Young People from Stanhope ESU May Bank Holiday Challenge

May Bank Holiday saw 38 young people from Stanhope Explorer Unit take part in their practice or Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions. They started from Beacon Fell, Goosnargh via Dunstop Bridge in the Ribble Valley and finishing in Settle, North Yorkshire. The Explorers aged between 14-17 have shown drive, determination, and resilience adapting their expeditions to meet with the current guidance in place having camped at home each night.

There are four sections to complete their Silver Award. They involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for, and completing an expedition, for a minimum of 3 days, 2 nights; 7 hours of planned activity each day (walking, canoe/kayak or cycling).

Unit Leader Chris “It’s great to see so many of our young people challenging themselves to achieve an award of this scale during this difficult time for everyone. But it’s great to see Scouting across the UK coming back together face-to-face. It truly shows the power that Scouts and the Duke of Edinburgh Award have on enabling our young people to be global citizens and the difference it makes on the local community”

Recent DofE research reveals the positive impact extracurricular learning, such as volunteering or developing a skill, can have on young people’s wellbeing, as a district we could not be prouder! The DofE offers a life-changing experience. A fun time with friends. An opportunity to discover new interests and talents. A tool to develop essential skills for life and work. A recognised mark of achievement; respected by employers.