Dukes of Edinburgh’s International Award – Empowering Youth Since 1956
Dukes of Edinburgh’s International Award – Empowering Youth Since 1956
“Dukes” is the World’s leading youth achievement Award, bringing together practical experiences and life skills to create confident and committed global citizens and equipping young people for life.
Since it was founded by the late HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in 1956, over eight million young people have participated in the Award in over 130 countries and territories.
The Award was introduced in Australia in 1959 and inspires over 39,000 young Australians each year to undertake a Service, Skill, Physical Recreation activity and an Adventurous Journey, as part of their Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award.
Participants are awarded SACE Credits upon the completion of each level – 10 credits for Bronze, 10 credits for Silver and 20 credits for Gold.
During Weeks 9 and 10 of last term several Year 8 and 9 students participated in their first camping expedition, navigating their way through and camping in, the beautiful Kuitpo Forest.
YEAR 9 STUDENT, Zihan Cheng, REFLECTED:
““The Bronze Dukes Camp was a fantastic experience and learning opportunity especially as I was able to do it with my friends. On day 1 of the camp the weather did not do us any favours since it was pouring with rain. Setting up our tents in this weather was also a real struggle. But still, my group walked around 16 kilometres around Kuitpo Forest. It was horrible conditions walking in cold freezing weather, but we pushed ourselves and finally made it back to the campsite. Everyone’s bag was all wet from the rain, so I learned on the next dukes to make sure to bring a spare garbage bag to cover it up. The best part of the Bronze Dukes Camp was during the night when everyone sat by the bonfire toasting marshmallows and singing songs. I also had mac and cheese for dinner which was probably my favourite part of the camp because I was so hungry at night from all the exercise during the day. On day 2, while the orienteering was cancelled because of the bad weather, we made the most of the time in nature and had lunch as a whole group. Overall, Bronze Dukes was an amazing experience that allowed me to work on my outdoor skills and ability to navigate using only a map and a compass.”
Mr Alan Brown
Duke of Edinburgh International Award Coordinator
