Rotarian Jenny Hynan reports on a local success story that’s helping to develop the skills of young people.
I visited the D of E meeting last Tuesday and presented a cheque for £500 to Dave Pratten and Pete Meteau the leaders.
Usually they meet twice per month at the Swanage Youth Hostel but at the moment, due to refurbishment there, they are meeting at The Centre.
The theme of these evenings is to prepare the youngsters for the expedition part of the D of E Award by giving training in survival, food nutrition and cooking for the gruelling conditions that they will need to encounter for their expeditions, which are part of the D of E Award. Guidance is also given to the youngsters on the other parts of the award, such as life skills, community service etc.
Swanage Rotary has been sponsoring the D of E Group in Swanage since their formation three years ago and had previously sponsored the D of E at Carey in Wareham, where Swanage youngsters would attend together with youngsters from the Wareham Area.
The D of E in Swanage has grown and grown with a full list of 40 youngsters on their books undertaking Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. Last Tuesday there were 33 youngsters attending with at least 6 leaders and helpers.