Dearest readers,
Last night I finally received my accolade for completing Silver D of E.
For those of you who don’t know what the Duke of Edinburgh award is ...count yourselves lucky.
No, no I jest, it’s fun. Basically, we have to complete months of volunteering, doing sport and learning a ‘skill’. My ‘skill’ was looking after my rabbit. Win.
After finishing this, we have to do the expedition. Oh, the expedition. It may sound friendly and exciting but don’t be fooled. The expedition is actually 3 days of endless trekking through the millions of fields, over the countless hills, and across the numerous streams that seem to compose the British countryside. This so called expedition is wet feet, soggy pasta and a rucksack that is the weight of a large child.
And yet, that expedition manages to be brilliant. Yes, we may be lost in the dark, but hey, let’s make a song about it! Sure, that sandwich doesn’t taste quite right, but at least it’s FOOD! And okay, we’ve passed that bridge 3 times now, but it’s a damn nice bridge to pass.
For me, D of E is a treasure trove of memories. The time my group leaped over a fence, backpacks and all, because a cow had taken a step in their direction. The numerous times we’ve had to avert our eyes as Rachael decides that there aren’t any adequate bushes to pee in, so she’ll have to go there. The sheep that have terrified us, the baby squirrel that followed us, the gates our rucksacks have got stuck in, the wrong turns, the arguments, the panicking, the hugs, the friendship. And the feeling of pride and satisfaction as you reach your destination at last.
So when I finally got to shake the Mayor’s sweaty hand and receive my flimsy certificate yesterday, I knew that D of E had been worth it.
For those of you who don’t know what the Duke of Edinburgh award is ...count yourselves lucky.
No, no I jest, it’s fun. Basically, we have to complete months of volunteering, doing sport and learning a ‘skill’. My ‘skill’ was looking after my rabbit. Win.
After finishing this, we have to do the expedition. Oh, the expedition. It may sound friendly and exciting but don’t be fooled. The expedition is actually 3 days of endless trekking through the millions of fields, over the countless hills, and across the numerous streams that seem to compose the British countryside. This so called expedition is wet feet, soggy pasta and a rucksack that is the weight of a large child.
And yet, that expedition manages to be brilliant. Yes, we may be lost in the dark, but hey, let’s make a song about it! Sure, that sandwich doesn’t taste quite right, but at least it’s FOOD! And okay, we’ve passed that bridge 3 times now, but it’s a damn nice bridge to pass.
For me, D of E is a treasure trove of memories. The time my group leaped over a fence, backpacks and all, because a cow had taken a step in their direction. The numerous times we’ve had to avert our eyes as Rachael decides that there aren’t any adequate bushes to pee in, so she’ll have to go there. The sheep that have terrified us, the baby squirrel that followed us, the gates our rucksacks have got stuck in, the wrong turns, the arguments, the panicking, the hugs, the friendship. And the feeling of pride and satisfaction as you reach your destination at last.
So when I finally got to shake the Mayor’s sweaty hand and receive my flimsy certificate yesterday, I knew that D of E had been worth it.
Forever yours,
Vicky x
And not only was his hand sweaty, it was also a very weak handshake.
ReplyDeleteNothing worse than an inadequate handshake.
ReplyDeleteJasmine
Heehee, I don't remember any panicking :P Why should have we panicked? Nicola x
ReplyDeleteoh hey jasmine remember me from omegle? nice blog here
ReplyDeleteI don't know! We WOULDN'T panic would we, Nicola? :D No one would panic.
ReplyDeleteVICKKKKKY x
haha aww vicky this blog made me laugh so much!
ReplyDeleteit should be posted on the duke of edinburgh website :D
much love
rachelxxxxxx
Hah. Thanks Rachel. :D
ReplyDeleteAnd yeah. That would be amazing! Although it might put some people off D of E..
Vicky x