I became a DoE fan after my daughters started their awards. The girls seemed to be glued to the sofa while I tested DoE menus and packed the bag for the bronze. We didn't realise until later that she given me the gold-award packing list. It did seem rather elaborate for a weekend away and weighed a ton.

She returned from the weekend in a foul temper, disgusted that her bag was heavier than anyone else's. 'In future, I'll pack my own bag', she vowed. I breathed a sigh of relief. It was a win.

A few weeks after that expedition, the same daughter saw me heaving a picnic down to the beach and for the first time asked, 'Can I help with that bag mum?'

I have been a fan of the DoE ever since, he turned my children into adults. The elder has completed gold and the younger is working for silver. I'm rooting for them both but not packing any bags!