Leadership qualities praised

Two boys who took part in a QE Duke of Edinburgh Gold award expedition this summer have received unprecedented praise from the DofE assessor.

Alpesh Mapara and Nathanael Jackson were singled out for their leadership when difficult decisions about navigation needed to be made. The assessor wrote “They…encapsulated all that is good regarding the Awards ethos of leadership and motivation in ensuring the success of their expedition.”

The QE boys first undertook a trip to the Peak District, which was in preparation for their assessed expedition in North Wales. The boys had to contend with challenging weather conditions as they walked between 16 and 20 km each day, including a climb up Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District.

At the end of July the boys travelled to Conwy in North Wales for their assessed trip. They were up early each day, ensuring they covered the ground and reached their destination with time in hand to set up camp. At times the going was hard and navigation difficult, but the boys worked well as a team to complete the expedition successfully.