Photos: 2024 DofE Joint Training Sessions
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Bermuda held its largest Joint Training Sessions earlier this month, with over 300 participants.
A spokesperson said, “On November 2nd and 3rd, 2024, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Bermuda [the Award] hosted two Joint Training Sessions with unprecedented attendance of over 300 young people and adult and emerging leader volunteers from across the island [145 Bronze and 119 Silver and Gold Participants].
“This annual training brings together participants and Award Leaders from Bronze, Silver, and Gold Levels, fostering understanding of the Award’s diversity whilst showcasing activity providers and offering training to Award Leaders.
“The participants—including students from public, private, and homeschool backgrounds—were organized into small, mixed groups of 15 to 20 individuals, designed to maximize interaction and collaborative learning. Throughout the training, participants rotated through a comprehensive array of interactive and skill-building sessions, including:
- Environmental Stewardship with Keep Bermuda Beautiful [KBB] who led a session on reducing waste and “leave no trace” principles—essential knowledge for upcoming expeditions and environmental sustainability. KBB discussed coastal conservation and encouraged participants to engage as ocean advocates to remove harmful waste that endanger marine ecosystems. Through comprehensive volunteer projects, participants not only gain essential environmental knowledge but also fulfilled service requirements for their Award.
- Yoga and Mindfulness: Award participants engaged in enriching Yoga and Mindfulness workshops led by Tiffany Paynter from Treehouse. Through these sessions, participants learned about the health benefits of regular exercise, including reduced anxiety, stress, and depression, along with improved flexibility, strength, and heart health. The workshops provided valuable insight into yoga’s role as a holistic approach to wellness, empowering participants with practical tools for maintaining both mental and physical health.
- Creative Art Collaboration with local artist Carlos Santana Dill. Participants worked together to create two special canvases. More than just paint and canvas, this collaborative artwork embodies the four pillars of the Award.
- Personal Development sessions with Raleigh Bermuda focusing on understanding healthy vs. toxic relationships with a focus on fitness.
- Diversity Training focused on cultural awareness and inclusive practices, helping participants develop a broader understanding of different perspectives and experiences with a focus on:
- working with and understanding differences within our community; and
- learning to appreciate and value diverse perspectives
- Safety Training with the Parish Constable Team, Department of the Bermuda Police Service, which included practical guidance for Adventurous Journeys across Bermuda’s roads, railway trails, parks, beaches, and urban areas. Interactive scenarios addressing real-life situations and safety protocols. There was also an expanded focus on motor bike safety for Silver and Gold participants. These interactions help build positive relationships between law enforcement and young people while ensuring their safety during Award activities.
- Team Building & Obstacle Assault Course challenges with the Bermuda Regiment.
- Navigation Exercise through Southlands Nature Reserve to Warwick Camp. Orienteering activities that incorporated historical landmarks. Practical application of highway code and group dynamics during a mini-hike.
Karen Simmons, Programme Director, reflected, “This year’s Joint Training highlighted the transformative power of personal growth beyond traditional learning. With a record turnout, we witnessed young people deliberately pushing their boundaries, developing crucial soft skills that are essential in today’s world. Our carefully designed activities, generously supported by our community partners, created immersive environments where participants could cultivate critical thinking, emotional intelligence, collaborative leadership, and adaptive problem-solving skills.
“What truly distinguished this weekend was watching young people from different backgrounds work together, communicate effectively, and support each other’s personal development journeys. The weekend’s success was enhanced by support from the Emerging Leader Development Programme [ELDP] members, who provided training and peer leadership to younger participants. The ELDP continues to create pathways for developing future Award leaders and ambassadors.”
Fiona Holmes, Development Director, stated, “This transformative weekend was made possible through the generous support of our donors and dedicated volunteers. We extend heartfelt thanks to The Royal Bermuda Regiment, The Bermuda Police Service, Treehouse, Raleigh Bermuda, Carlos Santana Dill, CURB and Keep Bermuda Beautiful for their time and expertise.
“Special appreciation goes to our financial supporters, including Axis, Argo Group, Bermuda Centennial Foundation, Bermuda Foundation, AXA XL Foundation, Jardines, Everen, Peter Cundill Foundation, Edmund Gibbons Ltd., Butterfield & Vallis, Arch, Sompo, Orbis, Hiscox, Allied World, and KPMG. Our incredible volunteers are the true heart of this Award, ensuring it remains accessible to all young people in Bermuda.”
The spokesperson said, “The Award continues to develop well-rounded, global citizens who take pride in themselves and their communities. For information about getting involved in the programme or supporting the Award Raffle [draw to take place on November 29th, 2024], please contact development@theaward.bm or call 737-8959.”
