Bethan completes Duke of Edinburgh silver award

A painting and decorating student at Coleg Sir Gâr has completed her silver award in the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) challenge. 

Bethan Morgan chose to undertake the challenge to prove to herself that she could do it and says she feels very proud that she did, despite the physical and mental challenges she faced. 

Two memorable moments that Bethan recounts was arriving at the expedition checkpoint before the bus arrived so they were unsure if they were in the right place but carried on until they reached the end.

The second was finding a different route down a mountain because heavy rain had made the terrain more challenging. 

Bethan Morgan said: “The biggest hurdle I faced and overcame was my ability to talk to others. 

“I definitely improved my communication skills while doing the DofE and it’s helped me be more confident talking to people in class and outside of college.

“I already had my bronze award but planning the silver was harder because we weren’t allowed to have too much help from staff. 

“I also discovered that when I focus, I’m really good at map reading and finding our location on a map.

“Completing the DofE has helped me prove to myself that I can face whatever life throws my way.”

The DofE silver award requires participants to complete six months of volunteering, commit to logging evidence of skills and physical work for up to three and six months and take part in a three day and two-night outdoor expedition.