Photos/Videos: Duke Of Edinburgh Joint Training
On the 15th and 16th October, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Bermuda held two Joint Training Sessions in which close to 150 young people from across the island attended.
A spokesperson said, “The aim of this annual training was to bring participants and Award Leaders together to give them a better understanding of the Award, to provide additional out of the classroom learning experiences and to give guidance and support to current and new leaders in training.
“Participants were randomly chosen to form groups that worked together to complete training in various areas of the Award. Each station focused on core areas of the Award – Understanding the 4 Components of the Award and the impact it has personally and in the community, Navigation and Map Reading, Campcraft – pitching tents, packing a rucksack and necessary equipment, Obstacle Assault Course and Team building, Problem Solving and Critical Thinking.
“Participants from our Emerging Leader Development Programme [ELDP] assisted by providing much needed training and peer leader support to the younger participants. The ELDP provides various pathways for these young leaders to develop their skills and knowledge to become the future leaders and ambassadors of the Award Programme in Bermuda.
“On the Sunday we welcomed the silver, gold, and bronze participants from MSA to Southlands where they undertook a navigation scavenger hunt. Participants had to use their map reading and navigation skills to find the orienteering control flags. They had to complete various tasks at each station to finish the activity successfully. This training challenged the participants as many had not been to Southlands and were not familiar with the area.”
Karen Simmons, Programme Director, stated, “I would like to thank the Royal Bermuda Regiment for once again giving us access to the Regiment Facility. Color Sergeant Sergio White provided his expertise, guidance, and motivation on how to safely complete the Regiment’s obstacle course. This is a new and challenging experience for most of the participants and forces them to work together as a team to complete the course. In addition, Captain Gavin Raynor, in charge of the Junior Leader Programme, did an outstanding job engaging with the participants by challenging them to work together, think critically and problem solve to complete various tasks.”
“I would also like to thank Nancy McCombs and Alison Brooks, Co-Chairs of the Standards and Training Committee, for creating a challenging navigation activity in Southlands. The Award is always looking for ways to expose our young people to work together in areas they might not be familiar with. Ultimately this type of training will help them prepare for their Silver and Gold Adventurous Journeys. The Open Award [run by the National Award Office] is planning an exciting and impactful Adventurous Journey and Residential [Community Service] in Trinidad and Tobago.”
Captain Gavin Rayner, Commandant of the Junior Leader Programme, stated: “The Royal Bermuda Regiment was pleased to support the Duke of Edinburgh International Award this past weekend. The Award and the Regiment have much in common, a focus on service and embracing challenge. Supporting the Award aligns with our commitment to support the Bermuda community, and we wish these young people the best as they work towards their respective awards.”
Fiona Holmes, Development Director, stated, “The Joint Training weekend could not happen without the support of our many volunteers and donors. On behalf of the Award Council, I would also like to thank The Bermuda Regiment for giving us access to the Regiment Facility and to Color Sergeant Sergio White and Captain Gavin Raynor for providing additional expertise and support. I would also like to thank the Emerging Leaders, Award Leaders and Standards and Training Committee Members, Lisa Brewster, Jenni Simpson, the Award Deputy Chair, Conor Mclaughlin and Audrey Darrell. The Award is provided free of charge to ensure it is accessible to all and this is thanks to our many donors including the The Argo Group, Axis, Zurich, The Bermuda Centennial Foundation, The Chubb Foundation, The Bermuda Foundation, AXA, Edmund Gibbons Ltd., Zurich, Butterfield & Vallis, Amlin and Everon.”
The spokesperson said, “The Award develops well-rounded, global citizens who take pride in themselves and their communities. If you are interested in getting involved in the programme or would like to donate, please email fiona@theaward.bm or call 737-8959.”
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