In this episode, Imogen and Iris discuss the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE), focusing on Iris's experiences as a Gold Award recipient. They explore the challenges faced during expeditions, the skills and volunteering components of the award, and the friendships formed through shared experiences. The conversation highlights the personal growth and memorable moments that come from participating in the DofE, encouraging students to consider the benefits of the programme.

Takeaways

• The DofE is a challenging yet rewarding experience.
• Preparation is key to overcoming obstacles during expeditions.
• Participants often carry more food than necessary, leading to heavy bags.
• The journey fosters strong friendships and teamwork.
• Experiences in the wilderness can lead to personal growth and confidence.
• The DofE includes sections for skills, volunteering, and expeditions.
• Residential trips are a unique aspect of the Gold Award.
• Challenges faced during the DofE create memorable stories.
• The DofE experience can enhance university applications.
• It's important to be ready and willing to take on the DofE challenge.