2344 (Longbenton) Sqn

Practice Expedition

July: Friday 20^th - Sunday 22^nd

Assessed Expedition

August: Monday 27^th - Friday 31^st 

2344 (Longbenton) Squadron have created a Bronze D of E meal plan.  Please note this is just a guide.  Feel free to ammend the plan as you wish!

Bronze D of E Food List.pdf

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award aims to provide for young people an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding programme of personal development, which is of the highest quality and the widest reach. 

Key Principles
It is essential for everyone involved in the Award, whether as a participant or leader, to share a common understanding of the principles which underpin all aspects of the programme.

These key principles are:

Non-competitive
The Award is a personal challenge and not a competition against others. Each participant's programme is tailor-made to reflect their individual starting point, abilities and interests.

Available to All
With a commitment to equal opportunities, the Award Programme is available to all young people who choose to take up its challenge.

Voluntary
Young people make a free choice to enter the programme and commit their own time to undertake the activities.

Flexible
Young people design their own programme, which can be geared to their own choice and personal circumstances and also to local provision. They may enter for whichever level of Award best suits them and may take as long as they wish to complete an Award.

Balanced
By choosing activities in each of four different Sections (five at Gold), participants undertake a balanced and wide ranging programme.

Progressive
At each level, the Award Programme demands more time and an increasing degree of commitment, and responsibility from the participant.

Achievement focused
Before starting an activity, young people are encouraged to set their own goals. If they aim for those goals and show improvement, they will achieve their Award.

Marathon, not a sprint
The Award demands persistence and commitment and cannot be completed in a short burst of enthusiasm. Participants may want to continue with activities beyond the minimum time requirements set out for each level of the Award.

Personal development
The Award is a programme of personal and social development. The value to young people is dependent on personal commitment, the learning process and the quality of the experience.

Enjoyable
Young people and helpers should find participation enjoyable and satisfying.

Youngsters from Longbenton Community College and George Stephenson High School put down their pens and put on their walking boots as they embarked on a 20 mile expedition in Northumberland to achieve their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The thirteen students are members of 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron and gained the opportunity as part of training that is offered on the squadron. Cadet Hannah Grice, 15, of Benton explained "we had to plan, train for, and complete a 2 day and 1 night expedition." "We took part in navigation training, including doing a practice expedition, and we also learnt campcraft skills, like how to put up a tent and how to cook using a tranga."

Longbenton Squadron recently received grants from North Tyneside Council's youth led 'Dosh Posse', the Community Foundation and the Sir James Knott trust to allow staff to become qualified to lead expeditions and to allow the squadron to purchase the necessary equipment so that they can gain the award.

Cadet Sergeant Reece Fryer, 15 of Killingworth, said "We had all completed the other parts of the award scheme and so we were looking forward to expedition so we could gain the Bronze Award." "We had to walk 20 miles in total carrying all of our kit throughout and it was tiring, but I am proud that we worked well as a team to complete the expedition and gain our Award." "It was one of the best experiences of my life" Reece added.

Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson who has recently obtained his Expedition Leader's Award said "I am very proud of each cadet and their achievement." "The Duke of Edinburgh Award is very challenging as it involves young people learning new skills and the expedition gives them a taste of independence and responsibility." "All of the cadets have done exceptionally well and the life-skills learned will stand them in good stead for the future." Gary added.