experience.
As Outdoor Education Captain, I have enjoyed giving back to the program by running lunchtime clinics to help students log their hours and stay on track as well as helping them prepare for their hike by making sure they get the correct gear.
Recently, I had the privilege of attending the Achiever’s Ceremony at Government House. It was a special experience to celebrate alongside Harry Kean and other Gold participants provided the chance to reflect on the dedication required to complete the program. I also had the opportunity to reconnect with two of the people I met during my Jindabyne residential project.
During the ceremony, the Governor shared a message that has stayed with me – achieving the Gold Duke of Ed Award is not the end, but rather the beginning of applying these skills to overcome new and different challenges in life. This perspective reinforced the lasting value of the program.
I would also like to acknowledge Mr Dibdin, who is the school’s award leader. His ongoing support and passion have played a significant role in helping students, including myself, succeed in Duke of Ed.
For current and future participants, my biggest piece of advice is to stay consistent and organised. Make sure to log your hours as you go, rather than leaving it until the end, as it becomes much harder to remember your experiences. Most importantly, embrace every opportunity the program offers you will gain far more than just an award.
