Hundreds of young achievers from across the UK have a date in the prestigious setting of St. James’s Palace on Wednesday, 15th May 2013, including Fg Off Daniel Holden RAFVR(T) from 2267 (Brize Norton) Squadron.
Daniel was a staff member of South East Scotland Wing Air Training Corps where he achieved their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and travelled to London to receive his certificate from the DofE’s Patron and Founder – HRH The Duke of Edinburgh/Trustee and presented by Michael Palin OBE.
The Gold Award Presentation (GAP) is a celebration and recognition of young people’s aged between 18-25 years achievements in completing their Gold DofE programme. The GAP is a unique event and a fitting culmination to mark the hard work, determination and perseverance required.
Daniel worked tirelessly through the five sections of his DofE programme over 2 years to achieve his Gold Award. His diverse activities included volunteering at his local Air Cadet squadrons in Dunblane and Crieff, learning skills through Event Planning on a number of different events and managing to achieve his ‘Basic Expedition Leaders Award’ through the physical section after starting to go Hill Walking. Throughout their DofE, Daniel was able to prove themselves to be a confident, motivated individual and after completing a tiring expedition in Norway learnt the benefits of patience and teamwork in difficult situations.
Daniel said of their experience:
“Having been a direct entrant onto the Gold level I had a long journey in order to complete the award and after 4 years from starting to be here at St James’s Palace finally allows you to reflect on everything that I put into achieving the award. Having become involved in the Air Training Corps because of the scheme I challenged myself on many occasions throughout the scheme and one highlight was a week’s expedition of walking and canoeing through Norway which has some interesting stories attached. ”
These experiences show what an impact doing your DofE can have, and can develop the skills needed for life. Daniel’s Gold Award helped him to pursue an interest in the outdoor world further by not only achieving his basic expedition leader’s award but organising expeditions for young people involved in the Air Training Corps. It also helped in the world of employment by allowing him to successfully work on the new RAF Transport aircraft Voyager with AirTanker Services and opening a new range of opportunities.
