A GROUP of students are a step further in completing their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award after a tough four day expedition involving camping and hiking in the Welsh countryside in heavy rain and wind.

The five Flint High School sixth form students, Evan Pritchard, Joe Williams, Nia Lovett, Kallie Craig and Megan Pearson, were based in Eryri (Snowdonia) where they put their skills to the test to navigate their way on several strenuous hikes, carrying their food, tents, clothing, sleeping bags, and stoves with them.

After months of preparation, which involved learning to read maps, route planning, how to cook on three types of stove, emergency procedures, first aid skills, as well as completing their e-DofE profiles, the students were well equipped to take on the challenge.

The students take a break to admire the stunning scenery.

The students take a break to admire the stunning scenery.

During the course of the expedition, the students walked 65km up, down and around hills, lakes, forests and mountains. They worked as a team to keep each other going during difficult times such as climbing steep hills, dealing with blisters, and the heavy downpours. Each evening, the students also prepared and cooked their own meals.

Phill Dowle, teacher of science and lead teacher of medical science, is the DofE manager at the school and has successfully encouraged students to participate in the programme over the years.

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He said: "The students have really benefited from the DofE programme as it has given them opportunities to make friends, develop new skills, increase their resilience, encourage them to believe in their abilities, and work as a team.

"The behaviour, effort and attitude on the expedition was exemplary; they supported each other throughout the difficult four day expedition with the challenging terrain and very heavy rain. They now just need to finish the other four sections to complete the highest DofE award. They have all worked incredibly hard, I could not be prouder of them."

The group on a hike, with rucksacks protected against the weather in waterproof covers.

The group on a hike, with rucksacks protected against the weather in waterproof covers.

To achieve their DofE awards, students must complete four areas of activity: volunteering (giving up time to help others in the local community), skills (improving a skill or learning a new one), physical (improving fitness levels) and expedition (hiking and camping).

The feedback from the students following the expedition, and their experience of participating in the DofE programme, has been hugely positive.

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Evan Pritchard said: "Doing the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award has given me a great desire to be immersed more in the wilderness, exploring the outdoors. The experience has also provided me with challenges, especially on the expedition, which have taught me key life skills and the power of belief and determination to keep striving forward as one, and as a group.

"For young people who are provided the opportunity of completing any level of the award, I would certainly recommend they grasp the opportunity because, by completing the award, it will give them the chance to help their community and build their confidence which will better them as a person and help them grow."

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Nia Lovatt added: "DofE is extremely beneficial; through Bronze, Silver and Gold I have improved many skills including determination and resilience. I would recommend the DofE award to young people. It is challenging at gold level but feels very rewarding once completed, and gives a huge sense of achievement. The whole DofE experience has been very enjoyable and I'm sad it is over."

Once the students complete all four sections, they will have the chance to collect their Gold Award from Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh, at Buckingham Palace.