Declan’s Silver Success: From Foster Care to Future Goals
Declan, a participant from Moore House Academy in Bathgate, has made remarkable progress through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Coming from a foster care background, he embraced the Silver Award to build teamwork skills, grow in confidence, and prepare for his next big challenge, his Gold Award and an expedition to Morocco.
Checkpoint!
Declan joined the DofE programme to gain teamwork experience, challenge himself, and stay active, “I enjoyed walking, staying outdoors and camping, this is right up my street.”
For his volunteering, Declan helped at a local charity, preparing and serving lunch for elderly visitors, Declan said, “It’s a very honourable experience meeting new people.”
He developed practical skills like map reading, first aid, and survival techniques, including how to cook in the field, maintain hygiene, and pitch a tent in the dark, “it gave me a good outlook on life and helped me be more confident in myself.”
Declan on the hills!
One of his biggest challenges was working with new people. He overcame this by initiating conversations about shared goals and planning routes together as a team. Declan even led the group during the expedition, helping navigate and ensure everyone returned safely to camp.
View!
Through DofE, Declan has become more respectful, confident, and focused on his future. He values the structure and routine the programme gave him and is excited to continue pushing himself, especially with his upcoming Gold expedition to Morocco, as Declan says, “NO PAIN NO GAIN!!!!!!!!”
