On the 4th and 5th December 2021, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Bermuda (The Award) held four Joint Training Sessions in which 160 young people from across the island attended at various times. The aim of this annual training was to bring participants and Award Leaders together to give them a better understanding of the Award, to provide additional out of the classroom learning experiences and to give guidance and support to current and new leaders in training.
Karen Simmons, Programme Director stated, “It was fantastic to see all the young people work with one another to achieve and engage in the Award over these past two days. Each station focused on core areas of The Award - Understanding the 4 Components of the Award and the impact it has personally and in the community, Navigation and Map Reading, Campcraft – pitching tents, packing a rucksack and necessary equipment, and Obstacle Assault Course – team building, problem solving and critical thinking. This year we were pleased to have 10 Gold level participants from the Emerging Leader Development Programme (ELDP) assist by providing much needed training and peer leader support to the younger participants. The ELDP provides various pathways for these young leaders develop their skills and knowledge to become the future leaders and ambassadors of the Award Programme in Bermuda.”
“I would like to recognise and thank the Royal Bermuda Regiment for giving us access to the Regiment Facility. We welcomed back Color Sergeant Sergio White who provided his expertise, guidance, and motivation on how to safely complete the Regiment’s obstacle course. This is a new and challenging experience for most of the participants and forces them to work together as a team to complete the course. It was also great to have participants from the Junior Leaders take part in the various training exercises. The Junior Leader’s Programme is a licensed Award Center, and we look forward to working with them to reignite this partnership. During the training on Sunday, Captain Gordon Emmerson, in charge of the Junior survival Leader Programme, did an outstanding job engaging with the participants giving them lots of survival techniques, map reading basics and tips for packing to stay dry, warm, and weather ready. He also discussed how to keep your camp site pest free and your bags light and compact.”
Major Duncan Simons, Careers Management Officer of the RBR said: “The Royal Bermuda Regiment was pleased to support the Duke of Edinburgh International Award this past weekend. The Award and the Regiment have much in common, a focus on service and embracing challenge. Supporting the Award aligns with our enduring commitment to support the Bermuda community, and we wish these young people the best as they work towards their respective awards.”
Fiona Holmes, Development Director, stated, “The Joint Training weekend could not happen without the support of our many volunteers and donors. It was fitting that we celebrated International Day of the Volunteer on Sunday 5th December because the Award Programme could not happen without our many volunteers who donate much of their time making it a success! On behalf of the Award Council, I would also like to thank The Bermuda Regiment for giving us access to the Regiment Facility and to Color Sergeant Sergio White and Captain Gordon Emmerson for providing additional expertise and support over the weekend. I would also like to thank the Emerging Leaders and volunteers who assisted at Joint Training. The Award is provided free of charge to ensure it is accessible to all and this is thanks to our many donors including the Butterfield Bank, Argus, Argo, Axis, The Bermuda Centennial Foundation, The Chubb Foundation, The Bermuda Community Foundation, Conyers, AXAXL, Edmund Gibbons Ltd., Zurich, Butterfield & Vallis, Allied World and Markel Catco.”
The Award develops well-rounded, global citizens who take pride in themselves and their communities. If you are interested in getting involved in the programme or would like to donate, please email fiona@theaward.bm or call 737-8959.