HRH Prince Philip
The passing of HRH Prince Philip brings to mind the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program, its synergies with our youth in Rotary, and the opportunity to form an alliance with yet another amazing International service-focused enterprise.
- Are you 14-23 years old?
- Are you bored?
- Not sure what to do when the school year ends and you are faced with a summer of uncertainty?
- Finished your program, and waiting for your first job?
Here is some sage advice from my mother who once found her daughter in the very same predicament.
Challenge yourself, and complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is available for all youth ages 14-25 in every Commonwealth country. It is offered in three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold, entry points for Bronze are 14, for Silver is 15 and for Gold is 16. Already passed these entry minimal age requirements? No problem, you can even skip a level, and just take the Gold challenge, but it takes 18 months and the award must be completed before you turn 25.
The Award has four areas of challenge: Community Service, Skills, Physical Recreation, Adventurous Journey and a Gold Project.
Interested? Check out, ”Duke of Edinburgh’s Award” to register and get started.
I am glad I took the challenge when my mom told me about it, and it was pretty cool to have my Gold Award presented to me by His Royal Highness Prince Edward, on behalf of his father, His Royal Highness Prince Philip. After the ceremony, there was a garden party where HRH Prince Edward visited with the Award recipients. Yes, it took a while for me to wash the hand that had been shaken by a real prince!