It was quite an experience, and honour, for three Langley youth recently.
Devon Chubey, David Nicomans and Robert Ouellette were presented with their Gold Award from His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, the highest honour in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Program.
They received their awards at a ceremony recognizing 87 Gold Award recipients from across B.C.
The ceremony took place Sept. 13 at Government House in Victoria.
At the ceremony the Earl of Wessex spoke to the Gold achievers: “You have stretched yourselves in ways that have perhaps surprised yourselves and others, and you’ve stepped outside that comfort zone, and as a result you’ve come
through feeling much more confident about your own abilities and what you can do, which will serve you in good stead in the future. I wish you the very best of luck in all of that, and, once again, congratulations.â€
The Langley trio completed many endeavors on their way to their award.
Devon completed her award with the 2nd Brookswood Eagles.
She is a competitive softball player who attended the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden.
David completed ground school training for his pilot’s licence, competed in the junior world rowing championship, and hiked 100 kilometres with Outward Bound.
Robert completed his award while with the 2277 Seaforth Highlanders Royal Canadian Army Cadets. He participated in many community service activities with cadets, went on a five-day canoe expedition at Pitt Lake, and participated in an international cadet exchange to Scotland.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was founded by His Royal Highness The Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 1956 in the United Kingdom and was started in Canada in 1963.
The program has bronze, silver and gold levels.
The award program comprises of four sections.
The Service Section is intended to develop a sense of community and social responsibility.
The Adventurous Journey Section aims to cultivate a spirit of adventure and discovery and an understanding of the environment.
The Skills Section develops cultural, vocational and practical skills.
The Physical Recreation Section encourages improved performance and fitness.
At the gold level there is also a Residential Project that aims to broaden horizons through a worthwhile residential experience.
In 2013 there were 717 Gold Award recipients in Canada, of which 145 recipients came from BC and the Yukon.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a self-development program available to all people between the ages of 14 and 24, equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and the world.
Youth interested in joining the program can contact the BC/Yukon Division for more information at www.dukeofed.org/bc.