What it's all about

Basically the aim of the project would be to set up a group that enables members of the local community (Camden) that have left school and are now in employment, basically between the ages of 18-25, to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. At present such a group does not exist within Camden as all groups are aimed at those in education - youth groups.

This is the brainchild of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Society at UCL. We envisage that the project would be a collaborative effort between UCL and Camden council, our president has already spoken to our contact and the DofE representative at Camden council and she is looking into possibilities their end. This has been discussed in our committee meeting and several ideas were mentioned, such as members gaining a skill and then training the group; or helping to the run the group. Also questions were raised as to when we would train these people - with the society or as a separate entity.

For those of you unaware of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, (from www.theaward.org)
OUR AIM: One day any young person aged between 14 and 25 who wants to do the Award will be able to do so...
OUR VISION: For The Duke of Edinburgh's Award to be universally recognised and widely adopted as the best programme for the personal development of young people.
OUR MISSION: The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is committed to providing for young people an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding programme of personal development, which is of the highest quality and the widest reach.
Our goal is to strengthen the Award by continuing to broaden and extend its reach to the many communities that comprise contemporary United Kingdom.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a registered charity and relies on the generous support of volunteers, Operating Authorities and businesses to meet its commitment to help all young people realise their full potential.
The Ten Key Principles of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award:
Non-Competitive: The Award is a personal challenge and not a competition against others. Each participant's programme is tailor-made to reflect the 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 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 goalsIf 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.

What's needed to make it a reality