All Long Eaton cadets take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. This is a nationally recognised series of awards that are very attractive to universities and potential employers.
The scheme is based on personal progression and development. There are three levels to the award, Bronze, Silver and Gold. At each level of the award you will have to prove that you have completed a number of activities: a skill, a physical, volunteering and expedition – Most of which cadets have already par take in.
Last weekend Cadet Sergeant James Bland and Cadet Corporal Stephen Taylor took the challenge of completing their final Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition, walking a staggering 27 miles over the 3 strenuous days. Sergeant James Bland and Corporal Stephen Taylor were not allow! Cadets from Stapleford air cadets were part of the Silver team.
Over the weekend, Sergeant James Bland and Corporal Stephen Taylor were tested to see if they could be independent, following their own routes made by their team around Derbyshire Dales. The team were put to test over the first 2 days, as the weather proved especially challenging to set up camp and navigate through, including an encounter through a knee deep bog!
At the end of the 2nd and 3rd days the weather began to improve. So, the team had a chance to stop and to witness a view for miles around at the peak of the Derbyshire Dales.
When they finished in Edam the team took the chance to learn the history of the town, as it was famously known for the plague in 1666. They also got a celebratory ice cream from the staff after they finished, in the town center. The team prospered throughout the silver expedition, with little, if any, error.
Corporal Stephen Taylor said, “This was the best expedition! I can’t wait to begin my Gold Duke of Edinburgh.”
Written by Cadet Sergeant J Bland
Edited by Miss Parr
2195 Media Team